Question:

I would like (need) to change my accounting method from a modified cash basis to accrual.  Has anyone here done that before?  Can I do it myself or should I get help with it from a CPA?  Can the instructions be any more confusing? Thanks for any help. Paul remove second pvm for reply

Response:

I would like (need) to change my accounting method from a modified cash basis to accrual.  Has anyone here done that before?  Can I do it myself or should I get help with it from a CPA?  Can the instructions be any more confusing? Thanks for any help.

If you find the instructions confusing, I would strongly suggest you retain a tax pro like a CPA or EA to assist you. Tom –Solving your tax and business problems with Professional Service…Personal Attention Web: http://www.tomhealycpa.com

Response:

Question:

listen: what does this haev to do with acounting?

What does the SEC have to do with accounting?  A hundred spam posts every day…. — Todd Stephens

Response:

what does this haev to do with acounting?

Not a thing. Absolutely nothing. What could I have been thinking of?

Response:

what does this haev to do with acounting? Not a thing. Absolutely nothing. What could I have been thinking of?

How about regulation of financial reporting for public companies? Jim Hudsepth

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what does this haev to do with acounting? Not a thing. Absolutely nothing. What could I have been thinking of? How about regulation of financial reporting for public companies?

Apparently Sean thinks "financial reporting" and accounting are different things.

Response:

what does this haev to do with acounting? Not a thing. Absolutely nothing. What could I have been thinking of? How about regulation of financial reporting for public companies? Apparently Sean thinks "financial reporting" and accounting are different things.

I would be surprised if he actually knows anything about either.   I thought at the time that he was trying to troll you.  Prior to this response I googled him.  His response to your post is his only post to our group.  There is only one other post anywhere from a Sean Donahue at the same domain, however there are numerous posts from one or more persons calling themselves Sean Donahue.  They are all over the map – may be different people. Jim

Response:

what does this haev to do with acounting? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Contenders to SEC chair eyed amid Pitt ouster talk Reuters, 11.04.02, 7:01 PM ET By Kevin Drawbaugh WASHINGTON, Nov 4 (Reuters) – Several contenders are being looked at to replace Harvey Pitt if he vacates the chairmanship of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said sources close to the SEC on Monday. The sources said one possible successor being considered is James Doty, who was the top SEC lawyer some 20 years ago when George W. Bush sold shares in a deal that raised securities law questions. As New York Sen. Charles Schumer joined a chorus of Democrats calling for Pitt to resign, the White House was viewed as still studying the possibility of asking him to go, while also eyeing a short list of potential successors. <snip At the SEC, Pitt was keeping a low profile as reports swirled that he could be asked to leave after Tuesday’s elections. He was scheduled to speak on Tuesday morning at a conference in New York and on Friday in Boca Raton, Florida. <snip http://www.forbes.com/technology/newswire/2002/11/04/rtr777629.html Jim Hudspeth He’s gone, Jim. Regards, Bill

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Contenders to SEC chair eyed amid Pitt ouster talk Reuters, 11.04.02, 7:01 PM ET By Kevin Drawbaugh WASHINGTON, Nov 4 (Reuters) – Several contenders are being looked at to replace Harvey Pitt if he vacates the chairmanship of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said sources close to the SEC on Monday. The sources said one possible successor being considered is James Doty, who was the top SEC lawyer some 20 years ago when George W. Bush sold shares in a deal that raised securities law questions. As New York Sen. Charles Schumer joined a chorus of Democrats calling for Pitt to resign, the White House was viewed as still studying the possibility of asking him to go, while also eyeing a short list of potential successors. <snip At the SEC, Pitt was keeping a low profile as reports swirled that he could be asked to leave after Tuesday’s elections. He was scheduled to speak on Tuesday morning at a conference in New York and on Friday in Boca Raton, Florida. <snip http://www.forbes.com/technology/newswire/2002/11/04/rtr777629.html Jim Hudspeth

He’s gone, Jim. Regards, Bill

Response:

Contenders to SEC chair eyed amid Pitt ouster talk Reuters, 11.04.02, 7:01 PM ET By Kevin Drawbaugh WASHINGTON, Nov 4 (Reuters) – Several contenders are being looked at to replace Harvey Pitt if he vacates the chairmanship of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said sources close to the SEC on Monday. The sources said one possible successor being considered is James Doty, who was the top SEC lawyer some 20 years ago when George W. Bush sold shares in a deal that raised securities law questions. As New York Sen. Charles Schumer joined a chorus of Democrats calling for Pitt to resign, the White House was viewed as still studying the possibility of asking him to go, while also eyeing a short list of potential successors. <snip At the SEC, Pitt was keeping a low profile as reports swirled that he could be asked to leave after Tuesday’s elections. He was scheduled to speak on Tuesday morning at a conference in New York and on Friday in Boca Raton, Florida. <snip http://www.forbes.com/technology/newswire/2002/11/04/rtr777629.html Jim Hudspeth

Response:

Question:

Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

CONGRATULATIONS to you, Brooke!!!  This is terrific news.  Give us all the details – when you start, what you’ll be doing… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Good things come to those who wait…. and I waited nearly 4 long freaking months gosh darn it (albeit not always patiently) to get the job that the degree will be of use. Yes, that’s right, I, me, Brooke Allyson Jones am now the Marketing Coordinator of the Jacksonville Business Journal. HOW COOL IS THAT?! First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who: prayed, crossed fingers, crossed toes, begged for me to get the job and stop bitching . Second, I would like to thank all of you who helped me stay sane that whole week he was out of town and keeping me grounded over the weekend when I was too excited about the second interview.. Now on to the play by play: Got to the JBJ at 2:30 (thirty freaking minutes early because traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected) and had a brief wait while he was on a conference call. Then I interviewed with the publisher of the JBJ (now I’m starting to think, I’ve got to go through this and wait more?!) kept smiling, answering questions, pumping what experience (very little) I had and minimizing what I didn’t have. After a 45-minute intense grilling by this guy (we’re talking a stress interview situation… wanted to see how I reacted to stressful situations… good thing I took an ativan before going) I got directed back over to the first guy I interviewed with. Spent another 45 minutes discussing the position, the work to be done, etc… when he just kinda dropped it on me. "When would you like to start?" Me? Speechless. It’s like, yeah, I was expecting it, but not REALLY expecting it… anyone feel me here? I just smiled and said, "next week would be great, if that’s okay with you, I’ve a few appointments this week." The reply? "No problem, tell you what, I’ll be in touch with you tomorrow with the official paperwork and stuff (he’s got to email me my job description and salary information), then we’ll set up a time for you to come in and do all the Human Resources stuff. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! And now I must go, because I just realized both phonelines are online, which means my dad can’t call and he’s been told to, and actually called earlier, so I’ve got to tell him the good news. You guys are the greatest. Thank you Thank you Thank you Much Love, Brooke

Response:

Congratulations Brooke!  I am so happy for you Sasha

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

:Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now :the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal. ~*~C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S~*~ I am sooooo very happy for you {{{{{Brooke}}}}} Jackie ~*~I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says:  turn back,turn back, you’ll die if you venture too far~*~

Response:

Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

proud of you! Cat

Response:

Good things come to those who wait…. and I waited nearly 4 long freaking months gosh darn it (albeit not always patiently) to get the job that the degree will be of use. Yes, that’s right, I, me, Brooke Allyson Jones am now the Marketing Coordinator of the Jacksonville Business Journal. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Very! And well deserved. I am very happy for you, you’ve waited for a break for quite some time and you’ve been really proactive about it too. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who: prayed, crossed fingers, crossed toes, begged for me to get the job and stop bitching . Second, I would like to thank all of you who helped me stay sane that whole week he was out of town and keeping me grounded over the weekend when I was too excited about the second interview.. Now on to the play by play: Got to the JBJ at 2:30 (thirty freaking minutes early because traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected) and had a brief wait while he was on a conference call. Then I interviewed with the publisher of the JBJ (now I’m starting to think, I’ve got to go through this and wait more?!) kept smiling, answering questions, pumping what experience (very little) I had and minimizing what I didn’t have. After a 45-minute intense grilling by this guy (we’re talking a stress interview situation… wanted to see how I reacted to stressful situations… good thing I took an ativan before going) I got directed back over to the first guy I interviewed with. Spent another 45 minutes discussing the position, the work to be done, etc… when he just kinda dropped it on me. "When would you like to start?" Me? Speechless. It’s like, yeah, I was expecting it, but not REALLY expecting it… anyone feel me here? I just smiled and said, "next week would be great, if that’s okay with you, I’ve a few appointments this week." The reply? "No problem, tell you what, I’ll be in touch with you tomorrow with the official paperwork and stuff (he’s got to email me my job description and salary information), then we’ll set up a time for you to come in and do all the Human Resources stuff. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! And now I must go, because I just realized both phonelines are online, which means my dad can’t call and he’s been told to, and actually called earlier, so I’ve got to tell him the good news. You guys are the greatest. Thank you Thank you Thank you Much Love, Brooke

Response:

Good things come to those who wait…. and I waited nearly 4 long freaking months gosh darn it (albeit not always patiently) to get the job that the degree will be of use. Yes, that’s right, I, me, Brooke Allyson Jones am now the Marketing Coordinator of the Jacksonville Business Journal. HOW COOL IS THAT?! First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who: prayed, crossed fingers, crossed toes, begged for me to get the job and stop bitching . Second, I would like to thank all of you who helped me stay sane that whole week he was out of town and keeping me grounded over the weekend when I was too excited about the second interview..

