Tuesday, June 30, 2009
#
PartSelect.com is thrilled to announce Paint Your Appliance Pink!
The sweeps runs from July 1, 2009 – September 1, 2009 and contestants can enter to win 1 of 3 Pink Prize Packages valued at $369.97. Plus, PartSelect will donate $25 to the the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every photo entry received (up to a max of $10,000).
It's so easy to enter!
- Paint a pink ribbon on any major home appliance
- Take a photo of your appliance
- Tell us about your entry:
- Email us: contests@partselect.com with the attached photo.
- Tweet us: @PartSelect, tag your tweet with #pinkappliance and include a link to your picture (blog post, twitpic, etc.).
- Facebook: Join our Facebook group and post your entry there.
Each contestant will be entered into a monthly draw to win 1 of 3 Pink Prize Packages.
The Pink Prize Packages consist of a Pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer, Pink Stand Mixer Cover, Pink Silicone Spatula, Pink Silicone Heart Pan, Pink Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, and a Cook For The Cure Apron. Draws will take place on August 3, 2009, September 3, 2009, and October 3, 2009.
For full details and rules check out the official sweeps web page.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
#
We have decided to shut down our social networking site, SoapBoxxer.com - it has been taken down and redirected here. Let me take a few moments to explain how SB came to be, what went right and what went wrong, and how we came to the decision that it was time to end the project.
An experiment in engagement
On March 6th, 2008 an email was sent within the team...
I was thinking tonight about how users engage with content and what makes a site sticky. If you think about it often the best thing about a piece of content is not the content itself but the discussion that ensues. Amazon's reviews, for example, are usually more interesting than the actual product, and the comments at Digg/Slashdot etc. are often more engaging than the story itself. What if you were able to create a site where the content was the discussion and the content by its nature incited debate?
Now, we’re an ecommerce company, and so we constantly work to improve the site and the interaction rates of our customers. Unfortunately, appliance parts aren’t always something that grab’s the user’s attention. We help thousands of people every day, but very few of them interact with the site in a social way. SoapBoxxer was an attempt to create something that really engages its users, to see if we could learn something about the way users want to interact with a site and with each other. Of course, if SoapBoxxer became the next Digg we wouldn’t exactly complain.
The SoapBoxxer project also fit well into some work that our development team was doing – learning Ruby on Rails.
Developing SoapBoxxer in Ruby on Rails
We’re a Dot Net development shop, but we’re intrigued by the potential in rapid application development, and in RoR in particular. As an example of the speed at which you can develop in Rails we had the first version of SoapBoxxer out and in the wild on March 10th, just two business days after the conversation started.
We were able to pull together a mock-up of SB in such a short time because of Rails and because we cut a few corners. The initial version had no user accounts, no sessions, nothing. If the user took the time to refresh the page they could vote again (many did).
Everyone who came to the page was greeted with an opinion and giant links that said “Agree” and “Disagree”. Once they registered their vote they could see the voting results and the comment section opened up so they could read the comments of others or add their own. They could also enter some text in the opinion box in the header and create their own opinion for others to vote on. Still, the rudimentary system had some amazing results:
Visits: 1,972
Interactions (votes, comments, new opinions): 3,000
Interaction Rate: 152%
Votes: 2,730
Vote Rate: 138%
Comments: 226
Comment Rate: 11.4%
Opinions: 61
Opinion Rate: 3%
We were really excited when these first numbers came in. It proved that if given the opportunity users would produce lots of great content – all you have to do is get out of their way by providing a simple way to do it.
From there, the site just sort of took off. We redeveloped it somewhat properly in RoR, launched it and allowed the users to make it into whatever they wanted. Along the way we learned a few things.
What we learned
1. Users will interact if it’s easy
2. The world is full of thoughtful users with reasoned opinions
3. The world is full of trolls, spammers, bigots and narrow-minded partisans
4. The community will control spam if given the tools
5. Every loophole will be exploited
6. Social networks must grow to survive
Users will interact if it’s easy
Our first version of SoapBoxxer was completely stripped down – all it had was an opinion, agree and disagree links, and the option to add an opinion in the header. From the first 2,000 visitors to this simple version we had:
2,730 votes cast (1.37 / visit)
226 comments (.113 / visit)
61 soapboxxes (.031 / visit)
Eventually we got these interaction rates to a staggering level:
Vote 42.5%
Comment 5.6%
Create soapboxx 0.9%
Join 1.7%
So, 42.5% of users who came to us through a site like StumbleUpon or from a friend’s email would vote. 1.7% joined, even though there was no need to join in order to interact – they opted in to joining.
