# Archive Coffee Pot and Water Cooler #2 **URL:** https://forum.4specs.com/c/archive-of-older-topics/archive-coffee-pot-and-water-cooler-2/38.md [Latest](https://forum.4specs.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.4specs.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.4specs.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Archive Coffee Pot and Water Cooler #2 category](https://forum.4specs.com/t/about-the-archive-coffee-pot-and-water-cooler-2-category/4211)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.4specs.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/about-the-archive-coffee-pot-and-water-cooler-2-category/4211 "2026-07-08T19:30:55Z")
--- ## [when you're saving the day for your clients and they will never notice](https://forum.4specs.com/t/when-youre-saving-the-day-for-your-clients-and-they-will-never-notice/3732)
**Author:** [@chris\_grimm\_ccs\_scip](https://forum.4specs.com/u/chris_grimm_ccs_scip)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2020, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/when-youre-saving-the-day-for-your-clients-and-they-will-never-notice/3732 "2020-11-14T21:50:08Z")
I can only upload a 100KB image, so if you’re having trouble reading, it’s a quote from Kay in Men in Black: “There’s always an Arquillian Battle Cruiser, or a Corillian Death Ray, or an intergalactic plague that is … --- ## [R.I.P. RELATED DOCUMENTS](https://forum.4specs.com/t/r-i-p-related-documents/3725)
**Author:** [@Phil\_Kabza](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Phil_Kabza)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 8:00pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/r-i-p-related-documents/3725 "2020-10-29T20:00:09Z")
MasterFormat 95 fades into the distant past. The voice of Marty Bloomenthal is a memory among former MARC members. The infamous MasterSpec RELATED DOCUMENTS article is gone with the latest update. “I grow old . . . I gr… --- ## [S Corporation](https://forum.4specs.com/t/s-corporation/3723)
**Author:** [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/s-corporation/3723 "2020-10-09T16:39:38Z")
My accountant is encouraging me to create a S Corporation for my specification writing business. She said that I could save a lot of money on income taxes. Are any of you an S Corporation and what are your experiences? … --- ## [Thoughts on Colin's New Survey](https://forum.4specs.com/t/thoughts-on-colins-new-survey/3717)
**Author:** [@nwoods](https://forum.4specs.com/u/nwoods)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/thoughts-on-colins-new-survey/3717 "2020-10-07T18:25:23Z")
I found the live results on Colin’s recent survey to be really interesting. 45 out of 120 of you are over 65 years old. Damn. FLW is famous for saying that “Architecture is great because you can do it until you are 9… --- ## [Section numbering rant](https://forum.4specs.com/t/section-numbering-rant/3698)
**Author:** [@Phil\_Kabza](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Phil_Kabza)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/section-numbering-rant/3698 "2020-09-14T20:24:13Z")
Issued three projects this week where some of the consultant specifications came in with the “3 pairs” spaced section numbers in the file names. We either send them back for correction, or use a bulk software to correct … --- ## [What is the word for....](https://forum.4specs.com/t/what-is-the-word-for/3705)
**Author:** [@michael\_chusid](https://forum.4specs.com/u/michael_chusid)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2020, 12:11am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/what-is-the-word-for/3705 "2020-08-11T00:11:19Z")
We can describe the area of the building as it intersects the ground plane as its “footprint”. I can describe the top of a building as having a roof area. But I need a simple, widely understood term for the total “covera… --- ## [NTP without signed agreement](https://forum.4specs.com/t/ntp-without-signed-agreement/3702)
**Author:** [@chris\_grimm\_ccs\_scip](https://forum.4specs.com/u/chris_grimm_ccs_scip)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/ntp-without-signed-agreement/3702 "2020-08-07T15:33:18Z")
A new client acts perturbed that I want him to actually SIGN the proposed agreement. He emailed me to say this is your notice to proceed. I objected and said if there is something you disagree with in the proposal I need… --- ## [It finally happened](https://forum.4specs.com/t/it-finally-happened/3694)
**Author:** [@jsandoz](https://forum.4specs.com/u/jsandoz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/it-finally-happened/3694 "2020-06-13T15:17:29Z")
For years I joked that someday an architect would give me a picture of something and ask that I write a specification for it. Today that came to pass. When asked what the client’s preferred fire extinguisher cabinet is … --- ## [And it's baaack - one space or two?](https://forum.4specs.com/t/and-its-baaack-one-space-or-two/3691)
**Author:** [@lynn\_javoroski](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lynn_javoroski)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2020, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/and-its-baaack-one-space-or-two/3691 "2020-06-09T18:31:27Z")
From the WSJ: https://www.wsj.com/articles/people-who-type-two-spaces-after-a-period-just-cant-win-11591199528?mod=itp\_wsj&mod=&mod=djemITP\_h --- ## [Today's Laugh](https://forum.4specs.com/t/todays-laugh/3647)
