Radio Free Registry

[Bill Sampson]

There is possibly some confusion as to the role that the Registry editor plays. According to the Registry's tax returns the editor (who is also an officer but not a trustee) spends ten hours per week in that role. He is not compensated for that work and is stated to be a volunteer - in that role.

The publisher, who in this instance is the same person as the editor, perhaps within a corporate shell, receives about $300,000 per year for his efforts. The publisher also employs the membership chairperson, who is likewise an officer.

A web based "magazine" if done with a volunteer editor, would conceivably eliminate the $300,000 expense of a publisher although I have been informed that the Registry just executed a three year contract with the publisher. I would not be surprised if that contract required payment of three more years for print, but can only speculate.

The job of the web based editor would probably ultimately require paid staff, although the local PCA chapter does put out a monthly magazine with no payment for any material nor editing. It's pretty good.

[jstenner]

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[Carrera GT]

Call me a commie, but I think people ought to be paid for their work, LOL. I bet a $150K magazine and a $150K web/blog/forum/database configuration would be a sweet, forward thinking, world-class combo.

In both cases, the people doing that work should NOT be officers, nor have any more say than the members.

Nor should they be the same ones that collect the Membership dues as well. By appearances, it all has the scent of cozy-conflict of interest and commingling to it.

-Michael Doyle-

[Bill Sampson]

Call me a commie, but I think people ought to be paid for their work, LOL. I bet a $150K magazine and a $150K web/blog/forum/database configuration would be a sweet, forward thinking, world-class combo.

In both cases, the people doing that work should NOT be officers, nor have any more say than the members.

As a fellow pinko I agree. Tee Hee. I don't think the R publication(s) could be done on a volunteer basis. I'm an officer in a ntional car club and we get our mag out to 3000 members with paid staff of one, monthly, full color 32 page, for under $100,000. With an award winning editor. That editor is important to us and I consider him a friend but he has NO say in any decision, which is how it should be. He likewise does NOT serve as our mouthpiece. Ever.

Naturally, every couple of months some of my prose (at no charge which is doubtless very close to its value) appears after its dutiful rejection by the Pulitzer committee.

[S.J.Szabo]

cannot

[Trevor]

I'd like to add my input as one of the younger members (40 this month) of the Registry and also being on the board of my local 356 Club of Southern California. I'd like to help get the word out about some of the discussions I've had with people, specifically over the March 1st SoCal Porsche weekend.

I love 356's, let that be the baseline for which all of my writing below comes from. It's the reason I continue to choose to get involved online with the Registry, Justin's site here and occasionally on The Samba. This love of 356's is also the reason I choose to get involved with events going on local to me and I stop by Jack Staggs' shop every Friday afternoon. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the cars and meeting other enthusiasts and owners.

So I'm just going to jump around best I can on the various issues...

With regards to Trustees not being in the business... I've read many an article in the back issues of the magazine and have seen Trustee's pleading for people to get involved. Is it possible that those who were making a living from 356's should be thanked for keeping the club going when not many others were? I don't know this answer, but I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet. Or at least not all of the babies I can tell you from my short experience with being on the SoCal 356 Club board, it is a handful of people that make events happen.

I think that the Trustees are coming around, maybe it is because time heals all wounds or maybe it's because they've gotten thumped in court. Maybe both. They are aware that they need younger members, heck so does my own local club, but for some reason I don't see all grey hairs at local 356 club events. Have you guys seen the picture Adam Wright posted of himself at a Holiday dinner a few years back? I think every organization/club would like to pass on their knowledge to younger members.

I had a nice conversation with George Dunn at Jim Liberty's open house, it was a follow on to the conversation we had at the open members meeting in front of everyone, he'd like help from younger members like me to get others involved. I don't know how I can get others involved in subscribing to a magazine, but I guess I could get them involved online (although $45 to post online is a bit steep - as I've communicated to him in person). And I could also encourage members to attend holidays, although I've never been to one myself, but I hear they are fun. What I have been using my free time for is to get people local to me involved with my local club. Plainly put... I want to do stuff, not just read a magazine about what others are doing. To that end I encourage people to attend the swapmeet, hang out at the open houses, attend a drive, stop by Jack's on a Friday afternoon, etc. I can tell you that I have been the benefactor as well of people sharing their love of 356's. Tom Perazzo invited me over to his house to give me a primer on TIG welding before I knew ANYTHING about welding. Jack invites me to his shop regularly to see what car he just did some work on, etc. I've invited people who are from out of town to crash on my couch if they want to save some money on a hotel when they come to an event in SoCal.

