This comment is not directly connected to the original post, BUT!
Considering what I have observed over the last year or so, the demise of ink sources and substrate manufactures is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
I have been receiving DAILY notices of both American and foreign multi million/billion dollar companies being closed and their assets being auctioned off for "PENNIES" on the Dollar.
This is happening at an accelerated rate, as the world economy winds down as a result of the economic downturn continues unabated.
Though all of us, like the customers we like to bitch about, want to buy products cheaper and cheaper. There is a point of diminishing return where we end up killing the very market we are dependent upon to survive. This thread, though valid, is a perfect example. Buying supplies based on only the cheapest price may benefit you in the short term. But where will you turn when the quality providers of substrate and ink and spare parts are driven out of the market place by the "cheaper" suppliers. When perhaps those "cheaper" suppliers { kind of like Mosh's business model} kill the providers who pioneered the processes that created the original products. Then they { the "cheap" knock offs} can no longer provide for what ever reason the supplies you have come to depend on.
We will all sink with the same ship, when we can no longer get repair parts, inks or supplies from the OEM sources and all we have left is the equipment which needs fed supplies for every job. and there are NO SUPPLIES.
It reminds me of the debate over WalMart getting into the banner printing business.
HOW DARE THEY?
Yet it is most likely because they {WalMart} saw a demand, and decided to fill a void.
Think about THAT the next time you step into a WalMart, or beat your suppliers down on price, or buy from someone who is $15-$20 cheaper on inks.
There is ALWAYS a risk reward involved with every decision you make.
As the FRAM® oil filter ad used to say " You can pay me now, or you can pay me later", But You WILL PAY ME!
