Nick Pitt wrote:
>
> ----------
> From: mgs-owner
> To: bleckstein
> Cc: mgs
> Subject: Re: Measure of enthusiasism?
> Date: 21 November 1996 20:50
>
> bleckstein@monmouth.com wrote:
> >
> > I'll probably regret writing this, but here goes:
> >
> > I've been in the hobby 20 years. I have nine MGs. I don't care for racing,
> > autocross and have limited feelings for car shows. I'm nuts about the
> cars,
> the
> > people, the history and tradition of MG and understand others' likes and
> > dislikes in the hobby. I certainly am not designated to condemn anyone for
> their
> > special interest or views.
> >
> > I have seen some crash into the hobby like a comet and enter every show
> and
> > event until it becomes all consuming. Two or three years later they are
> gone.
> > They did that, they have been there, there is nothing left.
> >
> > I started with a TD ,and attended local club meets for two years before I
> ever
> > heard of the NEMGTRegister. Then I attended a GOF or two. Slowly I got to
> know
> > the people, the History of MG and aquired another car or two (a BGT and a
> TC)
> >
> > Suddenly in 1986 I was swept up into the Ocean to Ocean trip and for 19
> days I
> > didn't see my wife or kids, the longest separation ever in our thiry years
> of
> > marriage. I soon was in charge of the Circuit of Britain and almost four
> years
> > of endless work went into it. My wife did twice as much as me and she
> can't
> > drive stick!
> >
> > I have now gone on five extended trips, two with my wife, two with my
> sons.
> I
> > have missed three. I believe I am an enthusiast with out being a fanatic.
> >
> > In the NEMGTR there is a fellow named Izzy Ramos. His TD has been apart
> for
> 15
> > years, and he has no other MG. Yet he works on every GOF and devotes
> hundreds of
> > hours to the hobby. Is he an enthusiast, I think so.
> >
> > I think the Ramoses of this world who stick with the hobby and devote
> themselves
> > over long years are more valuable to all of us then those who arrive on
> the
> > scene, devour the hobby and are gone.
> >
> > If you like to polish your car and nothing else, thats fine. I once spent
> a
> > lovely English evening going through a grave yard looking for Captain
> Eyston
> > grave. Nuts? Probably. That was however important to me.
> >
> > Anyone on this list who has been on it more than a month, is somewhat of
> an
> > enthusiast just doing that.
> >
> > Please, we must respect every aspect of this hobby, and no one has the
> right to
> > judge the commitment and inner feelings of the other.
> >
> > David, you are usually entertaining, witty, and an asset to this list.
> Time
> > however will be the ultimate test of enthusiasm. And no, I am not angry at
> you.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Well said.
>
> Geof Love. The English Connection
> -------------------
>
> I agree wholeheartedly, esp. the bit about burn out. I have seen this happen
> in so many activities; amatuer theatre, trade unions, work, etc.. Take it
> easy. Listen to everyone's point of view, and above all be tolerant. You CAN
> be a genuine and valuable enthusiast without beinga fanatic.
>
> Nick Pitt
> ('73 B Roadster still not finished and other hobbies plus wife children
> and a job!!)
Bravo! I have the same accoutrements....plus 2 dogs.
Steve Tritle
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