Berry Blog

Build it and they will come

2012-03-19T20:45:00.002-05:00

The line "Build it and they will come" is a line made popular by the movie "Field of Dreams." It has been often used when speaking of web sites. What do you do though when the "it" is already there and doesn't have to be built? For example, the Keystone Pipeline has been a fierce debate with some claiming that not approving the Keystone Pipeline President Obama is causing the price of oil to go up. If he would only approve the pipeline hundreds of thousands of new jobs would be created and the price of gas in the USA would drop.

Three things every one should know.
1. The Keystone Pipeline was first proposed by TransCanada Corp. in 2005, its construction began in 2008, and was put into operation during June 2010. The first phase was 2100 miles and runs from Alberta Canada to Wood River Illinois, just across the Mississippi river from St. Louis.This phase went online in June 2010. The second phase is 290 miles long and runs from Steele City Nebraska to Crushing Oklahoma. This second phase went on line in February of 2011.

2. Phase three is intended to connect Crushing Oklahoma and its over abundance of domestic oil to the Gulf of Mexico where the oil can be easily exported. Phase four will install a completely new line from Alberta Canada that will be routed through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and then on to crushing Oklahoma where it will connect to phase 3. This line will be picking up domestic oil along the way and with the completion of phase three will further increase the amount of oil being exported by Canada and the US.

3. The third point that needs to be understood is that the majority of the oil flowing through the new proposed sections of the Keystone Pipeline will not benefit the US much past the initial jobs it will create. While our land will be used and all the risk will fall on our country, the large majority of the oil flowing through the new portions will be exported to the world market sold by oil companies who will be the ones who actually reap the benefits. The only reason the over abundance of domestic oil sitting at the oil hub in Crushing Oklahoma needs to get to the Gulf is so it can be exported. Some have asked for a percentage of the oil using the proposed pipeline to remain in the US to increase the US domestic oil versus going on to the world market where we must purchase it at world market prices. The republican congress voted against this request.

Passing voter fraud legislation

2012-03-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

Fear, one of the most powerful emotions is built into our very being. Some people know precisely how to use it to manipulate others into gaining their cooperation or tricking them into doing the dirty deed for them. One of the greatest uses of fear in recent history was to tell the American population that Iraq was behind the 911 attacks on the US and that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. These were such bold stretches of the truth that Gen. Colin Powell had to be the one to deliver the message. No one else was creditable enough to pull off these bold face lies.

With all due respect, I do not accept Gen. Powell's claim that this event did not cause his resignation as secretary of state. Yet, his resignation only strengthens my thoughts at what a noble man Gen. Powell is.

Testifying before the U.N. Security Council to the threat Iraq posed to our nation convinced many that action was a must. I vividly recall watching the speech on T.V. while at work and feeling sorry for Gen. Powell while he flipped from cartoon drawing after drawing of the means and vehicles Iraq was using to hide their weapons. For heavens sake, if we had iron clad proof of these facts there would be actual pictures. What an insult to our intelligence to present cartoon sketches, yet it worked as intended. The fear was so great in the minds of Americans most stopped seeing straight enough to realize they were being fooled.

Today there is much talk about the need to tighten the voter fraud noose by passing legislation making it more difficult for those who commit voter fraud. The proposed laws focus on reducing the number of places a citizen can register, eliminate the current policy allowing college student to vote at the school they attend, requiring more means of identification, reducing the hours the polls are open and in some cases eliminating absentee voting.

Please sit down when I deliver this fact;
Since 1997 there have been 311 cases of voter fraud out of 593 million votes.
That is .00005% and in case you are not good at math, that is not enough to have any affect whatsoever. How many hours has congress and local law makers put into the effort to curb voter fraud and at what expense to the tax payers when there is virtually no voter fraud to speak of.

Ironically it is well documented that the vast majority of these 311 cases were committed by those working at the polls. That's right, most electoral fraud takes place during or immediately after election campaigns, by interfering with the voting process or the counting of votes. Not, as we are led to believe, by voters themselves.

