Poll: What kind of write-ups would you guys like to see more of?

[Todd@RUPES]

Beginner Write Ups- Write ups focused on the beginning detailer. Machine polishing basics, product differences, etc. Procedures and solutions for simple problems- headliner cleaning, headlight restoration, removing door handle scratches...

Intermediate Write Ups- Write ups focused towards detailers who have some yards (not miles) under the belt. Would include procedure and some theory for polishing paint, carpet shampooing, etc

Advanced Write Ups and Theory- When we get to the advanced, technical babble style write ups we move towards theory and proving theory.

Product Reviews- Write ups based on testing the limits of a particular product.

Product Comparisons- Writes that compare different products

Other- Something specific you would like to see more of? Please let me know.


I want to have a good blend of write-ups and will not neglect any of the above categories, but I would love to hear some feedback on what the members would like to see more focus on.

[BobbyG]

Hi Todd,

I voted for the Advanced Write-ups because most of us fly somewhat blind into this arena and some educated direction will assist in understanding the theory behind the subject matter and also the practical application.

Even though the reader is allowed one selection I think the following two topics are equally if not more important to most. How many times has a question been asked; which is better or last longer? Which provides more correction? etc.

Product Reviews - Write ups based on testing the limits of a particular product.

Product Comparisons - Writes that compare different products including results.

[dc52nv]

All of the above please.

Seriously, we can`t go wrong with any of the above. I always look forward to any write up you do. I`ve made most of my purchases based on them.

[Paul Sparks]

Call me crazy but I would like to see a "Mistakes" section for reviews. Showing what certain products will do to soft paints or not do for hard surfaces. I know Autopia Car Care is interested in selling products to improve our detailing game but there is nothing worse then purchasing a product that is not suited for the intended application. Product selection is IMO extremely important to the new members and a happy customer is a returning customer.

[Addicted2Bling]

Intermediate and advanced write ups. It would be good to refresh my mind on certain things and get tips, but I also want to hear more about advanced detailing

[Nth Degree]

All of the above please.

Seriously, we can`t go wrong with any of the above. I always look forward to any write up you do. I`ve made most of my purchases based on them.

I can`t vote for just one.

There was a thread a while back where everyone shared their tips and tricks. Something like that in a detailed write up showing ingenious ways to deal with difficult tasks or just making the customer think "WOW!" I particularly liked Todd`s tip of using a little BFWD on the interior door handles and under the exterior ones to make them feel particularly slick. I have incorporated that in all my details and have received comments about it from customers.

Each car has it`s different nuances, but there are always common difficulties like between mirror housings and window trim, license plate alcoves, honeycomb grills and diffusers, etc. that can eat up time.

Perhaps a write up of a full detail that shows what was done with links to subsequent threads about the process of each step. That would allow the responses to be focused on each particular thread/process. How about it, Todd? Should only take a few months to do that kind of write up.

[Merlin]

hi todd,

i voted for the advanced write-ups because most of us fly somewhat blind into this arena and some educated direction will assist in understanding the theory behind the subject matter and also the practical application.

Even though the reader is allowed one selection i think the following two topics are equally if not more important to most. How many times has a question been asked; which is better or last longer? Which provides more correction? Etc.

product reviews - write ups based on testing the limits of a particular product.

product comparisons - writes that compare different products including results.

Agreed!

[skibik]

I guess I voted intermediate since I am a little beyond beginner. I guess me personally I like it when I see finished detailed cars posted but sometimes I wonder how you got them to that point. I know to type up a total run down, step by step takes time. I have a black car and when I see a black car posted when the detail is done and see that shine and the mirror images in it I think that looks awesome and I wonder how do I get my car to that point. I tried last fall in preparation to get the winter protection on, I polished out the swirls the best I could or as much as I dared and not sure how much further I dare go. So to me proper polishing techniques, what kind of pads and polishes to use on the type of scratches, things like that for an amateur like myself would like to know. Otherwise to me since we have a great group detailers here I found that if I can`t find an answer by searching for it I have learned to ask. Any write ups that are done helps me out.

Dean.

[01GreyStangGT]

All the above. Comparos would be great.

[Todd@RUPES]

Thank you for voting, responding, this helps steer Autopia in the future.

[ca.detailchick]

I like your write ups done video style. Its nice to see the actual process of applying a product (or whatever)live.

Its easier for me to watch something then read it.If a write up is too long I have trouble keeping focus and reading all the way through .(Not that most of your write ups are too long for me to read .)

Thanks Todd!

[BobbyG]

I agree with ca.detailchick and not just because she`s pretty.

Watching and listening to a video allows the viewer to see how it`s done. Video`s that are clearly narrated, confirm with words what`s being watched. Too often when we read, we "think" we get the idea but it`s our personal interpretation of those instruction that "occasionally" get us in trouble...

[RTexasF]

I suggest more on interior cleaning using various tools, such as steamers and so forth. Headliners would be a good topic showing how to do it correctly and the potential outcome for doing it incorrectly. Everything from a scrub brush to a high dollar steamer would be eligible for review/video.

[Custom Care]

I particularly liked Todd`s tip of using a little BFWD on the interior door handles and under the exterior ones to make them feel particularly slick. I have incorporated that in all my details and have received comments about it from customers.

This sounds like something I`d definitely like to look into. Do you remember where you came across it at? I tried searching but couldn`t find it.

[Merlin]

I`ve been doing this ever since BFWD.
It amuses me when they get in their vehicle