True confession of a New Jersey Neon Glassbender...

I know I should stay positive, but a part of me is thinking... regardless of the possible consequences of my rant, as it may not work in my favor for it's negativity, perhaps if I blog about my dilemma a solution may come my way.

Ok, so here's my dilemma... After nearly 20 years in the Neon Sign business, I took a maternity leave just as the economy tanked and commercial vacancies began to dot the business landscape like ghost-town props. I have just now to emerge, and frankly it feels worse than starting over again. 

I have come to realize the hard way that the greatest asset for my business, prior to my leave, was my company website..

As I was ready to wake up from my maternal euphoria and dust down the Neon plant I learned that my ten year old web name www.empressneon.com was essentially hijacked and pimped to the highest bidder.

Of course it was my fault, not updating my email address from the long left AOL account I started on the internet with, to the one I use the most, I am still just now realizing how essential that website I took for granted was to my company...

Today, and every day since I relaunched my website using my secondary web address name www.empressSigns.com, I checked the Google ranking using two, once reliable, keywords, NEON NEW JERSEY, ok make it three, only to see I am nowhere to be found!

Knowing what I know about algorithms, strong content, back-links, and my bank account, I know that it might be a long while before I get to the top ranking page again. :(

What I am treated to now are other companies that are listed under my winning keywords "NEON NEW JERSEY", and there's one there that even has the audacity to start their web introduction with the following words... 

"Greetings! If you were directed to this page because you were looking for a local New Jersey neon sign store, please read on. We're going to be honest here, we are not located in New Jersey (in fact, we're in Virginia) but we want to tell you about the many advantages of buying a neon sign online from 1-2-3 Neon Signs (that would be us)."

Ugh!!! ... You do feel my pain, right???

While I strategize my come-back I have to remind myself of an old saying I took the liberty to modify... "All is fair in Love, War, and Business" and this way I can't get mad. 

Meanwhile, I'll take the expert's advice, which allows me to kill two birds with one stone... Blog about the real life saga of a Real New Jersey Based Neon sign company where the Neon is Actually Manufactured right here in New Jersey, a place that my company Empress Signs LLC. has served since 1995', and I get to share with you the real plight in the day to day life of  a lost breed, the Neon Glassbender.

With that said... Am I there yet? :o)

If you love Neon Lights you will surly appreciate this wonderful table-top book on Vintage Neon, written by Len Davidson, a former sociology professor who now resides in Philadelphia PA. (Order Vintage Neon on-line)

Davidson has developed a life-long appreciation for neon and has become a local champion for its preservation.

Several of his own museum quality Vintage Signs, consisting of highly crafted commercial Neon salvaged from a bygone era, as well as, Artistic Neon works fashioned by local artists, are now on display at the AIA building on 12th & Arch St, in Philadelphia PA.

The Neon Art: Folk, Found, & Fine Exhibit is a free and a wonderful addition to the incredible sights to be found in the heart of historic PA. I recommend, to everyone who appreciates neon, you swing by before- July 27, 2012 to bask in the glow of these fascinating vintage signs and incredible neon works of art.

Be sure to visit the Neon Art exhibit: "Folk, Found, & Fine", Happening now...

Be sure to visit the Neon Art exhibit: "Folk, Found, & Fine", Happening now at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture on 1218 Arch Street  Philadelphia, PA, from June 4 – Jul 27, 2012. Opening Reception: Friday, June 8, 6-8 pm.

This fascinating exhibit demonstrating all aspects of neon is Organized by Philadelphia’s own neon artist, Len Davidson.

http://aiaphiladelphia.org/events/exhibition-neon-art-folk-found-fine

Empress Signs LLC. is on the map!

Check out our landmark business associate below on Google Maps. They have all chosen brilliant Neon Signs & Lighting by Empress Signs LLC., ensuring their business will get and stay on the map in the eyes of consumers who pass by daily for years to come.
Our efficient Custom Neon Signs & Lighting can get your business much needed attention necessary to attract and retain customers 24/7.