My weird brain thinks like this.
Reduce the number of places where citizens can vote;
Make registering more difficult and even out of reach for those who don't drive.
Eliminate current policy allowing college student to vote at the school they attend;
Make voting for the young college age population such an annoyance they won't take the time to vote.
Requiring more means of identification;
Aimed at keeping the poor from voting because many do not have driver licenses or a passport. Many only have their birth certificate and a SSAN card.
Reducing the hours the polls are open;
Many state laws do not require an employer to provide time away from work to vote. Those that do, have restrictions which if the polls are open just long enough the employer would not have to grant time off, and the voter may not be able to get to their polling location by public transportation in time to vote. White collar voters of course can take time away from work to get their nails done and vote.
Eliminating absentee voting;
Largest population of absentee voters are military personnel stationed abroad. A large percentage of military are African-American. I find it especially offensive that those who are willing to fight for our freedom are the ones who we would make it most difficult for them to vote.

All of this for .00005%. Who do they think they are fooling? I maintain those law makers who are trying to pass legislation to change the registration and voting process are the ones committing voter fraud by misleading the American population into thinking there is a problem that needs to be addressed. At the very least they are committing fraud by wasting our tax dollars on such meaningless laws when they should be focusing on matters that matter. It's a right to all American citizens to vote. We should be encouraging more people to vote and as long as the number of actual fraud cases are so little to matter, the laws passed in regards to voting should be aimed at making it easier to vote, not more difficult to vote.

Here's an idea, if I can pay my gas bill through my TV's cable box, I can check out of a hotel from through my room's TV, come up with a way that I can vote for president between commercials. What congress should be saying about voting is "We have an app for that."

Owning a business drags you into politics

2012-03-04T16:10:00.001-06:00

I don't like politics. It cost me money in so many ways I wish it would be banned from the planet. For one, listening to almost any politician causes my blood pressure to rise, which in turn requires many doctor visits. This is taking money right out of my pocket and putting it in my doctors. Second, after the eight year rein of President G.W. Bush I don't think one could squeeze any more breath out of my business.

Policies such as deregulating the banks, encouraging businesses to set up overseas production causing a huge shift in where the manufacturing jobs went, two unfunded wars, major tax breaks to the rich, and let's not forget who first bailed out Wall Street, the banks and yes the auto industry. Billions of dollars leaving the federal accounts with nothing coming in to support or replenish it. Every time I hear a politician say they are against raising taxes I want to scream in their face, "Then how on earth are we going to pay for all the money you just gave away?"

What is even more unnerving is how they spin the truth to put fear in our minds to prompt us knuckleheads to support whatever it is they are pushing. For instance Newt Gingrich has begun to refer to President Obama as the food stamp President, putting the thought in our heads that President Obama is handing out food stamps left and right. Even more distasteful is that he in implying the president is taking away tax payers money to support the black community. "Over here you have a policy which, with Reagan and me as speaker, created millions of jobs — it's called paychecks. Over here you have the most successful food stamp president in American history, Barack Obama," Gingrich said.

Newt also said, "So I'm prepared, if the NAACP invites me, I'll go to their convention and talk about why the African-American community should demand paychecks and not be satisfied with food stamps" Once again this is to place hatred in our minds and cause division between American citizens by suggesting that one particular population is taking from the coffers while the rest of the community works its tails off. There isn't a dog whistle in his words, he came straight out and pointed the finger at African-Americans.

You know what is so crazy about this is that there are two major lies in Newts words. First of all, President Obama did not tank our economy. That was done by the very party that Newt hopes to represent. President Obama is showing by example that a president can focus well on both foreign policy matters (two inherited wars) and strengthening the economy. The second and more importantly is that the USDA reports that the number of American citizens on food stamps are as follows;
34% White non-Hispanics
22% Black non-Hispanics
17% Hispanics.

Would you have ever thought this was the case by the words you hear spewed throughout the stump speeches being blasted all over the news and the politcal ads? Possibly instead of preaching to the NAACP Newt could stand on the corner of school car pool lines and chide the many parents driving gas gulping SUVs, collecting food stamps and unemployment benefits.

