My case for lightening up

[G B.]

Maybe I deserved to be soundly spanked for my "Sorry" post that offered to sell Greg Frick a distributor. Excuse me all to hell. But you didn't have to delete his post too. It was his first post on this forum and, thanks to this discouragement, perhaps his last.

The NCRS has done some wonderful things for the Corvette world. I still enjoy my membership and I think it's bargain priced. However, I do not understand why we work so hard as a group to maintain our image as stodgy *****s who don't know how to have fun.

Perhaps some like the thought of us becoming a closed society that doesn't really want young members. Well, except for our own children... "they're different". We could just sit around meets in our plaid shirts and white belts and criticize each other's cars to death without the interference of questions from young whippersnappers. Me, I want new members. I want their enthusiasm, knowledge, money, and humor. I want us to embrace change and evolve into more than we are now. Yes, I said the scarey word "change".

We need a larger, more colorful Restorer with better photography. Cut back on the road trip reviews and have more investigative articles about member's cars. I learn more about interesting historical Corvettes from other publications now. That shouldn't be.

We should allow on-line advertising in some form. We are missing out on the lion's share of old Corvette buying and selling. Many, many more enthusiasts now shop eBay than will ever use our printed Driveline.

Most importantly, I think we can all do a better job of making new members and potential members feel welcome. We need them a lot more than they need us.

[Gary S.]

Well said, Jerry!

Now, how long before we get this one deleted?
Gary

[Richard L.]

My, My, My, Jerry...

What's got your "Cylinder Case" warmed up so early this AM..???

Like Gary said, this one won't make it too long here before it gets bounced...

Pretty Sad...

[Ed Jennings]

Re: My case for lightening up

Very well put. Too bad a greater percentage of the membership doesn't participate in this forum. For one, the forum might have greater credibility with the powers that be, and secondly, they might just learn something- at least the ones who don't already know everything. Gee, the ones who know everything should be here sharing their knowledge with those of us who still have some to learn.

[Roger Coen #30751]

This is a TECH BD not a ..........

sales board. Pleanty of other places to sell your parts.

I don't think deleting your post was in any way related to "not wanting younger members" or "having fun".

Take a pill and chill out.

[ROB DAME MEM# 36211]

Open another page

for the parts,services, and BS

[Gary S.]

Re: This is a TECH BD not a ..........

Roger,
While I agree with what you are saying, I think it is time for us to join the rest of the world. This organization has evolved over the years from straight axle only to the 1984 models for which we are now in the process of developing new judging guides. It seems that some would still have us in the "if it ain't a straight axle Corvette, it ain't a Corvette" mode. If this organization can evolve in what cars we judge, not to mention enjoy, drive, work on, etc, then we can also evolve into an organization that allows on-line access to parts, The Driveline, The Restorer, etc. I can bank on-line, charge purchases on-line, but I have to wait for the USPS to deliver my magazines? So wy shouldn't we set up a members only access to certain features. Remember, if we don't bring in the younger crowd then we are doomed to failure.

I interpret the nature of Jerry's complaint as a failure to move ahead with who we are and how we get there. Look how far the Corvette Forum has evolved in its short existence. It is an internet only organization. Yes, it is different but look at the number of NCRS guys who visit over there.

OK, time for me to chill.

More painting of my bathroom, then some barley pop while the Steelers do their thing on the grid iron.

Respectfully,

Gary

[bob downs]

Re: urwrong roger

i am strongly in favor of jerrys comments. im new to this board and i can already tell that jerry should be running the show. he hit the nail on the head when he said why don't we all sit around and criticize each others cars. this is the feeling i get when i see certain members replies to posts. i think i will just go over to the corvette forum as this is an old folks form!

[Roger Coen #30751]

very good post Gary

but its still a Tech Board and not a sales board.

There are many other places to sell/buy parts and Jerry could have emailed the guy privately.

I'm not against selling or buying parts but there is a right and wrong way to do it.

[Michael W.]

I think we should just ask

your Al Gore to switch off the internet (after all, he invented it) and all the irritating problems of living in the 21st century would be gone.

[Richard S.]

Re: urwrong roger

This NCRS site is frequented mostly by NCRS members in need,.... information and other needs, and by those willing to help or share information and/or expertise. It is the perfect opportunity for those with special knowledge, experience and parts to help fellow members in need. Those who could contribute but don't are conspicuous by their absence and the newer and younger NCRS members or potential members are the losers....and so is the NCRS.
I hope Greg got his distributor and wish him well with his Corvette and his parts search.....because he wouldn't have much chance waiting for the Driveline.

[Gary S.]

Re: very good post Gary

As I mentioned in my first line, I agree with you. This IS a tech board and should be respected as such. With that aside, the rest of Jerry's comments, and mine too, are very appropriate.
Gary

[Chas Kingston]

Re: Now, now, Mikey .................

Don't be facetious.

Geezer

[Bob Babcock]

Re: Open another page

I don't want to look for restoration parts at other internet sites (unless I have to). Buying from a NCRS member is perhaps the best assurance of quality and authenticity, not to mention honesty in the transaction. eBay is a pig in a poke. Those of us on the left coast have a major disadvantage, since we receive the Driveline so much later that our eastern friends. Wow, a level playing field! A NCRS internet parts classified section would be very useful indeed. Just think how nice it would be to have internet classified listings indexed by C1, C2, C3 etc., thereby reducing the time required to read all the listings for all generations just to find a C1 part.

[jim34671]

Re: Now, now, Mikey .................

It's true..Driveline is definitely old school business in this day in age,but
perhaps it should not be classified as a full time business,but more an informative source for hobbyists??
On line sales in the form of Ebay or even Hemmings would dwarf any online
Driveline and you could expect Hemmings style prices to kill us all.
What would be a good start would be to allow a "Parts Wanted" or "Services Wanted" area of Discussion Board to at least HELP members with their needs rather than advertise to sell good/services.
The last thing we need is to upset and step on eachothers' comments and feelings
on the board.
There is a lot of expertise amongst the member group and let's not ruin a good thing.I read the board EVERY day and learn EVERYDAY.
There may be other boards and forums out there,but I don't intend to live online neither.