This is topic What originally led you to Letterville? in forum Letterhead/Pinstriper Talk at The Letterville BullBoard.


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Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
 
I am just curious how most of you originally found your way here to Letterville?

I have been looking at the 'Resident Numbers'lately. The lowest one I can find is Bob Rochon at #30, and the newest that I see is Mike Simpson at #20,303. That is incredible!

There are several members here with resident numbers less than one hundred:IE: Dan Sawatzky, Brian Stoddard, Checkers to name just three, meaning they have been here a long time, and still contribute and share their knowledge. Many thanks for continuing to share.

Several others are numbered in the hundreds, Sonny Franks, Glen Taylor, Deri Russell, Jane Diaz, Old Paint, Judy Pate, Bill Riedel, Old Paint, Preston McCall, Rick Sacks, Bruce Bowers,
Dave Draper and so many more. I enjoy that you and others are still here.

In the thousands.... Sam Staffan, Craig Sjoquist, Len Mort, Steve Luck, Sandy Baird,, W.R. Pickett, William DeBekker, Catherine Kennedy, Kelly Thorson....etc.

Now in the tens of thousands....Bob Sauls, Cal Trauter, Doug Haffner, and Mike Simpson are just a few names.

For me, every single one of you are a big part of my daily life as I read your posts and learn from you and about you. Just as much is learned from a newbie's post as from the seasoned veterans here.

For me (the short version)...it was shortly after I opened my quicky sticky sign shop that a 'friendly competitor' explained to me about Letterheads and told me that "If you ever get a chance to go to a Letterhead meet....GO!"

With much reservation I took his advice attending my first 'Letterhead' meet in 1998 in Banff, Alberta. I was hooked at 'Hello' and have never looked back! I lurked in the shadows, I watched with much admiration, I drooled at the talent before me, I took pages of notes, I soaked up every detail I could. Since that first meet, I have travelled to at least a dozen meets/classes, to many parts of Canada and the USA and have met many of you in person and learned soooooo much.

Although vinyl is my money maker, I love to dabble and learn the old handpainting ways and techniques. Am I good? Hell No...but I love to muck in the paint anyway. Thanks to each and every one of you for posting. I will continue to practice, practice, practice and be happy doing it.

Thanks Steve and Barb for keeping us all together and growing at 'Letterville'. (Watch for my long overdue voluntary membership dues)

Let's hear your stories....bring them on!
 
Posted by Preston McCall (Member # 351) on :
 
I came here to find spellcheck for my quills and I am still waiting for someone to tell me where I can get it....or was it the scintillating nature of some of the beautiful women here who know the difference between Helvetica and Caslon....or could it have been the great pictures by the artists here who share their vision of what a good sign should look like? We dare and we share!
 
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
 
I bought my very first computer (not counting my Gerber Sprint, which did not connect to the internet) from a company in Ft. Wayne - I had never held a mouse or seen this new thing called the world wide web, but during the one day training class, they showed me the original Letterhead site. It was very slow to load, but I was hooked the instant I laid eyes on it. That was the early nineties as I recall, and I've been here ever since. I don't think my life would have been nearly as good without my Letterville neighbors - thank you all.....
 
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
 
Susan, I think the early residents here had a revamp or a reset of their numbers-that might be pre-900 or something.

Signcraft magazine led to me be keen to attend a letterheads meeting in Australia.
I'd seen a website about Letterville, but we didn't have the internet here then, and some time after attending our first L'heads meet here, (and with a bit of encoouragement from Gail & Devo Beattie!), I joined Letterville-as newbie resident #3500.

It was two or three years later we got the internet connected at home-in the early 2000s, and I could participate here a bit more often.

Thank you VERY much, Steve & Barb!
 
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
 
I was sitting on the Can and reading a Sign Craft... well maybe I wasn't sitting on the can, lol but I believe SignCraft had something to do with it for sure...It's been a great Ride!
 
