I just bought my own big rig, and started my own trucking company, because the last shipment of sign supplies cost too much money and I just thougt I would drive over to pick them up myself!
And although I can letter it up just dandy and professional and all, I can't seem to get the thing in first gear!
I was wondering if you guys could give me any pointers on how to diver this thing? Some of you must pull a semi in and out of your shop to letter it.
Thanks in advance.
[ September 15, 2002, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Dave Draper ]
posted
depress clutch and put it in gear. you have just became a steering wheel holder. haha
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I got tired of driving my semi all the way over to get sign supplies, so I just started a sign supply business of my own. Then I needed a sign for my sign supply business, so I drove my semi over to a sign shop to get around $200.00 worth of cut vinyl only, I would prep the sign supply building myself in order to save a couple of bucks. Then I did not like the layout for the sign, all red helvetica... so I decided to purchase a book on layout and design. I didn't like the way the books were published, so I started my own publishing house. I started selling more books, causing me to spend more for fuel for my semi, so instead of going to the gas station, I built one behind the publishing house. I did not like the price I was paying for fuel from the refinery, so I purchased Iraq. Now they tell me that I have to purchase a ship to haul oil to the states! I am looking for a couple of good used plotters to make letters to identify all of my crap. Can you point me in the right direction?
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
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Jimmy, Thanks, I forgot it had a clutch-a-ma-thing! ------------ Jeff...You bought a sign supply biz too? I never thought of that, I could save another $10 on a roll af vinyl easy! Geeeeze....look out 3M, here we come!
Lets just go in together and buy our own VINYL manufacturing plant and have those Tiwanese people (mostly kids, child slave labor and all)work for us for $1 a day. We could make some money then, eh?
wanna, wanna, come on, say ya wanna, ok, ok, huh? huh? How about it?
posted
Wow Draper, the way you're thinkin' you're moving right on past just being a steering wheel holder!! Those schemes are sounding more like what a true professional driver would come up with, but I think you set your sights a little low. Let's put a leveraged buy-out together & just buy Mexico & Canada, then either run 'em ourselves or sell 'em to the U.S. and retire. Wait a minute.....why sell when we can just start getting foreign aid?? Yeah, that's the ticket
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Chris, I like the way you think! -------------- Mark,
I think you should share that one with everyone! -------------------
here it is folks: ----------------- Trucker Breakfast
A young man at his first job as a waiter in a diner has a large trucker sit down at the counter and order, "Gimme 3 flat tires and a couple of headlights."
Bewildered he goes to the kitchen and tells the cook, "I think this guy's in the wrong store, look at what he ordered!"
He looks at it and growls, "What's this? I didn't order this!"
The young man tells him, "The cook says that while you're waiting for your parts you might as well gas up.
-----------------------------------
Seriously,
I think we could hire some girls, run a whore house out the back of the trailer, and paint "LOT LIZZARDS" on the sides, and roam from truck stop to truck stop. We could letter trucks while the truckers relieved some anxiety! Course, I forgot, we'd have to hire some men for the gay truckers!
Hey Mark, maybe you could do a professional layout of the above! It would show these truck driver sign wanna-bees a thing or two. hahahahahahahahahhahahahaha
[ September 15, 2002, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: Dave Draper ]
posted
YUP............ I think that at least 80% of the people in the sign business should definatly go into trucking where they can compete at their actual skill level......and that includes the majority of those on this board..... (Dave...this does not mean you, your skills are obvious )
Why is everyone so intimidated by a small trucking company doing their own "In-house" graphics...?? Race cars do it......NASCAR does it......practically "ALL" the MAJOR trucking companies do it......UPS does it.....FED-X does it........ DUH !! I think that "Every" company that can,.....should do their own stuff.....Why Not.??
It would certainy weed out the "Hacks" we have an abundance of now, down to those with the skills, or those with the desire to obtain those skills, to put out quality work..!!
If your skills are such that you can't compete, and you are not willing to bring those skills up to a level to compete.............Then Get A Truck, and quit whining about the way the world is changing, and you can't keep up.....!!
Hahahahha...... Gee.......It sure wasn't all that long ago, the sign guys were all panicked about this new vinyl stuff.......... Guess what.........Those with the skills are still working, and never hardly missed a beat, and most have added vinyl to add tho their skills, making them even more competive.........DUH !!