You should attend a DAX show

2012-03-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

I am just returning from from my seventh DAX show speaking engagement. I have to say I left the show feeling better about our industry, and the state of the economy than I have in a very long time. Each year the DAX shows are held in Kansas City, Minneapolis and Chicago. They are a Midwest regional show and the expectations are never as high as one may have for the bigger national type trade shows.

I have always enjoyed the smaller regional shows such as the DAX or NNEP's Embroidery Mart because they provide a more down to earth, no barriers atmosphere. The crowds are smaller, but we usually had better interaction with attendees. This lead to more sales, and let's be honest that is why vendors are there. To make connections with buyers and hopefully convert those encounters to real sales and future customer relationships.

I have to say I have been disappointed in ALL trade shows the past few years no matter how big or small. For several years I left the shows feeling I had wasted my time, which in the end was true as the weeks that followed did not result in the sales needed to pay for the show, much less the increased sales we are there for.

I left the Kansas City DAX show on Saturday after giving two lectures to very full rooms. In both cases there were not enough chairs setup and attendees were standing against the wall in the back of the room or had pulled in chairs and were sitting along the back side walls. The audience was eager to hear what I had to say, I watched as they spoke to one another with excitement and energy I haven't witnessed at a show since the late 90's and early 2000's.

The trade show floor was hoping and fellow vendors told me they had been super busy all morning. I wished I had a booth so I could demonstrate my products and speak to attendees myself. On my drive back to St. Louis I had time to reflect on the show I had just left. Possibly the economy is coming back. Maybe people are beginning to look for ways to use the little bit of extra money they have to make more money by investing as an entrepreneur.

One thing is for certain. The smaller regional shows are held close enough that most who attend are able to drive. They are held in cities where the cost of hotels and food is not as expensive. If you are super busy they are small enough to get everything you want out of the show in a single day. If you are considering attending a trade show this year and there is a DAX in your neck of the woods, I suggest you take the time to attend.

Mitt is an honest man.

2012-01-24T18:46:00.000-06:00

Honestly, Mitt's sub 15% tax rate is not an indication of his morals. Even if past tax filings reveal he only paid 9% in some years I don't see how he can be criticized for following or even possibly exploiting the tax laws. We all try to squeeze out ever penny of the tax code in our own legal favor. Most likely Mitt has not conducted himself any differently than any one of us would if we made $42 million a year. What troubles me about Mitt is the current tax law matches his tax policies. He likes it the way it is.

Mitt has openly, and truthfully stated his plans to reduce the tax burden of the 1% even further. In that way he and other billionaires in American may continue to reduce the tax rate percentage for those who are wealthy enough to live off their investments. Mitt and others have claimed to level the tax playing field is class warfare. He claims to revoke President Bush's tax rates is to cause a divide in our nation. There is no disputing the Bush Tax rates favor the rich. Whether he knew what he was doing, or it was simply a failed theory, is a matter of discussion.

Regardless, it's clear the policy made it easier for the rich to get richer and the middle class to become poor. This is a failed policy and one that should be changed, not taken up a notch. Take a peek at this chart, which shows how in 1928 the top 1% were 892 % more wealthy than the rest of the nation. Then came the great depression. The number declined over the years following the great depression to where in 1980 the top 1% took home an average of 5.4 million a year, less than 1/5th of the 29.6 million average income in 2006. At this point the Bush tax cuts propelled the wealthy to 976 times that of the rest of the nation. During the time period of the late 60s through the late 70s is when we saw large growth in the number of middle class who purchased homes and could afford to send their children to college.

Mitt said in an interview that his plan for the housing market would be to allow the foreclosures to follow their usual process. Investors (the rich) will then purchase the properties, fix them up and provide rental housing for those who need (now poor) a house to rent. Is it just me, or does that reek of pushing the wealth further up the latter? Are we OK with renting? Are you OK with some in our country profiting from the poor economical conditions the very tax code empowered them to build from. Mitt isn't lying when he says our country is at a cross road and there are some who want to start a class war. It's his policies and those we are still living with that are causing the war. Mitt honestly believes the rich have earned their wealth while others need to shut up and pay their taxes like good little peasants.