Posted by Sunset Regall (Member # 11140) on :
 
Burningman > Nick Weber > Noel Weber > Letterville
 
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
 
Meeting Steve at a meet many years ago, he said I should get aboard because he thought I could be of help to some people.
I have told many that the Letterheads mean more to me than the olympics, superbowl and world series. It is the best thing to happen to the sign business. The quality of signs became much higher because of the Letterheads.
Bill
 
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
 
An ad in SignCraft led me Letterville. So glad I came here, my life is so much fuller for being here. All the Letterheads I have met over the years have greatly enriched my life. Thanks Steve & Barb!
 
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
 
An ad in Signcraft led me to Paul White who had just gotten back from teaching at Boise. Excellent adventure that has certainly changed my life!
 
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
 
"Making Wood Signs" by Patrick Spielman > Signcraft Magazine > Letterville
 
Posted by Mike Simpson (Member # 20303) on :
 
Having been a long time admirer of the art of handlettering and classic signage an old time sign painter and I made an attempt to enter (for him, re-enter)the field in the early 90's. Unfortunately vinyl and computers were coming into their own at that time and both of us moved on to other things. Since that time I have lurked here and there and this summer I decided to get back to it. First the Letterhead website and then Letterville. Very glad to be a part of it. Just finished a workshop with Noel Weber and John Studden so now I am committed. I have long worked with gold on my picture frames but now I'm addicted to gold on glass. We'll see where it goes from here. I'd like to thank all those who post what they are up to. It is always very informative and appreciated.
 
Posted by Bart McCune (Member # 21369) on :
 
Post on facebook of a movie about david smith> david smiths website> letterheads. Just wish i had found it years ago.
 
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
 
I was randomly surfing the web one day...was searching sign related material...nothing specific...I easily could have passed over the Letterville link...but with one serendipitious click of the mouse I found this very interesting, informative, helpful, and talented group of signmakers.
 
Posted by Bill Wood (Member # 6543) on :
 
I've heard the statement made to me from people saying...Bill you are the best and do some beautiful freehand script.I'm greatful for comments like this.As long as we admit that we're not the best,we can be a part of this information highway called Letterville to move closer to reality.I look forward to reading posts every day and anticipate learning new skills and the best way to tackle problems.Thanks to Tim Barrow for introducing me to Letterville...Heisthebest in these parts!
 
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
 
It must be a long time ago, 'cause I don't remember. I know it was before Banff, because I hooked up in Banff with a bunch of my Letterhead Chat Pals... Si, Signmaker, Covey, Spyke, Samason, Lazy Edna, Judster, Nettie, Barb, Steve and others. I remember Steve saying the site had been re-formatted at one time and all the original registration info was messed up.
I still faithfully drop in everyday to see what my pals are up to, even though I don't have much time to post.
Good post Sue.
 
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
 
I think it was Signcraft too, but I do believe it was the mid to late 90's. I remember all the sign "gods" from signcraft being here, and some are still here. [Smile] I can't imagine my career without it.
 
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
 
Where's TBUK...Anybody heard a word..?
 
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
 
If I remember right, and that's a big if, I was the same as Wayne Webb.

Making Wood Signs" by Patrick Spielman > Signcraft Magazine > Letterville
 
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
 
I've either slept or not slept since I first found Letterville and have no clue how I got here in the first place. It was very early in the history of this site, long before Banff. I think my original member number was in the 80s but got bumped to 108 in the reset.
 
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
 
I think it was a POP up Link from "Ms. Linda's House of Pain"
 
Posted by Kevin Gaffney (Member # 4240) on :
 
I can't actually remember how I originally found my way here. I do remember in the early days we only had a dial up internet connection. Thought it was amazing to be able to chat with fellow sign people on the other side of the world.
 
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
 
I don't remember the exact year, maybe 1995, but it was before there was an actual forum. All it was, was a list of people from here and there with contact info. THAT soon changed though.
 