Call 856-248-0136 today for a quote for brilliant neon signs & lighting for your business and keep "on the map" for years to come.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid
201431291622052324879.00046436fb7194ba95291

There are a few changes at Empress Signs LLC., namely, we have consolidated our company websites into one. http://www.empressneon.com is no more, and you can now find us for all of your Custom Neon Signs & Lighting needs at http://www.empressSIGNS.com

Though we are still fully dedicated to being your New Jersey based premiere Neon Sign Manufacturer we've expanded our sign services to include promotional materials for all of your Print Ad & Marketing needs, and we've added several new products, in partnership with our Amazon affiliates, that are convenient to order on-line at any time.

You will find a vast array of Stock Neon Products, Trade Show Materials & Assets, Automotive Decals, Books about Neon, and More. Order on-line 24/7 and your product will be shipped directly to your home or office via our trusted partners at Amazon.com. 

About the Artist

Celebrating Twenty Years in the Sign Industry!

Glassbender, and Graphic Artist Eileen Thompkins

Eileen Thompkins began her profession as a freelance artist in 1995 and was taught  the art of glass bending at a notable, full service sign company located in Southwest Philadelphia in 1989.  

Thompkins opened Empress Signs LLC in 1997 and her goal was to create neon sign designs and products that are artistically fabricated and distinguishable from the commercial neon signage so common to our business landscape today.  Read More About Neon Glass Artist ... 

Why I Love Neon

Signs Speak Louder than Words, An Urban Artist's Journey Into the Neon Trade(PRWEB) August 8, 2005 -- Eileen Thompkins' love for graphics and lettering evolved out of her earliest experiences growing up in a city where graphic imagery was all around her.

Painted signs and neon lights displayed by the businesses in Thompkins' West Philadelphia community, inspired her at a very young age. All along Market Street merchants offered goods and services, from appliances to zucchinis, and just as impressive to Thompkins, were the colorful signs and displays used to help the merchants promote their wares.

In particular she noticed and remembered the signs that were painstakingly hand painted by local sign-men, the Wilson Brothers.

NEON F.A.Q.s

NEON - An inert gas found in the air you breathe.

The word Neon is synonymous with brilliantly colored signs and lighting. The Packard company displayed one of the first signs commercially in the early 1900's and not long after merchants realized neon's potential for grabbing attention. By the 1920's neon would be used at the world fare to help showcase the latest in technology. Since then we've used neon to create ambiance and excitement for businesses and brands all over the world.

Neon lights come in many vibrant colors. Minerals that exhibit florescence when illuminated are used to coat the inside of glass tubing. Color pigment may also be embedded in the glass itself. "Fill" gases such as Argon, Neon, and Helium are used inside of a vacuumed tube with electrodes placed on each end for the introduction of electricity to achieve color and illumination.

Neon Gas produces a brilliant red glow when illuminated. Argon and helium are combined to produce a dim blue light. Argon and helium serve as a carrier for minuscule amounts of Mercury added to evoke the brilliant glow found in fluorescent lighting. These factors are combined to achieve brilliance in neon color and design.

See glass colors EGL Neon Color Chart

See Neon Terminology EGL Neon Glossary

NEON F.A.Q.s
How are neon lights produced?"	If a neon tube breaks can it be repaired?	If a sign is blue, does it really contain neon?
Can the gas from a neon sign kill you?	What chemical reactions take place with neon?	For longevity...is it better to turn the sign off every night OR leave it on 24/7?
What electronic transitions take place inside of a neon sign?	Does cold temperature have an effect on neon?	Do neon lights flicker when turned on?
Can I get my beer sign repaired?	How much does it cost to repair neon?	Is a broken neon tube carcinogenic?
What causes electric discharge when you touch neon glass?	My neon sign has a little flicker in a small part of it. Is the sign going bad or is this normal?

Find Answers to these questions and More by following this link.