Vintage professions you'd like to see come back.....

[martinsantos]

After looking around IBM's site to get the Selectric photo, I've found this:

http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/modelb/modelb_4509PH04.html

The ad about the electric typewriter is charming, but the typist cought my attention (a profession that I would like to see back). And NOT because she is a pretty and elegant woman. But because she typed 140 five-stroke words per minute!! And this for a whole hour!! This is unbelieveable!

 

[John in Covina]

I am not sure if I raised this before on this thread but one of the things about professions is how they change the name of a profession or a department. The "Computer Department" went through so many name changes that now there isn't even any consistency. IT and Information management is about where I left off but at work i simply say the computer department or the computer guy. Human resources is another.

It is becoming reminiscent of euphemisms.

 

[David Conwill]

I have always objected to saying “Human Resources” instead of “Personnel”. It doesn’t say much for how a company views its workers - the term resource implies a thing to be expended.

-Dave

 

[LizzieMaine]

Exactly. And don't call me an "associate," either. If I work for you, but you wouldn't invite me to supper at your house, we don't "associate." I'm an "employee." Or better yet, a "worker."

 

[John in Covina]

From NYC
"Woikers!"

 

[HodgePodge]

I think there is one remaining seltzer water delivery guy working out of either Manhattan or Brooklyn.

There is a Seltzer company here, in Toronto, that fills and delivers. The machine they use is from the late 19th century, and the bottles and hardware are all mid 20th century vintage. As a result they will only take on new clients that are referred by existing clientele because they can't afford to have people damaging equipment that is next to impossible to replace.

 

[John in Covina]

Galco's Old World Market which has the best selection of soda I have seen used to have seltzer in the early glass siphon bottles. But the guy that did the work for them was no longer available so they had t stop. Don't know if they ever found any one to continue the service.

 

[scottyrocks]

From NYC
"Woikers!"

Woikuhs.

 

[Trust But Verify]

Basically, anything that promotes actual skill, design and craftsmanship. For example, architects and professional drafters, as opposed to people who are just really good at AutoCAD. Plus, all of the cool instruments and tools that accompany the craft, like precision stainless steel goodies that I don't know how to use but that look super cool and were made like Swiss watches.

 

[Tango Yankee]

It seems like some of these delivery services would be ripe for a comeback. It's much better ecologically speaking to have one truck with a delivery route to 50 houses than to have 50 households have to get in their cars to go get a loaf of bread.

You would think so, but you won't see it until another profession that's rarely seen (and already been mentioned here) makes a major comeback first: the housewife. Or househusband. Or whatever it takes for a neigborhood to have a majority of houses with someone staying home during the day (other than massive unemployment.) Otherwise people just stop for milk and bread on the way home from work, and I doubt you'll find many takers for trying to run such a route during the evening hours.

I am not sure if I raised this before on this thread but one of the things about professions is how they change the name of a profession or a department. The "Computer Department" went through so many name changes that now there isn't even any consistency. IT and Information management is about where I left off but at work i simply say the computer department or the computer guy. Human resources is another.

It is becoming reminiscent of euphemisms.

I know what you mean. I am a "Regional Field Technician". I refer to myself as the "IT guy" as I do more than just work on computers (I've been learning how to program a Norstar telephone system by trail and error recently) but I'm usually referred to as "the computer guy." Whatever they call me, they're usually glad to see me when I walk in the door!

Information Technology and Information Systems are similar, but Information Management is another animal altogether. IT/IS provides the hardware and software that is used to perform Information Management. Most people miss the distinction; I suppose it's because most people really don't care enough to worry about it.

I'm not crazy about the "associate" term, either. *yucky*

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Mr Vim]

Speaking of Seltzer, there is a place in Boise, Idaho called Goodies, they have the original seltzer fountain, all working original parts, its a thing of beauty. If and when I get back that way I'll be sure to snap a photo.

 

[Bustercat]

Signpainters, and the art of lettering.

Thankfully some people are still keeping the flame going in a digital sense:
http://www.houseind.com/

 

[John in Covina]

Sign painters, and the art of lettering. Thankfully some people are still keeping the flame going in a digital sense: http://www.houseind.com/

I have to say that while I don't have talent in the area, I do have an interest. I love looking at the different styles of lettering and when they are used what type of message is conveyed. There is a documentary titled Helvetica that talks about that style of font and also about others and how they are used to shape perception.

There is a site here about the film: http://www.helveticafilm.com/

 

[LocktownDog]

Signpainters, and the art of lettering.

Thankfully some people are still keeping the flame going in a digital sense:
http://www.houseind.com/

I've been in the graphics and sign business since '93. Every couple of years it changes. Just can't keep up with the technology anymore. When I started, we still painted gold leaf on office windows. Now there's rolls of plotted vinyl that looks almost exactly the same and costs far less. Now I use my experience and creativity to not make boring signs. I may have to use the high tech equipment, but computers can't do the artsy side of things, thank goodness.