posted
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...
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1735 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
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
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
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 ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
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
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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
posted
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.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
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
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
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
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...
posted
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
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 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!
-------------------- Kerry H Kerry's Signs Vallejo, CA Posts: 160 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
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
-------------------- EmpY Mayo Pardo #138 South Elgin, IL. Posts: 436 | From: South Elgin, IL | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
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.
-------------------- 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
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......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
-------------------- Chuck Churchill, It's A Good Sign Inc. 3245 Harvester Rd, U-12 Burlington, Ont. Phone: 905-681-8775 Fax: 905-681-8945 Posts: 633 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Steve held me down and pummeled me until I agreed to sign up. Sheesh. What a life altering decision that was...
-------------------- 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: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!!!)
-------------------- 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
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?
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6713 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
I also remember other things, but no further comments.
-------------------- 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
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.
-------------------- David Fisher D.A. & P.M. Fisher Services Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com Trying out a new tag: "Parents are the bones on which children cut their teeth Peter Ustinov Posts: 1450 | From: Brisbane Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
I found the help I needed and as a bonus, a community of people that I admire and respect. 
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic