The Good Old Days Are Gone for Kodak and Polaroid

And they are long gone. I grew up in Cambridge just when Polaroid was making a name for itself with its revolutionary instant cameras. At that time, Kodak was the indisputable industry leader, but Polaroid soon became as well known and as profitable. Kodak was able to withstand the challenge of the instant camera, but, like Polaroid, could not compete with digital cameras. It's really sad to see both of them go. They both realized the importance of treating their employees well - and did a very good job of it.

Years ago Malcolm Forbes used to list fallen industrial giants in his Forbes Magazine. There were all sorts of companies from saddle makers to utilities. I thought then with the wisdom of a 30-something and knew that would not happen with the then-current industry leaders and comers. Now, I know that everything eventually dies. We live in a very finite universe. Enjoy it while you can, but know it will certainly end, perhaps sooner than you think. And then what?