i was under the impression these were supposed to last longer than incandescents(about 10x longer)... i just had one die and its only a couple months old.   i never had an incandescent go after such a short time.  i am not impressed.

*is now boycotting fluorescent bulbs*

I bought a pack of 5 three years ago and 4 out of 5 are still working.

You probably got a bulb with a faulty ballast (wether by random chance or crappy manufacturer)

we got sent free fluroscent bulbs by are energy company to "help us save energy"

You probably just got a bad one. I have only been buying these bulbs for the last 5 years or so and they do save a lot of energy cost and definitely last a lot longer.

Yup thats why I bought mines. Its an energy saver...

I just got a new one I hope it lasts for a long time :)

My entire house uses CFL. Huge energy saver, lower bills = more gaming budget. :P

Question: Do you turn it off and on in rapid succession? I ask because the turning on phase is what effects the life span of CFLs the most. Boycott all you want, by 2012, You (Mr. Bubbles), Skip, Rendo and I, as Canadians will have only CFL and LED lights to chose from.

EDIT: Also, try to not touch the glass part with your fingers. Either use a cloth between your hand and the bulb, or only touch the balast (plastic part), since the oils you deposit on the glass will effect the vibrations in the bulb which can lead to premature wear. Also don't use a dimmer, unless the bulbs are specifically for dimmer switches.

I have all my lights fluorescent... from over a year no single problem... and also save energy

they had on the news that they dangerous
full spectrum lighting any one right now i have regular