That Eric Alper

By Mitch Rice

In the digital era, we are all concerned about exposure to blue light. The potential negative consequences of excessive screen time, including disrupted sleep patterns and persistent eye strain, are making solutions a necessity. Several devices now offer a “blue light reduction” option. However, a crucial question is whether we simply need to reduce the amount of blue light produced by these devices or if more complex filtering of specific and harmful wavelengths is required. The solution lies in understanding the science and technology that are designed to keep us safe, without compromising visual quality.

The Blue Light Spectrum: Not All Blue is Created Equal

Blue light belongs to the spectrum of visible light (approximately, 380-500 nanometers), which is not necessarily evil. Our number one source of sunshine is rich in blue light and plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles), enhancing alertness, and uplifting our mood throughout the day. This issue is encountered with prolonged and intense exposure, especially to artificial lights such as LEDs and digital displays, particularly during the evening.

But not every blue light wavelength will affect us at the same rate. Studies are increasingly indicating that a particular high-energy band in the blue spectrum, approximately 415nm to 455nm, happens to be the most disruptive to the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and may be more harmful to retinal cells in the long term. Colors higher than 460 nm (closer to blue-green) are said to be not so disruptive to sleep and even helpful in daytime alertness. This represents a significant difference in the process of assessing protection measures.

Dimming vs. Filtering: A Fundamental Difference

1.  Reducing Intensity (The Blunt Approach)

It is the most straightforward technique, commonly executed through software, such as Night Modes, Blue Light Filters, or Warm Color Temperature settings. It operates by simply reducing the total intensity of the blue light produced across the entire blue range. Although this can decrease glare, alleviate eye stress, and result in a certain amount of sleep loss, it is a crude tool. It selectively absorbs the potentially damaging shorter wavelengths (415-455 nm) as well as the less detrimental, potentially useful longer blue wavelengths (460-495 nm). The result? The screen is distinctively, and often undesirably, yellow or amber colored, significantly impairing the definition of colors. This may be especially troublesome when it comes to jobs that require accuracy with color, such as photo editing or graphic design, or when using an outdoor device, such as a portable monitor.

2.  Filtering Specific Wavelengths (The Precision Approach)

It is a sophisticated technique that employs dedicated hardware technologies, utilizing coating, filters, or specially designed LEDs to selectively block or absorb the most disruptive high-energy violet-blue light (mainly in the 415-455 nm range) and allow the less disruptive blue-green light to pass through comparatively unchanged. The aim is to achieve surgical accuracy: eliminate the harmful wavelengths without significantly altering the total color balance and brightness of the display. This preserves color accuracy, picture sharpness, and image brightness, providing useful protection without a visual tradeoff of mere dimming. This special filtering is often preferable for professionals who depend on the precise reproduction of color or for anyone using a high-performance, sunlight-viewable monitor. 435-455 nmuct Showdown: How Brands Tackle the Challenge

Let’s examine how leading brands implement these strategies:

UPerfect: Leading with Hardware Filtering

UPerfect focuses on integrating hardware-level solutions into its portable displays:

1.  UPerfect X Pro 15.6″ 4K Portable Monitor 

Uses proprietary Eyesafe technology, a hardware filter that filters out more than 50 percent of the most harmful high-energy blue light (at the 435-455nm peak) without losing much of its color accuracy (100 percent sRGB). Ideally suited to those creators who require realistic images in real-time.

2.  UPerfect Game Plus 15.6″ Portable Gaming Monitor 

Features dynamic blue light reduction with a hardware filter, reducing the wavelengths of 415-455 nm during vivid gaming periods. This eliminates eye strain with no input lag or color shift, unlike software solutions.

3.  UPerfect Touch 15.6″ Portable Monitor

This UPerfect touchscreen portable monitor is an LED panel with low-blue-light and a built-in optical filter. It is also effective in reducing 30 percent of the worst wavelengths while retaining the entire 100 percent sRGB color gamut, which is ideal for satisfying the needs of designers and professionals who require touch access and color precision.