Hehe.  Sounds like you’re giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars. Well done and congratulations on the success! Donny

Response:

Congrats on the new job, Brooke!  It sounds great! Dawn

Response:

Good on you Brooke!!!!!   I am so pleased for you.  I hope this is a turn for the better and things keep going well for you!!! Hugs Imogen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Congratulations, Brooke! Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Congratulations Brooke the Marketing Coordinator :  ) You should be proud of yourself. You’ve done well. Wishing you the best in your new position. Tony

Response:

Thank you everyone, I mean it from the bottom of my heart… you guys are the greatest! Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Start day after Labor day, and the job detail is so huge it would take pages to fill, but to make it short; a little bit of customer service, a little bit of accounting, and a whole lot of event planning (fundraisers, breakfasts, luncheons, etc…) planning parties is fun! Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CONGRATULATIONS to you, Brooke!!!  This is terrific news.  Give us all the details – when you start, what you’ll be doing… smiles, Elise Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

I am soooo happy for you, Brook!  Have fun with the job.  ((((Brook)))) Take care, Liz

Response:

Congratulations Brooke!! I am so happy for you. xxoo, Jess

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Congratulations Brooke. You really are a go-getter. -Doug

Response:

Onward!  MAC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congratulations Brooke!! I am so happy for you. xxoo, Jess Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

AWESOME, Brooke! I knew you could do it. Bravo, hurrah, kudos, etc.  :-)  You’ve made my morning! xxoo Anne

Response:

Dear Philip,     Thank you. You know, proactive is a big word in the communications industry. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait…. and I waited nearly 4 long freaking months gosh darn it (albeit not always patiently) to get the job that the degree will be of use. Yes, that’s right, I, me, Brooke Allyson Jones am now the Marketing Coordinator of the Jacksonville Business Journal. HOW COOL IS THAT?! Very! And well deserved. I am very happy for you, you’ve waited for a break for quite some time and you’ve been really proactive about it too. Philip First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who: prayed, crossed fingers, crossed toes, begged for me to get the job and stop bitching . Second, I would like to thank all of you who helped me stay sane that whole week he was out of town and keeping me grounded over the weekend when I was too excited about the second interview.. Now on to the play by play: Got to the JBJ at 2:30 (thirty freaking minutes early because traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected) and had a brief wait while he was on a conference call. Then I interviewed with the publisher of the JBJ (now I’m starting to think, I’ve got to go through this and wait more?!) kept smiling, answering questions, pumping what experience (very little) I had and minimizing what I didn’t have. After a 45-minute intense grilling by this guy (we’re talking a stress interview situation… wanted to see how I reacted to stressful situations… good thing I took an ativan before going) I got directed back over to the first guy I interviewed with. Spent another 45 minutes discussing the position, the work to be done, etc… when he just kinda dropped it on me. "When would you like to start?" Me? Speechless. It’s like, yeah, I was expecting it, but not REALLY expecting it… anyone feel me here? I just smiled and said, "next week would be great, if that’s okay with you, I’ve a few appointments this week." The reply? "No problem, tell you what, I’ll be in touch with you tomorrow with the official paperwork and stuff (he’s got to email me my job description and salary information), then we’ll set up a time for you to come in and do all the Human Resources stuff. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! And now I must go, because I just realized both phonelines are online, which means my dad can’t call and he’s been told to, and actually called earlier, so I’ve got to tell him the good news. You guys are the greatest. Thank you Thank you Thank you Much Love, Brooke

Response:

Thank you! Much Love, Brooke PS Who just got up and is still in shock I got the job!!!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congratulations Brooke. You really are a go-getter. -Doug

Response:

Sometimes, when I’m actually in a good mood, I can have a good sense of humor, and be particularly clownish. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait…. and I waited nearly 4 long freaking months gosh darn it (albeit not always patiently) to get the job that the degree will be of use. Yes, that’s right, I, me, Brooke Allyson Jones am now the Marketing Coordinator of the Jacksonville Business Journal. HOW COOL IS THAT?! First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who: prayed, crossed fingers, crossed toes, begged for me to get the job and stop bitching . Second, I would like to thank all of you who helped me stay sane that whole week he was out of town and keeping me grounded over the weekend when I was too excited about the second interview.. Hehe.  Sounds like you’re giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars. Well done and congratulations on the success! Donny

Response:

Dear Liz,     Thank you…. I think I’m going to have a great time. My boss seems to be kinda laid back, and willing to teach me what I don’t know. Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal. I am soooo happy for you, Brook!  Have fun with the job.  ((((Brook)))) Take care, Liz

Response:

<big grin I’m going window shopping today because mom and dad are footing the bill for a "professional wardrobe" (more dad than mom) and I get to buy some nice stuff, Anne Taylor, Kasper, Geoffrey Beene, Brooks Brothers, etc. I’m thrilled. I’ve never been able (or had good reason) to own nice business clothes….<getting ready to get things done so when the bf goes to work, I can go look at things I want Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congratulations Brooke!! I am so happy for you. xxoo, Jess Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

You TOO!!!! You’ll do fine with your new job too! (We can email each other with our horrifying anxiety episodes, but I know you’ll do fine) Much Love, Brooke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Onward!  MAC Congratulations Brooke!! I am so happy for you. xxoo, Jess Good things come to those who wait… I GOT THE JOB I WANTED!!!!!! I am now the Marketing Coordinator for the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Response:

Question:

John Edward is the real deal. Most of you haven’t burdened yourself with his story. He was tested by a Harvard researcher in Arizona where I used to live and the results.. ..you guessed it. John Edward didn’t guess.

Response:

Norton Internet Security detected the Backdoor Trojan Virus in this file. Do not download and definitely do not unzip if you do. Remember – the person posting this might not be the guilty party. he might have picked it up from somebody else.

Will you please try to research Rhyanon’s personality profile a little more before you imitate her again? This is annoying.

Response:

stop forging me Randy the man whore – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You credulous sap. Norton Internet Security detected the Backdoor Trojan Virus in this file. Do not download and definitely do not unzip if you do. Remember – the person posting this might not be the guilty party. he might have picked it up from somebody else.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? Hmm  I missed these There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies!

Bullshit. I can name dozens of professions not controlled or regulated by any governing body. Thre out of three posts dead flat wrong.. Why do you even bother when you end up looking like a mass of vapid knee jerk blindergusting. BirdTribe Psycics are not. Plus this guy is a FAKE. If he is SO good then he will let the sceptics society test him. He does not …. thus it may be shown FAKE FAKE FAKE

– "Clowns are attracted to any number of absurd realities" visit http://www.birdtribe.net for games, animations, keys

Response:

Norton Internet Security detected the Backdoor Trojan Virus in this file. Do not download and definitely do not unzip if you do. Remember – the person posting this might not be the guilty party. he might have picked it up from somebody else. Will you please try to research Rhyanon’s personality profile a little more before you imitate her again? This is annoying.

Talk to Randy, Ren. — Carl We’re bigger than Jesus! – JWLennon

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? Hmm  I missed these There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies! Psycics are not. Plus this guy is a FAKE. If he is SO good then he will let the sceptics society test him. He does not …. thus it may be shown FAKE FAKE FAKE Not all professionals or gifted people are controlled by governing bodies, unless you count the IRS. They don’t much care how you make your money, as long as they get their cut. I can list many professions not governed if you like, but if you go out to eat, you’ll see some.

You were responding to Noinden, not me. Plus, the burden of proof is on Edward, nobody else. He must prove he is a *real* psychic.  Nobody has to prove a negative. Apparently he has "proven" it to the people who pay him.  

That is not proof.  Proof is repeatible and verifiable by anyone.  What you have described is not proof. It is a personal choice whether to pay his fee or not.

No.  He is a television performer, nothing more. I don’t know which is sadder; the ignorance of people who believe Edward is real, or Edward himself. I believe the former.  Edward is just a huckster who takes advantage of the wishes of people to NOT let go of their dead. This is along the lines of P.T. Barnum and Max Factor with their products and services.  And the people who sell singly wrapped wet rags for fevers.

? To me, both are a disgrace. To me, they are irrelevant.I don’t care how they spend their money, nor how they make it, with certain exceptions.

Well, I care, and it is relevant.  Hucksters should not be allowed to huck, and tricksters should not be given free license to trick. Television is about selling products for advertisers, not promoting "real" psychics.  I think some gullible people have forgotten this fact. It is a product. Not much of one, but still a product. It will not only aid Edwards, but also Miss Cleo, dealers in "occult" products, and IMHO, funeral services. Such is the world, and my position in it.

Accepting the world for what it is and allowing hucksters to trick others solves nothing. OTOH, I’ve taken a stand and I’ve drawn a line in the sand. – Chive The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality. – George Bernard Shaw

Response:

There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies! Bullshit. I can name dozens of professions not controlled or regulated by any governing body. Thre out of three posts dead flat wrong.. Why do you even bother when you end up looking like a mass of vapid knee jerk blindergusting. BirdTribe

Blah blah blah Randy PROVE ME WRONG. Come on do it … you can not. Now go back to your "free energy" (yeah right) machine and leave us too it! Doctors are well regualated where I come from, as are Dentists, Pharmasists, Lawyers, Accountants etc! Hell WE are ranked the third least corrupt country in the world! Thuss Randy "eh" Blaine … you are the Knee jearker … if you can not take someone having a differing view to yours .. don’t ever have a view. The Psycic mentioned is a Fraud as proved time again by the Sceptics society *(a true sceptic never totally disbelives but is willing to change their mind)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? Hmm  I missed these There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies! Psycics are not. Plus this guy is a FAKE. If he is SO good then he will let the sceptics society test him. He does not …. thus it may be shown FAKE FAKE FAKE

Not all professionals or gifted people are controlled by governing bodies, unless you count the IRS. They don’t much care how you make your money, as long as they get their cut. I can list many professions not governed if you like, but if you go out to eat, you’ll see some. Plus, the burden of proof is on Edward, nobody else. He must prove he is a *real* psychic.  Nobody has to prove a negative.

Apparently he has "proven" it to the people who pay him.  It is a personal choice whether to pay his fee or not. I don’t know which is sadder; the ignorance of people who believe Edward is real, or Edward himself.