I have a question.......... A lady comes here, asks a question,and is completly honest about why she wants the information............The first few were good responses, in keeping with the "Letterhead Spirit" (whatever the hell that's come to mean) Then someone starts the slide downhill, and everyone jumps on the bandwagon..........(like this post, I might add)......
The Question......... How many people do you think come here on a regular basis, with the same basic motive as Pam ....who are less than honest, and are welcomed with open arms, because they say the right things, and are able to pull the wool over everyones eyes, at least for a while.....??
It really makes me wonder about some of the people here, who have come down to a level to even get involved in this topic.....Myself included...!!
Yup.....Git aTruck.......That's most likely yer best play........
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.......??
.........cj
[ September 15, 2002, 07:42 PM: Message edited by: CJ Allan ]
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
Breaker Breaker, how boutcha' there Drape ol' buddy? Ya got yur ears on? I'ma deliverin' some vynull clear to Shakytown and I need some one to rake the leaves cuz it looks like the Smokey's got a raod block at the Scales. I thought drivin' truck wuz gonna be a piece o' cake since I got my own rig. "GUESSS I SHOULD HAVE LEFT IT TO A PROFESSIONAL, AND STICK TO WHAT I DO."
Catch ya on the Flip side, we gone byebye.
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
posted
I have to agree with most of what you say CJ. It's very easy to get caught up in the name calling and other less than pleasant activities we sometimes find ourselves a part of. I'm no exception.
Many of us have been guilty of making fun of each other. Sometimes I see certain individuals being centered out for special treatment. We tell ourselves that it is all just in fun, but I have to wonder what it feels like to be on the receiving end. Imagine if it was you, or your loved ones, that were the subject of today's group joke? Something to think about.
We were quick to get on Pam's case over doing her own graphics, but what about ourselves? Who does their own auto repairs, plumbing and other home improvement projects? Who prints their own business cards? If we are confident to consider ourselves experts in these other fields, why is it so hard to relate to others who feel the same about our occupation?
I have to disagree with CJ when it comes to his attempt to insinuate Resident's get better treatment here than Visitors. It is true that Residents get some special perks like their photo, a chance to win great prizes and some exclusive fonts and clipart. They help cover the cost of running Letterville. Their investment is appreciated the same way those that pay to attend live meets is.
The beauty of Letterville is that the knowledge is not limited to those that pay. Everyone has access to the BB, step by steps, chat, profiles, meet reports and other features. To suggest Residents get some sort of special license to act like savages is just plain wrong. The part that really hurts is that you know Barb and I better than that.
[ September 15, 2002, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
You're right Steve.......and I have edited that sentence out of my post........!! It was completly out of line, and un-called for.
"I Appologize.......!!"
But you have to admit, there is a small group here that seem to have something to say no matter who's feelings they step on.....and they are considered cool...!!
.............cj
[ September 15, 2002, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: CJ Allan ]
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
"I think that at least 80% of the people in the sign business should definatly go into trucking where they can compete at their actual skill level......and that includes the majority of those on this board..... "
wow
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 913 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dave, I was in the trucking business for 20 years, if you do truck lettering my only reply....at least one that Steve won't delete...is that someone in your area copies your letter and puts it in every truck stop in a 100 miles radius of you.....in fact maybe you should print it and put it on your front door....and your voice mail...as it seems you don't need any truckers money
-------------------- Mark Perkins Performance Signs & Graphics Eunice, Louisiana "The heart of Cajun Country" Posts: 506 | From: Eunice Louisiana 70535 | Registered: Nov 1998
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I see lots of replies. And i see lots of feelings. But what is the root of those negative feelings..
It looks like no one complains about what they do or how they do it (lettering)
It looks like a lack of respect for the skill and devotion each one has for the sign bizz.
The "Hey i can do it better and cheaper" mentality really ****es everyone off. But, its not just in this bizz either.
Accountants moaned and whined when quickbooks and turbo tax came out.
Lawyers here whined when notaries got the power to make out wills and do title transfers and real estate work.
I never once heard them complain about who was doing the work. The complaints were alwasy the "hey i can do it too" attitude. It was taken as a complete lack of respect and appreciation for the work. It was almost like job thieving.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5278 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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All business people have some sort of competition, in our case another sign company. That is good as far as I am concerned. How many restaurants, lawyers, insurance agents, realtors, contractors and so on are in your area? Truckers have LARGE competition. You get the idea.