Competitor Approaches: A Mixed Bag

1.  ASUS ProArt PA278CV

It is mainly based on software-based settings of the so-called Ultra Low Blue Light, which have four fixed intensity levels. Although a good strain-reducing element, particularly at higher settings, it results in a pronounced and usually undesirable yellow colouration, which reduces the quality of work requiring colour.

2.  BenQ PD2700U

Offers Low Blue Light Plus, an in-built panel hardware filter. It is much less harsh than software filters on the yellow shift, and it blocks at 415-455 nm. Superior in color precision, although the fixed filter lowers the peak brightness slightly, in comparison with the unfiltered modes.

3.  Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

Uses ComfortView Plus, a technology built into the IPS Black panel and implemented as a hardware-based feature. It blocks approximately 35 percent of harmful blue light and features 99 percent sRGB coverage with minimal color shift—a powerful and balanced office and business alternative.

4.  LG 27UK850-W

 Provides software-only Reader Mode, which can massively reduce blue light across the spectrum. Although easy to switch on, it does not offer the same level of hardware-filtering accuracy. It therefore displays a highly intense warm/yellow cast, which grossly distorts colors and thus cannot be used in any task that is susceptible to color distortion.

The Verdict: Precision Protection Wins

Although the flattening of blue light intensity in general and the elimination of blue light in particular provide some relief, it is essentially a trade-off that compromises visual quality and color accuracy. A more advanced and efficient solution would be to filter out specific damaging wavelengths, especially those falling within the 415-455 nm spectrum. It provides a particular shield against the most disruptive and potentially damaging blue light with no harmful yellow color or clarity reduction that comes with basic dimming.

Companies such as UPerfect, BenQ, and Dell are at the forefront, incorporating hardware-based filtering technologies into their screens. To any person who spends enough time in front of a screen, it is not a luxury to invest in a device which filters colors by their wavelengths accurately, whether that device is a portable workstation, a high end desk panel, or even a sunlight viewable monitor to take the work outside; it is, in fact, a necessity in long-term eye health (and long-term productivity). Make a wise choice; the eyes need to be sharp to the point, or they dim.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

By Mitch Rice

If you’ve ever stood at a sweaty merch table after a gig, chatting with fans while trying to make change for a crumpled $20 bill, you know that selling merch isn’t just about money. It’s about connection. For indie musicians, the merch table is both a lifeline and a love letter. It’s where your art becomes tangible, and where your fans get to take home a piece of you from what hopefully was a solid show.

But here’s the thing, not all merch is created equal. The right products can mean the difference between pocketing a few bucks and covering next month’s rent. So what should you be bringing to your shows to make the most of that moment when the lights come up and the crowd heads for the table?

Let’s break down the essentials and the inventive extras that can help you turn your gigs into genuine moneymakers.

The Classic Crowd Pleasers

There’s a reason you still see t-shirts, stickers, and vinyl dominating merch tables. They’re simple, portable, and personal. But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring.

T-Shirts: The Merch MVP

Even in the digital age, the humble t-shirt reigns supreme. It’s wearable art, social proof, and a conversation starter all in one. When designing your shirts, think beyond just slapping your band name across the chest. Consider limited edition tour designs, vintage inspired prints, or minimalist logos that work as everyday fashion. A great shirt can turn casual listeners into walking billboards.

Also, don’t cheap out on quality. Fans notice. A soft, well-fitted tee is more likely to be worn regularly than a boxy, scratchy one that ends up at the bottom of a drawer (we’re all thinking Gildan, right?). Offer a few sizes and unisex fits, and if you can swing it, throw in an alternative colorway or special print for superfans.

Stickers, Buttons, and Patches

These little items might not make you rich, but they’re perfect for impulse buys, especially when you’ve got younger fans or folks who already dropped cash on a ticket and a drink. Custom stickers on laptops and guitar cases have real staying power. They’re like guerrilla marketing that travels. Patches and enamel pins, meanwhile, appeal to the DIY punk and indie fashion crowd. Bundle a few together for a “tour pack” deal and you’ll move more units without raising prices too high.