Posted by Craig Sjoquist (Member # 4684) on :
 
What led me here was a internet search for Letterhead Mag, I was looking for sign related sites since I was now able to get on the net. Letterville popped up which took my eye.

Yes Letterville has been great inspiring, learning, challenging, resourceful, encouraging and everything else thank you
 
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
 
Ernie was on line and did a search for sign makers or sign information.
He found the site, a few months later Bruce Bowers had his second letterhead meet. It was our first meet. Tramp lent me his mahl, to replace the "piece of firewood" (a 1" dowel) and taught me some hand lettering. I have been to 7 meets. The best for me was Jills Mars meet.

Diane
 
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
 
I found letterville through SignCraft way back in 1998 just after I got my first computer.

-grampa dan
 
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
 
I found letterville through SignCraft way back in 1998 just after I got my first computer.

-grampa dan
 
Posted by Bruce Evans (Member # 44) on :
 
I think I had just discovered Signcraft and the term "Letterhead". Then I wondered if there was a www.letterhead.com and sure enough, here it was.
 
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
 
My first meet was Jill's Mars meet, after being told about it from an old sign painter/friend of mine. That is where I found out about Letterville. I have been to several meets, & learned so many things. My health has not been real good the past few years, but I am not giving up the fight. I plug along & do what I can.
 
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
 
I can't remember. But its been one heck of a fun ride.
 
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
 
I was introduced to Dennis & Pat Raap through my sales rep from Advantage Sign Supply. He told me that they had a router, and I needed a router guy to help me with my first 3D sign.

They were unlike anyone else I compete with in my area. They have a refreshing approach to business, not necessarily viewing all competitors as enemies. I like that! [Smile] I had been in the sign business longer than them, but have learned from them. It's a nice exchange [Smile]

It's all their fault that you all have to put up with me here. [Smile]

I have been to two meets, where I met some very nice people with the heart of a teacher.

[Cool]
 
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
 
Dennis and I can't really remember how we got connected. We are both thinking that it was through Signcraft.
We got familiar with the meets when our neighbors were invited to Mike Meyers Meet in Mazeppa, to have their Monster Truck trailer done. From there we were hooked! I was kind of lost there, not quite sure where I fit in...then Peach got us working on his wall...taking time to teach us.
We have made many great friends on this site over the last few years!
Thanks Steve and Barb for creating such an awesome community! [Applause]
And thanks Rick for your kind words!
[Group Hug]

PS....Great post too! [Smile]
 
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
 
Don't remember how I got here, but sure glad I did.
 
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
 
Ah, let's see. Oh yeah I remember. With my signkit in hand, I was hitch-hiking along the web, Hopped a train and jumped off at Letterville.
 
Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
 
A guy named Neil Woodgate told me about it when I was in the San Diego area. He moved to England and I haven't heard from him since. I still check in but have not had much to say lately but still get a lot out of it.
 
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
 
i was looking for tips, advice, technical expertise, etc ...... and I found it!!!!!!!

plus Steve was a gracious host, I don't care what anybody says about him.
 
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
 
I remember causing so much trouble with Dave Grundy (good trouble) that when Steve Shortreed got out of the hospital he called me try to figure out who I was and why I posted so much crazy stuff.

I accepted the heartfelt counsel, went on to use this site to make some sense of the changing times
affecting sign painters who were struggling with the new vinyl machines and the idiots who were ruining the craft. Then it changed again to wide format printers.

Then that Grampa Dan guy came along and blew us all out of the water with that Giggle Ridge project.

I'm trying to retire these days. Its not so easy to retire in these times.

But the things I learned here took me from working out of the house to developing a huge business, that crashed in the recession that didn't happen in 2009, and sent me back to the house, wiping out the retirement plan.

Remember Don Adams from "Get Smart" who would hold up his thumb and index finger and say: "
Would you believe I missed it by this much?"

