posted July 06, 2004 09:16 AM
This being my last week here, as a representative of The SignGold Corp, I'd like to say a few things, and thank a few people.
First, I'd like to say that my experience here in Letterville has been overwhelmingly posative. I know that I've helped a lot of SignGold users (and potential SignGold users) solve some problems, clear up a few concerns, and dispell some myths. There certainly were times that I grew tired of the drama and the trauma...but for the most part, the people and issues I've dealt with here, have been good ones.
That being said, I'd like everyone to take note, that if you have any questions, or issues with SignGold products, warranties or procedures...PLEASE, rather than posting them here, where I really can't address them; call me at 585-415-7496 during weekday business hours (Eastern Time), or email me at SignGoldTech@yahoo.com. Both of these contacts are listed at our website, www.SignGold.com.
You don't ask your plumber to solve your electrical problems...be sure any advice you take to heart, came from a qualified brain.
It's been said on this bulletin board, as well as between the administrators of this site and the principals of SignGold, that as long as I'm the "face" of SignGold, that merchant status is really not possible. I don't plan on leaving SignGold, and they don't plan on dismissing me. The flip side of that coin would be, that as long as I'm with SignGold, I don't see us coming back as a merchant until some issues are either resolved, or positions on such issues are clarified. There's no sense in reviewing or recapping them here and now, as that would be counterproductive. All concerned parties are aware of these stumbling blocks. I've been asked why I was one of the few merchants who ever complained about these issues. I believe it's because I tried to be one of the most involved merchants in Letterville. It's the guy that spends the most time swimming in the river, that gets to know where the currents flow.
I've met some great people here. People who have stopped by our booth at trade shows to introduce themselves. People who I recognized and enjoyed spending time with at meets. People that have become friends.
I've met some people with whom I cannot get along with, and in some cases have become anything but friends.
The latter being the exception to the rule, let me say thank you to the majority of signmakers, stripers, painters and other merchants I have established relationships with via Letterville. For the most part, you've added something to my life, often professionally, often personally, and certainly added to my vault of experiences and knowledge.
I have little doubt that Letterville will continue to grow, and prosper. As I have said all along, I would (and have) encouraged participation as a merchant here, by any company that wants to reach it's customer base in a cost-efective manner. I would amend that recommendation with a footnote to NOT base your plans on the "becoming a merchant" page fould on this site, but rather by putting all your cards on the table with the Shortreeds, and making sure that BOTH parties understand any rules that are in effect, whether published or unpublished.
The trade shows and open houses that SignGold participates in, and seminars I teach, will be listed on SignGold's website (SignGold Happenings). I will not be able to post that information here in the future.
Many of you realize by now, that I don't sugar-coat things, or beat around the bush. It's usually fairly evident where I stand on a subject. So I have to say that if some small measures had been taken on some problems that occured here, I wouldn't be typing this. Admittedly, I can be tough to get along with...mostly because I say what I mean and mean what I say. Life's to short to be indirect...you set your course and drive ("stab it and steer it", as it were.)
I thank Steve and Barb, my bosses at SignGold Bill Crowley and Charles Quick, and all of you for a great couple of years here.
Keep on keepin' on.
Brian Briskie
Posts: 465 | From: / | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted July 06, 2004 09:30 AM
Brian... I just want to say that I enjoyed your presence here on the BullBoard and on live chat especially. You have not only knowledge to share but you have a great sense of humour. The latter was quite evident to me in chats with you.
Don't stop dropping in as a Letterhead Brian.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted July 06, 2004 09:42 AM
You are Nation Wide....... Signgold, is quality.
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted July 06, 2004 09:53 AM
Hey brian just because your taking off a hat when you come here doesn't mean any difference to us, your wisdom is still welcomed.
I have to say Larry Hoppe and yourslef have changed a lot of misconception about signgold since you had been a merchant here. Signgold as a merchant, and you as thier tech guy on the board will be missed.
the funny thing is ( and not to disrespect Steve or his decisions ) but how can we NOT talk, ask questions and promote a product that is so woven into signmaking nowadays and is also woven into this BB?
Anyway, glad to see your not leaving and I'm just sad to have seen this whole thing go down the way it did.
[ July 06, 2004, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted July 06, 2004 11:09 AM
Sheesh Brian... you just won't quit spouting off about your dirty laundry. Ever think of a career in politics... that's where you really belong!
I for one am tired of your constant nagging and self-aggrandization! If the door slammed you in the butt as often as you announced your exit you would be one hurtin' dude!
posted July 06, 2004 01:26 PM
Good luck in your continued endeavors with SignGold Brian!