I believe the former.  Edward is just a huckster who takes advantage of the wishes of people to NOT let go of their dead. This is along the lines of P.T. Barnum and Max Factor with their products and services.  And the people who sell singly wrapped wet rags for fevers. To me, both are a disgrace.

To me, they are irrelevant.I don’t care how they spend their money, nor how they make it, with certain exceptions. Television is about selling products for advertisers, not promoting "real" psychics.  I think some gullible people have forgotten this fact.

It is a product. Not much of one, but still a product. It will not only aid Edwards, but also Miss Cleo, dealers in "occult" products, and IMHO, funeral services. Such is the world, and my position in it. T9W – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – - Chive The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality. – George Bernard Shaw — Posted via nooz.net – is this thing working? —

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? Hmm  I missed these There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies! Psycics are not. Plus this guy is a FAKE. If he is SO good then he will let the sceptics society test him. He does not …. thus it may be shown FAKE FAKE FAKE

Plus, the burden of proof is on Edward, nobody else. He must prove he is a *real* psychic.  Nobody has to prove a negative. I don’t know which is sadder; the ignorance of people who believe Edward is real, or Edward himself. To me, both are a disgrace. Television is about selling products for advertisers, not promoting "real" psychics.  I think some gullible people have forgotten this fact. – Chive The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality. – George Bernard Shaw — Posted via nooz.net – is this thing working? —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such?

Hmm  I missed these There is a difference … professionals are CONTROLLED by governeing bodies! Psycics are not. Plus this guy is a FAKE. If he is SO good then he will let the sceptics society test him. He does not …. thus it may be shown FAKE FAKE FAKE

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? : : : : No, not exactly.  We should pay, but they should not ask for  remuneration. : : WE should always offer our gifts if we receive gifts. : : We should pay that is…Even if you go to someone’s house for a visit  you : should take something. : : In an ideal society, doctors, teachers et alia, would not ask for money  or : gifts to ply their trades, but those receiving their gifts should know  to : give properly. : : : Unfortunately, this is not an ideal society.  Nor will it be any time : soon.  So let’s answer the questions put forth in terms of society : today, shall we? : I thought the theory was a pretty good one. And, I actually try to live by this. I have offered to simply help MANY people and they have returned the favor by offering cash or gifts. It does and can work.  I believe the energy you put out comes back to you. I think you wiccans say threefold.  I don’t know what the ratio is or how to gage. Ah, but alas you do not wish to discuss it…

1. I am not Wiccan. 2. I did not say I did not wish to discuss it. It is not relevant to this particular thread. I will, having come from a society that practices this theory, discuss it with you in another thread if you wish. 3. I wish to hear your answer as it pertains to current society, or the major portion thereof. I still await Noinden’s answer. T9W

Response:

I see it this way. John believes his gift provides comfort for those who need closure. The dead do come to the show and they do confirm all the other things they’ve been doing to try to get the living’s attention. Those of us with similar gifts who recieve communication from the dead know that this is the standard phenomena of spirit encounters. He is fortunate enough to be accurate enough to have a show. He is also fortunate to be living in tolerant times. Perhaps some of us who have other gifts will visit his show in the future.

Response:

: : We assume he is a fake because he is! .. any one with "powers" as he : : claims would not do it for money … but use it to make moeny in : : another way. : : : : : : : : So would it logically follow that we should not pay surgeons for : : surgery, accountants for accounting and teachers for teaching?  How : : about musicians for playing or artists for their art? : : : : Chemists for making medicines and such? : : : : No, not exactly.  We should pay, but they should not ask for remuneration. : : WE should always offer our gifts if we receive gifts. : : We should pay that is…Even if you go to someone’s house for a visit you : should take something. : : In an ideal society, doctors, teachers et alia, would not ask for money or : gifts to ply their trades, but those receiving their gifts should know to : give properly. : : : Unfortunately, this is not an ideal society.  Nor will it be any time : soon.  So let’s answer the questions put forth in terms of society : today, shall we? : I thought the theory was a pretty good one. And, I actually try to live by this. I have offered to simply help MANY people and they have returned the favor by offering cash or gifts. It does and can work.  I believe the energy you put out comes back to you. I think you wiccans say threefold.  I don’t know what the ratio is or how to gage. Ah, but alas you do not wish to discuss it… — Laura!

Question:

I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant? Thanks, Jim

Response:

If its working, producing the data needed and someone knows how to use it, I probably wouldn’t change. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant? Thanks, Jim

Response:

Jim, As someone who has used both programs extensively, I prefer Peachtree for business (although I like Quicken for home finance use).  It seems almost more intuitive than QB.  As Karl mentioned, if they currently use Peachtree, why change it?  Even if you’ll now be doing the books, odds are that someone there will know something about it and can help you if you get stuck!  As for differences in the 2, they are basically the same except for the type and look of screens. Good luck and enjoy the new business! Jennifer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant? Thanks, Jim

Response:

Thanks, appreciate your input. Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim, As someone who has used both programs extensively, I prefer Peachtree for business (although I like Quicken for home finance use).  It seems almost more intuitive than QB.  As Karl mentioned, if they currently use Peachtree, why change it?  Even if you’ll now be doing the books, odds are that someone there will know something about it and can help you if you get stuck!  As for differences in the 2, they are basically the same except for the type and look of screens. Good luck and enjoy the new business! Jennifer I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant? Thanks, Jim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As someone who has used both programs extensively, I prefer Peachtree for business (although I like Quicken for home finance use).  It seems almost more intuitive than QB.  As Karl mentioned, if they currently use Peachtree, why change it?  Even if you’ll now be doing the books, odds are that someone there will know something about it and can help you if you get stuck!  As for differences in the 2, they are basically the same except for the type and look of screens. Good luck and enjoy the new business! I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant?

QB has always been designed to be as simple as possible, so non-accountants can use it. PT is preferred by many accountants, mainly due to its more classical approach. However, it is really no longer a contest. The second recent company to buy PT made it clear that they did so to encourage updates to their far more expensive MAS 90. They dropped products like PT Office. Its multi-user open SQL database version was PT’s hope for the future. Now such users are referred to the an $8,000+ MAS 90 product. They raised the PT developer web page price from $1,000 to $10,000 a year, so no developer will use it. QB has long had 85%+ of rapidly expanding small business (up to 5 user) accounting program sales. Quicken, TurboTax, TurboTax Web and the TurboTax ProSeries/LaCerte progressional tax products, also from Intuit, all have around 75% of their markets. PT once had about 50% of this market, but is now down to around 5%. January QB products will come close to finishing PT. An accountants version will let us safely work on QB client files over the web and lock transactions in completed periods. There also will be a QB for the bigger companies, that were largely abandoned when PT said it would not upgrade its buggy product for them. A QB developers version will have open database access to all QB files & encourage QB add-ons. 120+ add-ons at http://blocktax.com/ will become more than a thousand, customizing and linking QB for every purpose. Unlike PT, which has similar capability, Intuit will jointly market many of these add-ons. PT’s limited future has long been clear from the ADP and Sage web sites, especially the lack of PT news in financial pronouncements. It is now only a question of how long Sage will keep PT alive.      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

Response:

As someone who has used both programs extensively, I prefer Peachtree for business (although I like Quicken for home finance use).  It seems almost more intuitive than QB.  As Karl mentioned, if they currently use Peachtree, why change it?  Even if you’ll now be doing the books, odds are that someone there will know something about it and can help you if you get stuck!  As for differences in the 2, they are basically the same except for the type and look of screens.

Among others, we have both Peachtree ver 7.0 and QB 2000. It was my original intent to use both on various "in house" accounts (my wife & I have several small business entities) to gain experience and familiarity with the products.  It didn’t work out that way.  We ended up using PT 7.0 on all our own accounts and using QB 2000 to read client files. QB has always been designed to be as simple as possible, so non-accountants can use it. PT is preferred by many accountants, mainly due to its more classical approach. However, it is really no longer a contest.

That may be changing.  According to a review in the current issue of CPA Software News (also published as NSA Software News), "If anything, QuickBooks has reached a stage of development and sophistication that may be overwhelming to the small business owner or bookkeeper with limited accounting experience". The second recent company to buy PT made it clear that they did so to encourage updates to their far more expensive MAS 90. They dropped products like PT Office. Its multi-user open SQL database version was PT’s hope for the future. Now such users are referred to the an $8,000+ MAS 90 product. They raised the PT developer web page price from $1,000 to $10,000 a year, so no developer will use it.

PT Office seems to have been reincarnated as PT First Accounting.  It is presently available online on a number of sites, including http://www.beyond.com/PKIN517958/prod.htm .  The current beyond.com price is $93.99. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

Response:

Hi Jim Not that it’s probably relevant anymore, considering the years that have passed. I had started out my business with all Wang equipment and their software.  When they turned tail I switched to Peach Tree. Peach Tree could do almost none of the tasks the Wang software did for us and at that time was so user unfriendly we dumped the whole program in the trash and went with Cougar Mountain, which was definately much more than we needed and had the high price too boot. Eventually we switched to QuickBooks Pro and other than a few nuances, it has been able to do anything and everything we wanted it to, albeit in some strange ways sometimes.   We have upgraded QuickBooks Pro Deluxe almost every upgrade.  The program is excellent as far as I’m concerned, however, I too am in the market for a different program, only because someone who works for QB lied to me in order to make the sale of yet another new upgrade. I hate learning a new software program, but QB has lost my business. TTUL Gary

Response:

Jim, The question is this:  What kind of business are you acquiring? Accounting software specializes.  You don’t want to use retail store software for a construction company or manufacturing software for a car lot. Our accounting software company, A-Systems Corporation, provides job cost accounting software for contractors and related companies.  Our software is not for retailers, only for job costing software.  If a contractor uses anything but job costing software, they are asking for trouble. Arnold – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am in the process of aquiring a business. Currently they use Peachtree ver 7. I have had limited exposure to QB and wondering if there are any significant differences between the two. Is one easier than the other, especially as a non-accountant? Thanks, Jim

Response:

If a contractor uses anything but job costing software, they are asking for trouble.

