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Re: What happened??

Posted By: Don Miner
Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2009, at 11:56 a.m.

In Response To: Re: What happened?? (neontek)

> *******************************************

> I agree Don.

> Shoddy fabrication and/or installation most
> definitely contribute to a bad image of
> NEON.

> It seems the mindset of the general public
> has also changed to a "cheap" or
> "lowest price" wins attitude
> though. Quality is becoming more of a hard
> sell. It's a disposable society. Few seem to
> care if it lasts anymore. There is junk
> galore.

> As you pointed out, UL can't even get it
> right.
> Another UL blunder was the mandatory use of
> GFI transformers before the transformer
> manufacturers had all the bugs out. Initial
> constant tripping, etc. made even seasoned
> service crews/companies (and Neon Signs)look
> bad to customers.

> All at a time when LEDS were staging a
> massive campaign to take over our market,
> albeit with an advertising campaign full of
> misinformation to boot.

> In my opinion LEDS far outweigh any other
> factor in reducing/replacing Neon
> production. Quality is not the biggest issue
> today. LEDS have vastly replaced Neon in
> channel letter production (an area where a
> great percentage of the work was done was in
> a quality manner).

> LEDS are a viable replacement for NEON
> (where few existed before), in the eyes of
> many people.
> Even long established Sign Business owners
> promote LEDS use.
> In the words of one high production shop:
> "All we need are "monkeys"
> (cheap labor) to tape leds into channel
> letters, eliminating the need for highly
> skilled/paid craftsmen."
> The liberal "Green" crowd is also
> misinformed in thinking LEDS are
> "green" and Neon is
> "dirty".

> Regarding "pushing for better schools
> for our craft". - I'd say that is a BIG
> WISH or pipedream at this point. Look
> around.... most Neon Schools have closed.
> Schools need to be profitable and PLACE
> students in the job market. Ummm, THERE IS
> NO JOB MARKET FOR A NEON TUBEBENDER !
> Apprentiships may be the last remaining
> teaching source (which can be a good thing
> with the right instructor). I proudly
> apprenticed with a skilled master.

> Your one word summary of "GREED"
> may be the best/concise answer of all.

> Tony D.
Thanks for the comments guys, keep them coming. I can remember when interior illuminated plastic signs hit neon a big blow, back in the late 60's early 70's. Then architects discovered the neon tube was good for lighting in channel letters in malls etc. Maybe we can do it again. Remember there is 'nothing new under the sun". Check out those led traffic lights, how long do they last in your area? Good selling points for neon, our product will work for several years! But we have become a throw-away society. Have a great day! Don Miner

Messages In This Thread

• What happened?? -- gavin -- Tuesday, 13 October 2009, at 12:37 p.m.
  • Re: What happened?? -- neontek -- Wednesday, 14 October 2009, at 3:48 a.m.
    • Re: What happened?? -- Don Miner -- Friday, 16 October 2009, at 12:27 p.m.
      • Re: What happened?? -- Neon Ace -- Tuesday, 20 October 2009, at 5:00 p.m.
      • Re: What happened?? -- neontek -- Wednesday, 21 October 2009, at 4:07 a.m.
        • Re: What happened?? -- Don Miner -- Wednesday, 21 October 2009, at 11:56 a.m.
          • Re: What happened?? -- neon57 -- Saturday, 24 October 2009, at 6:17 p.m.
            • Re: What happened?? -- Don Miner -- Sunday, 25 October 2009, at 8:23 p.m.
    • Re: What happened?? *NM* -- Gregg -- Monday, 9 November 2009, at 4:09 p.m.

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