Pixel Strip Drama - Needs to stop

[james70818]

Guys, I have spent a lot of time reading post both positive and negative about the drama that has unfolded over the past few days. While I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the support that I have gotten from members I really would like to see the negativity stop. There is plenty of information out there now that anyone can read and draw their own conclusions. IMO, the negativity will continue to bring down the forum by creating drama that isn't needed in this family oriented forum.

I'll start this by saying if the Mods feel this is out of place they can do with it as they wish. This just seemed like the right place. But since I was called out I feel I need to clear the air about what we do since everything else is based on assumptions.

Mr. Moore has claimed that I make $429 per run of strips. I didn't know he had access to my accounting records. I can only wish to make $429 per run of strips. I will say that our material is a custom blend of not just virgin HDPE, UVI, and color additive but a blend to get performance characteristics of two plastic types. The truth is that this is a business for us and we operate a 4,200 SF facility that houses all of our equipment that does have overhead, insurance, and other traditional operating cost. The original development and research that went into finding the right material and a supplier takes both time and money. I started my quest for this strip almost a year ago and it wasn't until August 2014 that we finally got it right. Yes, we do make money on these strips and it does make it worth wild to do, that is the American Dream right? Money is a driving force, I don't care who you are or what you are selling. Without a potential for profit, we would still be using incans and listening to the clicks of relays in our garage. I'm not going to get rich doing this, it is a love of the hobby. We have other projects that have nothing to do with Christmas that makes a lot more with a lot less effort.

In regard to design, yes, we did file for a Patent. I first filed last year and we have completed the rest of the application. It is an expensive and long road to go down. I have learned so much over the past year on the process and what the Patent office considers "New" and based on our consults. The MegaTree Strips are such a game changer in how we decorate that we felt it was worth the time and effort to protect. This process has to run its course and there is nothing I can do about that.

We will continue to solve fellow decorator problems and other task that are considered to be a PITA and help build that better mousetrap. I have gone out of my way not to copy elements like HC's coro canes and mini-trees etc... even after having request to make them. I would expect that he would share that common courtesy. I published what I feel is a new design to construct an 8' to 16' MegaTree, pixel arch segments, pixel poles, and a few other ideas so I guess we will see where it goes from here. It's a lot easier to see an idea and tweak it versus taking the time and effort to prototype an idea over several revisions and take it to market.

Again, I appreciate all the support from members but I think it is best that we stop the negativity in this matter as the horse is dead.

Thanks,
James

P.S. If I offend you because you use incans and relays still, I'm sorry.

[beeiilll]

I couldn't agree more !
I would think that we all have much better things to worry about and do than drag this over and over.
I just wish I could win the lottery so I could buy more of this great stuff!

[sparky588]

Amen

[mikentn]

What was that? I'm out in the garage and I can barely hear you over the relays! ;-)

[P. Short]

Speaking of relays, I wonder if it would be possible to slave a light display off the relays and solenoids in an old pinball machine.

[Jrd]

Well said James!

We don't need negativity around here. Beating_A_Dead_Horse_by_livius.gif

[smohler]

James,
I very much appreciate all the hard work you have put into these strips and the holiday lighting community. I fully agree with you, may the American dream continue to rock on!
Thanks!!!
-Shane

[angus40]

Well said James!

We don't need negativity around here. Beating_A_Dead_Horse_by_livius.gif

+1 on Jrd

Though >>

Does this mean I will need to invert the outputs of my ren48lsd"s

[MartinMueller2003]

Hi James

Everyone has a right to run their business in a way that works for them. I personally appreciate the effort that goes into bringing a new product to market and do not begrudge a business persons right to make a profit. Keep up the good work. I enjoy having time and effort saving products helping me make my display and I am fine paying a reasonable price for them. As a consumer, I know that I have the option of taking my dollars elsewhere or 'do it myself'. Thanks for your efforts and your products.

[Jrd]

+1 on Jrd

Though >>

Does this mean I will need to invert the outputs of my ren48lsd"s

Well they have a positive outcome by the time the viewer sees anything so it's probably ok.