Depends on what you mean by contractor. A very small operator with minimal information needs can do just fine with either QB or PT provided they have someone who knows how to run the software. If the operator has multiple jobs going and uses outside financing (bank & / or bonding) there is a definite need for specialized software. According to THE NSA SOFTWARE NEWS, A-Systems single use price for its core system is just under $2,000. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

Response:

If a contractor uses anything but job costing software, they are asking for trouble. Depends on what you mean by contractor. A very small operator with minimal information needs can do just fine with either QB or PT provided they have someone who knows how to run the software.

IMHO, a very small operator would probably be much better off with a manual system.  I’ve noticed its very easy to completely trash ones records with QuckBooks. If the operator has multiple jobs going and uses outside financing (bank & / or bonding) there is a definite need for specialized software.

True, if they are truly serious about doing business. According to THE NSA SOFTWARE NEWS, A-Systems single use price for its core system is just under $2,000.

IMHO, the usefulness of QuickBooks covers a very small range, between a manual system and a traditional software product.  I find most QB owners reject this position. Its been a while since I took a look at QuckBooks.  Did Intuit ever get around to putting some access and program controls in it? — *             Ronald Lee Todd M.B.A., C.P.A.                  * *                                                             * *   Unemployed six years, and really beginning to enjoy it.   * *    From the Socialist People’s Republic of Kalifornia       * *                   Ayn Rand was right                        *

Response:

IMHO, a very small operator would probably be much better off with a manual system.

They often are – depends on the knowledge of the person doing the work. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

Response:

Super excellent point.  The computer / software paraphernalia is absolutely no substitute for a COMPETENT bookkeeper and/or accountant. IMHO, a very small operator would probably be much better off with a manual system. They often are – depends on the knowledge of the person doing the work. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

– *             Ronald Lee Todd M.B.A., C.P.A.                  * *                                                             * *   Unemployed six years, and really beginning to enjoy it.   * *    From the Socialist People’s Republic of Kalifornia       * *                   Ayn Rand was right                        *

Response:

Hello Jim and all who have commented, We are Sage Software resellers. (now wait and hear me out before the anti – Sage Software and only QB is the best bash me).  I for one don’t really agree with the PT to MAS 90 promotion. Now Jim, If you are looking to acquire a business I feel that you should review how they use Peachtree.  Not knowing the business you are buying you should analise the financial information.  Don’t be hesitant to seek out their accountant to get the last 3 to 5 years financial history. Once you and any adisor that is assisting you have reviewed the information then you can make a better analysis of whether: 1. The company is viable. 2. The financial information is accurate 3. It is the business you want ot acquire. By the way one tests whether the company is worthy to purchase is call some of it customer’s and get a feel for the satisfaction rating. If you decide this business is for you then you should post a question here as to whether PT, QB or Software XYZ  may fit your business.  There are many accounting products out there.  Some fit certain industries better than others.  NO ONE SOFTWARE IS THE BEST FOR EVERY INDUSTRY!  (go ahead QB bashers shoot me). Good Luck Jim Joe Norcott Business Technologies of  New England, Inc. 110 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket,  RI  02860 V: 1-401-722-1496 www.btne.com

Response:

To all that have commented, thanks. The type of business that I am getting into is a service type business. This company administers Pre-tax benefits plans (cafeteria plans). There are about 120 clients. There is specialized s/w for managinge the flexible spending accounts etc, and they currently utilize Peachtree (the current owner is a CPA) for managing the books. After reviewing Peachtree and having used QB Pro its interesting hearing some of the comments, as they seem to confirm my thoughts that PT may be a bit more intimidating for a non accountant. Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Jim and all who have commented, We are Sage Software resellers. (now wait and hear me out before the anti – Sage Software and only QB is the best bash me).  I for one don’t really agree with the PT to MAS 90 promotion. Now Jim, If you are looking to acquire a business I feel that you should review how they use Peachtree.  Not knowing the business you are buying you should analise the financial information.  Don’t be hesitant to seek out their accountant to get the last 3 to 5 years financial history. Once you and any adisor that is assisting you have reviewed the information then you can make a better analysis of whether: 1. The company is viable. 2. The financial information is accurate 3. It is the business you want ot acquire. By the way one tests whether the company is worthy to purchase is call some of it customer’s and get a feel for the satisfaction rating. If you decide this business is for you then you should post a question here as to whether PT, QB or Software XYZ  may fit your business.  There are many accounting products out there.  Some fit certain industries better than others.  NO ONE SOFTWARE IS THE BEST FOR EVERY INDUSTRY!  (go ahead QB bashers shoot me). Good Luck Jim Joe Norcott Business Technologies of  New England, Inc. 110 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket,  RI  02860 V: 1-401-722-1496 www.btne.com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If a contractor uses anything but job costing software, they are asking for trouble. Depends on what you mean by contractor. A very small operator with minimal information needs can do just fine with either QB or PT provided they have someone who knows how to run the software. If the operator has multiple jobs going and uses outside financing (bank & / or bonding) there is a definite need for specialized software. According to THE NSA SOFTWARE NEWS, A-Systems single use price for its core system is just under $2,000.

I had a builder doing up to $5 million a year in different townhouse developments. Their controller was an excellent programmer. Over 10 years he spent $150,000+ on writing the slickest package I ever saw to quickly split costs between unit, building, project and company. We convinced them to use QB for a small project. Within a month the owner saw he could drill down and quickly fix mistakes that charged 2 sinks to one house and none to a second. Within 2 months he made us  enter 11,000 transactions over again in QB, so he could use it for his main project. This project was 3 years old and had sold 51 of 52 houses, but we could not talk him out of the conversion. QB is not for medical billing or heavy inventory, but its simplicity and power made him drop his $150,000 package.      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

Response:

Its been a while since I took a look at QuckBooks.  Did Intuit ever get around to putting some access and program controls in it?

This is the problem with most QB critics – they do not have recent QB knowledge. Yea, QB has access controls and an audit trail. What do you mean by program controls?      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

Response:

Oh, I don’t know…..  Does it now lock off prior entries in the data base so they can’t be changed by a later user?  Does it force a monthly close?  Does it still use a single data file?  If it still does the single data file does it encrypt it.  Curious, what does Intuit define as an "audit trail," and is it something the user can’t turn on or off? Does it allow multiple levels of pass word protection for superviosrial control?  Stuff like that…. I admit I am biased.  The only two times I ran across it was at temp sites, and I thought it was a piece of crap.  I realize saying that is flame bait around here with so many accountants making money off the product, but that is my personal opinion and I am not on a crusade. 8-} Its been a while since I took a look at QuckBooks.  Did Intuit ever get around to putting some access and program controls in it? This is the problem with most QB critics – they do not have recent QB knowledge. Yea, QB has access controls and an audit trail. What do you mean by program controls?

… — *             Ronald Lee Todd M.B.A., C.P.A.                  * *                                                             * *   Unemployed six years, and really beginning to enjoy it.   * *    From the Socialist People’s Republic of Kalifornia       * *                   Ayn Rand was right                        *

Response:

The NSA Software News did not mention The Small Builder Edition of A-Systems JobView. It is a fully integrated Job Cost, General Ledger, Payroll, Accounts Receivable and Payable. It is shipped for $25 from www.a-systems.net by clicking on the "STARTER" button at the top of the page. If a contractor cannot afford $25 they cannot afford to be in business. This basics-only package will help any contractor use job costing and allow them to grow.

Great idea. There is a free downloadable Excel template for figuring percentage of completion on long term contracts on my website at http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/contractor.htm. This is a very basic, no frills template designed to compute percentage of completion, underbilling and overbilling on long term construction contracts. It is assumed the user has a basic knowledge of construction accounting and Microsoft Excel. There are spaces for 15 jobs in progress and 20 completed jobs. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

Response:

I have used both and prefer Peachtree because I feel the reports I need are easy to get and more detailed. The new Peachtree allows you to export any report to Excel which is very helpful as well. And as all the others have said "if it aint broke dont fix it"!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a builder doing up to $5 million a year in different townhouse developments. Their controller was an excellent programmer. Over 10 years he spent $150,000+ on writing the slickest package I ever saw to quickly split costs between unit, building, project and company. We convinced them to use QB for a small project. Within a month the owner saw he could drill down and quickly fix mistakes that charged 2 sinks to one house and none to a second. Within 2 months he made us  enter 11,000 transactions over again in QB, so he could use it for his main project. This project was 3 years old and had sold 51 of 52 houses, but we could not talk him out of the conversion. QB is not for medical billing or heavy inventory, but its simplicity and power made him drop his $150,000 package. Changing systems on a townhouse project after selling 51 of 52 units strikes me as highly unusual, regardless of the systems involved.  I highly doubt that "simplicity and power" were the only reasons, or even the central reasons.

It was highly unusual, but those were the reasons, in so far as they related to the ability to make fast corrections. There was no question of the integrity of the owner and the controller, who both won prizes for their work. However, the exceptionally fast posting old system did not have drill down capability. The ability of QB to compare to budget, see what is wrong, drill down, fix an error and quickly display a corrected statements was what the builder wanted to be able to produce a more accurate set of books. Of course, it was all a training program for his next project, already in progress.      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

Response:

I have used both and prefer Peachtree because I feel the reports I need are easy to get and more detailed. The new Peachtree allows you to export any report to Excel which is very helpful as well.

Which QB has done for years. And as all the others have said "if it aint broke dont fix it"!

Right, which is why 86% use QB and about 5% use PT.      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

Response:

If a contractor uses anything but job costing software, they are asking for trouble. Depends on what you mean by contractor. A very small operator with minimal information needs can do just fine with either QB or PT provided they have someone who knows how to run the software.

