Made in the USA
Ken Gracey
Posts: 7,399
Hey all,
The Parallax web site has a new page today: Made in the USA. We have a couple of reasons for putting this page together. One of them is to show the·Parallax manufacturing staff, who have recently developed into the most capable crew we've ever had building our products. Next, we feel the need to try to·demonstrate the positive aspects of our country amidst the bad economy by showing some hope for the future (not nationalism, or pride). And finally, we're just plain tired of hearing the politicians talk about how manufacturing is all gone.·. . as if they have much control over a global economy.
You'd think that we'd be able to point to many products coming out of our facility and say "Made in the USA!" but this isn't the case at Parallax or any other company that makes electronics. What about the raw materials? The Federal Trade Commission has some policies about unsubstantiated claims, but they also realize that it's nearly impossible to manufacture all-American since raw materials and components come from all around the world. For this reason companies may qualify their claims. So we've reviewed·the FTC·staff interpretation of their policy·and attempted to apply·guidelines to Parallax.
When these criteria clearly apply and we pass the test, we will feature the "Made in the USA" sticker·on the product's box. The product's web page will explain the qualifications behind making such a claim.·The first product which we will evaluate is the "12V Motor and Wheel Kit with Position Controller". This product represents both significant CNC milling and workmanship, so we believe it should pass the threshold·based on labor costs.
We appreciate any input you may have on the subject, whether it is constructive, positive or just plain negative.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Parallax, Inc.
The Parallax web site has a new page today: Made in the USA. We have a couple of reasons for putting this page together. One of them is to show the·Parallax manufacturing staff, who have recently developed into the most capable crew we've ever had building our products. Next, we feel the need to try to·demonstrate the positive aspects of our country amidst the bad economy by showing some hope for the future (not nationalism, or pride). And finally, we're just plain tired of hearing the politicians talk about how manufacturing is all gone.·. . as if they have much control over a global economy.
You'd think that we'd be able to point to many products coming out of our facility and say "Made in the USA!" but this isn't the case at Parallax or any other company that makes electronics. What about the raw materials? The Federal Trade Commission has some policies about unsubstantiated claims, but they also realize that it's nearly impossible to manufacture all-American since raw materials and components come from all around the world. For this reason companies may qualify their claims. So we've reviewed·the FTC·staff interpretation of their policy·and attempted to apply·guidelines to Parallax.
When these criteria clearly apply and we pass the test, we will feature the "Made in the USA" sticker·on the product's box. The product's web page will explain the qualifications behind making such a claim.·The first product which we will evaluate is the "12V Motor and Wheel Kit with Position Controller". This product represents both significant CNC milling and workmanship, so we believe it should pass the threshold·based on labor costs.
We appreciate any input you may have on the subject, whether it is constructive, positive or just plain negative.
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Parallax, Inc.
125 x 125 - 8K
Comments
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~~ dRu ~~
Ken has certainly taught us that having something manufactured in China does
not have to mean the end product has to be of poor quality. Many larger corporations
could really learn something here. The bar has been raised. (at least in my mind.)
I understand that marketing a product internationally means that you present
yourself in a manner careful not to offend cultures outside your own, but
when did concept of "nationalism" develop such a negative connotation?
Promote the "Made in the USA" -- Well earned indeed.
Does China have a simular standard for high quality of product?
I should be applied as well. If I didn't know the PPDB was manufactured there,
I certainly would never have guessed. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
OBC
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So why the flag ? I knew there'd be the flag !
I think your goals are admirable but as soon as you put the flag up it does indeed look like patriotism, nationalism and pride to many outside America; supporting the country and all it stands for and does.
If it's not because of that, why is it there ? What is it meant to say ? What does it say ? What is the rationale ? What will others perceive as the rationale and message ?
It's definitely a cultural thing. I would say most in Britain really don't understand this 'flag obsession', reverence of it and pledging allegiance to a flag. To me it doesn't look any different to rows of communists in boiler suits waving their little red books and chanting their mantras with all the negative connotations that brings forth. I guess there's also something somewhat reminiscent of how a certain European country was 65 years ago.
I know there is plenty of good in America amidst a lot which can be criticised, and promoting and showing the good is not something I'd ever object to. I'm not sure that 'flag waving' is the best way to go about it.
Don't get me wrong; what I see in Parallax is the best of America and a fine example to the rest of the world many could learn from. I think however you need to re-consider how to promote that without appearing to have jumped on the nationalistic bandwagon or becoming tarnished by views of what's very wrong with America. Unfortunately, what symbolises all that is great and good about the USA to Americans is also a symbol of what is bad and even evil about America to others.
When the world became a global village and people realised it was.
Take websters definition of nationalism : "loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups".