The world is full of thoughtful users with reasoned opinions
I, personally, was constantly amazed at the level of discourse at SoapBoxxer. My favorite soapboxx of all time was an early one – “SoapBoxxer has changed my views on a lot of subjects through discussion”. When we originally discussed the idea I secretly feared that it would end up as a platform for flame wars, but that was not the case. In fact, the majority of soapboxxers were surprisingly reasonable.
The world is full of trolls, spammers, bigots and narrow-minded partisans
I won’t get into the details here, but you’ll have to trust me on this – some people like to ruin things for other people. I don’t know exactly why they want to do it, but they do. And I’m not talking about tugging the pigtails of a girl they like so they’ll get noticed. No, there are people that will silently and anonymously attempt to destroy what other people are working on with no apparent gain. Any social network needs tools to control these people.
You can see that even though there was a fair bit of spam, there was far more wheat than chaff.
The community will control spam if given the tools
We gave users the ability to flag items as spam, and they used it effectively. We were concerned that there would be abuse but generally there was none (eventually there was abuse, but only for manipulating authority). We contemplated allowing users to ban other users (it would have come in handy, see above) but decided it would turn SoapBoxxer into a police state. We did restrict spam flagging to users with a minimum authority, as we felt that the longer you’d been around, the less likely you were to trash the place. It did seem to work.
Every loophole will be exploited
When we devised the authority system it was intended as a way for users to identify who was a helpful, long-term user, and who was just a random spammer. It immediately became a subject of great debate. Most people denied its importance, quietly worked at increasing theirs, then gloated when they displaced another SoapBoxxer. My favorite quote came soon after the introduction of authority: “I just spent my entire evening/morning/lunch break on soapboxxer for this pointless 'authority'”
Eventually, users figured out that they best way to win authority was destroying the authority of others. Bots were written to grow authority or trash others. We were always open about what generated authority (every action that affected anyone's authority was quantified as you did it) but still people weren't always happy and many conspiracy theorists debated the ins and outs of authority.
Social networks must grow to survive
This is not something that we necessarily “learned” but an important point that can’t be ignored. We tried everything to grow SoapBoxxer. Early on (the first spike in the chart) we got onto Digg. Unfortunately, the site wasn’t able to handle the load and we went down. While we gained some new users before the failure (and they were particularly likely to interact) it just wasn’t enough. We were never able to get featured prominently on Digg again, despite several attempts – it seems you only get one kick at that cat.
We always felt that a social network must grow from the users, not from artificial means like getting on the Digg home page or from StumbleUpon. We focused on user invitations as a means for growing our network, and while we had some success it was never able to exceed attrition. What we found is that while Facebook is about interacting with your real-world friends online SoapBoxxer was about interacting with strangers in a new environment. An oft-repeated sentiment was that people wouldn’t want their friends on SoapBoxxer because it would strip away their anonymity.
In the end, it has become clear that SoapBoxxer will not grow on its own. Certainly, it would never make any money - even if we added advertising the revenue would be insignificant. SoapBoxxer was an experiment, and like all experiments it must come to an end. To our dedicated users, thank you for your interest and good luck.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
#
Tools:
- Putty knife
- 1/4 inch nut driver or socket
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat tip screwdriver
- Hammer and piece of pipe
- Container for screws
Before attempting any appliance repair, be certain you have unplugged the appliance and completely disconnected it from any power source.
To begin you must remove the control panel. For some Whirlpool models, you will need to remove two screws from the back of the unit. If there are no screws on the upper back part of the unit, then you will have to remove the end caps to the control panel to expose the screws. For Maytag models, slide a putty knife under the control panel on the extreme left (so you do not damage the lid switch) and pop it up. Repeat this on the far right. Using a flat tip screwdriver, pop out the brass springs holding the control panel to the cabinet and the control panel should be released from the unit
and you can flip it up away from you. and the control panel should be released from the unit and you can flip it up away from you. Disconnect the lid switch and make sure not to let it fall in between the dryer and the control panel.
With the lid open and your hands on the inside, grasp the cabinet and tilt it forward and lift upward at the same time to release it. Place it out of the way. The pump and motor will be located at the bottom on the front.
You will need to start by releasing the two clips holding the pump to the motor and swinging it out of the way. You don’t need to remove any of the hoses to do this. Next, disconnect the wiring harness located on the right side of the motor and remove the two brackets and screws holding the motor in place. Now, you should be able to pull out the motor and see the coupler. Part of the coupler will be on the motor
and part of it will be still on the transmission that is now exposed. Remove the old coupler and start by replacing the half on the transmission shaft. You may need a hammer and a piece of pipe to secure this piece. Replace the rest of the coupler on the motor and put the motor back on. Replace the motor brackets and screws and reconnect the wiring harness. Next, replace the pump and pump brackets.