I missed it by that much alright....hhahahah oh well!
 
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
 
Too many naps have effected my memory. I have no idea how I found this place. Heck, I can't even remember how I got to the studio this morning.
 
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
 
You probably fell asleep there yesterday and snoozed at your desk overnight.
 
Posted by Sunset Regall (Member # 11140) on :
 
Alica had lipstick in her signkit so she could travel, no doubt!

Susan...great thread!
 
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
 
Dave Draper!!!

Any "trouble" we had was all in good fun. I think I might still have that "winking" animated GIF of your self-portrait cartoon.

You were very helpful to me in Indiana and I still remember your generosity.

I am sincerely sorry to hear that your retirement plans got sidetracked. Keep at it Dave and it will happen.
 
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
 
I was working at a sign shop and was invited to go along to a "Letterhead" gathering at Roy Frisby's shop- (this was before he made it big selling "Holes") I was blown away at the talent skill and willingness to share stuff about this "mysterious" trade.

Not sure how I stumbled here, but I recognized a bunch of people from magazines and such. I joined a few other similar sites, but soon fell off- this is the only one I care to visit several times a day...
 
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
 
We haven't gotten the "hole" story on Roy's venture. I think he's "hole"ding out on us...
 
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
 
I'm really enjoying this tread. It's amazing that I had the energy. After the heart attacks, it seemed everything I touched turned to crap.

Letterville started as an experiment in learning how web pages worked. At the time, I could only find 25 sign shops online. We personally called them all via the phone. It was exciting to see it grow and enough to rekindle some hope in a hopeless situation.

Keep this discussion going. I'm always amazed to see the personal relationships that are a result of meeting here. Some really great stuff. Weddings. Divorses. Meeting so many of you in person.

Tbuk ia a great example of a character I met here. He was never shy. Like many of us, He marched to his own drumbeat. Barb and I were honored to be quests of Ted in is home in the mountains near El Cajon.

Ted isn't around right now, but he'll always be part of this website. We don't always see eye to eye, yet most of us are still here. At least in spirit.

Last I heard Ted lost his home in a wildfire. I'll bet curious Ted fans are out searchin' right now. Please let us know. I still have some fire ants to return for a prper burial in their homeland.

It's time we start to talk about the future of Letterville. Let's face it. The "sign painter" I wanted to be so bad is no longer viable. We are a website that has always had a close relationship with traditional tools of the trade, yet we no longer attract the people that sell paint and brushes. The good ole days have been over for sometime. In the last few years, we've had to sell the Letterhead.com and letterheads.com at bargain prices to just keep up.

Don't worry. We have no intention of going anywear, but we do need some sort of a idea what you all want and need to keep Letterheads alive.
 
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
 
Boy, you get busy for a couple of days and a cool post like this comes along when you're not looking! That just means I need to go back to checking in daily with the morning cup of coffee before I tackle the work load.

I think I didn't find this site until about 2001. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since then. I don't think a sign shop anywhere in the world can do as well on their own without being a part of Letterville. It has helped me many, many times with questions about anything dealing with signs and what to use to make them.

Proud to be a part of it and share what I've learned too!

Sign-cerely, Steve
 
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
 
I used to buy all my sign supplies from Tubelite when I moved from Florida to Ohio...signcraft and signs of the times were always adorning the front counter. What a treat! I had to get a few every time I went in and when I saw the one with the walldogs hanging off the truck, well, that was for me! I finally could connect and sure enough I did; then I bought a computer in 1994, a plotter around that time also.

Yes, Steve if you ever find TBuk, we had a lot of good talks, that's for sure; would love to get back in touch.

