Kurt Eckert
-----Original Message----- From: Rex Funk [mailto:rexfunk(at)magick.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 1998 4:19 AM To: alpines(at)autox.team.net Subject: Re: Car Club
Roger Gibbs Wrote:
>So to follow on with Kurts thinking, let me suggest that we consider:
>1. The formation of conventional clubs might work out well for some of
this list's
>members.
>2. For others there may be some real benefit if we add the next
dimension
to this
>group. Any ideas as to what is missing ?
-----------------------
Notice how subtly Roger focuses our thinking. I like it.
What This Mailing List Does Have:
1. Diverse group of people who like the same cars, sometimes for different reasons. 2. Combined expertise of centuries with the Alpine (We all deserve Purple Hearts). 3. We enjoy talking (writing about) Alpines (and a few other things) together. 4. We haven't yet gotten so far into religion or politics that we have totally alienated each other. 5. Instant response, and daily dialog about common issues, problems, dreams, etc. 6. Good technical support and behind-the-scenes organization (thanks T.J.) 7. A 3 year history of success, and a desire to be even better.
What I think we could use (many of these ideas came from List members):
1. Scheduled live chat sessions on certain topics such as performance modifications, club organization, planning special events, brainstorming how to reach Alpine owners who are not plugged in, promoting the marque, etc.
2. Local activity-based interest groups, either all Sunbeam, or all British car.
3. Fun, but easy to organize local events which could be run cooperatively with other clubs.
4. National or regional get-togethers every year (like Uniteds or Sunbeams NW). This would be the one must-do connecting event for the year.
5. Better participation by Alpine, Rapier, Humber, and Hillman owners in Sunbeam events.
6. An electronic newsletter that could also be printed and distributed.
More support and contributions to existing web sites, including a page for the novice promoting ALL Sunbeams.
7. A widespread help network for travelers and those seeking parts and advice. Use the info from the last SUNI as a guide. Area, phone numbers and e-mail address could be published on the WWW for those who agree to be "Sunbeam Mentors" to help those getting started in the hobby.
8. Support for development and marketing of manuals, remanufactured parts, specialized vendor and service support, and re-publication of literature (i.e.. the advisory bulletins on the web site). Aggregating demand for reproduction of critically scarce parts (driver door striker plates, front wheel seals, late heater valves, harmonic balancers, etc. . . lets expand this list.). An applications and cross-listing guide to parts compatible with our cars.
Let's make a master list of what we all want, and then sign up those who want to work in each area. Priorities will sort themselves out as we find out where our energies and actions are focused (if no one signs up or works on a task, it must not be important to us).
Here's a concept: How about calling ourselves the "Rootes Network" for the umbrella, and the Alpine Network, Hillman Network, etc. under that? The Rootes web page could have a history and summary of the Rootes marques, and links to specialized affiliated clubs, mailing lists, and web pages. It could also have a Rootes event calendar. People can focus their energies at any level they want. I would suggest we keep this organization informal at first. If we need bylaws, articles of incorporation, dues, and nonprofit status later we can always organize formally.
We could be about connecting owners to other owners, to information, to vendors and services, and to events, and keeping Rootes products alive. Tigers could be invited to affiliate as a Tiger Network (all the clubs that would like to). We could have a little "Rootes Network" seal that could be put on marque web pages and club newsletters. We're not trying to replace marque clubs or tell them how to run their business; only interconnect and support all Rootes marques. Nissan and Toyota enthusiasts have similar networks of interconnected resources.
My .02c
Rex Funk