Now you are ready to place the cabinet back on. Make sure the small holes on the cabinet bottom line up with the tabs. Finally, flip the control panel back over and replace spring clips and screws if necessary.
Tools:
- 5/16th nut driver or socket
- Phillips screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Container for screws
Before beginning any appliance repair, it is extremely important to make sure the appliance you are repairing is unplugged and is completely disconnected from power.
The first step in replacing a dryer belt is to slide out the lint filter. This will reveal two screws, which need to be removed in order to get the top of the dryer off. Next, take a putty knife and slide it in to the small opening between the top of the dryer and the front of the dryer. Using the knife, you can pop the top of the dryer off. Do this on the left and the right and flip the top of the dryer out of the way. It’s a good idea to prop the top against something so it doesn’t strain the brackets.
Now that the inside of the dryer is exposed, you have access to the two screws holding the front in place. Using the 5/16th driver, remove the screws on the upper inside right and left corners. This will release the front of the dryer and you can pull out and up to detach it from the rest of the dryer and swing it to the side, out of the way. You may have to disconnect the lid switch if the wires aren’t long enough to allow this.
With the dryer fully exposed now, you can pull off the old belt. Since the inside of a dryer can accumulate a lot of dirt, it’s a good idea to vacuum it out while you have it apart. Simply pull out the drum, vacuum, and replace.
To put on the new belt, you may need another person to help you hold up the drum. It sags down over the area you need to work with and an extra hand can make the next part easier. Start by placing the belt over the entire drum. Next, you will have to go underneath the drum where the idler pulley and motor is located. The belt needs to be placed through the idler pulley and then attached to the motor. The picture shown is with the drum removed so it’s easier to see how the belt is attached. If this is done
properly, the idler pulley should apply tension to the belt.
After the belt has been secured, you should check the rear felt that is on the back end of the drum to make sure it has not been folded under. If it has, use a screwdriver to pop it out while spinning the dryer drum. Finish by replacing the front of the dryer, making sure the tabs on the bottom of the dryer are lined up with the small holes on the front. Connect the lid switch if necessary and replace screws from the inside top corners and lint trap. Finally, replace your lint trap and you’re finished.
Friday, September 19, 2008
#
We all want to make a difference by helping our environment and we’d love to save some money on our power bills, but let’s face it - when it comes to energy-guzzling major home appliances, getting rid of them is not an option. So when you’re stuck with a necessity that could be doing damage to the environment and your wallet, what’s a homeowner to do? It comes down to compromise and taking action to minimize the damage. And the best place to start is with some of the greediest appliances in the home.
The first offender is one of the most used appliances in any home, the refrigerator. Many people don’t have a clue that their refrigerator accounts for 5% of their yearly energy bill, a figure that doubles if your fridge is made before 1993. Combine this with bad habits, such as leaving the door open while you select your midnight snack, and you’ve got a sure fire way to waste energy and money. Since you can’t simply shut off your refrigerator,
make it more energy efficient by doing things like cleaning the coils on the backside and underneath. A fridge will cycle less when the coils are free of dirt and debris and a steady temperature of 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit helps make a difference too. It’s also a good idea to make sure your fridge is kept away from heat sources, such as ovens and heaters, and to leave a space between the wall and fridge for air to circulate. Of course, don’t forget to minimize the time you leave the door open when deciding what to munch on.
The next greedy guzzler on the list is the clothes dryer, which is typically the second biggest electricity sucker in the home. In fact, clothes dryers are so inefficient they haven’t even
earned an EnergyStar label. There isn’t much you can do to make your clothes dryer more earth-friendly (aside from splurging for a new, more efficient model) but you can avoid over-drying by using your dryer’s moisture sensor settings so it shuts off when your clothes are dry. You should also only run it with full loads, keep the lint trap clean, and if you really want to make a difference on your bill, grab some rope and clothespins and make a good old fashioned clothes line.
The dishwasher may feel like a necessity to many but for the most part, owning one is really a luxury and an energy sucker. But don’t feel bad just yet, you can have your cake and eat it too if you use your dishwasher wisely. First, only run the dishwasher if there is a full load of dishes and let them air dry rather than wasting all that energy the dishwasher uses. Another no-brainer is to try to use fewer dishes in the course of a day. Fewer dishes mean fewer loads and that means fewer dollars of your money going down the drain. And lastly, make sure you only pre-rinse your dishes when necessary (burnt on food) and if you’ve pre-rinsed them by hand, don’t run the pre-rinse cycle when you do your load of dishes. Need more green ideas for your dishwasher?