The software was designed for the smallest builder, even the startups. The software comes with 40 sessions of multimedia training, explaining everything. Many report that they actually learned what Job Costing was by using the software. The software also includes a training course to introduce the contractor to terms such as "credit", "debit", "chart of accounts," etc. etc. A-Systems’ software is used by companies doing millions in revenue per year. A-Systems took its top of the line program and stripped out all of the "Whistles and Bells" to create a basics-only version for those contractors that operate from their home, have no bookkeeper, but still need to track actual job costs against a job budget. If they choose to to track costs on the back of an envelope or by the Seat Of Pants method, they face the limitation of always remaining small or losing their butts on jobs because they do not know what cost control is.  Those are the only options. This software was designed to give them the tools they need. Contractors know that you need to use the right tool for the job. They don’t use rocks to pound nails.  Why use generic software to do job costing? Of course, the answer, if they want to grow and control costs is to do job cost accounting. Anything less is not enough. If the operator has multiple jobs going and uses outside financing (bank & / or bonding) there is a definite need for specialized software. According to THE NSA SOFTWARE NEWS, A-Systems single use price for its core system is just under $2,000.

The NSA Software News did not mention The Small Builder Edition of A-Systems JobView. It is a fully integrated Job Cost, General Ledger, Payroll, Accounts Receivable and Payable. It is shipped for $25 from  www.a-systems.net by clicking on the "STARTER" button at the top of the page. If a contractor cannot afford $25 they cannot afford to be in business. This basics-only package will help any contractor use job costing and allow them to grow.

Response:

I had a builder doing up to $5 million a year in different townhouse developments. Their controller was an excellent programmer. Over 10 years he spent $150,000+ on writing the slickest package I ever saw to quickly split costs between unit, building, project and company. We convinced them to use QB for a small project. Within a month the owner saw he could drill down and quickly fix mistakes that charged 2 sinks to one house and none to a second. Within 2 months he made us  enter 11,000 transactions over again in QB, so he could use it for his main project. This project was 3 years old and had sold 51 of 52 houses, but we could not talk him out of the conversion. QB is not for medical billing or heavy inventory, but its simplicity and power made him drop his $150,000 package.

Changing systems on a townhouse project after selling 51 of 52 units strikes me as highly unusual, regardless of the systems involved.  I highly doubt that "simplicity and power" were the only reasons, or even the central reasons. Let me illustrate with a story of my own. Back in the mid ’80s I forced a client to reconstruct an entire years work as a precondition to my doing the tax return.  I will not give a lot of detail here, as there was substantial fraud of a highly specific nature involved and I’m not willing to risk being sued over confidentiality issues. I will say that the volume of business was roughly double your builder example and that it did not involve any version of QB. The fraudsters were the owners.  The fraud was clearly planned.    The bookkeeper was  in way over her head.  To the best of my  knowledge she was honest, as were all personnel except the owners.  I gradually became aware of the fraud toward the end of the engagement after it began to unravel. Initially I thought I was dealing with simple incompetence.  I later realized that the incompetence was a cover for the fraud (not particularly uncommon). Throughout the year this bookkeeper had made numerous global adjusting entries.  She would decide that the accounts were not correct and attempt to correct them with massive adjustments, some of which affected as many as thirty or forty accounts.  By the time I got the records they were impenetrable.  I could not trace anything. Ultimately, for reasons I cannot disclose here, one of the owners hired me to reconstruct the entire year using a totally different system than the one they had been using.  The system I used was a data base system with virtually no accounting controls.  My reasons were speed, control (mine), and knowledge (I knew the data base program). Ultimately the scam was discovered by the authorities.  That data base reconstruction and subsequent voluntary corrections may well have kept some people out of jail.  I hate to think what could have happened to me had I consented to use the original records. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://home.att.net/~jdhcpa/mainpage.html Washington, USA

Response:

Hi Arnold Interesting concept! I’m a general contractor, rehabber, rental agent, wholesaler and a retailer. QB has worked just fine for me, as did Cougar Mountain. Really BIG difference between the two prices too! TTUL Gary

Response:

Oh, I don’t know…..  Does it now lock off prior entries in the data base so they can’t be changed by a later user?

Yes, if the administrator (only) wishes. It warns him now, but he can change it anyway. By December – January an Accountant version will let us be super users for this purpose (we will be able to lock out an administrator for this, subject to being fired). It will work with QB 2002 regular and Pro. It also will let us work on client files over the web (probably while clients work on them) or transfer files to our system with little client effort. Does it force a monthly close?

No, but it allows one as above. This is something that many of us feel is very desirable, as small business owners & bookkeepers make many errors we must correct. Does it still use a single data file?  

Yes. What is the relevance? A $100 program lets you export to Access or Excel for any type of report. Importing is now weak, but will be easy by December – January, when developer versions will give us thousands of jointly marketed compatible add-ons. We have 120+ at http://blocktax.com/. If it still does the single data file does it encrypt it.

I would say yes, as I saw nothing useful with Word or Notepad. I will use any other readily available program on request, but will now need help to use Debug. It also uses 128SSL for net transfers. It is password protected, but some of us know how to beat the password. I dare say that is true for all passwords. Curious, what does Intuit define as an "audit trail," and is it something the user can’t turn on or off?

The audit trail is a series of classical journal entries in entry order. Many fields are included in default reports, included the user name. These can be very quickly changed to show more fields than I would ever want. They also can be sorted or filtered in any way I ever wanted. Corrected entries for changes or deletions follow the original entries. The user can not turn off the last version of any entry. However, they can turn off early versions UNLESS the administrator locks them out of this. I hope the Accountant version also lets us be super users for locking the audit trail, though I never met a user who knew what or where the audit trail was. I helped send a man to jail, in a 5 minute call, because he did not know there was an audit trail and back dated embezzled checks to a period before he arrived. I would say 85% of the desired segregation of duties can be implemented by the administrator. It is not up to the level of a NetLedger and probably not up to the level of Peachtree. I suspect that the QB for bigger companies, also due in December – January, will do a much better job of this. Does it allow multiple levels of pass word protection for superviosrial control?  Stuff like that….

Administrators can limit all other users. Accountants will soon be able to limit administrators. This is small business software, for no more than 5 users, so I do not think anything more would be appropriate. I admit I am biased.  The only two times I ran across it was at temp sites, and I thought it was a piece of crap.  I realize saying that is flame bait around here with so many accountants making money off the product, but that is my personal opinion and I am not on a crusade. 8-}

There will be no flames from me, but what do you expect for $200? The key is that QB is written for non-accountants, who vastly outnumber accountants. Therefore, it has many things that turn accountants off. However, the result is QB has long had 85%+ of small business accounting program sales. Quicken, also from Intuit, has 69% of home checkbook program sales, despite Microsoft Money competition. Turbo Tax, also from Intuit, also has little competition, especially on the web. Many years ago a AICPA national seminar leader said, if you think you can fight QuickBooks you are wrong. The war is already over and QuickBooks has won. I go much further. I think that if a CPA has small business clients who use QB or Quicken, which is nearly inevitable, and he does not make his entries in their files, he is clearly guilty of professional malpractice. Before I get too many flames myself, let me explain why I say this. In 40 years in CPA firms I used QB, Peachtree and Accpac BPI for more than 20 years. During this time I almost never saw CPAs promptly post entries to client files unless they used the same program as the client and his data file for their work. It was likely clients of these non-prompt-posting CPAs made countless very bad management and financial decisions based on in-house accounting systems. To the extent CPA practices contributed to these errors I do not think there should be any question that these CPAs should be professionally censured and sued. In addition, modern small business accounting packages, like QB, can and should use each recent entry as a template in suggesting the posting of each new entry. That is, as soon as someone starts posting a name, of a payee or customer, QB tries to finish the name. This process saves lots of time, but it also does something far more important. As soon as the name is accepted (Enter or Tab, as you wish), QB brings up the name (with an account number if you wish) of the account that was last associated with the payee/customer. When a CPA sees a client post all his car loan payments to auto expenses or all his expensive telephone directory advertising to phone expense he has two choices. He can post a correcting journal entry for the total in any accounting system. However, if he works in QB AND IN THE CLIENT FILE he can correct all the wrong entries or at least the last one. Unless the CPA corrects the entries (or last entry in the client file) the client will keep making the same mistake. Therefore, the client is likely to keep making bad management or financial decisions based on future mistakes. That alone should justify a malpractice charge. In addition, the CPA also will likely have to make the same corrections year after year. If this means he also will keep charging clients for making these corrections (as most will), because he did not make corrections them in "the right way" in the first place (or tell clients to make future corrections, which is rare), that also meets my definition of malpractice. I do not have a case to back up my opinion. However, I will bring this to the attention of the Florida Board of Accountancy and will soon let you know their response. The coming accountant, big company and developer versions of QB are some of the many reasons that I expect QB market share to increase. I think it is has long been clear that only monopoly concerns stop them from burying most remaining competitors. Its been a while since I took a look at QuckBooks.  Did Intuit ever get around to putting some access and program controls in it? This is the problem with most QB critics – they do not have recent QB knowledge. Yes, QB has access controls and an audit trail. What do you mean by program controls?