I am a small business owner

2012-01-12T09:02:00.003-06:00

The first thing one must do is face the music, be honest, accept who you are and what you stand for, and own up to your part in everything you do. So I am owning up to the fact that I own my own business. When I started my business I was gainfully employed with 19 years of service behind me. Ironically I have now passed the 19 year mark of being my own boss. You might think I have the world by the tail, but rarely do I wake up and feel as if I do.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have it any other way. The struggle isn't whether one should be self employed. It's how to be self employed and still have a life and keep your health. There ought to be enough profit to employ others to assist in carrying the workload. That's a win-win-win. I am not worked to death beyond the start up phase, the company employs citizens which is good for them and our country.

The past 12 years I have felt like a gerbil on a treadmill. No matter how hard I work there is very little monetary worth to show for it. Where did the premise that if you worked hard there would be monetary reward go to with it? When did we stop valuing small businesses and care more about shareholders. When did society start celebrating success only by the money in your portfolio versus the money you put into the economy. Better yet contributing to the local economy?

I purposely said monetary reward or worth, because my business has and does provide personal worth and reward. If it didn't, I wouldn't have had a reason to stick it out through these dismal times. What bothers me is to have witnessed the decline of the economy, and with it everything I had worked so hard to create. With every job sent overseas, every tax hike and law change I feel a punch to the gut. The worst is knowing the pain is not inflicted from foreign enemies, but from those who proclaim they have our interest at heart.

We are lied to, openly lied to, and we accept it. We take it like a battered person who feels hopeless and out of control. Powerless to make change and clinging to outdated principles that if we work even harder we can get above the mess. I question myself, where did I go wrong, what poor decisions did I make. Is it really me or are the forces so big they are out of my enfluence. I hear Herman Cain say if you are not successful in America it is your own fault. Statements like these reinforce that I am the failure.

Not only are my hopes and dreams affected, but so are my employee's dreams, their families and all of our children. If we continue on this path much longer our children may not be able to go to college. Gone are the days of working your way through college as well. Many of the college level jobs are being taken by recent college graduates and even heads of households. Gone are the days where you mortgaged your home so your children could go to college. The home was mortgaged to pay for healthcare or worse it was foreclosed on.

Is this really the America we want? What happened to the republican party I was raised with? Where are the leaders who believe in building a strong business environment? Why do all the candidates lie so often they actually believe they will gain our trust? We are beginning to see the truth. There weren't weapons of mass destruction. Enron is a perfect example of how people get rich on greed and criminal acts. Haliburton shows how people gain from war. Iraq is only one example of how unfunded programs will cripple our economy. Just because you say you are a conservative doesn't make you one. Just because you go to church doesn't mean you are a true Christian, just because you are rich doesn't mean you are a job creator.

When did the New Republican Party hijack the term conservative? George W. Bush ran as a conservative. He ran on a pro-life platform. WHOA, there was nothing conservative about this man. He was extreme in everything he ever did before running for office. From lying, to drinking, spending, war mongering, torture and beyond. He executed hundreds of humans as governor of Texas and then went on to be part of the death of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in Iraq. These are not actions of a conservative. This is not the way Jesus Christ would have conducted himself. This is not a pro-life platform. Ask yourself how are these the actions of a conservative or a Christian? And, how did he blind so many good people? The answer is simple. He lied.

My thoughts are not about Dub Dub. My thoughts are about the now, today and tomorrow. How does our great nation pull itself out of this hole? How do we get back to past ideas and principles? How do we invest in our nation, in the people of our nation. How do we put a stop to the greed, those getting rich off of others demise and sometimes death. When do we grab the dragon by the neck and say "not this time, not this guy?"

Americans don't want bail outs. We want an even playing field. Trying to keep our country balanced and our economy vital is not socialistic. We want to keep the American dream alive and what we do to add up to something without feeling like we are being taken for a ride. We want economic justice for all. Not just those who can afford to pay for justice. The new buzz word is "class envy." Isn't it like a politician to dream up a name to make it look like they are the victim and those asking for justice are the attacker?

