I noticed some time ago that copies of the standards are no longer available for free download. At first I couldn't believe my eyes. Today I made a serious effort to find them and instead find that they now cost members $75 ($63.75 on sale) or non-members $125 ($106.25 on sale) in a binder with a CD and a bunch of other stuff--and a one-year subscription to updates.

I suppose there is a revenue opportunity here but at what cost? It looks to me like we're shooting ourselves in the foot. The prime beneficiary of those standards is us. That benefit is enhanced by getting them into general circulation and use. Every impediment to that seems to hurt us.

For years my contracts have contained this clause: "All applicable standards adopted by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America will be incorporated in the contract. On request we will provide copies of the current standards or they may be obtained from www.pdca.org." That cost me nothing to enter and gave me a significant benefit. I feel that benefit has been compromised.

I'm hoping someone will point out to me that I've got this all wrong and show me where the standards can still be obtained from the site. If so I can only ask that the opportunity be made more obvious to the user, especially a consumer.

Ron, I entered the Member Only section of the website and found them available immediately.

Check again?

sigco.

Hi Ron,

Dave is correct.

On the Standards & Specifications page, linked to on the menu bar,
the 2nd paragraph states they are available to members in the members only section.
I'm sorry this was not more evident.

Brandt

OK some day I'll figure out these new computer gadgets.

I'm embarrased to say I found that part of the site and was hitting the highlighted standard name (that is not a link) instead of the PDF link that was active.

I still have some copyright concerns. I presume it would be a violation to include the standards on my website for generally available download. I presume it would be acceptable for me to include a similar synopsis of the standards in my site and invite contacts to email me with a request for the full text which I then could reasonably provide.

I want to emphasize I'm not fishing for ways to "beat" the copyright. I just want to not inadvertently violate it.

Hi Ron,

Sorry I don't have a 'click here' next to the PDF or above the column.
Please don't be embarrassed. I will make it better - easier to use.

You're correct, you cannot provide the Standards or the 'Introduction' on your website. You can provide the link http://www.pdca.org/Standards.htm which will give your site visitors that information. Please contact the National HQ as to other specific permission, use, or distibution.

Brandt

It is important for customers to know what to expect. I recently had a negative experience and had to have the manager of the big name local paint store tell me I had a 98% workmanship problem. I thought it might have been the paint.! Being upfront with customers and having a minimal standard gives us customers confidence! I think most customers are willing to pay for your best even if you charge more which would be congruent for the time needed. Customers expect painters who take PRIDE in their work - not painters who are sloppy/in a hurry with no clean lines and drips everywhere!!!
Show them the standards!! It helps to keep the painter and the customer (like me) on a professional level.
Regards!