By the way, I still do not know about program controls.      Mike Block – Tax Cut CPA  World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester     FREE  NetLedger accounting   FREE 462p QB books/error codes 100+ QB add-ons http://blocktax.com/

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Question:

Please help! I’m a final year accounting student working on a dissertation on the subject of creative financial accounting.  Anyone with information on this area of accounting, please let me know. Truly appreciated

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You’d probably get better responses from a federal prison… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please help! I’m a final year accounting student working on a dissertation on the subject of creative financial accounting.  Anyone with information on this area of accounting, please let me know. Truly appreciated

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A study of Hollywood (pronounced Holly Weird) accounting practices is a start – Movies/TV shows that gross millions, actors/esses who were to get x% of the net profits found that the movie/tv show never made a dime. The accounting practices of Microsoft and other software development companies would be interesting.  A certain company that competes head to head with IBM shows new sales, yet, in actual fact, it is giving away one of its products when contracts are renewed.  Then there are the book to bill problems (more of a semi-conductor manufacturer’s problem). The accounting practices of computer outsourcing firms is also interesting – the way they bill for CPU, disk space, tape mounts, etc. You might think they got their billing ideas from lawyers (who somehow are able to have more billable hours in a month than there are hours in the month). Hospital & Doctor billing is also interesting accounting: How one can take a $0.001 tongue depressor and charge $2.00. how one doctor can ask three others to review tests, and all four then bill as if they were on the case full time.   I’m not an accountant.  I am a systems programmer who has to deal with accounting for resource usage of systems.  And, I am involved in taking care of my in-laws in a nursing home.  So I did not make up any of these things, I mention them from direct personal experience. Regards, Steve Thompson OSP LLC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please help! I’m a final year accounting student working on a dissertation on the subject of creative financial accounting.  Anyone with information on this area of accounting, please let me know. Truly appreciated

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A UK book may be of use to you – Creative Accounting by Ian Griffith (try amazon.co.uk)  lots of fun from a journalist who wrote it about 10 years ago – there was a later second edition.  My (signed) copy is packed away at present due to decorating. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please help! I’m a final year accounting student working on a dissertation on the subject of creative financial accounting.  Anyone with information on this area of accounting, please let me know. Truly appreciated

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A recent issue of Upgrade–or is it Upstart magazine–has an article on creative accting used by hightech companies. I got a copy from the mag’s website. Bobby – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A study of Hollywood (pronounced Holly Weird) accounting practices is a start – Movies/TV shows that gross millions, actors/esses who were to get x% of the net profits found that the movie/tv show never made a dime. The accounting practices of Microsoft and other software development companies would be interesting.  A certain company that competes head to head with IBM shows new sales, yet, in actual fact, it is giving away one of its products when contracts are renewed.  Then there are the book to bill problems (more of a semi-conductor manufacturer’s problem). The accounting practices of computer outsourcing firms is also interesting – the way they bill for CPU, disk space, tape mounts, etc. You might think they got their billing ideas from lawyers (who somehow are able to have more billable hours in a month than there are hours in the month). Hospital & Doctor billing is also interesting accounting: How one can take a $0.001 tongue depressor and charge $2.00. how one doctor can ask three others to review tests, and all four then bill as if they were on the case full time. I’m not an accountant.  I am a systems programmer who has to deal with accounting for resource usage of systems.  And, I am involved in taking care of my in-laws in a nursing home.  So I did not make up any of these things, I mention them from direct personal experience. Regards, Steve Thompson OSP LLC Please help! I’m a final year accounting student working on a dissertation on the subject of creative financial accounting.  Anyone with information on this area of accounting, please let me know. Truly appreciated   Sr. Consultant   OSP LLC   Steve Thompson   OSP LLC           HTML Mail   147 N. Pearl St.  Work: 330/678-7810   Kent              Netscape Conference Address   OH                Netscape Conference DLS Server   44240-2219   Additional Information:   Last Name    Thompson   First Name   Steve   Version      2.1

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Question:

BTW, what do you consider lucrative.  I would say a partner in audit or tax gets paid about the same.

What can a manager in a tax department expect to  make at a Big Five firm? It’s lucrative in my opinion when you can expect to make possibly a couple of hundred thousand a year if you’re good. I realize that partners in both audit, tax, or even  advisory services at a big national cpa firm can potentially make close to or even in excess of a million dollars a year, but I realize that the odds of reaching this plateau are not very good.  Everything I’ve been told or read suggests that a career in public accounting and specifically a Big Five CPA firm is an area that you cannot go wrong in.  I’ve heard that experience at a big five firm is what a lot of corporations look for when they hire as well.  I understand that a lot of people do jump out from the cpa firm into industry especially when they realize that partnership opportunities may not be in the future.  That’s why I ask what can a manager in tax or even audit expect to make? My current situation is that at the end of the year I will have a master’s in accounting.  I also have a bachelor’s in finance.  I have no experience.  I chose to complete my educational goals right away while I’m young.  I have a very high grade point average and I’m sure I will be given ample consideration by the big five firms.   But if you want to earn the big bucks, learn how to bring in business (i.e. networking).  Remember, if you bring in business you can always hire someone to do the work.  If you only do the work, you have to rely on someone  to bring in business.

Are you saying that the Big Five tax staff people are expected to  recruit clients?  I’ve never heard anything like this before.  Or are you insinuating if you are good at marketing i.e. "bringing in the business" that you can go into business for yourself and let other people "do the work"?

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Insolvency practice is also a field you may consider.

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What can a manager in a tax department expect to  make at a Big Five firm? It’s lucrative in my opinion when you can expect to make possibly a couple of hundred thousand a year if you’re good.

Salary depends on the area of the country.  The big city’s (NY, LA, Chicago) pay more than say Tampa or Little Rock)  a first year manager makes about 45-65K.  A senior manager with a couple years of experience can make between 90-150K. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I realize that partners in both audit, tax, or even  advisory services at a big national cpa firm can potentially make close to or even in excess of a million dollars a year, but I realize that the odds of reaching this plateau are not very good.  Everything I’ve been told or read suggests that a career in public accounting and specifically a Big Five CPA firm is an area that you cannot go wrong in.  I’ve heard that experience at a big five firm is what a lot of corporations look for when they hire as well.  I understand that a lot of people do jump out from the cpa firm into industry especially when they realize that partnership opportunities may not be in the future.  That’s why I ask what can a manager in tax or even audit expect to make?

Very few partners make close to a million dollars a year, again depending on the area, new partners probably make about $150-200K.  Experienced partners make between 250K-350K.  Office managing partners make more; as well as regional partners. A partnership is not "Given" to any one.  Once you make partner you must buy into the partnership.  The partnership will arange a loan for you to buy into the partnership.  They have it all figured how to do it since they make many partners each year. Are you saying that the Big Five tax staff people are expected to  recruit clients?  I’ve never heard anything like this before.  Or are you insinuating if you are good at marketing i.e. "bringing in the business" that you can

go into business for yourself and let other people "do the work"?

No staff people are not expected to bring in clients and business, but partners are.  If you start developing networking and selling skills while you are a staff then it will be easier to make and be partner.  An easy way to start networking is to keep in touch with you college and work friends. Some day when you are partner, they will be CEO’s, controllers and CFO’s.

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One should consider a career in public accounting.  This will provide several opportunities and expose an individual to many different types of companies and industries. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will wait for your answer.

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One should consider a career in public accounting.  This will provide several opportunities and expose an individual to many different types of companies and industries.

In terms of public accounting which is the potentially more lucrative?  I have heard that tax accounting is considered a higher echelon  profession than audit.  I heard that tax accounting is generally much more lucrative than audit.  Is this so?  Does public tax accounting open more doors in terms of industry i.e. CFO etc. than a public accounting audit career?

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In terms of public accounting which is the potentially more lucrative?  I have heard that tax accounting is considered a higher echelon  profession than audit.  I heard that tax accounting is generally much more lucrative than audit.  Is this so?  Does public tax accounting open more doors in terms of industry i.e. CFO etc. than a public accounting audit career?

I would say more CFO’s come from audit than from tax.  This is probably because in audit you are exposed to more accounting issues (and CFO’s) than in tax. My suggestion for a career path is to get a job with a big 5 firm in audit. After a couple of years try tax. If you do not like tax go back to audit. Why spend you career in something you do not like just because it may pay more (although, a CFO probably gets paid more than Director of Tax).  Also, if you go into tax are you planning to get an advanced degree?  Most tax people I deal with (including me) have either a masters in tax or a law degree. But if you want to earn the big bucks, learn how to bring in business (i.e. networking).  Remember, if you bring in business you can always hire someone to do the work.  If you only do the work, you have to rely on someone  to bring in business. BTW, what do you consider lucrative.  I would say a partner in audit or tax gets paid about the same.

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I will wait for your answer.

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I will wait for your answer.

The best career in Finance and Accounting is the career which allows you to mostly do the parts you enjoy.  Decide which part of accounting you like the most, find out what career incorporates it, and go for it!  If you like it, you will do it well.  If you do it well, you will be rewarded. Unfortunately, if you do it too well, they put you in a position to guide everyone else who does what you do, and you never have time to do it yourself! There’s a catch to everything. Cary Hedrick, Accountant "You may soar with eagles, but weasles don’t get caught in jet engines." (

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Question:

While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

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Works fine.  I’ve even used a drill bit.  In either case, you’ve got to square up the sides. Gary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

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While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

Aslam, You can usually aquire a mortising set for most drill presses.  I have used forstner bits and brad point bits for mortising. I prefer to square off the ends of the mortise rather than the tenons as I have the chisel in my hands to clean up the scalloped edge of the mortise anyway.  Both methods work fine.  I actually prefer the oval ends for a through mortise and I think they are stronger in a fox joint. Tom

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While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

Hey Aslam! If you’ve got a lotta time you can do it. A forstner bit will make you a nice clean, flat bottomed series of holes. *Very* precise holes. It’s just gonna take ya forever and a day. Especially if you’re using hardwood. If you’ve just gotta couple mortises to make, not a problem. But if you’re gonna tackle something like a Morris chair, which has a bazillion of ‘em, you want to use a brad point, bullet point, or another type that is designed for fast chip removal. Another thought. Good forstners are expensive and can be really expensive to get sharpened, if you can find someone to do the job in the first place. Regardless of which bit style you choose, you are still going to have to remove the waste from the sides of your mortises with a chisel. BTW, Delta makes a mortising attachment for a DP for about $50 (I think) that will bore ’square’ holes. Good luck and cheers, Bob