You're obviously a very dedicated asset to your company and I for one have appreciated your forthright insights in regards to all aspects of your product. And special thanks for clarifying and educating us all on the "how-to's" and "how not-to's" of applying your product in a way which upholds the integrity of SignGold's generous warranty.
And don't forget that those who abuse you for your dogged support of your company, it's products, and it's policies are just as tenacious in their complaints about your complaints. If they don't like it they can turn the channel or offer some constructive, reality or experience based input...but alas, they suck themselves into the fray like rubberneckers at a car crash just to get their shots in.
There's nothing wrong with upholding truth in the face of maniacal, ill-dispensed advice. To do any less would be an injustice to those newbies who might make the wrong step based on that advice... to their detriment.
And tact? Well, sometimes you just can't take fingernail polish to a fistfight. Sometimes you have to stand up for something or you'll fall for anything.
Please keep us posted on any advice you can offer to further the quality application of your products.
posted July 06, 2004 01:36 PM
Cracks me up...........
People say they don't want to hear what ya have to say........but keep opening the thread, and just can't keep their fingers off the keyboards......Hhahahahaha
I'll bet this thread goes to about 50 or so posts, just from these same people that don't wanna read it
Cracks me up...
Yer alright with me Brian..Keep on Keepin on.!!
......cj
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted July 06, 2004 02:12 PM
I will not be dragged into responding to individual posts, especially with the same people that failed to comprehend my posts in the past.
I do want to be clear though. MY POST WAS INTENDED AS A POSATIVE ONE. I was trying to say thank you, and be gracious and dignified about it.
How is it that some readers (Dave Grundy, Bob Rochon,and a few others),get the jist of my post, and others take it as my reiterating old issues? I think they just see my name, and look for it to be defensive or even offensive.
The same collection of half-wits that I've argued with in the past aren't going to get that satisfaction this time.
Read it as you wish I guess, but I certainly didn't mean to come across as being negative.
Posts: 465 | From: / | Registered: Jan 2000
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The title of this post seemed to suggest something positive but I was accosted by yet another diatribe from a bitter puppeteer with an overblown ego hijacking a privatley owned and operated, but independent forum with his personal agenda.
Isn't one of the definitions of insanity.... doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?!?!
Steve and Barb don't need this kind of stress. They deserve to live a comfortable stress-free life for the foresight they had in creating this forum we have come to love! People... please pay your residential taxes so we can continue to enjoy independence from overbearing merchants.
-------------------- Happy Signing...... Marty
M.F. (Marty) Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4 306-789-9567 happyad@sasktel.net www.happyad.ca
Get Happy & Get Noticed! Posts: 773 | From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Registered: Jan 1999
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posted July 06, 2004 02:45 PM
If you truly believe Steve and Barb "don't need this kind of stress" why would you want to fan the fire by adding combative replies?
Stress is a equal-oportunity entity which inflicts it's payload from both sides of the foxhole....don'tch think?
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted July 06, 2004 03:27 PM
Very true Todd.. and I apologise if my comments hurt anyone. I prefer to reprimand the action rather than the person as any good parent would.
-------------------- Happy Signing...... Marty
M.F. (Marty) Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4 306-789-9567 happyad@sasktel.net www.happyad.ca
Get Happy & Get Noticed! Posts: 773 | From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Registered: Jan 1999
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posted July 06, 2004 03:31 PM
A Newfie goes in to a Restaurant, but is stopped at the door, because he does'nt have a tie on. The manager tells him to go away, so he goes out to his Car and Finds a set of booster cables, and ties them around his neck, goes back in to the Restaurant, where the manager stops him in his tracks. "Whoa, hold on there big guy" the manager says, you can't get in here with that around your neck. The Newfie says that's all I have, The manager has a change of heart and lets him go in and tells him...."Don't go starting anything"
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted July 06, 2004 06:02 PM
That sounded like a line from "Pulp Fiction" without the expletives thrown in there CJ. Good One. CrazyJack & a cold beer for the cat!
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted July 06, 2004 06:05 PM
Oh, by the way Jilly, that was "Blues in the Night" A correction. Or it might be a con conccoction?
How come my dog dont bark at carz?
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted July 06, 2004 06:21 PM
CJ... thanks for making this post worth reading
...finally!
(oh yeah, Brian... I'm sure anyone can see the positive side as Bob, Dave, etc. have... but like you recently observed on Roger's "apology" post... you still had to get your jabs in too.