We have seen what happens in countries where the balance swings too far to one side or another. You end up with riots, civil war, and dangerous streets. Sure those hoarding their money and proclaiming anyone in America can suceed may feel secure in their stance now. What will America be like though if the number of unemployeed continues? What will our future as a country be like if only those with huge wealth go to college?

America is at a cross road where we must fight for our country, our equality, and our freedom from our own politian's lies. We find ourselves at the mercy of the tangled web they created to protect their interests, not the majority of the citizens. There are some 311 million voting Americans being ruled by 544 people. 1 President, 8 Justices, 100 Senators and 435 Representative. How is it the country favors the interest and those 544 and not the interest of the 311 million? They lie.

Ringing it up with bling

2011-07-05T09:05:00.008-05:00

When Stitches Magazine interviewed me for the 2010 Power List I was asked if I had any predictions for the industry. I stated,“I also see some new techniques as far as multimedia, including combinations of rhinestone embroidery that are progressing.”

At the 2011 Decorated Apparel Expo's I lectured on the use of rhinestones and what this can do for your company's revenue. My own experience has been that with the addition of rhinestone apparel to our offering the cash register is making a ringing sound more often than if we relied on embroidery. The addition of rhinestones to a screen print product is the difference between you and the printer down the street.

What I couldn't have predicted back in 2010 is that Strawberry Stitch Co. would become CAMS automatic rhinestone transfer machine channel partner with ColDesi out of Tampa Florida. This is an exciting announcement and opportunity for ColDesi, Strawberry Stitch Co., and consumers. This move will tie together many parts into a single power effort.

The consumer benefits from a sales channel capable of demonstrating how this machine generates revenue, and how to create fabulous rhinestone designs with software you may already own. As with all products Strawberry Stitch Co. sells, we are developing a training program for the CAMS machines to go with the sale of each machine and of course we'll provide the same level of support we have for Wilcom over the years.

By combining the best software in the industry with the best equipment I am excited for what the future will bring and what Strawberry Stitch Co. will be able to offer you. Most of all, I will be able to offer you confidence in your purchasing decisions. I wouldn't put my name on the CAMS line of rhinestone machines if they weren't the best machine available. If you have any questions, please feel free to call toll free, 888-991-0707 or email me directly at Tom@StrawberryStitch.com.

Evolution of rhinestones

2011-07-01T14:15:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I have been working hard on bringing our embroidery design software and our graphic design software together. This has been a dream of mine for more than a decade and we saw our first real introduction to this in 2009. The result on the industry is the evolution of multi-decoration software platforms such as Wilcom's DecoStudio and EmbroideryStudio. While our industry is well on its way to this realization, the effort will continue to evolve in the years to come.

In January 2011 Wilcom added the ability to create rhinestone designs in the same design screen as your your embroidery designs. This is an exciting step both as a decorator and as a producer of decorated apparel. This move ties together both of my predictions of the progress of our software and the increased use of rhinestones on our apparel.

It's the little things that make it all worth while

2011-06-07T09:39:00.002-05:00

I've been in the decorated apparel business for the past 19 years leaving a lot of opportunity to see my work in public. While Strawberry Stitch Co. has been the designers behind the scenes for many big name companies, one of my favorites was when we did the official embroidery for the Papal visit in 1999. Every once in a while we will do something that seems run of the mill until I surprisingly bump into it in the public eye. There is a sense of thrill that flows through your body and the inevitable words, "We did that!" as if our own staff is surprised of what we had accomplished.

This happened today when I arrived at work and my assistant said, "I saw the Stihl jacket we did on TV last night." Yes, we were told the rush jacket had to be in Cape Girardeau Missouri for a commercial shoot. Yes, we were told it would air on TV.

What we didn't know is this would be Stihl's largest, most comprehensive national sales event in its history. It wasn't on the top of our minds, I had written it off because we've done hundreds of designs since then. I jumped on YouTube and sure enough one of the first frames of the commercial is a motorcycle rider wearing the leather jacket we decorated. From the design concept, to applique cutting, to the actual stitching of the design applied to the jacket. I recall when the jacket was dropped off, us moving it out of our way as it took up counter space, and then the approval of the customer when the jacket was eventually complete and picked up.