Such supremacist views don't go down too well with those who consider themselves deemed inferior. It goes against the notion that all are, or should be, equal and nationalism is quite an offensive notion to many.
Strangely enough just this morning I was dismantling a Mini Maglite. These are among my favourite objects in the world. Made of real metal. Nicely machined. Black. Heavy. Anyway, in discrete white text around the lens it says "MAG INSTRUMENT - CALIFORNIA , USA." Perfect, and something like that should be stamped on every Propeller.
Having said all that, the "Made In USA" logo presented just looks gross, brash, cheap and loud. Sorry. May be that's just my Brit aesthetic, but I would prefer a simple stars and stripes flag with discrete text underneath.
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For me, the past is not over yet.
You managed to say all that whilst I was composing, I did not dare go down that road but that's why I concentrated on the aesthetic style and used the word "discrete". I think if you check a modern day Triumph motorcycle, if you look hard enough you will find a little Union Jack and the word "Made in England" (or is it Britain?). What's wrong with that?
Nothing wrong with some national pride. No need to take it to the world domination level but we are nations in competition with each other whilst at the same time depending on each other. Like football teams, if there was only one what would be the point?
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For me, the past is not over yet.
Ken certainly had his choice of many legal U. S. Flags which he might have used on the label he's proposing. I might have thought about using the attached U. S. Flag instead.
Before anyone asks, it is still a legal U.S. Flag even today although it dates back to our colonial era. It flies proudly on some public schools, and other similar institutions, along with the Stars and Stripes which Ken chose.
If this doesn't heat up this thread, I'm not sure what will :-)
Regards,
Bruce Bates
B.P.O.E.
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When all else fails, try inserting a new battery.
But on the other hand I was remotely aware that use of a flag could be somewhat offensive to our foreign friends, which is why the sticker is quite small and I attempted to clarify the thought that we're not being nationalistic yet simply trying to make a quick connection. Forums are great because that can be explained, of course. In this situation we hope the sticker conveys the sense of quality we designed and manufactured into the product, because we spare no expense when making certain products due to the component and material choices we make along the way.
As for Americans and their obsession with the flag, you're right. It starts at a young age in school with the daily Pledge of Allegiance (I'll have to ask my kids if they still do this at school). And if children are involved in Cub Scouts or other public service activities they learn how to raise and lower a flag, how to fold it, etc. I think American citizens have been less "international" than people from other countries in the past, too, which may serve to amplify our interests towards the American flag.
So the choice of the sticker was to make a quick visual connection to the country of origin.
Ken Gracey
Parallax, Inc.
I personally believe we do have the greatest country on earth. Call it nationalism, pride, ego or brainwashing, I don't care.
This is a screwed up world if companies are condemed for showing pride in their country because it might offend someone.
Bean
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"The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants." ~ Camus
www.iElectronicDesigns.com
·
I'll happily second your feelings!
Regards,
Bruce bates
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When all else fails, try inserting a new battery.
There is a PRIDE in quality, something really lacking in this country.
This is a solid concept, and nothing wrong with it. It promotes the best
in workmanship and attitude. I wish more Americans displayed this.
We would have better products, less problems on so many levels.
We might even regain the respect we've lost from other nations
if Americans on whole would act in this fashion. We can behave in a
international community and still have this kind of PRIDE.
(Wish my neighbors had this kind of PRIDE, there would be less litter
at the curbs of their streets in front of their homes.)
There is also a PRIDE which promotes arrogance, and belittles others.
It stinks no matter what level it is presented. I'm pretty sure this
is NOT the direction Parallax is heading.
Let's not confuse one with the other..
There is nothing magical about the American flag, it is simply a symbol.
People need a tangible symbol to represent the ideas. This is why it
is taught early in our schools. Shamefully, there are those who have
soiled the concept so badly that is doesn't reflect the best in Americans
to the rest of the world.
OBC
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Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 10/29/2008 3:29:44 PM GMT
Internally, I am also doing this to show appreciation towards our manufacturing staff. They're not just numbers in our business. As a group they're super quiet and humble by their very nature yet they have pride in workmanship.
Ken Gracey
Parallax, Inc.
Post Edited (Ken Gracey (Parallax)) : 10/29/2008 3:48:44 PM GMT
As for that hideous snake flag, its grotesque. I had always thought it was some kind of joke. As it seems to actually be the current naval jack I start to understand the problems the world has with the USA's attitudes.
Please dear America, be proud, believe you are the best, BE the best. That also includes being aware of other humans, and some subtlety.
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For me, the past is not over yet.
Regarding the photos of Parallax employees on the "Made in the USA" page. Would you consider adding captions to each photo with their first names, department and perhaps how many years they have been with the company?
