Radio Free Registry

[merbesfield]

[quote="roy mawbey" post=8947]Bruce,

In the 60's I joined PCGB ( Porsche Club Great Britain ) the club revolved around the 356 at that time and it suited me exactly. As time rolled on into the 70's and 80's everything changed the 911 series took over really from the earlier 356 concept. I received the magazine over time enlarged and in colour and instead of really waiting for it to arrive, when it did, I just 'thumbed' my way through it looking mainly for 356 content which reduced and reduced even more, over time.

I used to go PCGB picnics a nice easy going day talking with like minded people and looking at their cars or going to various race tracks to see how they managed to keep their 356 cars competitive.

By the new century though I lost interest, the 911 is a nice car should have bought a SWB version and hidden it away but didn't.

The Registry when I found it seemed so interesting, but then it would as it was right up my street 356 wise. I really enjoyed reading all the comments right up to the time they closed it to non-paying members. ( As previously mentioned would have paid a nominal amount if asked to )

Now, its less and less that I look on their forum. I don't think it will change format at all and actually whilst I really appreciated such helpful information on 356 cars from such clever guys its likely now the Samba or Justins forum here or DDK over here can usually answer questions.

It also seems to me, a forum made up of 'questions and answers' would now not really interest me so much. I like to read stories of guys experiences rebuilding their cars, how they manage to do it or how they have managed to keep their cars for so long and this forum does that. Also I don't need yet another magazine to clutter up my house.

In other words Bruce, I seem to be happy with DDK, The Samba or Justins and don't really need the Registry its similar in fact, to how I lost interest in PCGB. ( I do understand exactly how you must feel though after so many years involvement over there.)

I would like to know how Barry is doing now? not seen anything from him anywhere for ages?

Roy
My sentiments are very close to Roy's, tho I do own some 911's. The local PCA here never did fit for me. I prefer the larger exposure that online forums and their scale brings. Unfortunately, w the increase in values and levels of criticism I saw on both forums(911 and 356), they sort of killed the fun of posting a build thread online. Fear of being criticized or just the idea that once something is on the Internet it never goes away, who knows but things are different.

Never the less, the future is the net. Just look at the VW guys and see how they do it and how much fun they are having. It can be done, it's not rocket science.

[bbspdstr]

"Never the less, the future is the net."

Mark, that may be true for those distance-challenged 356 owners wanting to find a remote camaraderie fix or a DIY fix. However, this answer is still no more a 'club' than a magazine or a website is.

As Roy states, maybe it's the new wearing off or as you both put it...not quite a 'fit' into a club now..... that seems to be the cause of the doldrums within a Porsche group. I guess that's been it for me, as well...but as a creature of habit I don't just walk away from a continuity, be it PCA or the Registry. 'Things' have a habit of exhibiting an ebb and flow pattern. As Craig said, especially when an impending shoe-drop is anticipated.

So, as it seems to be a building consensus, the local efforts of various enthusiasts creating simpler local events may be the retro format for face-to-face gatherings and for simple communication, the Internet may be the typical simple solution that also allows the bonus of spanning huge distances.

So, the lawsuit particulars aside, why is the Registry not a good umbrella/clearing house for all that if some changes are created? Are these 'downers'(?): Too costly to join for remote-only Internet communication? Not enough promotion or backing of more local events? Too 'stuffy' since values have dramatically increased while use of the 356s has decreased? "Human interest" of ownership not high enough a priority for some of us to offset the "nuts and bolts" interests of others? What 'upgrades' would help?

Is it maybe that the whole 356 scene is getting stale and that the 'spice' has become the lawsuit and not the cars? Even the Registry magazine has strayed from just 356 stories and some are a stretch trying to be relevant (at least to me). I can actually understand that! Maybe we really can't go home again?

However, like Roy, I fondly remember my first regional PCA meeting in '66. The parking lot was populated by only 356s. As newbies, when it was time, the others and I were asked to stand and give our names and what Porsches we drove. When it was my turn, I stood and nervously gave my name and that I drove a Speedster...and I remember getting approving glances from those "old guys" who are long gone and were likely younger then than we are now!