When I Googled the commercial I also found behind the scene photos of the commercial shoot, but nothing really of our work there. This event was a welcome surprise that confirms what we do matters. Even if we had not been able to see the commercial, the truth of it all is that decorators all over create designs. Decorators dress up apparel and interior accessories each and every day so the world is a prettier place, or to add that needed touch to an ad campaign, or to communicate a message of one kind or another. The message may be, "Welcome to my home", "We're the best Beer", or "I have style."

We have worked on hundreds of designs since the Stihl jacket. The airing of the commercial reminds me that while we may have gone on in life to new assignments and creative projects, our work continues to be part of other's everyday life. Viewers watching TV, or I bet that jacket is being worn by someone somewhere. Maybe it's hanging in their office or display room. I have no idea where it is, but I bet it is valued for the prize that it is.

California Dreamin

2011-05-29T11:20:00.006-05:00

Recently there has been much attention given to the application of Section 2671(b) of California’s labor code and most importantly how it is being applied to decorators in the Golden State. I have been reading with interest the comments posted on Stitchwork and other online discussion areas. I wish to commend Stitches Magazine for bringing this topic to light. More awareness to business topics that effect our industry are needed.

At first I read the article and felt the same rush of adrenaline I believe many others may have. After some time to think the matter over, the citizen side of me kicked in. I began to mentally explore the fiscal responsible views and I wondered if there was a bigger picture to this subject.

Excerpt from Digitizing 201 - Type chapter

2011-05-27T18:59:00.001-05:00

Legibility research has been published as far back as the nineteenth century. The ability to create legible type remains a concern for today’s typeface designers. Because they do not take embroidery into consideration poses a predicament for those of us in the embroidery industry struggling to create legible type from modern typefaces.

Research on type legibility continues today focusing on typefaces for those with visual impairment, typefaces for road signs and other conditions where legibility may be safety related.

Commonly accepted findings of legibility research partially include;

State of the Industry interview with Stitches Magazine

2011-05-25T21:52:00.001-05:00

Earlier this month I was interviewed by Stitches Magazine. I thought I would share the podcast from this interview so you could hear my thoughts instead of reading them. I hope you gain something useful from the piece. Click here to listen in.

Digitizing 201 update

2011-05-15T17:43:00.001-05:00

I would like to personally thank you for your patience over this past year. I know this past year has tried every one's patience and you have gone up and beyond what I could have expected.

This past Friday, Friday the 13th no less, marked one year since my son in law was killed in a terrible auto accident leaving my daughter and two grandchildren, along with the rest of my family, in complete shock. It was the day of my daughters 9th anniversary and the day before my grandson's 8th birthday. I would describe my state as one of being numb beyond words, speechless and distracted.

Thank goodness for Superglue

2011-04-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

A drummer since age ten, I like to drum to music (often loud music) when I am being creative such as designing or writing. For those patiently waiting on the completion of my next book Digitizing 201 you should know today I was drumming so hard the eraser flew off my pencil.

I was writing some great stuff and then "fling" went the rubber tip to my writing/drum stick. Nothing superglue couldn't fix and I was right back to drumming along while I write.

Wilcom TrueSizer e2 is now available for download

2011-03-09T10:16:00.000-06:00

Wilcom is pleased to announce the general availability of Wilcom TrueSizer e2. This release makes Wilcom Truesizer e2 available with support for e2 and earlier (.Emb) file formats.

Wilcom TrueSizer is a universal file conversion tool offering full compatibility between industrial and domestic embroidery file formats, as well as full design scalability. It allows you to view, modify, read and convert, and output high quality embroidery through its easy-to-use commands and tools.

Is QR code a fad, game, or a sign of the future?

2011-03-08T22:45:00.007-06:00

Do you know what this QR code says?

At this past week's Decorated Apparel Expo I gave a presentation on "Expanding Retail Sales". In this presentation I offered ways to use technology to present new decoration ideas to a larger audience on a more frequent basis using modern networking vehicles. The four major areas I covered were;

Web sites (informational, interactive and eCommerce)
eMail marketing campaigns
Blogs
Social networking

I didn't mention QR codes honestly because I had only recently begun to see them in printed material and wasn't exactly sure how to use them. With a little nudge from a techno-geek friend of mine and some research of my own I unlocked "the secret" to what exactly a QR code is.