Open forum... I think this policy will get modified in time. If the Trustees want younger people involved online, they will have to.

Next thing... it is hard to agree with everyone all the time, actually impossible. I don't always agree with what Bill posts here, but I'm still happy to see him at events - talk 356's, talk the Registry, talk whatever. The same can be said of Jim Liberty. I bump into him at events and am happy to talk 356's and Registry stuff with him as well. You think Bill and Jim agree on how the Registry is being run. Nope! But I bet if one offered to shake the other one's hand at the next event it wouldn't be turned down. I bet they both have more in common that they might think. That probably goes for all of us here.

Somebody that I think will be instrumental to the future of the club is our newest Trustee, Felix. He gets it. He spent 18 years (I think) involved with the SoCal 356 Club. Goes to events, has a great time hanging out. If someone can't get along with Felix... yikes! Because that's a guy who cares about making people happy and spreading the love for 356's. Ok, maybe a little too preachy on Felix, but I'm telling you he's one of the good guys! Please support him, he's totally 100% fair and will listen. Another good guy that is genuine is Bob Garretson, I wish he would post more online.

Lastly in terms of a guy that needs to be in a leadership position is Tom Tate out of Boston. He sees the whole picture. I'd also like the have the possibility that someone from outside the US can run. Yes I'm thinking of Joris (The_Carrera_Kid).

To the suggestion that The Registry should have local chapters, I was under the impression that they did at one time and that there was a local chapter in SoCal, but that the guys in SoCal broke away to form the 356 Club of Southern California. I'll need to do some more homework here... Being on the board of the 356 SoCal club I know that the Registry allows us to use their insurance for events, and this is a benefit to our local club as it saves our members money. I "believe" they also do this with other clubs. The Registry asks nothing in return. I don't know what benefit there would be in joining forces, so to speak. The Registry is centered around a magazine, the local clubs are about doing things. I personally get enjoyment out of both.

The Registry offers a nice magazine, online forum with members willing to help other members free of charge, technical articles submitted by members free of charge and allowed to be viewed free of charge. These are all nice things. Is it the definition of a car club, probably not?

OK, time to grab some lunch and head off to Jack's, we're going to talk door top chrome strips

[Carrera GT]

...have seen Trustee's pleading for people to get involved.

Trevor,

You may not have this answer due to your age - but perhaps many others will comment to this question: How many candidates have stepped up to run for a Trustee position over the many years? ...only to not be elected due to the incumbents running against them year - after year - after year.

Term Limits - or a variation on them - would put an end to the intimidation and control factors that have developed for way-way to long.

The current and past Trustees themselves should have recognized this factor ages ago and taken care of properly-fairly running and managing the club's business and membership operations. Unfortunately, power, prestige, cronyism and glory seem to get in their way - blinding even the best of them.

-Michael Doyle-

[Bill Sampson]

Trevor:

Always great to hear from you and to see you. About the only thing I don't like about living in Malibu is being so far from Jack's place.

By the way, if you care to venture north of the Orange Curtain tomorrow there will be hundreds of pre-72 cars, always including some 356s and early 9 cars at the Huntington Beach Pier starting early a.m.

Anyway, I can offer some help on one point. Felix was, I believe, one of the founders of the SoCal club. He'll know the background of how/why that club is/was/is not a Registry chapter. I know another founder whom I am certain did not and does not want it to be a part of the Registry. The problem with the lack of transparency at the Registry antedates and perhaps caused or exacerbated whatever schism may exist between the two organizations.

