Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1107643
86 • may 2019 • world fence news packaged estimating systems. Word of mouth landed me a number of side-gigs wherein I'd consult or assist contractors (sometimes even my own competition) with setting up estimat- ing programs which they'd purchased but then subsequently failed to get it working properly. Of course, I was conflicted, be- cause I knew from experience that – even after I'd correctly installed the program – my client was damned to a period of discovery where they would learn first-hand that these programs were effectively too cumbersome, too fraught with errors and glitches, and far too reliant on continual updates and data management to be of any real practical use at all. But then again, they'd only asked to be set up correctly. I satisfied my conscience by telling myself the rest of the matter was out of my control. Still, I braced for some level of back- lash. I knew the level of investment – both financial and emotional – that went into bringing these systems to life and it seemed more than justifi- able that these owners would be upset over the outcome. But surprisingly, repercussion never came. Instead, it went some- thing like this: most of my clients had (like me) grown so embittered, hag- gard and exhausted during the whole affair that – by the time the whole thing trickled down to me – they had long resigned themselves to the pos- sibility of never actually using the product and now seemed (at least) as interested in assuring themselves that the problem didn't lie with them. It was a (strange) pride thing. Most were okay with the prospect of being stuck with a bad product; that happened every day. But one thing they couldn't stand for was not knowing exactly who to be mad at. They were to the point where they simply wanted a tangible, targetable villain – other than them- selves. This way, the blame could be adequately assessed, and they could return their focus to spreadsheet de- velopment and in cleaning out of the spare office for their new promotional display. It was a great time to be alive. With over 40 years in construc- tion, primarily as an estimator and project manager, Steve Saucerman now writes, speaks and serves as a consultant to the construction industry. Steve has been a con- tributor of columns to World Fence News for the past sever- al years. Why is Christmas day just like a day at a construction site? You end up doing all the work and some fat guy in a suit takes all the credit. • • • This welder was on a plane when it suddenly started suffering mechanical problems. The flight attendant started passing out para- chutes and when she got to the welder she asked him if he wanted one. He replied, "Nah, I've got my welding lead with me. It'll get tan- gled up on something before we hit the ground." Computerized estimating systems and other horrifying tales continued from page 58 Wind Screen and Sports Netting Aluminum Ornamental Fencing Request a FREE quote today. ™ HURRY AND ORDER THESE EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS NOW! 1.800.574.1076 • www.eprivacylink.com Horizons ® Composite Fence Nylon Rollers & Other Accessories Available Seclusions ® Composite Fence Composite Fencing Residential, Premium Residential, and Industrial Residential, Industrial and Swimming Pools PrivacyLink ® carries other quality products at competitive prices.