Surviving the Reality by Chip Celley
Do you have what it take to survive an Invention Casting Call?
Several months ago I had the great fortune to be a part of an invention search soon to become a show aptly named “Everyday Edisons” sponsored by Bouncing Brain Productions. In each city we visited I got a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens and meet the many great “Everyday Edisons” coming up with the new ideas that will enter the market in the next few years.
In most of the cities we arrive at seven a.m. Saturday morning while a line of people are queued up at the studio front door. The faces of these motivated early risers show an eagerness to see their dreams become reality and they take no chances of arriving to the show late. Some carry boxes, some notebooks..... Read the full account in the PDF below.
Behind the Reality by Chip Celley (PDF)
Growing Attention to Inventors, Not Always Positive
Rochester NY Feb 14, 2006 The New York based umbrella organization for the nation's inventors, United Inventors Association (UIA), is both pleased and concerned with the dramatically increased level of attention paid to inventors by the popular television media. Both cable and broadcast networks have been producing an unprecedented number of inventor-based shows.
"This speaks to the continued popularity of inventors as the real heroes of our culture, and an enduring belief in the Great American Dream," says UIA president Don Kelly. "I can remember when all we had was McGuyver, but this is changing. Recently, we saw USA Network bringing out 'Made in America.' The History Channel's 'Modern Marvels' soon will feature winning inventors from a national competition, and ABC has been beating the bushes for an 'American Inventor' willing to face the grueling challenges of reality TV."
Bob Lougher, UIA executive director, says, "Any kind of recognition is a good thing, but I worry that these TV producers won't always place inventors in the best light. Reality TV has a way of embarrassing folks and playing on the emotions." Lougher points out that his organization boasts a growing membership from local and regional organizations as well as individual and professional members. "The UIA covers at least 10,000 individuals, and we're even gaining a significant number of members from Europe and the Middle East. It seems everyone wants a piece of the dream."
Lougher points out, "The recent government initiative to minimize dependence on foreign oil, along with the general decline in corporate research budgets underscore the crucial importance of America's inventors. They always have been the vanguard of our successes in the past. We'll need to rely on them even more in the future. This is why placing inventors in the best light is so important, at this critical point in time. They are, after all, our greatest natural resource."
About United Inventors Association
The UIA, a nonprofit educational organization formed in 1990, offers services and advice covering the invention process from conception to market. Through a robust web site, http://www.uiausa.org/, UIA provides an expert advice forum, and cautions inventors about invention marketing scams. Also offered is a widely popular innovation evaluation service, a speakers' bureau and an inventors' bookstore.
Website: http://www.uiausa.org
United Inventors Association
Carol Oldenburg
Administrator
United Inventors Association
Robert Lougher
Executive Director
OPEN LETTER FROM AN INVENTOR:
An Open Letter to New Inventors (PDF)