Imagine the scene. 1932. Michigan. A salesman steps down from the train into a the wet, dark night of a small rural town. He walks down main street, avoiding the worst potholes until he finds a restaurant. A quiet word with the owner; n0-one can quite hear what he says. The owner pauses, intrigued. How could he possibly resist such an offer. The salesman asks where the nearest power socket is, and uncoils a snake-like cable from his case, skillfully connecting it to the power.
He opens the case with the greatest care. Inside sits a row of pale glass tubes. A small group have now gathered, intrigued by the activities of this stranger. He flicks the small concealed switch and the audience gasp. Gradually the lights gain intensity, red, blue, green yellow. The audience stand transfixed as the lights become startlingly bright. They’ve never seen anything quite like this before.
“Now”, says the stranger, “What colour and shape would you like?”
The shopkeeper is silent. His mind is racing. Wow – anyone who saw that coming into town would be sure to come and find out what it’s all about. Wouldn’t it be great to have “Waldo’s” over the front door. I wonder how big they can make them? How long do they take to make? I wonder what it costs? Has anyone else seen this yet?
He doesn’t really need this, but do you think he cares a great deal about the price?
Where’s the modern equivalent of this?
1930's Neon Light Sample Case
I’d say the iPad. We have laptops, home PC’s and smart phones, all capable of connecting to the web, sending and receiving e-mails. But you look at the iPad and what it can do and you desperately want one. Well I do anyway!
I think you’re right! I was forced to purchase an iPad (against my will, obviously), and it is stunning. I often use it simply because there’s none of messing around with cables and waiting for a laptop to boot. I think Apple are doing a pretty good job of getting people like us to sell them commission free!
[...] “Can I put Your Name in Lights?” was inspired by a neon lamp demonstration case I saw for auction in the US. [...]