[ October 23, 2011, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
 
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
 
Letterville has kept me sane where other places didn't. There are days when I think is this only happening to me? Is it just my clients who all have nephew art? Am I the only one in the whole world who does learning curve after earning curve? And then I log in here and find all these wonderful people who all are on the same page as I am! And they are all trying to solve them in the same way I do. And the talent is enormous. And the sharing is amazing. ANd the problem solving goes on. I am not sure how I got here. I don't think it was Signcraft. I think my friends Pete and Marj told me about it. Or maybe Too Tall Doug or maybe it was Steve and Barb. Because just about the time this site was started that's about how many friends I had in the business. And it was soooooo good it was started before I drove them all away phoning with questions. And now there are so many friends I can't keep track. But I am so grateful to have it in my life. Thanks Steve. Thanks Barb. Ok now I feel like Timmy from The Christmas Carol- God Bless you everyone! [Smile]
 
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
 
We got a computer 2 days before my sign in date (10 years ago). I already knew about the site and had met Steve and Barb and a whole bunch of other heads......been going to meets since '95.

This is the next best thing!!!

Thanks everyone! [Smile]

Joe,

Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
 
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
 
I'm not quite sure how I originally found this place. But,I would guess it was either an advertisement in Signcraft or stumbling upon it while searching "webcrawler" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebCrawler) for signs.

And, wow, between this thread and the one about age, I'm really starting to feel old [Smile]

Havin' fun,

Checkers
 
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
 
I found Letterhead.com which found my significant other by the name of Hassle Fiasco around 1996 and as much change that I anticipated, I waited and waited and here I still am with another made up name I been using since I was 21..

Here is a link from the Letterhead archives back then Hassle Fiasco

[ October 24, 2011, 10:04 AM: Message edited by: Joey Madden ]
 
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
 
December 9, 2001 my father Al Zanetti passed and sometime that week, Bob Wendlandt of Bob's Signs (who was his mentor and like a father to him) emailed me that he had written to Steve and let him know. He sent me a link to the thread here and the rest is history.
 
Posted by Vance Galliher (Member # 581) on :
 
this is to Joey's post.......I always knew you were he, Hassle Fiasco.........the man of manymany words !the wonderful stories,rants and raves...I enjoyed his presence.....take care
 
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
 
I hosted my first meet in 2000, Krazy 8, and these two Canadians showed up.
(I didn't have the Internet back then. I had advertised in the trade sheets)
Then in I think 2001 I was at the library and decided to look up their site.
Love....Jill
 
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
 
wow..I can't remember exactly when...probably in late 90's briefly...then more intensely once I got a CNC in 2002 or 3. It was a lifeline to me. Working alone can be difficult so it was nice to have so much support. After I bought a versacamm almost 7 years ago, I've changed directions of my business...going for the easy $ now...lol. I don't actually care if I ever paint another background again. BUT I am taking a painting class in oil in a few weeks...something purely for myself...no customers allowed! Letterville has been awesome, I've met so many lifelong friends here!
 
Posted by Donald Miner (Member # 6472) on :
 
I was informed of this site by my very good friend, the late Arvil Shepard, better known as Shep. I miss him still. Peace, Don
 
Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
 
I got invited to the Dublin meet in 1996 and was given a SignCraft magazine where I think I found the website address.
 
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
 
I've been around since here '99 too, but doing signs since '74. Guess I read about it in magazines, and looked it up, as a source of new information, and hopefully a place to learn, and share..knowledge and friendship.

Over the years, I've seen a lot faces come and go for a lot of reasons....and we've lost some too.

And like Steve said, the 'sign painter' is pretty much gone.....something I thought I'd never see. I welcomed our first 4B, as a tool to allow us to get our work done faster. I never saw it coming, that others (mere "others", that had no training or love for the craft) would be able to get into our business, use the machines for nothing more than to "make a quick buck" and cheapen it forever. Not all changes are for the better.

I could never have hoped to find a career that I've both loved and hated, but overall, thank God every day that I've been blessed to be a member of this fraternity. Someone wise, once said "If you really love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." For the most part, everyday's been a new adventure.