Dave G
Although the snake flag is not appropriate for our message that we are trying to convey, I don't think that it is meant to be gross. To the Egyptians, the snake is symbolic for divine power and energy and I think that is the reference implemented by this particular flag.
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Beau Schwabe
IC Layout Engineer
Parallax, Inc.
Sure, I'll do that for you. Our web team doesn't like time-sensitive notations like "3 years at Parallax" because they have to update them all the time, but I can identify person, job, and department.
One of the guys in that picture is Rich (upper row, right side). He's the internal equivalent of Chris Savage, Chip, or Paul Baker. You may never hear from Rich, but he has a tremendous impact on keeping our QA/QC in order and managing our manufacturing. He also shoots every product photograph you've seen on our web site. Just like Jen, our Graphic Designer, he's been at Parallax for more than ten years (maybe 13-14 years). Check back at the end of the day for an update to that web page.
- Ken
You don't have to put years of service, rather you could simply say: "been here since..."
-Parsko
Doh! Thanks!
Ken
America historically is a Christian country and as far as I can tell becomes more so every day. Biblically the snake has always been a symbol of deceit, and evil. In fact in Genesis God curses the snake to always slide on his belly and eat dirt.
This well known "gross" symbolism this is EXACTLY why Benjamin Franklin chose the snake in his cartoons and writings against the British and French. Quote B.F. "American colonists should send rattlesnakes to England."
The fact that this symbolism now turns up on modern day naval vessels, "diplomatically" circling the world, turns my stomach.
As for the meaning of the snake in other cultures, well, turning up with a huge battle ship waving a snake, knowing that your potential adversary sees it a symbol of "divine power", which they probably reserve for themselves, is just asking for trouble.
Anyway, no more politics and religion from me, just a plea to be diplomatic, stylish, discreet, subtle.
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For me, the past is not over yet.
http://www.navyjack.info/history.html
http://www.ultimateflags.com/usahist/donttreadyellow.html
[noparse]:)[/noparse]
A real world example.... There is a small shopping plaza that is very close to my home. There's a grocery store, a couple restaurants and a hair salon. Every chance I get, I try to patronize those local businesses. I could go across town and go to Walmart and get everything cheaper (ignoring the cost of gas and convenience) but I'd rather spend the money in my neighborhood because if I don't, they may not be there when I need them.
Thinking small - buying at local stores puts money back into your own community
and likewise, buying American puts money back into the pockets of Americans
The "Made in the USA" campaign, may be a plus to an American, but citizens of other countries may view that neutrally or maybe even negatively.
It's hard to please all of the people, all of the time.
Brian
parts_man73: I tend to agree with you. Makes me crazy some times to find supermarkets full of vegetables from the other side of the planet when we have farmers of our own struggling along.
But these things should also be recognized and respected as a symbol of quality when you are marketing globally. Not to mention inspiring pride in the people who actually make the stuff. As is Parallax's intention, and quite rightly so in their case I think.
Back to the logo it's tacky. Sorry, it smacks of everything cheap and tacky from Disney to McDonalds to Col. Sanders to Las Vegas. It does not ooze a message of quality design and precision engineering. A straight forward star spangled banner would and a simple font would do that nicely. Still that only my old fashion view.
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For me, the past is not over yet.
A simple flag and block text Made in the USA below would suffice very nicely without overstating it.
OBC
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I like it because I often get the sense that my countrymen feel 'America is no longer competitive'. This thinking often leads to a closed minded, xenophobic, anti-free market philosophy. This is a subtle reminder that it's not true.
It may sound strange, but the best thing for the world is to buy goods & services from whomever produces the best product - regardless of nation. Don't reward the innefficent, uncompetitive business because it is based near where you live. Don't punish a business because it's based far from where you live.
An opinion that's probably worth what you paid for it...
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If anyone should be flying the flag for the USA it is Parallax. They are are an inspiration to me and should be to the world. Excellent and imaginative designs, excellent products, quality manufacture, top rate customer support. But more than that what seems to be a superb work ethic and work environment. The envy of any geek the world over. Building and doing for the fun of building and doing as much as needing to make a buck.
Cheers.
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For me, the past is not over yet.
Or, if that doesn't work, here is another sample of American Workmanship. It's from a small company similar to Parallax: P.M. Research. They make all their steam engines in New York, and have made a nice label. I especially like to the word "Proudly".
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For me, the past is not over yet.
Back on topic, perhaps Parallax should make their own flag? Then there won't be any objections to putting "Made in Parallax" on the box...
If you use a flag, make sure others outside the US can recognise it, so don't use an obscure flag. I disagree with Hippy (sorry) so go for it.