Afternoon, folks.
No, no great earth-shattering news to report. Business as usual, basically. In case anyone thinks I’m not doing this anymore because of the lack of updates on this site, it’s just that the lack of updates are due to me being so busy. Some people might know that I was juggling this little escapade with another full time job, with the result that I had zero time that I wasn’t working at something or other. Things reached crisis point late last year, and the cutting won. So this is my sole income right now. Quite scary going back into the realms of self-employment after six years of a steady paid job (the first one I’d really had, which is quite amazing since I’m over 50) but it had to be done because I absolutely detested it.
The market has changed a lot in the five or so years since I started this little venture. Back then a few people seemed to be having the same ideas as me, but no bother. In the last two, I’ve seen dozens of other people buy a cutting lathe and set themselves up in business. Good for the customer? Maybe. I’ve heard some good results from elsewhere, and some shockingly bad rubbish. The majority is in the latter camp. There’s also a new(ish) company offering ‘on demand’ LPs with no upfront costs, in full sleeves (a real plus) for a fairly attractive price. They’re being very secretive about how they’re achieving this, and one of their founders is very vocal in trashing the likes of established lathe cutters and their methods. One of the other founders is someone who was a partner in a very well known and long established lathe cutting company. Hmm.
It’s an attractive option. I know how they’re making them. I’ve seen/heard the results. Best leave it there…
Anyway, I’ve expanded the already copious amount of words on the site, addressing a few issues which have come up recently, and also why I won’t be able to do you orange and black splatter discs like some people are now offering. The whole ethos of Plastidisc is to make good records, and if that means dialling back the novelty factor then so be it. It’s worked so far, hopefully it will continue to do so in the face of increased competition. I’ve capitulated to a few people and quoted some recent feedback on the front page. I was always loathe to have a ‘testimonials’ section on here, I can’t stand people puffing themselves up, but maybe it’s time I started using the leverage that I’ve built up over the last half decade. I’m still cringing deep within, mind you.
Anyway, back to it. You know where I am if you need me. Cheers, folks…
Ben