I don't care if your post is 99% positive, if you can't even keep from rehashing old bullcrap for one post... it pretty much gives most of us the feeling of reading old bullcrap again...
maybe in 3 days when you say goodbye again, you could aim a little higher for that dignity you spoke of. I know you got it, but that anger or resentment with Steve is getting the best of you.
It is an honorable man who will suffer the consequences of his convictions, rather then change them... but, to quote a signature line I've seen here, "no excuses, no regrets")
Todd...
quote:...suck themselves into the fray... just to get their shots in.
that remark could easily be applied to myself or anyone else here... but look at you capitalizing on this perceived opportunity to take shots at other dead horses completly off topic
*edited 'cause I spelled crap wrong
[ July 06, 2004, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: Doug Allan ]
look who is holding on to old crap and rehashing it, not to mention throwing jabs, insults and just being plain rude.
should I order up a bunch of torches and pitch forks for your band wagon you all got going on? or do you feel high and mighty without them?
I don't know what was worse, watching Steve and Brian hash out thier differences in public or watching this lynch mob you all seem to enjoy forming.
This is like 3rd grade where a bunch of kids would run a kid off the play ground just for being different. yeah maybe a lot of us would not have dealt with the situation like Brian but your current behaviors are no better than the guy your throwing stones at.
[ July 06, 2004, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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"How come My Dog Don't Bark when YOU come 'round my Door..??"
I pulled that one out of the far recesses of what's left of my mind....
......cj
PS.......22 posts, we're almost half way there........ I know we can pull 50 from this thread, and never really say a damn thing.......I know I haven't hehehehe!!
[ July 06, 2004, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: CJ Allan ]
-------------------- CJ Allan CJs Engraving 982 English Dr. Hazel, KY 42049
posted July 06, 2004 08:06 PM
you said it Bob! For me, I just assume see an old fashion fist fight. Just like the ones in 3rd grade.
In this corner wearing the (sign)gold trunks and weighing in at about a buck 95, we have Brian "engine turn" Briskie. And his opponent wearing the fox pecker pink trunks weighing in at 98 lbs soaking wet with rocks in his pockets is Marty "not-so-happy" Happy. This will be a 12 round fight to the death with no holds barred. Our ringside officials this evening are Doug "comonaiwannalaiya" Allen & CJ "who really Gives a crap" Allen. At the sound of the bell, come out fighting!!!!!
-------------------- Rob Larkham Sign Techniques Inc. Chicopee, Ma Posts: 607 | From: Chester, Ma. | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted July 06, 2004 08:13 PM
Rob, you forgot about the chick walking around the ring in a bikini between rounds holding a panel telling everyone the number of the next round.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted July 06, 2004 09:15 PM
Great play by play Rob!(LOL) I got nuthin'! No comeback on that one! You're cool and I can take it! Yup, I let my mouth get the best of me. I usually just watch idiots crash and burn without engaging. I can take big egos, I can take curmudgeons, I can take just about anything and everything else except prima-donnas who repeatedly flaunt dirty laundry in public. I guess I had too much time on my hands!
and I don't think residents are supposed to make people feel un"happy" about not paying their taxes, I for one paid mine because I didn't feel right about the Shortreed's fitting the bill for this site....even encouraged a merchant to sign on during this whole mess at happy letterville told him what great people were here, I'll think about spending that $50 somewhere else next time as the only different between being a resident and a visitor is a few extra perks.
so since everyone seemed to want to rant about old sh!t I figured I'd get the thorn in my rear out too.
Brian Keep on Keepin' on! you've been nothing but a great addition to this site, shake it easy, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. And by the way I knew your original message was positive.
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote: that remark could easily be applied to myself or anyone else here... but look at you capitalizing on this perceived opportunity to take shots at other dead horses completly off topic
Let's unpack this statement from the master Jedi quotemaster...hehehe.
If you REALLY read my post....I'm talking about posting rebuttals that are void of constructive argument, facts, or logical debate. In other words, people that jump into a topic and lay waste to someone WITHOUT offering any alternative viewpoint worth considering....they simply jump in to complain about the complaining (even though they have the power not to enter the fray) and then join in the mob mentality lynching.
If I disagree with someone, generally (I hope) I try to offer some sensible explanation to back up my thought process. I don't normally just jump in and say, "don't let the door hit you in the @ss you pathetic slug".
Debate and disagreement is good and exists in all cultures. I see nothing wrong with it as long as a person offers up some measure of insight worthy of consideration.
Personally, I don't mind a little chain yanking whether giving it or taking it. I get a big 'ol grin on my face when Roger, for instance, gets a little feisty during a debate.
