Ethan,
I guess there are a number of things that need to be clairfied
regarding the co-op. And I actually have sort of mixed a few things
together and not filled in all the details. Allow me to correct these
oversights.
First, many think "I have started a new venture". That is not correct
at all. I am part of a group for which I use the trem "we", that is co- operativley splitting the expenses of a building to house a paint
stray booth and provide some space for a builder or two to make frames
on their spare time. It is simply an effecient way for several
builders down here to help each other operate. The key element in this
is that each person involved has a "regular" job or is in school
nearing a docturate. Framebuilding is a passion and a hobby they want
to persue for the craft and the expression, not as primary income to
make a living. This is a different type of building than the full time
pro does. You have to trust me on this. They think and operate in
different ways, and they produce a different type of product, as you
will see in time. My excitement is in being part of this group in the
capacity as the "old dog" from whom they can learn lots of tricks
from. Someone with many years of experience. The magic happens when
young men with a non-commercial focus are turned loose to develop
their own ideas. I'm excited for them. I see the return of
framebuilding as a craft the way it was when I began back in the early
70's; an interest in tradition and creativity within practical bounds
of the function of a bicycle frame. We want to produce a "let the work
speak for itself" school of framebuilding. Honestly some of us out
here (which does happen to include a LARGE number if 30 year plus
veterans of framebuilding who just do their work, don't make a big
deal on the internet, and don't have time to be putting up photos of
everything they do, and say "look and me and let's talk about it").
Seriously, some of you guys are down on those of us who actually spend
our time making bikes instead of talking about it and playing show and
tell. Not all of us has a laptop computer hanging from a gold chain
around our neck that they can check for the latest developements on
all the lists and forums.
The "new venture" you people speak of is not mine. I'm still just
trying to get back to just framebuilding. That has been my intention
and goal for many years now. Carlos Martell, my painting apprentice
for Vintage Cycle Studios is starting a paint business. He will be
doing the type of restorations I used to do myself. Each
painter/restorer has a certain style and specialty. Carlos will be
doing what I used to do. Try to get the jobs as authentic as possible
(without getting too rediculous), get the paint on durable and thin,
turn the job over as soon as you can. What happened at VCS was we took
a lot of work on in the beginning, but my original partner didn't take
to the paint biz and went back to a "real" job. That left me buried
and behind the 8 ball from the beginning. I'm still not finished
digging out. Carlos is being "coached" and the first thing is to be
selective and not get too many jobs in the shop at once. Carlos is
also planning on taking on help so the work can flow through the shop
effeciently, which requires a number of people. I never had help
because I never wanted it. Carlos has a more business oriented plan. I
am basically incapable of really running a business. I can do the
work, I just don't have the stomach for the business end of it. I will
have a role in the paint operation doing whatever Carlos and whoever
he gets to work for him can't do, until Carlos knows everything. I may
spend two days a week with the paint crew.
The final thing is that we are forming a group to represent
framebuilders and painters here in San Diego. This is the group whose
philosophy and principals shall be established as what we feel is a
good model for custom handmade builders to follow. Others are free to
do the same. This is still the United States of America, and if
someone feels threatened by our principals, and feels we do not have
the right to express them, especially if we are willing to live by our
standards; then I think you need to take a look at what you believe.
Furthermore, there are bound to be two sides to each issue, and
weather I happen to be right or wrong, I still have the right to
express my opinion and/or use the forums to communicate my message,
same as everyone else. I get the feeling only one type of opinion is
welcome on these groups.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA
Please note: message attached