Social Media Revolution

2011-03-05T09:19:00.005-06:00

This was shared with me and I wish to pass it on. It moves pretty quickly so you may wish to watch it several times or pause it to read and ponder the facts. Compare it to your habits and what you are conducting your business. It may very well spark some ideas that could spring board your business in a positive direction.

Get on the wave or drown

2011-03-04T20:44:00.002-06:00

When I started the Embroidery Design School Forum two years ago many jumped on the opportunity to join. Others were slow to embrace the "social media" feel of the community compared to the traditional email lists they and I have participated in since the early 90s.

The community has now past the 900 member mark, yet I still realize some of the members turn to email lists to post a question than to seek assistance on the EDS Forum. I'm puzzled by this since the forum has so much more to offer than an email list does.

Who is a member and who is reading is visible for all to see.
Capable of pictures and video
Members may easily attach files to their posts
Pictures are simple to include with the explanations
Each member has their own page to list who they are, what services they offer giving a true community feel where members may seek outsource arrangements
And best of all your email is not packed with messages you have little interest in

When I ask members why they post to an email list instead of the forum the majority say they like the simplicity of an email list, or they are familiar with how email lists work. Some have asked if I would consider offering an email list instead of the web-based community. Ironically the forum does have a digest option if members prefer that style.

Have a Toe Tapping Monday!

2011-02-21T14:47:00.000-06:00

Think Green - St. Patrick's that is

2011-02-20T22:14:00.001-06:00

If you haven't been thinking about St. Patrick's Day yet, you should be. This is a great holiday with swarms of customers, Irish or not, purchasing St. Pat's apparel.

To do list;

Garments to purchase
Designs to be used (Embroidery, print, rhinestones)
Store signage
Marketing piece
Website themes

Dongles set us free

2011-02-15T01:21:00.001-06:00

Years ago Wilcom security was accomplished through a Trysoft card. This was a ISA card that was installed in your computer. The Trysoft took up an often needed ISA slot on your computer that could have been used for another peripheral and laptops didn't allow the installation of external cards.

In those days the software could only be used on a desktop computer which restricted mobility. The Trysoft didn't have a way to install on a laptop, so this meant the software couldn't be used on anything but a desktop computer. Not only couldn't I take my system on the road to a customer's location or trade show, but I couldn't even take it home with me. Oh yea, I couldn't take it to another office. No, in those days we were tethered to the single desktop we elected to install the Trysoft into.

The first mobile hard-lock keys were serial connections. While the serial dongles had some drawbacks, which includes the introduction of codes if my minds serves me well, they provided such flexibility that they were well worth putting up with. With all freedoms comes responsibility. Once the hardlock keys were no longer screwed into an ISA slot inside a desktop computer, they were not only free to move about, they were also free to be damaged and lost.

Since version 9 the hard-lock keys are accomplished through USB style keys.This was a major advancement in user flexibility making the key easily transferred from computer to computer no matter what the style computer, whether a desktop, laptop or MAC. The key is so small it can be neatly tucked in a purse (not that I have one) or slip between the crack in a car seat.

A few years ago I received a small Hershey Kiss tin for Valentines Day. It's just large enough that I can't lose it, just strong enough it won't crush easily, just precious enough I won't forget where I placed it. I am diligent to take the key from the computer and place it immediately into the tin. The tin always goes in the same slot in my laptop bag. In this way I have the flexibility of a small convenient hardlock key when I am using it, and the increased security and control when I have removed it from my computer.

Why do we need codes?

2011-02-12T22:59:00.003-06:00

I understand the codes can seem like a thorn in your side, but trust me it's for our own good. Most shipping arrangements transfer ownership of the goods when they leave the shippers location. If something goes wrong, it's left between us and the shipping company to resolve. I bet you know how well that process goes.

If the dongles were shipped live, and yours didn't arrive, your $5,000 - $15,000 asset would be out there somewhere floating around in shipping land. You would have to wait until the shipping company located it or you could cough up another $5-$15,000 to have a second system shipped ASAP.

