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9-11 brand laser toner
I found this box in the office. Apparently we were returning it to the manufacturer because it was defective. There is no indication of where this product was made, but I kind of hope that it was outside of the U.S. Click on the thumbnails for a bigger image so you can read the text. I don't really have anything else to say.
On second thought, horrible bad taste and shameless marketing aside, asking snarky questions about this kind of thing is my patriotic duty, so here goes:
1. The box claims that this is an "American Spirit Compatible Laser Toner Cartridge". Does this mean that it's compatible with the American spirit or with "American Spirit" brand printers? I've got an HP, so the latter would be a problem for me.
2. The globe cradled in the American flag on the front of the box is centered on the south pole. Why?
3. The back of the box has "9-11-01" written in a very large font, but the numbers are slightly grayed out. Is this a subliminal message or a problem with your box printer toner?
4. The text starts with, "We can never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001, with the terrorist attacks upon our nation." Is that because we keep being reminded of it by our laser toner boxes? Also, does that sentence helpfully include the year and a brief synopsis of what actually happened on 9-11 just in case someone was beginning to forget?
5. The hyper-cursive text at the bottom says, "Box Design & Concept is an Inspiration and Tribute to all our heroes of 9-11." How many people do you feel were inspired to heroism by your box design? Also, how do you decide which words to capitalize?
6. The box has three direct mentions of 9-11, three American flags, two flag ribbons and one bald eagle. Did you forget to add more bald eagles?
7. The side panel points out that, "Every cartridge that is thrown
away adds more waste to our already overburdened landfills." Do you
think that this is part of the overall terrorist plan, or is
environmentalism a completely separate worthy cause that you aim to
inspire and trivial tributize?
August 24, 2005 | Permalink
Comments
I used to smoke American Spirits. Now I know why smoking's bad for you.
Wow. Holy. I've never quite seen anything like that.
-j.
Posted by: jeneane | Aug 24, 2005 10:58:36 PM
1. There are two nouns in this discription. 1)American Spirit; and 2)Cartridge.
adjectives are positioned directly preceding a noun or nominal phrase. The words: toner, laser, and compatabile, are positioned before the noun cartridge.
I guess you were attempting humor when you mentioned the HP printer.
American Spirit: is a dream that is, in most part, the idea of a happy and successful life to which all may aspire. Its also a Non-Addictive cigarette brand. In a word, (and I don't mean this derogatively), Capitalism.
2. You ask why the globe is centered over the south pole. It isn't it's centered over the east coast of Africa, more or less above Madagascar. (note the Sinai penninsula and Arabian Gulf displayed on the right of the globe).
3. 9/11/01 greyed out on the label?? Give me a break! Subliminal means :beneath conscious recognition. Get out your dictionary. It's just a font color.
4. You seem indignant that someone may actually be reminding you what happened in New York. I get angry when someone suggests that I should forget what happened. Are you angry when someone reminds you that America enslaved people and stole land from Aboriginal people, or that Hitler killed jews?
5. "There is no indication of where this product was made." you say. Check the barcode on the picture that you supplied. It starts with -647851, the first two numbers indicate the country of origin. 64 is Finland.
I applaud their effort in what I am sure they good-heartedly attempted. The final application is not what I would have approved.
What I see here is a genuine attempt to make a small contribution on the part of this unknown company. I am bit resentful because I see something that you don't. I see An American criticising an unknown non-American company in a venue where he is either sure no one will criticise him or the company in question does not have the language ability or the desire to defend itself. And you say trivialize (strikeout). Are you just pissed because someone was using that terrible event to sell something, as a gimmick? When the Towers fell the sale of American Flags sky-rocketed.........think about that.
Posted by: canuck | Aug 27, 2005 12:05:47 PM
Why is it Finland's business to determine what does or doesn't encapsulate the American Spirit?