Treehugger.com is always a great resource.
The clothes washer is not an appliance anyone wants to live without but don’t let that stop you from using it more efficiently. The truth of it is, there is one very simple thing you can do to save 90% of the energy a clothes washer consumes – wash in cold water. This is the biggest reason why washers are considered energy guzzlers and even using the warm water option will cut the energy used by half. Since a washer uses pretty much the same amount of energy regardless of load size, running full loads as much as possible is another energy saving tip. In fact, there are several seemingly small things you can do to
save energy with your washing machine.
Granted the best way to make an impact on the amount of energy your appliances use is to invest in some
EnergyStar appliances. They do cost a little more but in the long run, they’ll save you money on your energy bills and really help the environment. But if you don’t have the extra green in your wallet to buy new appliances, don’t despair. There are several easy things you can do today to make your home more green. Eliminate some bad habits, make a few small sacrifices and most importantly be conscious of what you’re appliances are doing, or rather consuming.
For more energy saving tips:
13 Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill
Save Energy Through Your Appliances
Thursday, September 18, 2008
#
Want to do something creative and environmentally friendly with your old appliances? Is the old fashioned way of disposal just too boring for your tastes? Then try out these zany and even practical ways to reuse your household appliances.
1. Turn your old washer drum into a rustic, outdoor fire pit! The holes in the drum allow air to get in and let your fire “breathe”.
3. How about converting your old fridge into a tool shed or storage closet for the basement or garage?
4. If you’re good with your hands, you can get really creative and make a lamp out a washing machine drum and pulley wheels.
5. Check out this video called
Trash To Treasures Gardening and find out how you can use broken pots, old stove parts and more to decorate your garden in a truly unique way.
6. If your home landscape lacks some greenery, reuse a washer tub, dryer tub, or even an old BBQ as a plant pot.
7. Get really innovative like
this guy and build your very own scooter using some old appliance parts.
8. Got a mind for engineering or robotics? Let your old appliances inspire you to
build a robot.
By being inventive, imaginative and conscious of your waste, you can actually do something creative that helps the environment. Who knew being green could be so much fun?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
#
There are thousands of ways we can be ‘green’ and help do our part to protect our environment. From recycling old newspapers and pop bottles to donating used clothing and furniture, it seems there is a way to recycle or reuse just about everything. So why is it many homeowners forget about recycling their old household appliances? When it comes time to dump that outdated or worn-out appliance, resist the urge to toss it in the dump and do your part to properly dispose or recycle it. As you’ll see, it can be as easy a phone call!
Bounty and Municipal Programs
If you need to get rid of an old appliance the first thing you should do is call your electric utility and see if they offer a bounty program in your area. These programs can give you a rebate for your old, unwanted appliances. Generally, these appliances do have to meet certain requirements and be in working condition to qualify.
You can also try to arrange an appointment with your municipality to have your appliance picked up or to find out where you can take them to be disposed. Find out more about these programs by calling your municipality or checking out the Environmental Protection Agency’s
FAQ on disposing appliances.
Donation Programs
Why recycle an appliance when another family can reuse it? If you’re updating your home and have decided to get new appliances, you can donate your old appliances through various donation programs such as the Salvation Army. These
organizations are a great way to get rid of any home appliance but they do need to be in working condition before they are accepted. If you’re interested in these types of programs, there are several options available
here and
here.
Disposing of Appliance with Refrigerants
Appliances containing refrigerants need special attention when being disposed. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers all contain dangerous refrigerants such as
Freon, which can deplete the ozone if not properly disposed. If you need to get rid of one of these appliances and they do not qualify for one of the above programs, check out the US Environmental Protection Agency for
proper disposal. Remember, never under any circumstance attempt to remove refrigerants yourself as they can cause you and the planet physical harm.
We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities and the environment safe and with so many options available, there’s no reason not to. So next time you’re thinking of throwing out an appliance, or anything else for that matter, make sure you stop and think about the safest and friendliest way to do so. If we all work together, we can make a difference.
For more information on recycling and proper household hazardous waste disposal:
Appliance Recycling Centers of America
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Earth911
Natural Resources Canada
Whirlpool 2 and 4 digit oven, range, and stove fault codes. Plus fault codes for Whirlpool Duet front loading automatic washer, Calypso automatic washer, and Duet front loading gas and electric dryer.
Westinghouse fault codes for ovens, ranges, and stoves.
Fault codes for Thermador oven, ranges, and stoves starting with with E and F.