Dongles are shipped "dead" so if the dongle doesn't arrive as planned, Wilcom doesn't have to play tough guy. They can ship a replacement system knowing the first system is not usable since whoever has it doesn't have the codes to activate it.

Makes sense doesn't it?

Where are those pesky codes?

2011-02-11T08:30:00.007-06:00

With all the Wilcom installations going on there are many calls and emails concerning the correct process to follow for the installation of both the software (shipped via UPS) and the security codes (emailed from pes@wilcom.com).

Two days ago I provided the ground work for the installations, listing the three items required before one should start the installation process. If you missed that writing scroll back to "Don't jump the gun." It's worth the time to read ( I hope most of my writing are) so that you don't "jump the gun."

I want to commend Wilcom America for the job they are doing shipping the boxes and emailing the security codes. The staff at Wilcom America works quietly behind the scenes and is doing a great job to support each shipment! There has yet to be a situation where the codes were not emailed to the email address on record. Make sure we have the email address you wish the codes to be sent to and that you check your SPAM and JUNK folders. If you have any questions you should contact your dealer first.

One more nugget of information. The brain drain process where the installation draws the old information from the previous dongle and activates the new dongle only has to be accomplished one time. After your initial installation that requires both dongles, you will then restart Wilcom. At this point you will install the new set of codes. You are then ready to use the software and the previous dongle is unusable.

Subsequent installations on a second or third computer will not require the previous dongle or the installation of the codes. At this point your dongle is live and you will simply conduct a "new installation" as the update has already been completed.

If you are very new to dongles and security codes you may wish to purchase our Wilcom 1.3 video which covers security more indepth and includes a few other topics.

Flock-n-Stone

2011-02-10T09:30:00.004-06:00

After the post the other day I received several emails asking how exactly are stones applied and what is the process to combining flock and rhinestones. Today I'll provide a little insight to this extremely simple process.

First I began in Wilcom from the graphic side. Using the text tool I created the letters MBU. I also created the placement for my rhinestones using the ellipse tool. I went back over to the embroidery mode to use the BLING! tool to create the rhinestone portion of the design. My last step in Wilcom was to use the Multi-decoration export feature to create both the .ai file for my Bling, and the .plt for cutting the flock. These two files are created at the same time using this new feature.

How you cut your flock or create your stone transfers will be based on your equipment. I used my Ioline 300 to cut the flock from the .plt file created in Wilcom.

The rhinestone sheets were made using a CAM machine. Do not forget you can outsource the flock cutting and stone sheet process if needed. Don't think for a second that you have to have expensive equipment to create this process.

The flock is applied to the headbands (see image 1) and once they have cooled the plastic carrier is removed.

The stone sheets are then applied to the headbands ( see image 2) again using the same heat press. After the head bands have cooled you may remove the clear carrier and your job is complete.

The end result is nice enough even ET's girlfriend wanted to wear one. These 15 headbands are for the Missouri Baptist University cheer squad who is going to nationals.

I hope this overview of the process helped some understand better how easily this product may be created.

Don't jump the gun

2011-02-09T11:42:00.002-06:00

Wilcom is now shipping the NEW elements2 release to those who have placed their orders. I love working with the new version and I know you will too. It's a very exciting time and I know many of you are champing at the bit to get your shipment.

I wanted to remind you the installation requires three vital parts and you will not want to begin the installation process until all three parts are in your hands.

Your existing functional dongle.
The new media box with the new dongle, installation CD and installation guide. This will arrive via UPS.
Your new security codes. This will be emailed from Wilcom. Look for an email from PES@Wilcom.com. These emails often find themselves in JUNK and SPAM folders. Be sure to look there before calling support. This file is essential to the installation.

One last bit of advice. I don't suggest beginning the installation process after noon on Friday. Technical support is only available on weekdays. In the event you require special assistance it is best to make the request during normal business hours.

If you have any issues with your installation do not hesitate to call.
Toll free to SSC is 888-991-0707, Wilcom support is 1-770-409-9503.