Posted by: A | Aug 30, 2005 4:32:30 PM
Bad taste indeed. Canuck (I'm guessing you're Canadian?), sorry you missed the point on this. Why is it appropriate for a Finnish company to determine what does or doesn't embody the American spirit? When the Towers fell, American flag sales sky-rocketed within America, not Finland, because we needed to show the world we were united in our grief and our undying will to go on. That is a true display of the American spirit - not slapping some bad taste on a box of toner and salvaging the mistake by saying all proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.
Posted by: A is for American | Aug 30, 2005 4:39:48 PM
Canuck seems to have missed the point entirely. This product is worthy of scorn not because of its language mistakes, but because it is a reprehensible attempt to get people to buy the product by evoking their sympathy for the victims of 9-11.
There's nothing wrong with reminding people about the 9-11 attacks, or the Holocaust, or other tragedies. But when you evoke those memories in an attempt to make a sale you are guilty of extraordinarily bad taste.
Posted by: Selling Spirit | Aug 31, 2005 1:57:20 PM
What is 'The American Spirit'? Is it like the 'American Dream'? For a few to achieve, and the rest to wonder about?
It is sad to think that a laser cartridge with 'Global Spirit' won't sell as well... Hmmmm
That aside, if it were my relatives/friends that had died in 9/11, I'd be very resentful that someone were to cash in on their death. Bad taste, bever mind the bad logic.
Posted by: Chris | Sep 5, 2005 11:57:33 AM
We got the same thing! We're returning ours because it's defective as well. Do you know where you got it?? And I agree with everything you said about their so called marketing "skills". NO COMPANY INFO ANYWHERE! So frustrating.
Posted by: Alexis | Nov 10, 2005 2:54:23 PM
Is there any indication of when this product was marketed? If it was recently, say... within the last 2 years, I would be inclined to think that it is a legitimate (yet poorly executed) patriotic statement by the manufacturer rather than a marketing ploy.
Sadly, most Americans have in fact in all practical terms forgotten what happened on that day. The advertising industry is too well educated to try and pull sales off of 9-11 this late on something like a toner cartridge.
Posted by: random guy | Feb 6, 2006 2:08:15 PM
Dear Phil,
The box and product were made here by Laser Imaging International,(Imaging Division) the dealers love it, so do most customers too, from what i have heard,I compete against them and do not offer a flag waiving box.
American Spirit is just a box cover and not a brand, its up to the dealer to choose the box cover they sell.And yes its compatible for use in: hp or whatever label states
Hope that helps
You may contact the owner at eyal@laserimaging.com
ps: i am in no way affilated with LII or Mr.Alkoby
"King of Toner"
Posted by: SAM BUCA | Apr 5, 2006 6:12:09 PM
I am a graphic designer & a reseller who sells Laser Imaging International products thru my business. They have manufacturing facilities in 3 countries (1 is in the USA). This is one of the many box designs they offer. Although the "graphic design" may not be the greatest, I was glad to see it. It made me proud that a company went to the effort of producing an additional packing box -- one that states they will donate to the American Red Cross with each sale. As we know, every manufacturer has an occasional defective item. I know that LII is a reputable company, with good ethics. Even though I am a low volume dealer, I have never had any problem with them honoring their warranty or their products. Regarding any missing contact information, it is the reseller's decision as to whether they want their information printed on the box or not. Consumers should return the product to their dealer, not to the manufacturer. Check your invoice. And please be thankful that some Americans care about honor.
Posted by: moss | Nov 10, 2006 10:41:04 PM
I want to know if you have ever been to war????
The owner of Laser Imaging has so ...
Posted by: Kelly | Feb 27, 2007 12:43:05 AM
notice most of them don't even say who they are
Posted by: deck | Feb 27, 2007 12:47:24 AM
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Posted by: vitta | May 24, 2008 5:50:54 AM
This is a product from Laser Imaging International. I dont care for the product line.
The toner cartridges are made in China, boxed in america (Cali) and shipped abroad. Buy Laser King Brand @ www.thelaserking.com
You would know where your toner(s) came from if you purchased with any loyalty. When you low ball and shop the net for toner you get no customer service. Call me and I will give you the best price and service. 888 921 2144
Chris
Posted by: Chris | Aug 5, 2008 12:48:39 PM