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While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

I’ve got a set of morticing chisels for my drill press which I use when I’m doing lots of mortices that won’t show.  For my through mortices I use my forstner bits and hand chisel to get them just right (just use my hand chisels to smooth out the sides and square up the ends of the mortice).  I think they’re a lot faster to set up and give at least as good a result as the morticing chisels.  If you’re going to do a lot that can be a little sloppy then taking the time to set up the morticing chisels is probably worth it.  Not sure how it compares to a dedicated morticing machine though. Joe P. Joseph B. Paperman Assistant Professor of Accounting School of Business Administration University of Washington Box 353200 Seattle, WA  98195-3200

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hey Aslam! If you’ve got a lotta time you can do it. A forstner bit will make you a nice clean, flat bottomed series of holes. *Very* precise holes. It’s just gonna take ya forever and a day. Especially if you’re using hardwood. If you’ve just gotta couple mortises to make, not a problem. But if you’re gonna tackle something like a Morris chair, which has a bazillion of ‘em, you want to use a brad point, bullet point, or another type that is designed for fast chip removal. Another thought. Good forstners are expensive and can be really expensive to get sharpened, if you can find someone to do the job in the first place. Regardless of which bit style you choose, you are still going to have to remove the waste from the sides of your mortises with a chisel. BTW, Delta makes a mortising attachment for a DP for about $50 (I think) that will bore ’square’ holes. Good luck and cheers, Bob

Good point on brad points being faster, and forstners not being cheap. On a mortise a clean bottom isnt neccessary, its just end grain to face grain, no strength in the glue joint there. The good mating surfaces need to be the sides. steve k — stev_ix_netcom_com is a fake. Sorry, Im tired of all the crap I get in the mail.    

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Hi, My thought is that if the bit is long enough, go for it. I use brad-points, because their length is better suited to the size of mortice I cut. Forstners are notoriously short, relatively. Casey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

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The shorter Forstners will flex less, meaning the hole stays on track well.  So long as you can drill straight for the first couple of inches, you’ll have enough wood surrounding the chisel to guide it accurately the rest of the way. Question for Aslam: Why round off the tenons?  Just scribe the motises around the Forstner holes, and chisel them square.  Use any handy bench chisel, or a square "corner chisel" if you’re into nifty hand tools. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, My thought is that if the bit is long enough, go for it. I use brad-points, because their length is better suited to the size of mortice I cut. Forstners are notoriously short, relatively. Casey While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Aslam! If you’ve got a lotta time you can do it. A forstner bit will make you a nice clean, flat bottomed series of holes. *Very* precise holes. It’s just gonna take ya forever and a day. Especially if you’re using hardwood. If you’ve just gotta couple mortises to make, not a problem. But if you’re gonna tackle something like a Morris chair, which has a bazillion of ‘em, you want to use a brad point, bullet point, or another type that is designed for fast chip removal. Another thought. Good forstners are expensive and can be really expensive to get sharpened, if you can find someone to do the job in the first place. Regardless of which bit style you choose, you are still going to have to remove the waste from the sides of your mortises with a chisel. BTW, Delta makes a mortising attachment for a DP for about $50 (I think) that will bore ’square’ holes. Good luck and cheers, Bob Good point on brad points being faster, and forstners not being cheap. On a mortise a clean bottom isnt neccessary, its just end grain to face grain, no strength in the glue joint there. The good mating surfaces need to be the sides. steve k —

Further reason not to worry about the cleanness of the mortise floor for a blind M&T is, you actually want the tenon to end maybe 1/16" to 1/8" shy of mortise depth.  If you’re gluing the joint, this leaves plenty of space for the extra glue so it won’t jam during assembly; liquids act like solids under compression.  If you don’t include the empty space, the glue could actually shatter the mortised post as you make the last turn of the bar clamp handle.   Tip on resharpening Forstners, especially larger ones… if the bit resists plunging, if it burns, possibly the leading edge of the rim is lagging behind.  Cure is to modify the rim into a sawtoothed edge with a small triangular saw sharpening file.  Do not, absolutely do NOT, try to deburr the outside surface.  No matter how careful you are, you’ll take away the relief taper, and the bit will bind.  Just bore a few holes, and the job will be done.

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While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

Aslam, Absolutely, the Forstner bit does just fine. Always remember to do the opposing ends first then the middle of the mortise. If you don’t, the bit can deflect and won’t cut straight down. If you have a plunge router, think about getting an up-spiral bit and setting up a jig to do floating tenons. This way you cut mortises in both pieces and connect them with the "floating" tenon. It’s very strong and makes for quick work. You can make up the floating tenon in one long piece ahead of time, and cut them to size when you need it. If you’re not familiar with this technique, check into it at the library or ask around. Al

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Wow!  What a helpful group of people.  Many thanks for all your input. As you may have surmised, I am a newbie.  My first project was to make a changing table for my STB new arrival and I thought I would try to replicate the one I have, but use end dowels in butt-end joints instead of mortice and tenon (which I prefer, but don’t have the experise yet to do).  Well, drilling precise holes on the end of the rails was a BIG problem!  The fit is not half bad, but is definitely not what I would consider GOOD joinery.  So, for my next project, I want to do it the right way…use mortice and tenon without having to layout some serious $$$ for a morticing press.  The floating tenon idea sounds good. However, I don’t have a plunge router (I am getting the PC 90690 from Coastal Tool) and I wonder if it would be more time consuming than drilling since one shouldn’t go deeper than an 1/8" cut in a single pass with the router.  Or am I mistaken?  Besides, isn’t is diffcult to use a router to drill mortices on the end grain? BTW, in answer to the question why I was considering rounding over the tenons rather than squaring the mortice corners, I just thought it would easier to do the former than the latter. Once again, Thanks for ALL your responses. *MUCH* appreciated. Aslam Hassan

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Wow!  What a helpful group of people.  Many thanks for all your input.

Pretty coool group huh? [snipped] The floating tenon idea sounds good. However, I don’t have a plunge router (I am getting the PC 90690 from Coastal Tool) and I wonder if it would be more time consuming than drilling since one shouldn’t go deeper than an 1/8" cut in a single pass with the router.  Or am I mistaken?  Besides, isn’t is diffcult to use a router to drill mortices on the end grain?

Actually, routing the ends of boards is easy with the right jig. I drill and chisel most mortises, and use a routah to cut mortises and/or tenons on board ends. Routing the grain in that direction is almost effortless, the wood just peels off. Basically the jig is just a rt angle fixture that provides a flat surface for the router to ride on at 90 degrees to the end of a board. You should use a plunging router for this operation tho. A cheaper alternative that will provide good results is to drill and chop like you do on face grain. Use a self centering dowel jig to get accurate holes into your board ends. Once again, Thanks for ALL your responses. *MUCH* appreciated. Aslam Hassan

steve kolacki — stev_ix_netcom_com is a fake. Sorry, Im tired of all the crap I get in the mail.    

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I think it should work, I haven’t tried it yet but I will soon.

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Aslam, Hello again… …nothing wrong with using brad points or Forstner bits for morticing. That is also a good way to prepare the mortice before routing, so you’re not straining your bits.  Also, you can round the ends of the tenons or, square the ends of the mortices… Good Luck — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While Delta (and presumably others) makes a dedicated morticing drill press, what do you folks think about using Forstner Bits for making mortices using a regular drill press?  Seems to me that the only minor aggravation would be having to round off the tenon ends.  What other drawbacks are there to this approach for morticing? Please post your replies. TIA, Aslam Hassan

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Aslam, You asked about the floating tenon technique. You can get away with cutting deeper with the up-spiral bit than with regular 2 fluted bits and end grain is not really a problem. As for the deflection with Forstner bits, actually the piece you’re mortising tends to "deflect" more than the bit, making even a clamped down piece hard to control. That’s why it’s best to do the ends of the mortise first, then just plow out the middle. Squaring up the mortise is easier than rounding the tenon, however rather than honing the chisel right then, I’ll sometimes do it that way. Whatever gets the job done. Al

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Debbie, The name of the stuff that Ronnie uses in the septic tank is called Septic Care. It’s a powder that we flush through the toilet once a month. He said the company is out of New Jersey, U.S.A. the phone number is 1-800-505-8800. They also have a pretty neat site at http://www.septiccare.com We started using the stuff back in 1989 when we had odors in the system and have used it ever since because the odors hav’nt come back. We also hav’nt had the tank pumped since then so I guess it’s doing what it suppose to. I think we paid $154.00 U.S. in 1989 and when we ordered again in 1995 we still paid $154, although the price increased to $169.00 but they sold it to us at the original price we paid since we were reorder customers. That was for a full 6 year supply, and they even let us pay it off over three months. Best thing about it and I know you’ll love this, is that it’s 100% natural. NO CHEMICALS. Anyway let me know how you make out with the system, and say hello to everyone.                                                                        Tammy

OH, I’M SORRY, I THOUGHT I WAS IN AN ACCOUNTING NEWS GROUP!