I'd just like the younger guys taking a liking to 'our' cars now and in the near future to have good beginning 356 memories, too, and that for me was connected to one or another 'club.' We are here talking about one now that seems to need a little redirection.

[merbesfield]

[bbspdstr" post=8961]"Never the less, the future is the net."

Mark, that may be true for those distance-challenged 356 owners wanting to find a remote camaraderie fix or a DIY fix. However, this answer is still no more a 'club' than a magazine or a website is.

What I meant was a good club needs to center around a good website. I think one way to look at is is that the website is the new "Club House" of the future.

As Craig said, especially when an impending shoe-drop is anticipated.

Could you explained what you guys mean by "impending shoe-drop"?

So, as it seems to be a building consensus, the local efforts of various enthusiasts creating simpler local events may be the retro format for face-to-face gatherings and for simple communication, the Internet may be the typical simple solution that also allows the bonus of spanning huge distances.

So, the lawsuit particulars aside, why is the Registry not a good umbrella/clearing house for all that if some changes are created? Are these 'downers'(?): Too costly to join for remote-only Internet communication? Not enough promotion or backing of more local events? Too 'stuffy' since values have dramatically increased while use of the 356s has decreased? "Human interest" of ownership not high enough a priority for some of us to offset the "nuts and bolts" interests of others? What 'upgrades' would help?

Free access for those not interested in paying for a full membership.
Tone down the stuffiness of our cars. See this website, Samba, KCW others for examples.
Local events for getting to know your local brothers.

Maybe we really can't go home again?

Maybe, but I hope not.

However, like Roy, I fondly remember my first regional PCA meeting in '66. The parking lot was populated by only 356s. As newbies, when it was time, the others and I were asked to stand and give our names and what Porsches we drove. When it was my turn, I stood and nervously gave my name and that I drove a Speedster...and I remember getting approving glances from those "old guys" who are long gone and were likely younger then than we are now!

Very cool.

I'd just like the younger guys taking a liking to 'our' cars now and in the near future to have good beginning 356 memories, too, and that for me was connected to one or another 'club.' We are here talking about one now that seems to need a little redirection.

I agree 100%

[bbspdstr]

"Could you explain what you guys mean by "impending shoe-drop"?"

I'll try, but others may have a better way of describing how that old saying ties in with the lawsuit Steve Heinrichs brought against the Registry (meaning the trustees of the Registry).

A few years ago, a few members began to notice "something just wasn't right" with the way the club's board was handling things like...gee, 'questions.' We were told there was 'transparancy' and yet no direct question got a direct answer if it was uncomfortable for the trustees. Pushes got push-back and push came to shove about the handling of financial matters. Some quit the club, at least one was excommunicated, most just stayed clear to see the outcome.

It was conveniently suggested that we were "accusers" who were "attacking" the trustees by asking pointed questions and the wedge began to get pounded harder, polarizing many in the club who took notice.

Thus, the "us" and "them" became the 2 camps you see now; one with the power of the club's bylaws (which offer no direct redress of grievances) and in complete control of the website and print, the other disallowed to have open discussion about club business on the club's site and winding up here after a long stint on the Samba.

If you care to see the whole legal 'thing' it is of public record and this site will guide you there. Steve Heinrichs has committed to opening what the trustees have refused to do...even through court order to do so.

The appearance of this obstructionism is that there is something to hide. If there is nothing to hide and they are not willing to cooperate, what else would be the reason not to answer any member's questions as deep as any member would want to go into club business?

Some say the schism began by the disallowed disagreement with the website policies when free interaction was lopped off and long-time volunteers were 'fired' or quit (in support of those 'fired'). Actually, the first real (steel-toed) shoe to drop was the Heinrichs lawsuit, the second to drop will be whenever it ends.

[bbspdstr]

.........another observation; why is it that the Registry site needed such 'involved' moderation and then followed by moderation that was very subdued on the Samba even when hot-n-heavy postings were the norm...and none seems needed here?