Many times we can't put a name to the source of our gripe... we just "know" it's out there. This time our gripe became someone named "Pam" and gave everyone a golden opportunity to point a finger and wave our hands around. It's not often that someone jumps into the fire like this, but it does happen once in a while. When it does, we all like to watch it burn.
I hope that some of those reading this know that even though it irks us to see someone admit they are taking business away from us, most of us are really laughing at our own situations. Hell, I chose this business. If I had chosen to be a brain surgeon, I'd be poking fun on the Brain Surgeon Bull Board tonight. Sorry if I riled anyone up but geeeez... lighten up a little! If I can't have fun in this business (and I do) then I should quit and start looking for another job tomorrow. Something where I can work alone without the constant bother of the phone and the customers. Someplace where I can sit and reflect and figure out the meaning of life. Maybe I should look into LONG HAUL TRUCKING.
OK, sorry. I quit.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
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Doug, I read the posts from you mentioned....and I was one who offered help....cause I believe in helping PEOPLE...letterheads...truckers...and even hoes..Dave went beyond putting down Pam, he put down all truckers with his comments....of course a man with Dave's talents would never have done Pams basic lettering in the first place....or would he?
-------------------- Mark Perkins Performance Signs & Graphics Eunice, Louisiana "The heart of Cajun Country" Posts: 506 | From: Eunice Louisiana 70535 | Registered: Nov 1998
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Mark told me to do a layout for you. He promised to give me a basketful of biscuits. Don't forget the pork sausage gravy, Bubba!
Meyer just brought over his truck and we decided to put your new company on it. Heck, we lettered it in the parking lot.
We decided that you might need to supplement your income and we added a mobile bar in the front of the trailer and a gaming table in the back. Yeah, the extra cash can't hurt. eh?
Here is your new logo. You will have to get a hold Mark and find out what the biscuits and gravy were worth, OK?
Hey Mark, Meyer says as long as your making biscuits, he wants some, too.
Have a great one!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6465 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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This is called satire, and not an ATTACK against anybody. I'm POKING FUN at ALL of us. This isn't the first time WE ( as many in here in Letterville are guilty of this humor) have poked fun of a situation, and exactly in the same way.
Have a good laugh, and get on with life. Or not. Anybody that reads something deeper in all this is just digging way to deep!
It may be in bad taste, or beer drinking humor, but that's what struck me funny today.
Oh, by the way, last year in an SBI article I did poke fun of some truckers who buy these $100,000 trucks, deck it out with $6,000 in chrome do dads, then try to get the cheepist lettering on the planet, Mainly because thier wife is so upset she won't let the guy spend anymore money. Lucrative and Lively Layouts was the name of the article. I'm already in the dog house with truckers over that article!
hahahahahahahahahah...but they did print it!
I can't believe you use to drive a truck for 20 years and now you make signs? What were you thinking! The real money is in the trucking! hahhahahah! Sorry for any real or imagined offense this has caused anyone.
------------------- BREAKER BREAKER FOR MIKE MEYER............I'M GONNA PULL OVER FOR A 10-100 AT THE NEXT PORTA POTTY (rest area), WATCH OUT FOR THAT BANDAID COMING UP ON YOUR DONKEY (ambulance approaching quickly behind your vehicle)KEEP THE DIRTY SIDE DOWN (don't wreck your truck) AND WE'LL SEE YOU ON THE FLIP FLOP, AND CHECK OUT THOSE SEAT COVERS IN THE RED BIRD! ( we'll meet again on the return trip and there are some good looking girls approaching behind you in a red Thunderbird)
[ September 16, 2002, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: Dave Draper ]
Like you, I've been involved in the trucking biz for more years than I care to admit, however, I really didn't take Draper's comments as a slam against all truckers. I've met Dave and he's just as willing to poke fun at himself as he is to laugh at someone else (check the pix from the walldog meet at Atlanta, IL, that's him running into the sign which we padded with foam, just for him).
