I missed the staff meeting but the minutes show "Backlash"
wrote back on Mon, 27 Dec 2004 08:57:46 -0500 in
rec.crafts.metalworking :
Walt, if money for the labor was not addressed up front, the guy may have
been under the impression that it was "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch
yours". Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until such time comes
where you may need assistance from HIM. That's when his character will be
revealed. If he has no skills or favor discounts to offer you, wait till you
need some grunt help and put him to work, even if you have to point out the
favor you did for him on the trailer. Some people don't get "squared up"
until they've had a little guidance, and a "jump start" from others. I had a
guy in my neighborhood once that I did'nt know well. He wanted me to weld a
small part for him. As I welded, he picked up a broom and swept my entire
shop for me, unsolicited! Got the corners, too! Needless to say, we both
gained a friend and a new respect for each other that day. People can
surprise you both ways.

And sometimes ... I don't know who owes who for what, so we'll start
off the year "even."
Then we'll start the "Okay, you owe me for the beer, but I brought the
heater over, and the gallon of milk, so ... hold this while I cut it and
we'll cal it good." routine over again.

--
pyotr filipivich.
as an explaination for the decline in the US's tech edge, James
Niccol wrote "It used to be that the USA was pretty good at
producing stuff teenaged boys could lose a finger or two playing with."