Here's a thought about the Registry; Start over; make it what it's becoming on it's own....a magazine. People pay a subscription and since the (very creative) editor seems to have his own way anyway, who needs older and apparently stubborn 'trustees' who seem to want everyone to believe they know what's right in all aspects all the time and just get in the way of progress....of what's becoming just a magazine anyway.

End the NFP and let the magazine stand on it's own, sink or swim if it doesn't offer an on-line version.

Have a 356 Forum; it too already exists to some degree here and to some degree aligned with the VW crowd on the Samba, with cross-over on each to related cars and thoughts to keep things interesting and appealing to a younger demographic while still satisfying the more conservative of us...meaning, of course, conservative in how we think of what a 'car CLUB' should be and how we think of our 356s...

Local 356-only groups would either grow stronger, merge or wither away; that would remain to be seen.

I guess I'm trying to think how to push a natural evolution along due to a natural awareness of my own mortality and the wish to keep younger people wanting (not needing, of course) to admire and appreciate the cars this is all about and providing a valid vehicle to join with kindred spirits anywhere, of any age or experience in that ideal.

[merbesfield]

From Wiki:


wait for the other shoe to drop
Contents [hide]
1 English
1.1 Etymology
1.2 Verb
1.2.1 Translations
1.3 References
English[edit]

Etymology[edit]
A common experience of tenement living and other similar style housing in New York City (and other cities) during the manufacturing boom of the late 19th and early 20th century. Apartments were built similar in design with one's bedroom under another's. Thus, it was normal to hear a neighbor removing shoes and hearing them hit the floor above. As one shoe made a sound hitting the floor, the expectation for the other shoe to make a similar sound was created.
Verb[edit]
wait for the other shoe to drop
(idiomatic) To defer action or decision until another matter is finished or resolved.
(idiomatic) To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one that is not desirable. ?[quotations ?]

Bruce, I don't think you need to worry about the young, me included, "admiring and appreciating" these cars. This happens due to Ferry's brilliant design. What we need to do is KTF and continue to promote and help all those interested in our cool cars by giving open access to all information.

[roy mawbey]

Bruce,

Your comments all make sense to me.

Roy

[S.J.Szabo]

[Craig Richter]

Mark, To me the "other shoe to drop" only refers to the resolution of the law suit. That's a big dark cloud right now.

Too bad we all can't live in SoCal. Great club filled with super guys (and girls) doing all kinds of fun stuff together. But we still need a world-wide gathering place for new and the old advice, hence my fear of the cloud.

[bbspdstr]

"But we still need a world-wide gathering place for new and the old advice, hence my fear of the cloud. "

Craig, don't listen to those Rolling Stones...("Hey....you...get offa my cloud...") Embrace the cloud!

The theoretical make-up of the Registry will endure a shake-up or nothing will change at all, at least for a while..post-suit. The old saying is ; "Everything works out...one way or another."

This 'cloud' is not like a centuries-old cure such as 'bleeding with leeches'....but a legal challenge to how the club is run or gaining insight into how it's run and why it's being run that way, albeit behind the scenes and with the majority of the membership blissfully unaware or caring.

Actually, really, in plain language, this 'cloud' is an unfortunate but classic pissing contest involving just a tiny percentage of Registry aficionados with the all-too-predictable shouts at each other of: "F....ME? No-o-o-o-o, F....YOU!"

That does make it a dark cloud...unlikely to be followed by a rainbow. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm packing my 356 for a migration to SoCal....

[Bill Sampson]

Too bad we all can't live in SoCal. Great club filled with super guys (and girls) doing all kinds of fun stuff together. But we still need a world-wide gathering place for new and the old advice, hence my fear of the cloud.

Hey Craig:

I was born in SoCal. We have heat, smog, drive by shootings, traffic in permanent grid-lock, fuzzy headed liberal politicians, right wing whackadoodle politicians, nuts and flakes. Why would anyone want to live here?

You are 100% correct about the SoCal club. Rosemary and I have been mostly inactive members for 12 years about but think the world of the people and are awed by the number of activities, in which, once we retire, we plan to participate more often.