I'm about the only one around this part of the state that does hand lettering. Since my stroke, I haven't even tried to stripe yet; but hope to get back after it soon. The worst part is, we no longer have paints(a few exceptions) that are worth a crap, to work with.

At my age, I just can't justify the expense of a printer (besides, to me it's just not the same); so I guess I'll keep paintin' til the paint runs out; then fade away...maybe aggravate the hell out of the wife....I don't know......maybe rustle up a street rod, and go cruisin' off into the sunset...

[ October 26, 2011, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: Dale Feicke ]
 
Posted by Sean G. Starr (Member # 1549) on :
 
You aren't alone Dale, there is a growing resurgence of sign painters on the rise, as well as several film crews shooting documentaries on sign painters right now. Some of us are still slinging paint daily. I joined this site back in 1999 as well and have lived through every change imaginable in this industry, got fed up with it all and went back to doing what I got started with my dad back in the 80s, doing hand painted work. I think it is a testament to what the Letterheads accomplished, the craft is still alive and is coming back rapidly. We are working on another project for the retail giant the Gap right now. They had us busy working all summer long. Its coming back, to those of you who can still swing a brush... its coming back.
 
Posted by Sean G. Starr (Member # 1549) on :
 
oops, I guess I signed up in 2000
 
Posted by Kerry Hargraves (Member # 6837) on :
 
I'm pretty sure I was searching the internet for help. I'm inclined to sell first and figure it out how to do it later [Roll Eyes] I found the help I needed and as a bonus, a community of people that I admire and respect.

Inspiration, motivation, reassurance that I'm "not the only one" when things get challenging. Priceless!
 
Posted by Mayo Pardo (Member # 138) on :
 
Soon after I got onto the internet I searched for anything related to Letterheads. I had seen most of the early articles in Signs of the Times and SignCraft about the great work and techniques being used by these "Letterhead" people.

What really got me motivated to find anything "Letterheads" related was the concept of an organization that was not an organization. It was an informal gathering of friends - the sole purpose of which was to share knowledge and skills, and have fun doing it, and to learn from others who had already done it.

I remember in the beginning there was just a handful of us that connected online. I think first it was emails and phone but then we got into mIRC chat and it opened up another dimension - what with being able to instantly share photos of sign projects, photos of each other, our shops, get suggestions on how to accomplish certain techniques, what materials to use for specific applications, how much to charge for whatever... and on and on.

For most of you who don't know me - and that will be most of you since the numbers have kept growing and I've kept myself away from here for several years - the following is my perspective of things. Your perspective may be totally different.

Years went by and along with the changes in the sign business, the "buzz" of the chat channel and to a certain degree the Bullboard also changed somewhat. For me, it was becoming less fun and more annoying. Personalities with strong opinions about all sorts of things (not Letterhead related) that I didn't agree with seemed to dominate the "buzz". The core underlying belief remained though and Steve and Barb kept a never ending vigil to keep things on track and focused. I'm sure this wasn't (and isn't) easy with all the personal drama throughout the years.

What kept me here when I was here, were the personal relationships - the friendships that developed and the fountain of knowledge all these people have. Going to Letterhead meets was icing on the cake - being able to work on projects, being able to watch other "greats" work on stuff, and sharing in the "party" atmosphere of most meets. When I could, I offered up what knowledge I had.

I finally felt like I "belonged" even if it was to an organization that had no organization. What could be more appropriate for me?

A high point for me was going to the meet in (was it really 1999?) Hervey Bay in Australia and being able to meet friends I had been chatting with online for years. Even better was staying with several Aussie shop owners and families for three months and getting a first hand experience of life in OZ in OZ sign shops.

All this probably wouldn't have happened for me without this web site.

And after being away from here for quite some time, I felt compelled to stop by and check it out again only to see that one of the friends I stayed with - "Bushie" has passed away. It makes me sad that I didn't keep in better contact. I'll look for photos from when I stayed there and if I find them, I'll post in another thread.

