For what it's worth, I think that every sector of our industry, hair, beauty and nails has/is being hugely undermined at the moment by the backyard barbies, kitchen mafia, cowboys and Messers that have invaded it with the draw of what they think is easy money .... They are taking advantage of the fact that things are tough for allot of folks who are strapped for cash but still want their hair extensions, colour, nails and skin looked after and aren't really fussy as to who does it or how unqualified they are to do the job. These types have along with that trend, also invaded salon geek, which is why there is so much less professionalism here on salon geek at the moment. The real professionals are BUSY.
Personally I find it difficult to be civil sometimes. I am so incensed and annoyed with the questions from hundreds about, "where can I get the cheapest training, products, books, always the cheapest! The eBay posts and the quick fix one day courses (if you can call anything that lasts for one day a course!!). Their inane drivel drives me loopy and I can't bear to even read the threads let alone answer them. It makes me cringe to think that other people read that crappola on salon geek which is supposed to be a professional forum. Frankly I find the posts insulting.
Whereas I used to teach allot here, now none of the group I'm talking about above is even capable of asking an intelligent question? So nowadays, instead of teaching, I answer questions about CND products and services and pounce on anything that looks remotely interesting (which sadly are few and far between).
I'd rather not be only answering product questions ... I'd rather be teaching and I don't care if I have to cover old ground or if someone hadn't done a search ... Teaching is about covering old ground again and again. But it seems that the new invaders think they know it all after a day and don't need teaching!
I have noticed Though, that there are some serious heads about lately and I welcome them with open arms. One reason CND has moved ahead with an even more serious portfolio of classes at a much more serious price is to deter the Messers and to attract those who are determined to make a career. I think it was a very good move and it definitely does discourage the Messers from knocking on our door. We really do not want to be elitest, but have kind of been forced that way to attract those with a professional head. On their shoulders.