CDs, Vinyl, and (Surprisingly) Cassettes

Physical music is far from dead; it’s just evolved. CDs are still practical and affordable, while vinyl has made a massive comeback for collectors. And yes, even cassette tapes have found their niche among fans chasing retro aesthetics.

If you can’t afford a full vinyl run yet, start with limited CD pressings or hand-numbered cassettes. Make them look special. Include a download code so buyers can stream the album too. Fans love the sense of exclusivity, and it adds emotional value to what’s otherwise a digital product.

Creative Merch That Tells Your Story

What sets an indie artist apart is creativity, and your merchandise should reflect that. Some of the best selling items are the ones that feel authentic to your personality, your genre, and your audience.

Lyric Zines and Art Prints

If your songs are poetry, why not showcase that? A simple photocopied lyric zine with handwritten notes or doodles feels personal and intimate, especially if you sell it at acoustic shows or smaller venues.

Art prints or mini posters designed by a local artist (or yourself) can also connect your visual aesthetic to your sound. Fans love buying something that feels like it belongs to your creative world.

Signed Setlists and Limited Memorabilia

At the end of your set, grab your handwritten setlist, sign it, and sell or give it away as part of a bundle. It costs nothing, but it creates real emotional currency. You can even offer “mystery bundles” with past tour flyers, demo CDs, or lyric sheets. It’s like a musical loot box for die-hard fans.

Seasonal or Themed Merch

Tie your products to moments. A winter tour? Bring beanies, scarves, or even branded hot chocolate mugs. Summer gigs? Sunglasses, tote bags, or reusable water bottles can be both practical and promotional. Think of what your fans actually use day-to-day, then put your name on it.

Digital Meets Physical

In 2025, your merch game shouldn’t stop at physical goods. There’s a whole digital dimension waiting to be tapped.

Download Cards and QR Codes

Fans love instant gratification. Include a QR code on postcards, posters, or even stickers (kiss-cut stickers work best for this) that links directly to your latest release or a secret download page. Services like Bandcamp make it easy to generate unique codes that tie into your digital catalog and you can even track how much attention each show brings to your music.

Exclusive Access

Offer something experiential. Maybe it’s a private livestream performance, a behind-the-scenes video diary, or early access to your next single. You can sell physical cards with unique codes that unlock digital rewards. It blends the tangible and the virtual in a way that fans love.

The Power of Presentation

You could have the coolest shirts in the world, but if your table looks like a garage sale, you’re losing sales. Presentation matters a lot.

Make Your Table an Experience

Use good lighting, neat displays, and signage that clearly lists prices (fans hate asking). If possible, take card payments. Services like Square or SumUp make it painless. Most people don’t carry much cash anymore, and you don’t want to lose a $40 sale because of it.

Display one of each item attractively, and keep extras neatly stacked behind you. Consider a banner or backdrop with your logo or album art to make your space visually pop. It’s also perfect for fan photos.

Involve the Band

Fans love personal connection. Have at least one band member (ideally you) spend time at the table after the show. Sign stuff, take photos, thank people personally. That moment might be the difference between someone forgetting about your show a week later and becoming a lifelong fan.

Pricing and Psychology

Pricing your goods can feel awkward, but it’s crucial. Too high and you scare people off, but too low and you devalue your work. A sweet spot for shirts is usually between $25 and $35, depending on quality. Hoodies can go for over $50. Stickers and buttons can sit around $2 to $5, and vinyl anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on pressing costs.

Also, have one cheap item and one premium item. The cheap option draws in impulse buyers, while the high-end item, like a hoodie or limited vinyl, lets superfans support you at a higher tier.

Final Encore: Merch Is Art, Too

At the end of the day, your band’s gear isn’t just about making a few extra bucks (though it certainly helps pay for gas). It’s about extending your creative world into something fans can hold, wear, and live with. Every shirt or sticker sold is a potential advertisement for your music.

So think big, start small, and make your table as much a part of your performance as your music itself. Because when done right, selling tour gear isn’t selling out. It’s buying in.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

By Mitch Rice

Employee recognition is no longer a nice-to-have feature in the work environment; in today’s world, it has become a strategic necessity. It improves morale, enhances engagement and retention. 