I don't know what kind of truckin' you did but if you drove surely you learned early on that when you find yourself getting mad about something someone said on a CB radio, it's time to take a break & lighten up a little. (That's not meant as an insult but just as a friendly suggestion)
Just so you know where I'm coming from, I started out as a bull hauler, went into outlaw flatbed frieght (oil field & lumber mostly) & even drug a few grain buggys & dry boxes around. Spent serveral years runing coast to coast all 4 ways (east/west & north/south). Now that you know all that.....you may want to take my comments for what their worth (probably about what you paid for 'em)
Doc CAS........that's a killer layout!! Hope to see you folks at Hulsey's Dixie meet!! (yes Draper, you too!!!)
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Yup Just love getting ignored all the time.......feels good !! Got used to it a long time ago around here..!!
This place is also great at justifying their actions, by saying it was "All in Fun" AFTER they've run somone off...!!
If Pam were a programer as she said..(and I have no reason to question her honesty), I'm sure she can, and will get down with some little program like Corel, or one or more of the sign programs, (which is all most of you have done),,,,,and if she has even the slightest eye for design, layout, or composition...........I'm pretty sure she will be able to smoke the majority around here. Thereby having absolutly no need for a run-of-the-mill sign shop. After all, what i see around here most of the time, is no more than "Cookie-Cutter " sign work........!!
Not putting Bruce, or his design down, because he's good at what he does,......But that logo, while being adequit, is nothing to write home about, and he most likely knocked it out in a half hour or less. Can't see him wasting any more time than that, just to screw around for the sake of this topic.......
There are a handful of exceptional sign people around here, but not many.
If ya don't like what I say, or believe me...... Look around and do the math.......
How many are registered...?? How many people come here........?? How many actually post...?? How many of the top sign people come here.....?? How many of them post.........??
How many of these peoples work have you actually seen......and is any of it any good.....?? Would you have them do any work for you.....??
Add up the people... Add up the work....... Add up the work worth looking at.....
One more small point...........
It's funny, but I NEVER see the best in this field like Timi, Bill Riedel, Rick Glawson, Mike Jackson, Dave Butler, etc, EVER getting involved in stuff like this, and insulting people and running them off...!! All I've ever watched them do is Help and encourage, and TEACH, those that come to them with a question, no matter how small, or the motives behind that question...!!
Hmmmmmmmmmm.......!!
Go Ahead.....Ignore me some more......... cause you're damn good at it.........
...........cj
PS.........See ya at Sheps, and Hulseys..............
[ September 16, 2002, 01:42 AM: Message edited by: CJ Allan ]
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
gee guess iam the only one here that really had a couple gals and worked outa my station wagon at couple truck stops, one was the 76 truck stop at DALLAS PIKE!!!! if your a trucker you will know where that is!!!!! oh by the way, never messed with the saleable merchandise!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey CJ,... since I don't know the numbers I'm not gonna do the math but you can fill the following answers into the right places on your quiz...."quite a few", "alot", "yes", & "ya betcha"
Now, as far as your question about why we don't see some of the folks you mentioned getting involved in threads like this....my guess is that they're not only more talented than we are, they're also demonstrating better judgement than we are so with that thought in mind, I'm gonna go give myself a real stern talk about this attitude I've got!
p.s. haven't heard from you about the trip to Shep's (what....are ya ignorin' me?) so I'm gonna take two asprin & call ya in the morning
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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OP,..that's on the north side of I-70 (exit 9 ?) in West Virginia...and yes, you're the only one that had a station wagon and if those were your girls I meant what I told 'em....."No, I don't need any company,... No, I don't want a date, &... NO!!! You can't use my radio!!!!" But Joe, if that was your deal I may be starting to understand why you always think everyone's out to @#*% ya!!
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Ah, CJ, your being too easy on us! Professional sign artist cookie cutters can knock out a great layout faster than a 1/2 hour. For gifted and talented ones like Bruce, they should be able to instantly see the layout in their head. Then its only a matter of how skilled they are at the computer or easel to pull that layout out of their head and place it on the monitor, or on a sign board.