Meanwhile, since it's another crummy day here I think I'll go to the beach if I can avoid the sniper fire.

Bill

[bbspdstr]

Californians and granola= "If they ain't fruits or nuts, they're flakes."

I used to call Roy Nielson when he headed Autos International in Solana Beach. I had to time my calls carefully to catch him when NOT surfing.

Then,(I've told this a thousand times, so 'scuse me) on one visit to Malibu, I drove (my VW) on the beach road and counted 9 Speedsters in about a mile, in driveways or carports or open garages. That was in the early '70s when I was getting out of the service (and MY Speedster was in PA storage at grandma's)...."the good old days" when 356s and microbuses were all over the place up and down CA and there were even numerous chances to flash lights at oncoming Porsches in PA.

My Uncle Charlie in Marin Country was a Porsche guy, but he had a 914 and a 912 and later a 911. That was the culture there then and still the center of the Porsche Universe. It used to be said that "Half of the Porsches made come to the U.S. and half of those come to California."

Another digression, but "What a long, strange trip it's been."

[admin]

One thing that popped into my head today while wrapping up a long one. I was sitting in my office and found myself looking at pics from Holidays from the 80s. I have a couple long panoramic shots that came out of the office of the late Marvin Sims. At the holiday everyone would get together for a picture. I can remember doing this at one holiday ever, when the holiday was down south, I think early 2000s, but the last few holidays have been based at big corporate hotels, hanging out on blacktop, sometimes next to highway where the only time you get to hang out is on the concours day or at the bar (and I don't drink).
I guess everyone knows everyone at a lot of these events, so why get everyone together for a picture.
I for one would like to get back to the picture days, not the Hyatt Corp hotel holiday. Blacktop, really?

[Erik H]

I have one of those panoramic shots. It was done at ECH 2000 in Roanoke, which was the last Holiday I attended. I met a lot of super guys, among them Mike Robbins, Bill Benckner, and Gary Emory but for the most part I felt like a turd in the punchbowl. The cars were the biggest attraction for me. What seems like fun for me would be Emory's Campout or the impromptu gathering in Helen Georgia. I looked at the ad for the latest WCH and estimated it would cost me (registration, travel, fuel, lodging, banquet, tour, food, etc..) $1,200-$1,500. I have been in the Registry for many years but being geographically isolated here in southeast Alabama, (the nearest 356 I know of is 100 miles away) I fear I have been reduced to being a mere "subscriber". I still enjoy the Magazine, especially the human interest stories, historical articles, and Edwin Schweitzer's resto-strips. I read the article about Alan Greuning. In the last issue and was amazed he and my Dad were in the Air Force at the same time and both had 36 Ford 5-window coupes with hot rod Mercury engines. Knowing my Dad sold his at that time I had to know. I googled Mr. Greuning, found his phone number and called him. We had a 45 minute conversation about cars, aircraft, travel, family, et... that could only take place on the phone or in person. I was going to e-mail him some photos but he is 80 years old and doesn't have a computer. I'm sending some copies in the mail. That one conversation was worth my $35 "membership". What has happened to the Registry can be summed up in one word - Evolution. Can it ever be what it was in the beginning? No. Can it be better than it is now? Absolutely. Thank you to everyone working to achieve a transparent, balanced, fair, and harmonious organization. Erik

[MMW]

On the subject of "local/regional" events. How far would you be willing to travel for a one day event? Two day event?

How long would you like a one day event to last? A few hours or an all day thing. I guess it would depend on how far you're traveling. Would you drive 2-3 hours to attend a 4-6 hour event/picnic/gtg?

A one day event could be stretched by using the night before as a get together/hang out/meet & greet.

For instance my trip to Hershey this year. Left late am on Friday for a 2+ hr. ride out. Stopped for lunch. Checked in the hotel. Met up with a friend, museum, dinner, back to hotel to hang with the 914 world guys. Saturday up early for the swap & heading home mid afternoon. Lots of fun & turned a 5-6 hr event into a nice two day trip. Total cost 2 tanks fuel, $75 hotel, about $60 food, $20 museum = $200 +/- for two adults.