So Steve you asked what people want out of this site - as if it needs to be something different. I think you've always asked that question though, and I'm in no position to offer much advice since I haven't been here but as previously mentioned above by others, I think most people want the sense of community - of belonging, and they want occasional advice or suggestions related to their pursuit in this business we call signs or pinstripes or graphics or whatever. IOAFS
 
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
 
MP!!!

Great to see you make a post again. And to see that you still support this great website.

Like you say, some folks here probably don't remember or know about the mIRC chat days but they WERE fun.

Are you still actively working or retired?

e-mail me at dave.grundy@hotmail.com if you wish.
 
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
 
eMPy - glad to know you're still alive and kicking. This site has introduced me to the wackiest people on the planet, many of whom I consider family. Steve, I'm not sure you can steer this thing in a certain direction - it has an evolving mind of its own, so I guess we'll hang on and enjoy the ride......
 
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
 
I can't remember the year but I know I was very early. Steve was trolling for posters at another website. I had posted a question about marketing techniques for signs. The next day I had a email from Steve suggesting I post it to his new site. I think there were about 25 people who had found it.

Kathy and I started as a vinyl shop in 1990 without any knowledge of making signs. I had a good background in computers but the DOS based pc, anagraph software and cutter were all foreign to me.

We don't post here often but keep tabs on the site every couple of days. We have been to Letterhead meets in Stratford, Welland and Cinncinati over the years plus the Pontiac wall dog extravaganza.

We have always been in the same 2400 sqft storefront location. We have lots of clients that have been with since the early years. For the past 3 years it has been a real family business as our daughter joined us. Soon we will be working for her!

Sure appreciate all the effort Barb and Steve have put into this site over the years.
 
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
 
Steve held me down and pummeled me until I agreed to sign up. Sheesh. What a life altering decision that was...
 
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
 
Steve told me the opposite scenario Bruce...YOU held him down and choked him until he gave you the web address!!!

THEN you forced him into giving up his residence address and kept dropping by all the time!!!!

(begging him to tell you where to buy real Canadian beer!!!)

[Rolling On The Floor] [Rolling On The Floor] [Rolling On The Floor]
 
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
 
I sure can't remember how I first found this site. It was long ago and I think my number was in the low forties then. Mike Jackson might have steered me this way. This site has been a powerful influence in my direction. Seems like it was the early nineties. We soon had the IRC chat going also.Steve and Barb had this amazing vision. Who'da thunk facebook would mess with our community so bad?
 
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
 
I sometimes think Facebook copied all our early ideas! We had HeadCam long before all the fancy, big money websites. Same with chat. I still can't figure out that mirc program, but what fun we had on there.

Many nights it was just Mayo, myself and someone foolish enough to get tied up with us two. Sure glad we wern't running for President. I have flirted in my mind.

I never really believed you were for real. In my mind, you guys might have been next door playing some trick on me. The only way to really know was to hit the road and knock on some doors.

I outta write a book. That Mayo guy will take a whole chapter himself. If anyone has a burning desire to smaltz a station wagon. Mayo is the guy you need to talk to. Just the mention of that name breaks me up. Feels good to smile tonight.
 
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
 
LOL....I remember the "Smaltzmobile"

I also remember other things, but no further comments. [Smile] [Smile]
 
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
 
Was the Smaltzmobile a later incarnation of the Brickmobile and the Barcodemobile?
 
Posted by David Fisher (Member # 107) on :
 
One of my first internet searches was for letterheads when I got a job with the tech college (read free internet)
It was that long ago I think I used Alta Vista on Netscape after which I degenerated into a #letterheads irc junkie.
I lurk a bit these days because I'm not on the tools and don't have much to add, but the fact that the site has users who have been here for >10 years who actively post speaks volumes for Steve and Barb's management and the community they have made.
 
Posted by john randall (Member # 2450) on :
 
I cany t remember either, but I was wowed by peoples work when I got on here!!
 


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