For the demise of the lampworking market, craft, and/or way of life...
I started knitting...right before it became the 'new zen' and now people don't like to admit they knit because they're afraid people might think they're just doing it to be trendy (I do it to keep myself sane while sitting at basketball games, karate class, endless sports practices..)
I started beading...right as it was getting trendy in the 'big' stores and everyone started complaining about the schlock that was being passed off as 'good jewelry.'
I started scrapbooking...right before it became very trendy and now you have to spend your life's savings (and time) to create something deemed 'worthy.'
And now... I have a torch on order and all the supplies... and will be setting up in my garage (no small feat in Kansas)... so you will be able to blame any sudden decrease in sales, influx of lousy beads, and general destruction of the craft on me. (But I'm still very very excited about it, even if all I ever make is wonky little florals just for myself... :-)
I hope you all appreciate the sacrifice I'm making, being the scape-goat, even as I guarantee the demise of a perfectly good craft. :-)
Karin