**Author:** [@ddean](https://forum.4specs.com/u/ddean)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2020, 1:13am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/todays-laugh/3647 "2020-06-05T01:13:25Z")
The O&M manual for cabinets has this language " In operations of the cabinetry are as follows, simply grab the specked out pulls and pull towards you to open the door with the hinge or drawer on its slide, to close rev… --- ## [Coronovirus Humor](https://forum.4specs.com/t/coronovirus-humor/3680)
**Author:** [@ecwhitby](https://forum.4specs.com/u/ecwhitby)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2020, 8:53pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/coronovirus-humor/3680 "2020-05-21T20:53:14Z")
Big dog does NOT want that bath https://boingboing.net/2020/04/27/dog-does-not-want-bath.html --- ## [Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth](https://forum.4specs.com/t/architects-engineers-for-9-11-truth/3679)
**Author:** [@lynn\_javoroski](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lynn_javoroski)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/architects-engineers-for-9-11-truth/3679 "2020-04-23T16:20:14Z")
Has anyone else received a mailing from this group? The postcard gives the website - AE911TRUTH dot ORG slash WTC7 and asks “Did you know a third tower fell on 9/11?” and “The 47-story World Trade Center 7 collapsed symm… --- ## [Coronavirus Pandemic](https://forum.4specs.com/t/coronavirus-pandemic/3669)
**Author:** [@jpjordan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/jpjordan)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2020, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/coronavirus-pandemic/3669 "2020-04-15T19:51:27Z")
What is your company doing about working from home, travel, and meetings? --- ## [Individual MasterSpec Sections](https://forum.4specs.com/t/individual-masterspec-sections/3666)
**Author:** [@wilsonconsulting](https://forum.4specs.com/u/wilsonconsulting)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2020, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/individual-masterspec-sections/3666 "2020-03-03T22:18:24Z")
I occasionally need to purchase an individual section that is not included in my MasterSpec subscription. In the past, they have been available – I seem to recall spending something under $200 per section. I just tried… --- ## [mindfulMATERIALS content working group](https://forum.4specs.com/t/mindfulmaterials-content-working-group/3663)
**Author:** [@lgoodrob](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lgoodrob)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/mindfulmaterials-content-working-group/3663 "2020-02-28T22:33:02Z")
Looking for new volunteers. IMHO, mindfulMATERIALS has grown into the most powerful search engine for sustainability attributes in building materials. It’s a live search, pulling data directly from manufacturer’s websit… --- ## [MasterSpec Renewal](https://forum.4specs.com/t/masterspec-renewal/3648)
**Author:** [@wilsonconsulting](https://forum.4specs.com/u/wilsonconsulting)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2020, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/masterspec-renewal/3648 "2020-01-27T21:50:13Z")
I’ve been trying for 3 weeks to get through to Deltek to renew my MasterSpec subscription, which expires in a few days. Despite phone messages and email through their website contact page, I have rec’d no response and a… --- ## [Brief rant on product marketing](https://forum.4specs.com/t/brief-rant-on-product-marketing/3636)
**Author:** [@Phil\_Kabza](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Phil_Kabza)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2019, 1:19am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/brief-rant-on-product-marketing/3636 "2019-12-07T01:19:48Z")
I just took the recycle stuff to the bin. It included the complex packaging for a box of promotional stuff I received from a building product manufacturer as a follow up marketing effort to CONSTRUCT. Box inside of box i… --- ## [Client "Masters" Rant](https://forum.4specs.com/t/client-masters-rant/3639)
**Author:** [@dbhelphrey](https://forum.4specs.com/u/dbhelphrey)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2019, 10:35pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/client-masters-rant/3639 "2019-11-04T22:35:26Z")
Anyone else have a client (like, maybe a major public agency that shall remain unnamed) require you to use their master guide specs, then what they give you is trash? I’m talking a jumbled-up mess of sections grabbed fr… --- ## [Insulating heavy use back of house spaces.](https://forum.4specs.com/t/insulating-heavy-use-back-of-house-spaces/3634)
**Author:** [@brian\_payne](https://forum.4specs.com/u/brian_payne)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2019, 9:53pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/insulating-heavy-use-back-of-house-spaces/3634 "2019-10-29T21:53:40Z")
We do a lot of loading dock/back of house spaces with CMU walls for durability. Insulating these walls is a struggle to justify from a cost, sf, and durability standpoint. Besides an insulated double withe wall, what e… --- ## [Spelling Error for the Day](https://forum.4specs.com/t/spelling-error-for-the-day/3457)
