lightED is running a multiple-part series on how some lighting is manufactured in China. Written by Michael Colligan of the “Get A Grip On Lighting” podcast, the Gonzo-style journalism in “The China Question” takes us inside China for a look at what is really happening to the people who live there, and the way the lighting you are selling is made.
Some people have commented that they enjoy the series.
Others don’t like it at all, saying tED magazine should be “embarrassed.”
Rather than walk away from the criticism, the guys at the “Get A Grip On Lighting” podcast invited one of the critics, Ted Konnerth, to talk about why he is so passionate about his criticism of tED magazine and the “China Question” articles.
You can see how the conversation went below. Please feel free to read both parts one and two of “The China Question” and leave your comments below.
We are currently working on more parts of “The China Question” for lightED, and hope to have them posted for you in the near future.
If you want to watch more Get A Grip On Lighting podcasts, you can go to www.getagriponlighting.com.
Tagged with Get A Grip On Lighting, lightED, podcast
I like the articles on China and Lighting ! I also agree that we have watched China steal our technology and jobs. Just as your critic said – American Lighting Companies – US CEO’s moved manufacturing to China. A few years later – US Electrical distributors then bought “China private label” – same stuff as American Lighting Companies. – Everyone saved pennies and all US players lost. I really like your Gonzo reporting !
Your article and vlog leaves me steaming! It is offensive when you bring up blanket statements on “Western” values. Japanese manufacturers have lifetime employment and universal healthcare are those “Eastern Values”? Was the enslavement of Africans “Western Values”. You should leave these kind of statements to AM talk radio. In the U.S., with our “Western Values” customers will leave you over a dime which is why consumer and commodity products are all made in countries with lower cost structures. Without Chinese manufacturing, an LED bulb would still cost the consumer $50 instead of less than the $4 it is today. This is why the big three Philips, Osram, and GE have pretty much stepped out of the light bulb business. The cost to build an LED bulb in the U.S. that will satisfy the price requirements of the U.S. market is just no longer feasible. Just ask the state of NY where they built a $90m factory that a certain LED bulb company never moved into. Unfortunately, market forces and not moral values is what drives today’s business climate. China and other developing nations are where the U.S. was in the last century with polluted air, polluted water, and dangerous working conditions. Where were so-called Western values then? Your writing style using broken English and mis-spelled words bring back the images of Charlie Chan and Mr. Yunioshi. It paints a picture of inferior and goofy people. Why didn’t you try to brush up on your Mandarin first so you could have a conversation in the host language? This type of writing and vlogging does not belong in a professional publication.
Hi Craig, steam on my man! My mission is accomplished! Now – acta est fabula plaudite. Anytime you want to talk about let me know and we will push record.