Video: Glass IS Awesome

Last week, Glass Magazine linked to an amazing video story on glass that I somehow missed. After running across it today when working on this post, I had to make it my top story. The link was to a story done on MSNBC about glass, and it was fantastic. Granted, the majority of the piece was not about architectural or commercial glass, but there was enough in there to really put our industry in a positive light. At the end of the piece, legendary architect James Carpenter makes a great statement: "Glass will become more and more persuasive in our lives..."

We need to keep promoting and pushing that sentiment exactly. Glass has been getting a bum rap for years, and much of it unfairly so. Hopefully, with pieces like this; the continued amazing advances on the dynamic, energy, safety and decorative side of things; and hungry people out pushing, we'll keep turning the tide and changing any negative perceptions that remain. Check out the video below:

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• This past week, I was lucky enough to join an online "GlassChat" created by Social Media Consultant Patricia Linthicum, who runs the excellent "Looking at Glass" blog. The weekly online Twitter chat is getting more and more popular, and becoming a great resource to learn and build from. I got a kick out of seeing great insights flowing from tremendous people representing companies like Glasswerks, ICD, Glasslam, Gardner, Coral, Connors Sales and more. And don't worry, there was not even a sniff of anti-trust activities; it's basically a great interactive version of something you would follow here or in e-glass weekly. If you want to get in the conversation, there's a group on LinkedIn. Or, if you follow any of the above companies on Twitter, they can lead you there. You can also drop me a line.
• Also saw a very good update online this week about changes to UFC codes and ASTM F2248. If you or your company is in the blast protection world, it is surely an update to look at and an issue to follow. More can be found clicking HERE. (H/T to the excellent JEI folks.)
• Football: the pro version is now playing preseason and I am STILL not into it. Getting worried that I lost that groove. College ball is getting closer, and I am somewhat excited about that.
• The phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" dates back to the 1820's but continues to be relevant today. Though it can be frustrating, it is uplifting when your efforts are copied. Must mean you are doing something right, eh? Anyway, it has been great to be flattered lately.
• So, we are basically a month away now from the show of the year, GlassBuild America. I am excited about it. Having the chance to see people again and network is crucial. And the opportunity to see the new products and innovations available is a must to help diversification efforts. No doubt, there is some excitement surrounding the event. Enthusiasm also is growing for the Glazing Executives Forum. The breakout session moderators have been announced and it's a who's who of intelligent and solid industry folks. Hope to see you there! 

Read on for links and clip of the week.

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com. 

 The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.