**Author:** [@lgoodrob](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lgoodrob)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 8:56pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/spelling-error-for-the-day/3457 "2019-09-19T20:56:26Z")
We just had an Architect ask for “turncoat” metal. Do you think they picked a color called “Benedict Arnold” too? --- ## [SCIP, CSI and Construct Show](https://forum.4specs.com/t/scip-csi-and-construct-show/3494)
**Author:** [@ColinG](https://forum.4specs.com/u/ColinG)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/scip-csi-and-construct-show/3494 "2019-08-23T18:59:31Z")
Annette Wren’s Western Output discusses the Construct Show (Informa) and SCIP for the year. Key quote: “In October, at the Construct trade show, Informa notified SCIP that they are no longer welcome at Construct.” htt… --- ## [Futureproofing?](https://forum.4specs.com/t/futureproofing/3599)
**Author:** [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 3:43am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/futureproofing/3599 "2019-08-07T03:43:41Z")
How many of you here are futureproofing your specifications? --- ## [OSHA Construction Safety Programs](https://forum.4specs.com/t/osha-construction-safety-programs/3582)
**Author:** [@michael\_chusid](https://forum.4specs.com/u/michael_chusid)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2019, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/osha-construction-safety-programs/3582 "2019-06-26T19:13:44Z")
I have been told I need to pass an OSHA approved safety class in order to visit job sites on which my clients are active. If you have experience with jobsite safety training programs, please let me know what worked or d… --- ## [Help explaining US safety and security trends in Japan](https://forum.4specs.com/t/help-explaining-us-safety-and-security-trends-in-japan/3573)
**Author:** [@mcorsover](https://forum.4specs.com/u/mcorsover)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2019, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/help-explaining-us-safety-and-security-trends-in-japan/3573 "2019-06-19T00:50:20Z")
Heres an interesting one. I have been asked by a Japanese company to prepare an overview of overseas safety and security trends. I believe this is prompted by the expected influx of foreign visitors for the 2020 Olympics… --- ## [Your time for a gift card](https://forum.4specs.com/t/your-time-for-a-gift-card/3520)
**Author:** [@jsandoz](https://forum.4specs.com/u/jsandoz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 11:24pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/your-time-for-a-gift-card/3520 "2019-02-18T23:24:05Z")
With increasing frequency I am receiving requests to take a survey or give feedback of some sort in exchange for (usually) a gift card of nominal value. These are most often Amazon or VISA gift cards so their usefulness … --- ## [Avoid litigation by being friendly](https://forum.4specs.com/t/avoid-litigation-by-being-friendly/3512)
**Author:** [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/avoid-litigation-by-being-friendly/3512 "2019-02-06T15:50:03Z")
Last night a specifier, who works for a very large prestigious firm, told me about a conversation he had with the firm’s attorney. The attorney essentially told him that it does not matter how well the firm prepares the … --- ## [Feedback on Drawing Details](https://forum.4specs.com/t/feedback-on-drawing-details/3505)
**Author:** [@robin](https://forum.4specs.com/u/robin)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2019, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/feedback-on-drawing-details/3505 "2019-01-23T18:42:03Z")
Curious if anyone uses a platform for sharing details with others for input. I have a detail I am staring at now, and I know it doesn’t look right, but could use some input on tweaking it. It would be great if we could… --- ## [Need spec-writer in Austin TX area](https://forum.4specs.com/t/need-spec-writer-in-austin-tx-area/3498)
**Author:** [@robin](https://forum.4specs.com/u/robin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2018, 7:17pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/need-spec-writer-in-austin-tx-area/3498 "2018-12-07T19:17:31Z")
I have a client looking for a spec writer on a project, 80% specs due in January, an office remodel. Prefer someone in Austin, or Texas. Anyone interested in the referral? --- ## [Is this a scam addressed to a CSI member (me).](https://forum.4specs.com/t/is-this-a-scam-addressed-to-a-csi-member-me/3485)
**Author:** [@lazarcitec](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lazarcitec)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2018, 11:53pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/is-this-a-scam-addressed-to-a-csi-member-me/3485 "2018-11-09T23:53:09Z")
This Scam sent to me in an email from a fellow CSI member, reads as follows: "Im not the best at meeting people at conventions or trade shows so I prefer to reach out via email to make the most of my professional assoc… [Next page](https://forum.4specs.com/c/archive-of-older-topics/archive-coffee-pot-and-water-cooler-2/38.md?page=1)