Those of us who collect ephemera consider the term to mean “transitory written and printed matter, not intended to be retained or preserved” – in the words of Wikipedia.
But a Phoenix, Oregon company – named Ephemera, Inc. – would have us believe that “visual wisecracks are what Ephemera is about”.
The company, formed back in 1980, is in the novelty button, magnet and stickers business and ships them to stores all over the world.  Interestingly enough that while Ephemera Inc. designs and markets its own products, it leaves the manufacturing process to other firms.
When asked about their buyers, Ephemera, Inc. says on its website: “There are buyers who think somebody else would look great sporting a “Jesus is Coming. Look Busy” button. A lot of people buy Ephemera products to give to other people. They say, “Oh, I’ve got to get this for my friend.” It’s a humorous way to say something to people that you wouldn’t say otherwise.”
So is it ephemera?
I’m Tom Murphy and thanks for helping me give Ephemera the encore it deserves.
About Tom Murphy
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