I posted it here before, but, Trevor hit the nail on the head when he suggested that Felix and Steve Heinrichs should discuss the lawsuit and attempt to settle it. I concur with Trevor's suggestion and share most of his thoughts about Felix.

What do you think, Trevor, of the board's decision to furnish 3 year contracts to all three Registry vendors? (Goodie Store, Membership Chair, Publisher)

Almost forgot. Like you, I ran for Trustee once. I was not attacked as vociferously as you, but, it was not an altogether pleasant experience.

It is unlikely that any incumbent trustee would ever lose an election meaning if they wish to serve for life they can. THAT is a bad policy for any organization.

[spg356]

SJ, thank you, and yes, I am the most famous 356er on my street! I understand, and frankly I have seen the dialogue between the two sides here and I did not feel "safe" in the early days, but I do now.cannot separate diagnosis and remedy of the problems with the Club, from the conduct, past and present, of the Leadership that brought the Club to this point. So you feel that you cannot discuss what the club could be, independent of the way it is run, because the same old guard run it. If it's what you feel then it is what you feel and I understand that.Would the local chapters make the club more complicated and difficult to run? I think so, and it would require even more members to participate which we may not be able to get.I am surely not THAT famous Just ask my wife and daughters, I can see their eyes rollin already.

By the by, we generally sign our views around here, just so everyone knows who they're talking to. The danger is that some dolt like myself will not realize that your fame alone should be enough.

Point taken, I will see if I can change my user name from my default to my real name.

Thanks,

Sebastian

[Pat]

Gosh SJ -- I never noticed the signing the post thing because I use my real name.

Pat Daily

[Steve Heinrichs]

Sebastian,

Let me simply say two things---

First, you are most welcome here. I am pleased (and--sorry--a bit surprised but happy nonetheless) that you are engaged here in a serious, informative, no name calling, discussion. I commend you.

Second, you need to worry. This kind of activity---trust me and check scores of R Forum pages of not so long ago involving moi---is not tolerated on the R Forum at this time. It is Their way or the highway. You write a column. It is a good one. Respectfully---and I am very sincere when I write this---your ability to continue there is at great risk as you post here.

Best,

Steve Heinrichs

[S.J.Szabo]

Mr.Gaeta:

From your previous post:

But, for the sake of discussion, this is the nub of it: You cannot separate diagnosis and remedy of the problems with the Club, from the conduct, past and present, of the Leadership that brought the Club to this point.

So you feel that you cannot discuss what the club could be, independent of the way it is run, because the same old guard run it. If it's what you feel then it is what you feel and I understand that.Would the local chapters make the club more complicated and difficult to run? I think so, and it would require even more members to participate which we may not be able to get.

[spg356]

Mr.Gaeta:

From your previous post:

But, for the sake of discussion, this is the nub of it: You cannot separate diagnosis and remedy of the problems with the Club, from the conduct, past and present, of the Leadership that brought the Club to this point.


SJ, I took your advice and began reading the entire thread from the beginning, I am now up to page 25 and have stopped for the evening. I found this on the very first page.

"Let us imagine that a level-headed board (not packed by the current Trustys) sympathetic to the Members' needs has been elected (I know, but it could happen)..." This was followed by some suggestions as to how to improve the club. This was one of the scenarios I presented when asking what more can the Registry be to the members.


Would the local chapters make the club more complicated and difficult to run? I think so, and it would require even more members to participate which we may not be able to get.

Possibly. But is it your contention that our Club is stupider than other National clubs that make it work? Not at all That seems terribly pessimistic and does not speak well (tho perhaps quite accurately) of the Administrative abilities of the very Leadership you seem most anxious to preserve. I have not posted anywhere that I am anxious to preserve anythingYour question is also indicative of the kind of controlling mind set that has made the Registry seem such an unappetizing prospect for joint effort. My question was "Would the local chapters make the club more complicated and difficult to run? "

Fresher thinking might pursue the idea of de-centralized control that is inherently responsive to the goals and agendas of the Members, instead of the current model of Feudal control that demands allegiance, obedience, and tribute only from the Members. Of course, this is precisely the kind of thinking that the current Leadership finds threatening to Their life of privilege and prestige.