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Debbie, The name of the stuff that Ronnie uses in the septic tank is called Septic Care. It’s a powder that we flush through the toilet once a month. He said the company is out of New Jersey, U.S.A. the phone number is 1-800-505-8800. They also have a pretty neat site at http://www.septiccare.com We started using the stuff back in 1989 when we had odors in the system and have used it ever since because the odors hav’nt come back. We also hav’nt had the tank pumped since then so I guess it’s doing what it suppose to. I think we paid $154.00 U.S. in 1989 and when we ordered again in 1995 we still paid $154, although the price increased to $169.00 but they sold it to us at the original price we paid since we were reorder customers. That was for a full 6 year supply, and they even let us pay it off over three months. Best thing about it and I know you’ll love this, is that it’s 100% natural. NO CHEMICALS. Anyway let me know how you make out with the system, and say hello to everyone.                                                                        Tammy

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I was over at Wanker’s Corner in Wilsonvilee, OR and tasted my first Bodd. Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? It had an incredible thick, creamy head that I have only seen on Guiness being served in Scotland. Burp, -Dan

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I was over at Wanker’s Corner in Wilsonvilee, OR and tasted my first Bodd. Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? It had an incredible thick, creamy head that I have only seen on Guiness being served in Scotland. Burp, -Dan

Yes, I’m fairly certain that Boddingtons uses the same sort of dispensing rig that draught Guinness uses.  It’s also available in the "widget" cans, just like Guinness…   —

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I was over at Wanker’s Corner in Wilsonvilee, OR and tasted my first Bodd. Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? It had an incredible thick, creamy head that I have only seen on Guiness being served in Scotland. Burp, -Dan Yes, I’m fairly certain that Boddingtons uses the same sort of dispensing rig that draught Guinness uses.  It’s also available in the "widget" cans, just like Guinness…  

The marketing term is ‘creamflow’, or at least thats what Whitbreads call it. For pubs with a low turnover the end of the cask does taste better than with standard methods of dispense (IMHO). Of course having a head on your beer that resembles a lemon merangue (sp) pie is a Northern thing. Southerners perfer to have the glass topped up to overflowing leaving no room for a head. (Of course they also get more beer for their money, but then with what they pay for a pint I’d want all beer too!!) — ‘ol heitir me(eth) manunum en me(eth) Assum bjor’ ‘Ale it is called among men and among Gods beer’ ( Old Norse from the Alvismal c950 ) Wassail Tony Barnsley (Blackpool Lancashire UK ) (Sorry Forced To Do This By SPAMM’ers) (add ‘d emon’ instead) Remove the space! and quotes

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Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? YEP!

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I was over at Wanker’s Corner in Wilsonvilee, OR and tasted my first Bodd. Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? It had an incredible thick, creamy head that I have only seen on Guiness being served in Scotland. Burp, -Dan

If you can, try a real pint of Boddies at a pub that keeps it well. It is the best!!! I tried to follow the clone recipe in Brew Real Ale at Home, but I haven’t quite got the yeast right. Any ideas, Tony?

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If you can, try a real pint of Boddies at a pub that keeps it well. It is the best!!! I tried to follow the clone recipe in Brew Real Ale at Home, but I haven’t quite got the yeast right. Any ideas, Tony?

It’s a good recipe. One of the keys is getting the balance of hops right, When I do that I’ll be pleased. As for yeast, I’d suggest a whitbread Strain, I like Wyeast 1098. — ‘ol heitir me(eth) manunum en me(eth) Assum bjor’ ‘Ale it is called among men and among Gods beer’ ( Old Norse from the Alvismal c950 ) Wassail Tony Barnsley (Blackpool Lancashire UK ) (Sorry Forced To Do This By SPAMM’ers) (add ‘d emon’ instead) Remove the space! and quotes

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Dan asked: tasted my first Bodd. Is this stuff dispensed similarly to a Guiness (w/N2)? It had an incredible thick, creamy head that I have only seen on Guiness being served in Scotland. Burp, -Dan

You’ve got it exactly right, Dan.  Boddington’s, has been spot on  in following the "Nitro-Marketing" tradition which Guiness has paved the way for. Unfortunately, foreign markets have conceived this as being "the real Euro stuff".  Fortunately, it is probably a better representation of the original product, than has been exported previously (being bottled, shaked, and moved, not being the original intention). I have spoken to some original "Bodd" fans from Manchester who have said that their original hop character (with a change of management) died in the early 70’s….. Have spoken to others that have said that it always remained a nice "local" beer, but was’t so interesting 200 kilometers away (not as many miles), right into the 80’s. I have tasted their tins with the little "NO2 explosion cans", half way around the world, and found them quite pleasant…. the "nitro " trip seems to be quite a good replacement for good local brewing (if it can’t be found). Nice to see you have found a pleasant beer. Dr. Pivo

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Yes, I’m fairly certain that Boddingtons uses the same sort of dispensing rig that draught Guinness uses.  It’s also available in the "widget" cans, just like Guinness…

Don’t forget the "widget" bottles too.  Does anyone know how to get the damn plastic ball out the bottle without resorting to industrial vacuum equipment or smashing it?  I’m interested in using these uniquely shaped bottles for my brew, but I don’t want the ball screwing up the pour after bottling. Thanks, — Brian Bushido Brewing Co. "A nerd is a human being without enough Africa in him or her." -B. Eno Remove *spambites* from address when replying

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Don’t forget the "widget" bottles too.  Does anyone know how to get the damn plastic ball out the bottle without resorting to industrial vacuum equipment or smashing it?  I’m interested in using these uniquely shaped bottles for my brew, but I don’t want the ball screwing up the pour after bottling.

Maybe if you could find out how they get them *in* there in the first place, you could figure out a wat to get them out? IMO, it’s probably not worth the trouble… —

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Expect the taste to change slightly again in the near future as Interbrew look like they are about to close the Strangeways brewery and move brewing to another site. I personally suspect the cask Boddington’s will disappear and only the nitro one will survive.

Apparently Interbrew have done a U-turn and are now keeping the keg Boddington’s at Strangeways for the moment which means the brewery will survive a few years longer. They were going to use the brewery as a cask ale brewery but they brew so little in the UK that even if they transferred cask Bass to there the future of the brewery didn’t look rosy. Even now a large percentage of the staff look set to be made redundant so beware of Interbrew taking over your local micros. Accountants at the big brewers are trying to dumb down the beer lists to about three or four popular beers and you can forget about the rest. — Andy Davison

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I brewed a clone out of either Clonebrews or Beer Captured, I forget which. Everyone liked it, but no one has ever had the real thing. Bruce. "Dana H. P’Simer, Jr. ( Remove mapson to email )"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had my first Boddingtons a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I think I found heaven! I want to figure out how I can brew a similar beer.  Any pointers?  The head seems very similar to Guiness Draught; is it dispensed with nitrogen and a Guiness style faucet?  I have tried the canned version with the widget similar to Guiness’s Draught can but it is just not quite as good. Thanks, Dana

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Bruce wrote … I had my first Boddingtons a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I think I found heaven! I want to figure out how I can brew a similar beer.  Any pointers? The head seems very similar to Guiness Draught; is it dispensed with nitrogen and a Guiness style faucet?  I have tried the canned version with the widget similar to Guiness’s Draught can but it is just not quite as good. I brewed a clone out of either Clonebrews or Beer Captured, I forget which.  Everyone liked it, but no one has ever had the real thing.

I have something in the fermenter very much like Boddingtons.  Some backstory: My brew-shop-guy uses me in the nicest possible way.  I’m a bit of a test-bed for things he might not try in front of some members of our local brewing fraternity. He had some "almost-out-of-date" cans of extract going cheap.  My idea was to just buy two of these and throw them together – rather than the usual "one can plus 1-2kg of dextrose/malt/whatever".  [I only use extracts and never a secondary - sorry, everyone.] He suggested one each of the Coopers’ Pilsener and Coopers’ Wheat extract cans (the Brewmaster Series).  As a taste-tester, I pour all my SG tests into a bottle and ferment it alongside the main fermenter. The tester looks, smells and tastes surprisingly  like Boddingtons.  After a week at 23-25C, the main fermenter is still bubbling along at 20 blops a minute.  The tester is pretty gassy and if I shake the bejasus out of it, the cascading effect you get of the beer settling out of the foam looks very much like the head/beer interface of a Boddingtons when you’ve poured it into your chilled pint glass. *shrug* The things you see when you’re silly/naughty. Cheers Richard F.

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I had my first Boddingtons a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I think I found heaven! I want to figure out how I can brew a similar beer.  Any pointers?  The head seems very similar to Guiness Draught; is it dispensed with nitrogen and a Guiness style faucet?  I have tried the canned version with the widget similar to Guiness’s Draught can but it is just not quite as good.

There is a recipe in Graham Wheeler’s Brew Your Own British Real Ale at Home for Boddington’s as it used to be before they dumbed it down some years ago. The cask version is better than the nitrokeg but not as good as it was before they changed the hopping. Basically you want a pale beer of around 7 SRM, OG is 1035, ABV 3.8%. Cane sugar is used to up the ABV considering the low OG. IBU used to be around 37 but is lower these days and they have changed the aroma hopping. The hops used are (or were) Fuggles, Goldings and WGV. The beer used to be drier with a lot more citric flavour in the aftertaste. Expect the taste to change slightly again in the near future as Interbrew look like they are about to close the Strangeways brewery and move brewing to another site. I personally suspect the cask Boddington’s will disappear and only the nitro one will survive. — Andy Davison

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I had my first Boddingtons a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I think I found heaven! I want to figure out how I can brew a similar beer.  Any pointers?  The head seems very similar to Guiness Draught; is it dispensed with nitrogen and a Guiness style faucet?  I have tried the canned version with the widget similar to Guiness’s Draught can but it is just not quite as good. Thanks, Dana

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Does Anybody know where to get a can of Boddingtons draught from England. I am a real fan of the beer and don’t know where to find it in America. If anybody could help, thanks, and also try some for yourself…

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Does Anybody know where to get a can of Boddingtons draught from England. I am a real fan of the beer and don’t know where to find it in America. If anybody could help, thanks, and also try some for yourself…

Can’t help you with the U.S side, but we’re swimming in the stuff over here (smug grin). Actually Boddies is no longer as good in the can, as they are using the new "draughtflow" system (pumping the beer full of gas as the can is opened). I know for sure (as a member of Camra), that the beer put into these cans bears little resemblance to the beer that is served on handpump behind the bar Nevertheless, I have been known to use one or two in emergencies. Regards Pete Dyer — Bicester     Compuserve : 100332,641                  Fax   : 0869 240324

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