And being that every human being that ever walked this earth (save one imo) has made hypocritical statements....I am happy to see you wisely include yourself in this quote.
My potshots are at least based in truth and dispensed with commentary that is hopefully a bit more dimensional than simple name calling.
Some people can be so blatantly wrong, yet will defend their indefensible argument till the end of time because they are unwilling to lose face. You can look up into the sky and say, "that's a beautiful full moon tonight" and they would reply, "that's not the moon, it's the sun".
I've run into only a couple people during my life who are so void of logic and common sense that it is virtually impossible to carry on any meaningful discussion. And because of this, they almost win the debate because you can't argue with an inanimate object - which is what they become when they are unwilling to embrace even a morsel of logic.
I don't know Brian...never met him. I have no vested interest in sticking up for him. But reading through the posts regarding his defense of the SignGold warranty I can't see how any logical business person could support anything but his stance.
Maybe he got a little too testy...with that I could agree. But I can certainly see how he could get frustrated to the point of boiling over.
posted July 06, 2004 10:10 PM
Let the people talk.
My feelin is that you dont get to be 'stress-free' when you run an open forum with 'rules'. People gonna speak dey minds even when ya tellum not ta. Keeps things a lot more interesting if ya lettum, I think.
When it's your playground, you are certainly entitled to make the 'rules', but I believe in the long run it tends to alienate people who may eventually stop posting.
CJ, I hope you dont ever stop, you are one funny sumbitch! .02
-------------------- Jay Nichols ALPHABET SOUP
~the large print giveth and the small print taketh away~ Posts: 176 | From: SW Florida | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted July 06, 2004 10:37 PM
A couple things to think about.
We have over 50 Merchants here in Letterville. Just like tv, radio, magazines and signmakers, we sell advertising to supplement the income from our paid subscribers, or Residents as we call them.
Every year Merchant contracts come up for renewal. In most cases, they are pleased with our service, and choose to continue our deal. There are also times, advertisers, or Letterville, decide not to renew our contract. It's called business. Up until now, our business dealings have been conducted in private. We've being running Letterville as a full time business for 6 years and this is the first time I can recall anything like this.
What if the shoe was on the other foot? What if it was SignGold deciding to leave Letterville? Would the whole Letterville Community of Letterville be subjected to my hurt feelings here on the BB? Would a convoy of irritated Letterville supporters make their way to the gates of SignGold demanding justice? No way! It would be extremely unprofessional at best.
This BB should ever be used in an attempt to gain sympathy or publicity over what is, and should be, a private business arrangement between Letterville and SignGold. There are a few things, no matter how entertaining, that are simply nobody's business. Can you imagine this sort of thing taking place in a sign mag? Just because it's easy to do in a public forum doesn't mean it is right.
I regret the problems Brian and I have had. At the end of the day, I made a decision that the stress and time involved in trying to please Brian was not worth any amount of money. Turning away business may seem to be a poor business choice, but at this stage of my life, I'm willing to make do with less and choose those I dance with. Nothing like 4 heart attacks to make a person realize there's more to life than money. Money is good, a reward for a job well done, but having the freedom to follow one's heart has it's own rewards.
SignGold and Letterville will both survive this. It's sad and discouraging to see a few of you trying to get in the last slap and/or word for your personal "home team." This whole soap opera is becoming old.
Brian is not going anywhere. We can tell who and what users are reading at anytime. Most who make a big deal out of leaving actually spend more time in Letterville instead of less. They just stop posting.
I'd like to suggest we stop this alarming trend of bashing each other. There are far more posts on this BB that deserve at least as much attention as this one.
We also want to wish Brian and SignGold all the best. Truth is SignGold is a wonderful product and Brian is a great talent and businessman. This is not the end of the World, just a business deal.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted July 07, 2004 03:17 PM
Brian, we just want to say thanks for your help. We found the chat nights helpful and informative. If you`re ever out this way stop in, the coffee milk and clam chowders on us.
-------------------- Bob & Marcia Peach Peach Signs Inc Sandwich, MA rpeach9828@aol.com Posts: 1020 | From: Sandwich, MA | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted July 07, 2004 05:47 PM
I can hear the wolves howlin' and my houn' dog barking. Honey Hush..!
CrazyJack Jumpin' ugly on it...
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted July 08, 2004 09:47 AM
And I still don' have to show nobody no steeenkeen batches.....
CrazyJack Long gone like a turkey thru the corn.....
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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And he isn't even going anywhere! ![[Dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
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