Upset to see Austin Hamilton ad in magazine

I honestly don't think AH or Chinese beadmakers are a threat to our artisan industry. There are many reasons that I feel this way, not least because despite, or because of, the heavy onslaught of new beadmakers over the last few years (and if Mike'd started three or four years ago you would have seen some *vicious* attacks on teachers and newcomers) artisan bead sales are thriving in a market that has more educated and critical buyers than ever before. Standards for artisan beads are high - which I do not bemoan. Look at the amazing work being presented by relatively new beadmakers! Outstanding! And still the old standby styles continue to sell as long as they are executed well.

There are some beadmakers who are suffering reduced sales and the easy place to point the finger is at AH, China, and all they represent. It's a difficult thing for me to say, because some of these beadmakers are people I like and respect, but they really need to turn to their own work and ask if it's still fresh, and if it still surpasses the quality of work being offered by less experienced beadmakers for less money. It's easy to get into a rut, become complacent. For those who state uniquivocally that their business has been harmed by the likes of AH I find that in every case I can look at their work and find designs that have not changed for years. If I make too much of the same thing (and I am as guilty as anyone of falling into an easy routine) it stops selling well. That's my signal that it's time to move on.

A few years ago you could easily get $6 per bead for simple unencased frit beads. They're still pretty and classic, but now everyone is making them - they just aren't unique enough to command a high price. The bar is a lot higher and career beadmakers have to step up to it or lose sales to their newer, fresher peers. Not so much to AH or China.

Sometimes it's not the beads - sometimes it's the marketing. With so many more good beadmakers to compete with, it's no longer enough to just put up a website and have them beating down your door - you have to promote yourself, and you have to do it well. Which brings me to why I have a problem with any magazine I advertise in also carrying ads by AH.

My problem lies simply in the fact that with their past and seemingly continuing business practices, they are a blight on the industry. They may not be taking customers from my business, but they are misleading customers. I don't want my ads in a publication that carries their ads because as long as the buyer feels misled by them, it will reflect on all the other ads in the publication, including mine, and advertising is far too expensive to waste the opportunity in a venue where my credibility is reduced by the presence of a company with a reputation

I don't think anyone has really been complaining because the beads are from China, maybe a little but it seems to me that most people are saying it's the lying that's the problem. Sure is for me!

My mom is a quilter and I have done beadweaving for years and I can say that cheap imports can sour a market, if they make the general public feel the things are tacky and worthless because there's just too many. The best way to fight that is really unique designs that don't resemble the imports but I think it does have an overall effect. Wish that it wasn't so. On the other hand if people are making good beads or whatever art things, they should be allowed to live anyplace they are ;-). I just hope they are allowed to enjoy it and not forced to it as slave labor. I have some Chinese beads I just love and I wish I knew more about the conditions they were being made in, to know if it's a problem or not.

Ingrid

Here's a starter petition. It simply asks that AH/Minek/et al disclose the country of origin of the beads.

The intended recipient is the advertising manager for Kalmbach. A few signatures might get some interest. And then the next petition will be to get magazines to drop advertising if AH hasn't stated the country of origin.

Folks, we need five more signatures on the petition about Austin Hamilton to reach the 500 mark. At that point it automatically is sent to the advertising manager of Kalmbach Publishing. I will then forward the link to any other publisher I can find, and Yahoo and Google and DMOZ etc showing the support of the lampworking and beading community on this issue.

If you haven't signed and believe in the issue, please do so now.

-Su

Signed.

Linda2

I've been living under a rock again. Signed, by myself and DH (I think he's just sick of hearing me rant, but whatever. )

KarenS (Ohhh DH makes 500!)

Thanks! We did it, 502 now and still going!

-Su

off for the weekend to York but back on Monday and then I'll start writing the letters.

Wow, thanks everyone.

Su, Thank YOU for taking this on! I admire your spunk!

Patti

I saw! Thank you SO much, Karen.

He gets the Golden Ticket or something. And my thanks.

-Su

Signed, Jan