And I disagree with you as the vast majority of those that come to this site have that special gift of pizzazzzzz, at different levels of maturity, but they have the gift nevertheless.
posted
Awwww CJ....I never ignore you baby! There are lots of us guilty of being mean. I am one of the worst.The deal is.....you get tired of getting up in the morning, turning on the BB and there it is! Another person starting up a sign business. Why? Because it is just too damn easy. They have no clue what it's like to go out and actually hand paint a sign. They have no clue as to what possibly looks nice as far as a layout (design)But hey.....they want us to be happy for them and help them find all their supplies, do all the grunt work for them etc. A newcomer who is passionately genuinely interested in learning about design etc. has it written all over their posts. They yearn for more information. They really want to learn. She didn't post her work, because she doesn't care what it looks like. All she cares about is saving a buck. Kenny had the balls to actually post his work. I admire that, eventhough we 'think' Kenny was not real. There are too many Pam's these days, and not enough Kenny's in my eyes.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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chris..was many years ago.....hehehehehehehe and you got the right place..ever been to "the truckers health club" there?
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dave..... What vast majority are you talking about with all this pizazzz.......?? The vast majority don't even post, so how could you possibly know what they have, or do.....?? Hell, there'e only abot 50 or so people that post here, and that sure ain't no majority......... Hmmmmmmmmm......
Cheryl........ Hell darlin'.....yer always alright with me.......
Did anyone notice that Pam changed her name to Penny, and came back with a little different approach.........?? And jist Lookie at all the nice help ya can git if ya just ask right..........hahaha1
.....cj
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
Yeah CJ, I noticed (suspected) that too. I guess if ya got good enough sheeps clothing, no one crys wolf.
If "she" is spoofing, it was important enough to secure a domain name & post a basic one page web presense. And if it is the same individual, then we can stop worrying that "she" will think ill of us for not being helpful, just for being selective of who we help.
I'm not as defensive as you & some about how "rude" some of us may have seemed, because I think human nature makes entering any group a challenge, testing humility. I do agree that there is somewhat of a "mob mentality" that spirals down into sarcasm & sometimes juvenile humor, but it is not IMO all that offensive, & sometimes I enjoy the laugh, although it may be at the expense of some real persons feelings.
LORD OF THE FLIES was on last night. I couldn't help but think of us letterheads & Pam's post.
[ September 17, 2002, 03:27 AM: Message edited by: Doug Allan ]
posted
LOL CJ. you are right. It is best to ask nicely in the first place. Pam was 'fed up with Letterville' right off the bat. Penny has some passion for signmaking. Now if we could just get Kenny back here.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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JEFFREY: I hope you can get your money back on Iraq! PLEASE buy British Columbia instead, that way you don't need the Ocean tanker. When you truck down the oil and gas from B.C. you can advertise your sign supply shop on the side of the tanker trucks. You can't do that, if you continue with your purchase of Iraq! Plus, that way I could buy supplys from you, for the equipment that I have, instead of buying it from the USA, since we would then be USA, plus, I wouldn't have to have a seperate trucking company bring supplies to me... AGGHHHH! wait a minute aren't you a trucking company too? I'm confused again! hahahaha
-------------------- Brian Crothers CR Signs 1790 C Tamarac St. Campbell River B.C. V9W 3M6 briancrothers@crsigns.ca Posts: 82 | From: Campbell River B.C. Canada | Registered: Apr 2002
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dang!....its sooooo hard not to jump in on this one!.....ok ok ill be good
-------------------- Aaron Haynes Aaron's Signs & Windows Napa Ca aa4signs@sbcglobal.net ------------ Important Rule For Life: "Look out for number one... Don't step in number two" ------------ If your never the lead dog on the sled...the scenery never changes. Posts: 241 | From: Napa Ca. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Doug........Naw I really ain't all that defensive about any of this, and anyone that knows me...knows I love ta joke an play..... It's just when I see someone gettin gang-banged.......I usually get in the middle and let the ones doin it know, that they ain't all that special them damn-selves, which usually manages to get everyone ****ed off at me........
But thas Kool, cause the little guy can use a hand too, and that's just how I am, and most likely always will be.......
Hey Darlin'..........You come on down ta Kennyville, and visit......!! Kennys Invented The FUN Zone..!!
........cj
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted
The problem with those that love to jump is that their feet tend to land in deep doodoo. My buddy CJ is a master of it the last few days.
I share your emphaty for the way some of us reacted to Pam's post. Felt so guilty i even emailed her and offered an apology on the BB. Never did hear back from her yet and that's ok. I tried my best.
