I suspect that the rise of the machines from China is the cause, but I see very little laser related work on this forum anymore. The bulk of the work discusses how to integrate projector systems for shows. Lighting engineers are often disparaged for not respecting laserists, but I see much less difference between a lighting engineer and a laserist when both are working with light from purchased systems for entertainment venues. The lasers are potentially more dangerous, but the lighting guy works with more variety.
This trend is neither bad or good, yet I find it less interesting. I believe the original attraction many have to lasers is just how improbable they seem. They are so bright and fast that they are not like any other source, however they have become so ubiquitous that they have come to be expected. They are still neat, but they no longer surprise.
Is anyone doing anything new and exciting with lasers for any reason? Or, is anyone planning anything? I am working on several projects that are relatively complex and so my updates have been slow, but they're coming. It would be interesting to hear about some fresh ideas.