Lighting – Why don’t the CFL bulbs stay on in the ceiling light fixtures

Do not use a non-dimmable CFL with a dimmer. It shortens the CFL's life, and, in rare cases, a dimmer operating a CFL could result in fire. Change it out with a switch to be safe.

Dimmable CFLs aren't as good as incandescent for dimming. Their lowest settings are nowhere near that of incandescent, but they are good if you want the option to save on power and still be able to dim the lighting. Sometimes you will have to turn up the light to get it to kick on and then dim it. They can also be audible at their lowest setting. If you buy some, save the receipt as you may not like their drawbacks.

Well Cabbey, you are not alone. I have run into the same problem with several fixtures designed to accept standard G25 type bulbs when trying to use CFL's. There is an obvious difference in the neck shape and dimensions. As far as the fixture is concerned, maybe you could go to Home Depot and take a look at the fixture you have at home and see if a simple modification is possible before you take yours down. I have also found a big difference in the performance of different brands of CFL's. I have purchased many "Light Effects" at Lowes with mixed satisfaction. Some work great, light fast etc, and some were very lazy. They have always taken back ones I was not happy with. I have had better results with Sylvania and GE brand CFL's, even using them outdoors in Maine.