This is the point at which I would wonder if you would care to contribute some ideas about possible organizational structures that incorporate Chapters. Perhaps your involvement with independents can provide some useful insights. In Detroit we are extremely lucky to have an active group. There are other areas with even more 356 owners that have almost zero activity as a group. The key here is to get people to step up. If they have not by now, I have no idea how they could be enticed. Perhaps their PCA region gives them enough activity, perhaps they have tried without much success (see Bruce's picnic last year) or most likely, they just don't care to. Is it apathy, or that the club thing is just not important to them. I have a quarter century's worth of experience in being active in a local club, but it was already active when I joined. What I remember most was being welcomed to their overnight fall color tour whilst diving my '67 Karmann Ghia convertible (still own it/love it!). I remember walking around the parking lot at our meeting place and drooling over all of these glorious machines. I noticed two guys looking over my car and being afraid to go near them as I was not sure how I would be greeted. As I walked up one asked, "Is this your car?" "it is" I said meekly. "Hi, I Vic Skirmants" one said. "Hi, Ron Roland, nice to meet you" said the other one. They then asked me about 50 questions about my little VW. It was then and there I said to myself "I'm buying the first 356 I see for sale" The reason I tell this tale is that passion begets passion. Having already been a Registry member at that time (but without a car), I recognized both names immediately and was made to feel quite welcome; I could feel the enthusiasm in the air. I have been extremely active in the Gruppe ever since.

How do you duplicate that? It is either there or it isn't. People either want to form a local club or they don't. I would not agree with that completely. The Florida group, for example, is pretty large but i don't think they have huge participation in their activities. I believe that is mostly because everyone is so spread out. There is one club in the state with many owners,but the drives to events can be several hours just to get there. We could go down the list of local groups and would see some that are active and some that are not with very little participation in the few activities they put on. The St Louis group comes to mind. I recall a member of that local club posting on the Registry as to whether or not the club still existed because he had not heard from anyone in a long time. Of course, the California clubs are exceptions to my theory.

In short (relatively, anyway), by getting us into this mess, and by virtue of a long history of forceful resistance to the kind of change that is required, I deduce that any road toward proper conduct of the Club, begins with new Leadership committed to doing what it must for the sake of the Club and of the Members.

What do you think?

I honestly don't know SJ. Would new, younger Trustees create excitement in a group of people who appear to be either content or apathetic, depending on your point of view? The question would be, how do you create excitement and stir the passion of 356 owners who are perhaps beyond that? I wish I knew, but I just don't. If there is no passion within someone to jumpstart a local club, what can you do? You certainly cannot require them to do so.

[S.J.Szabo]

[spg356]

SJ,

I very much like your idea of regional or local chapters being managed by a national club. Is it realistic? I cannot answer that. As I said before, the Motor Cities Gruppe was up and running and quite active when I arrived, so I have zero experience starting a local group.

Question: Do you think there should be regions/chapters covering the entire US, or just pump up the ones that already exist, OR try to add more to what is already there to cover a bit more of the country?

I think, whichever way it was decided, it would take monumental effort just to have a chance for it to work. My feeling is that you would need a person working full time to get it kickstarted before it could run itself. If, after getting the clubs propped up or up and running, you still need not only the volunteers to run it, but the members to pitch in and show up to events.

Just my opinion, I don't think anyone knows for sure.

I would love to hear what Bruce thinks about this as he and I are at opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to local activity. In Michigan, our members are always fired up for our events (we have a dinner gathering tonight which I am really looking forward to) and Bruce had a tough time putting a picnic together, even when he was doing all of the work. I dare say there are at least as many, if not more 356 owners in central/eastern PA than in Detroit. Why so different?

Could this be that those PA owners are already satisfied with their local PCA region and its events that they feel they don't need a 356 dedicated club? I don't know. In Detroit, nearly all the 356 owners are members of the SMR region and are active in that as well as the Gruppe.

It seems to me you will have different situations in different parts of the country. But again, my experience with a strong local group has been so positive that I would be ecstatic if every 356 owner in the US had the opportunity to be part of one.