Things are a bit slow for me today so I decided to take my mind out of fifth gear and shift to a lower gear to do some thinking (Who said this could be dangerous?).

Does anyone think that the new soon-to-be released "minis" will eventually replace the Glows? If the "minis" sell really well, would there still be a need for the Glows?

Inquiring minds on the East Coast, where it's 40 degrees and cloudy as I sit looking out my window at the Charles River in Boston, would like to know.

Bob

That's a tough question, but similar to one I was thinking about last night.

If GLOW's can only be made of LE's, then is that too much repetition and too limiting? The minis will be made with no previous market history so that can make them very appealing and popular.

Maybe the GLOWS will fade away (no pun intended) and be replaced by the Signature Series and Mini line. If two or three signature pieces come out a year, of a popular LE, is that enough? And would HL donate a portion of the price of the mini to the lighthouse preservation society?

Joanne

>>If the "minis" sell really well, would there still be a need for the Glows?<<

No, Weezy, no need for the minis to sell real well to reach that situation. ;-)


Regards from Fort Jeffersons,
- Sherman Helmsley

Well I see we have heard from the anti-Glow society! Don't worry Tim, we won't try to sell you any Glows. But...you know...a few Glows might look nice in your display cases, Tim.

Bob

I believe that GLOWS are a necessity for HL to survive. Due to the fact the most of our "Popular Lighthouses " have already been produced, the only way that HL can get new collectors interested in its product is to offer them these "Popular Lighthouses" under the line of "Great Lighthouses Of The World". Otherwise I don't think there would be too many new collectors getting interested at this point if they couldn't buy some of their favorites. I'm not trying to resurrect the GLOW'S War, just giving my opinion for what it's worth.



"TheLightkeeper"



[This message has been edited by TheLightkeeper (edited 11-12-99).]

Very good point! Most of the ones I had visited when I wanted to get a rememberence had already been retired. If it wasn't for the Alcatraz GLOW (which in my opinion is prettier then the LE), I may be collecting CSC right now!

I don't think the mini's will replace GLOWs. I do think they will get even more people interested in the entire HL line. Only time will tell if this is a good or bad thing. I think they will make it possible for even better reproductions in the LE ranks without pricing them out of people's reach. I will probably buy some if they include items not available in a current LE or GLOW without truly banqrupting myself. Dennis

I am with the Lightkeeper, keep the GLOWS! Leave the minis for the casual shoppers. Many of us will never be able to get a lot of the 5500 LE's. Especially the first 17. (I have only one.) Which leaves only the GLOWS that I can truly afford to buy. I don't want a mini, the glows are already small enough.

Rusty

Hey Lightkeeper,... I do agree with what your saying. I buy Glows also and they can fill a definite void in a collection.

If you count the two LEs I agreed to purchase this morning, my collection is now missing just 4 HL LEs to be complete.

I found I started buying Glows when there was a lull in LE shipping last year. Maybe I just have too much time on my hands...lol!

I would love to see the resurrection of the "Glow Wars"! There was lots of great posts during that skirmish. Maybe we'll save that one for the cold winter months ahead.

Bob

Let's NOT. For those who want to read all the posts about GLOW vs. LE, please use the search function for "GLOW LE". About 300+ messages (Not all of which are the 'GLOW war'.)

Don't be a party pooper John.

Nothing appreciates like a GLOW.

__
/im

As a collector of both LEs and OEs, I appreciate your glowing support Tim. Glows won't ever appreciate like the LEs, but they will always be appreciated by those folks (including yours truly)that buy them for what they stand for and not hoping to cash in on them at a later date. Besides, you never know what those retired Glows may be worth in the future.

Bob (just stirring the pot a little)

If nothing appreciates like a GLOW appreciates, then GLOWS must be worthless. After all, nothing times anything equals nothing (0 * terragazillion = 0). LOL

Just how much can nothing appreciate?

[This message has been edited by LamarB (edited 11-16-99).]

However, 0 + terragazillion = terragazillion. Appreciation is an addition to value!

I think you got the gist of it Lamar. :-)

Nothing could replace the LE. Glows are nice, mini's also are nice, but give me the beefy LE. I am only missing 2, and you can guess which ones they are.....

------------------
JIM "POPZ" IRWIN

There are a lot of truly "BAD" mini's on the
market .Often with any fad in collecting a great way to slow intrest and purchases is offering poor quality to make a quick buck.
In offering mini's HL could help to sustain
the 10 plus years of increased intrest in lighthouses,lighthouse items and collecting
just through high quality at a competitive price. Bringing these to market under a new name will also help in that they can be distributed to a greater number of retailers to directly compete with the poor quality minis seen at just about every corner nick nack shop etc. without crowding the bread and butter HL retailer display with too many choices. On the issue of Glows I agree with the Lightkeeper as this would allow for one to graduate from mini to LE and fill in the collection with examples of the important or historical were the LE has retired. As far as the signature series is concerned they just add icing to the cake and even more so were the new collector is concerned now that Bill is cutting back on travel. In short the mini's are just quite simply good business and will reach out to a greater number of buyers and expand intrest as well as the market.

Lonnie

[This message has been edited by Lonnie Davidson (edited 11-19-99).]

I want to revise my earlier post in this thread. I made a poor choice of words. I really didn't mean GLOWs are worthless. I REALLY meant to say that it seems very unlikely that a GLOW will do anything but decrease in value the moment it leaves the dealer. Assuming that I wanted to buy one, why would I (or anyone else) buy a GLOW not deeply discounted when I can just go to my local dealer and buy one at retail? Makes no sense to me.

Most things we purchase depreciate in value when we bring them home from the dealers, like that new car - even if it's the LE model, lol!

Thanks for reminding me Mombo! I was just getting use to justifying my payments on my new car when...
Now don't start in about Santa Claus...
LOL

I think that all the Harbour Lights are beautiful and I APRECIATE them all....even the GLOWS. Its exciting to see how the craftsmenship has improved over the years. If they end up being worth more than I paid for them thats GREAT! But, the only thing I truly care whether it appreciates or not is the treasure's I store up in heaven, everything else isn't worth arguing over.

Kat