I have epson and I have been buying their non-epson replacement cartridges for a lot cheaper! I don't buy the original epson ink cartridges anymore because they cost so much. I've been using the replacement cartridges for awhile now and I don't think I have had any problems except my printing quality has declined but I'm not sure is it because of the replacement ink or just because my printer is old.

First of all...is there any difference between real genuine printing ink and the no brand replacement cartridges? Do they damange your printer or are they exactly the same?

Second of all...do printing quality delcine after you have had the printer for many years? Thanks!