But the question leaders are prone to ask is: How many times is enough? Does the existence of an optimal plaques rhythm provide the greatest impact with minimal value decrease? This balance creates a culture in which employees start to feel noticed and appreciated in their work.

Moving Beyond the Annual Cycle

The annual award has been the default schedule of employee recognition for decades. The year-end or Employee of the Year banquet has been one of them. Although they are significant, using them as a single strategy is a wasted chance. 

One year is a lifetime in the modern, hectic work environment. The association between action and reward is broken when a great achievement is recognised in January but celebrated in December. The feeling of emotion is lost, and the drive diminishes. Shorter and more responsive cycles should also be taken into consideration to utilise recognition fully.

Finding the Right Frequency: A Multi-Layered Approach

Multi-layered strategies best apply to the various achievements with the use of different frequencies. Consider a pyramid of recognition: the most common and informal types of praise are at the giant base, and the most prominent and official plaques are at the top.

1. The Foundation: Informal and Immediate Recognition

This is the most common type and occurs every week or even every day. It may be a verbal thank you, a shout-out during a group meeting, or an individualised email by a manager. Such recognition strengthens positive actions as they occur, which forms a self-perpetuating cycle of feedback that keeps employees interested and motivated.

2. The Tactical Tier: Formal and Frequent plaques

This is where we have structured plaques on a quarterly or monthly basis. These plaques are an honour for meaningful achievements over and above the daily work. Envision Project MVP, Innovation Champion, Customer Service Star. Presenting a tangible token, such as custom Plaques or trophies, at this frequency makes the achievement concrete. 

The plaques that have been designed with a gorgeous look for a Q1 Top Performer serve as a tangible reminder of success that can motivate an employee throughout the year. For organisations looking to implement this tier, working with a specialist like Award.com ensures the plaques are of high quality and can be sourced reliably throughout the year.

3. The Strategic Peak: Prestigious and Periodic plaques

This level of awarding is the top level that celebrates an annual or biannual timetable. They are the career-marking plaques, such as the Leader of the Year or Lifetime Achievement Award. They are prestigious since they are not common. Such plaques tend to require the most beautiful and long-lasting icons of recognition. 

A permanent plaque located in the company lobby, with the names of the winners engraved on it annually, provides the company with a long-lasting legacy, as well as links individual performance to the history of the company. The presentation of these significant Plaques becomes a celebrated event that the entire organisation looks forward to.

Key Factors Influencing Your Recognition Rhythm

It does not have a one-size-fits-all. The optimal frequency at which your organisation should operate is based on several factors:

Company Culture

Does it have a fast-paced and agile, or more traditional and methodical environment?  

Team Size

Smaller teams might be able to have more frequent personal recognition, whereas larger organisations might have to be more organised and schedule-oriented.

Type of Work

Sales teams that respond well to quantifiable metrics can work well with monthly rewards, and research and development teams which have a long-term project can work well with quarterly or milestone rewards. 

Anyhow, a tangible award is a monumental recognition of a significant multi-year success, which can be contemplated as an extremely significant act.

Signs You are in the Right (or the Wrong) direction 

Warning Signs:

• Plaques feel expected or routine (“It’s just my turn”).
• The same people are always recognised.
• Employees cannot recall what they were last recognised for.

Signs of Success:

• Recognition is seen as authentic and meaningful.
• A diverse range of employees receive plaques.
• There is a healthy sense of anticipation and celebration around award announcements.

The issue of whether to give plaques or not is irrelevant; rather, the issue is how frequently to form a culture of continuous appreciation. The best approach has discarded the one annual event and adopted a layered approach. With informal recognition of employees every day and formal recognition after every quarter of work, and then major honours at the end of the year, you have an effective beat of recognition. 

The multi-faceted nature of this strategy will ensure that no accomplishment is overlooked, there will be a high level of motivation, and employees will feel appreciated at every stage of their development. Ultimately, this is meant to ensure that recognition becomes the part and parcel of your company’s heartbeat.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.