My case for lightening up

[Al C.]

Online "DriveLine"?

Interesting that the Wisconsin chapter is able to deal with the frightful issue of listing sale/wanted items online:

http://www.ncrswi.bizland.com

So, why not National? Maybe the WI guys could advise...

... Al '58 #378 - NCRS, SACC

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Online "DriveLine"?

I joined NCRS in the mid 70's for two reasons: Information and parts. Nothing has changed since then, still have never been to a meeting or judging. Probably never will. This board provides much needed information, now if I could just find parts......

[Mike E.]

Re: My case for lightening up

If we really do want to help someone with a part, all we have to do is click on their e-mail address and offer it to them directly, without posting it on the board.
I,too, would love to see us go online. I've not been able to buy a part through the Driveline for over three years, because of the horribly slow mail service. If they're desirable or reasonable, they're already gone. We could still operate with a deadline, or could just post them as they are sent in.
My two cents.

[Chuck L.]

Re: My case for lightening up

I have just very intently read 18 messages, the predominant number having very little substance and wasted about 15 minutes in doing so while thinking there has to be a pony here somewhere. I check this site whenever my wife gets off the computer and it is invaluable in helping me with my '62. Every day there is a pearl that slips in that saves me vast amounts of money and phone calls about my car. To me, as a fairly new member, the site has been very helpful in many respects, even hearing how Dale is recuperating!
I will be long gone before I ever learn what some of these people know. I think we should just talk tech, talk friends, swap or even sell parts and keep doing the things people in other hobbies do without the f------ politics and periodic whining that we have to listen to from a few "experts" that are compelled to kibitz! This might make it more efficient for me to have the best running and looking vehicle at the least possible cost which is why I joined NCRS to begin with!

[Ryan Wright]

Re: My case for lightening up

Ii think we should lighten up on all this, i was at Moroso Motorsports Park, and was talking to a stuck up SOB, who wouldnt give me the time of day thinking i was some sorta punk, then later found out i knew about his Replica Shelby than he did. I am noticing the same thing happening with some vette owners, and wish it would come to a stop period

We all, no matter age, time of experiance, education, originality, or even cash have bits on input that can help each other out, in achieving what we want in our cars, whether it is a driver, show car, or race car. It is childish of us, and I know that from talking to an NCRS member that he learned a few things from me, some people are surprised because there is about a 40 year age gap between us

so i think we should not care about formality and rules, but just help each other out

[Ed Jennings]

Re: My case for lightening up

There is substantial substance to what is being posted. The gist of it all is that unless we do the things necessary to attract new (and younger) members, the orginization will eventually wither. I got fed up with NCRS years back, when I traded my solid axle for a midyear. There was a long debate as to whether midyears were "worthy" of the organization. We use NCRS as a vehicle to get technical info, keep up with activities ( which only a small percentage participate in), and buy and sell cars and parts. The gripe is that some of these activities have to be limited to the Driveline publication. Life, and business are moving on-line at a rapid pace. I understand from previous posts on the subject that only a miniscule percentage of members utilize the NDB. That is a shame, but perhaps it also supports Jerry's premis that we are collectively a bunch of old foogys.

[Al Corelli]

Well Said, Ryan!! *NM*

[Henry pozzuoli]

Re: My case for lightening up

Enough already, More people have piped in on this than I have seen help us new members with questions. I have enjoyed the tech post both for my questions and others. Not all members are totally informed and know all the ins and outs of the Corvette. We share a common interest in the Corvette lets try to channel our energy towards that end.

[Rick G.]

Re: My case for lightening up

Jerry is absolutely right in his comments concerning the Corvette Restorer Magazine. For the last few years, I have observed what was once was a very informative and interesting publication evolve into primarily a listing of show results, judging teams and in depth details of road tours. The pictures in the magazine resemble photo copies of photo copies at best. A sad commentary to todays ability to post great pictures on the internet almost insistently.

The usefulness of the Driveline has also diminished greatly. I gave up trying to convince the powers to be within the NCRS to offer upgraded postage. I routinely receive my copy 10 - 14 days after a friend on the east coast. I cannot remember the last time I purchased a part listed in it. For several years I campaigned to have manadatory pricing on all advertisements and was told by more than one member of the Board of Directors that it was a good idea. However, it would dictate a change and the NCRS is recluant to change. If we as an organization are going to experience continued success, our Board must listen and consider our suggestions. Just my two cents for my twenty years of membership.

[G B.]

Thank you all for your responses

Even the ones who urged me to go pound pills up my kibitzing resonator. At least you involved in discussion of change.

[Norris W.]

Re: My case for lightening up

Jerry, I think you've made some excellent points. First of all, I think it's imperative that the NCRS attract some new, younger members, not only for the substained livelihood of the organization, but the old Corvette hobby in general. As a collector of other GM muscle cars in addition to Corvettes, I can say with certainty that there's a great deal more participation in other organizations by younger members than has recently been evident in NCRS events. It seems fairly obvious that there are those among us who do in fact resist any change, but it also seems obvious that for there to remain any real interest in orginality and authenticity a real interest by a young crowd has to be cultivated. Otherwise we all die off and these old cars become resto rods with trendy updates. It saddens me to see the growing destruction of old originals so prominately displayed and discussed on other websites, and the root of the problem seems to be diminished interest by younger car guys in original, old cars.

I believe the NCRS is missing a golden opportunity to attract new members by failing to maximize the potential of the website. There's no question that the internet is the greatest marketing opportunity in the world, unimaginable only a few years ago. Some private areas on this website, requiring NCRS membership for access may very well provide an incentive for some who post here to join the organization. An online for sales section and separating tech discussions from general chatter is also common among other successful websites.

[Roger Legge]

Re: My case for lightening up

Quick question - I have the plaid shirt part covered, but anyone have a good source for a white belt?

Roger

[Rob Loszewski]

Re: My case for lightening up

I've read this thread with interest and being a younger guy and a long time NCRS member, I have to agree with some of the points made here.

I think one thing that we should all keep in mind is: it's the younger generations that are the future of Corvette ownership. Shut them out, and you might as well shove your head in a plastic bag and seal it up.

-Rob Loszewski, Site Administrator
Corvette Action Center


Corvette Action Center

[Mark Jekot]

Re: My case for lightening up

oh -bla- di- bla - da brother!!!! you speak the truth!

[Ralph E.]

Re: My case for lightening up

The truth has been spoken..Let NCRS listen or NCRS shall go the way of the dinosaur.