Yes we were wrong to vent our frustrations on Pam, but this IS a Letterhead meet after all. I'm more concerned about CJ's efforts to belittle the efforts of those that have not yet managed to become big names. But that's not all! In the same breath, he manages to belittle my favotite project...that's Letterville.
Where do you get your figures CJ? Aw shucks...I'll bet you are just funning with me right? You asked the questions and we have the answers.
How many are registered...??
7607 signmakers have registered in the Letterville Database
Out of that, 3062 have gone on to register at the BB to post.
How many people come here........??
12-15,000 a day visit this BB. I can almost hear CJ saying "Oh yeah? What are their names?
How many actually post...??
Of the 3062 registered on the BB, 2048 have made at least one post. In the last 24 hours, there have been 44 active topics in the Letterhead, and yes CJ, PinHead Forum.
How many of the top sign people come here.....??
Who gives a rat's ass? Everyone's list of top sign people is different. At the top of my list are those that are here caring and sharing, instead of constantly trying to tear others, and their efforts, to pieces. Pam's feeling are important, but what about those of us you call Brothers and Sisters?
How many of them post.........??
The nice guys you mentioned by name have all made posts here? But let's not look at the all the talented Letterheads that love Letterville. Far more fun and productive to look for those that don't. Von Dutch has never posted. What's with that?
Let's get serious. More than 25 years have passed since this thing we call Letterheads was launched. It's important to remember that Letterheads was not started by big name sign makers. They were 7 apprentices...just beginners. They certainly didn't agree on everything in life, but you can bet your butt these guys were passionate about their craft. Their love and respect of our trade sparked a fire that burns hotter today than ever.
Have you been to a meet this year CJ? You'd notice that many of your big names no longer attend meets. Some have lost the fire and dream. A few won't share without being paid. Some don't have the money. Some might enjoy being seen when they teach instead of being read. Even some of the original 7 are no longer active. Many of our own old Letterhead friends right here in Ontario don't post. Yes it hurts at times. We wonder why they don't participate in our online meet, but life is too short.
I miss my old heros from past Letterhead meets. There are dozens that have disappeared. We call and e-mail them, encouraging them to get reinvolved and letting them know they are missed. Many of you are doing the same. I can't imagine it, but there may be a few who just plain hate Letterville and/or me. Do you know something I don't CJ?
How many of these peoples work have you actually seen......and is any of it any good.....?? Would you have them do any work for you.....??
We've seen all kinds of work from all kinds of Letterheads at different skill levels. Yes! Some look like ransom notes, but so did all of ours in the beginning. The only important thing is that these people are here, attending Letterhead meets, subscribing to trade mags, investing in their own tools and doing whatever it takes to discover the best that they can be.
I may not be quite ready to hire some of the gang here, but we have enough trust and faith in them to drop in on our travels. We've had some serious troubles locating Kenny's shop, but if CJ says he's real, we'll keep looking. You can be sure CJ treated us real good when we dropped by his ranch. That's what makes these sort of posts so hard to understand. Where's the love gone CJ?
A fire needs wood to burn. New sign makers are the wood that fuels Letterheads. Their excitement at learning stuff we consider old hat, renews our energy and the cirle of learning goes on and on.
Well that's my thoughts at 6:20am. I've tried to answer all CJ's questions. If I ruffled a few feathers, I'm sorry, but that's how I feel. CJ may feel Letterville is insignificant, but we're seeing lots of new meets and new people. And heck, we're just getting started!
[ September 17, 2002, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
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...and I'm still waiting for my wife's PT Cruiser while I bang out yet another "adequit" design. I better head down to Western Union.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6465 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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I read this BB nearly everyday and almost always learn something new. A you can see I have only posted a few times. Maybe one day I will have the kind of knowledge to share that all of you have from your years of experience. But until the I can just sit and absorb your all your experiences in the industry.
I look at this BB alot like little league baseball. If the coaches are unwilling to teach the youngsters then how are they going to learn the game and what will happen to the "game" if no one is willing to share. This is not directed toward anyone just how I view the occasional negative post.
-------------------- TJ Duvall Diamond State Graphics, Inc.
New Castle, DE 19720 Posts: 396 | From: New Castle,Delaware | Registered: Jul 2002
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(Dave...this does not mean you, your skills are obvious ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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