Does a light lose power with direction?

I believe I was told once that, especially in the case of CFLs, that if the bulb is aimed to the side that it loses lumens. Is this true???

From what I've heard, you WANT to place CFL's sideways to your grow, as the sides put out more light. Thats just what I've heard

Largest surface area pointing towards the plant.

it loses power with distance and which part of the bulb is facing the plant does matter, but youve got it backwards, you want the sides to be facing the plant, its the middle of them thats where light is emmited strongest.