DU should have a list of recommended contractors, etc.

[Onlooker]

Let's direct our business toward like-minded people where possible or at least friends and acquaintances of like-minded people. DU should initiate a list of recommended electricians, painters, lawyers, real estate brokers, web developers, designers, housecleaners, doctors, dog walkers, etc., etc. We could all contribute and it could become a useful database. What do you think?

[Lars39]

1. There is one, Marketplace: Job Seekers & Freelancers Forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=212

[Onlooker]

2. That doesn't really do it

That just seems to include threads by people currently looking for work or looking for someone to work for them. It's not really a reference base.

[napi21]

4. That's a start, but almost all are involved in computers in some way.

I agree with the poster on this one. I'm sure no guru, so I don't know how to make it happen, but it would be a great thing to have a forum, maybe sub divided by job type (home, automotive, office, professional, etc) where DUers could look for people in their area, and maybe another where we could post a task we wanted done, and get others to respond with their qualifications.

[Tweed]

3. Welcome to Lawsuit City

Democratic Underground could have a list sure, but then if one of those guys turns out to be bad, Skinner will have a lawsuit on his hands in no time.

[redqueen]

6. Or if some psycho freeper decides to harass them... n/t

[napi21]

7. So we post a disclaimer, and leave it up to the individual to

provide references etc. to get the job.

[Onlooker]

9. That's ridiculous. There are zillions of websites that provide info

Angie's List, contractor.com, and so on. Many newspapers, individuals, and condo associations regularly recommend people. Yeah, Skinner might have to put a disclaimer, but that should be enough. Besides, anyone who is sympathetic to DU is bound to be smart, honest, and hardworking!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. check out buyblue.com

[Debbi801]

8. At some point, I think the various state forums were keeping track...

of Blue vendors. I remember contributing several. You might want to check in your state's forum to see if there is anything there.