HotKarz.com is planning to add an interesting new feature that will promote friendship. It is called Profiles.
Car folks such as yourself may choose to have a profile on HotKarz. The profile would include a snapshot of you and/or your spouse (with your vehicle), along with whatever other information you would like to share.
The objective is to allow others to get to know you, and vice versa. Then when you go to a show or cruise, "new" friends may come up to you and introduce themselves, because they have already "met" you on your profile. This promotes the making of new friends in an easy manner.
Examples of the things you can include in your profile:
NAME(s)
HOMETOWN
OCCUPATION(s)
FAMILY
HOBBIES
FAVORITE MOVIES, SONGS, BOOKS etc.
ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE(s)
PET PEEVES
THINGS YOU LIKE
EMAIL address, if you want to encourage contact
URL - if you have a website, you may add a link to it
You may add/choose your own categories if you wish
In any category, feel free to give as much info as you like (but try to limit commercials). For example:
OCCUPATION: A carpenter by trade for 32 years, I am self-employed and own BillyGoat Construction in Westbrook. We specialize in outdoor applications such as gazebos and decks. Our work can be seen from Kittery to Augusta. My wife, Sheila, is a registered nurse at Southern Maine Medical in Portland.
HotKarz readers would be able to click on the PROFILES link, and up pops a page with thumbnail pictures of participants, along with their name(s). The reader can then click on a thumbnail, and up pops that person's personal profile page.
The reason we would like the snapshot to include your vehicle is simply because it will help "new" friends to find and identify you at car shows, making it even easier to get a new friendship started.
To participate, simply email the info you wish to include. If you have a snapshot, email it. Otherwise, I will snap a pic the next time I see you at a show or cruise - but I don't get to them all, so sending one would be the better idea.
So, let's get those profiles together and send them to me.
Bill
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
One More Time (classes)
Well, it has been at least 12 hours since I ticked people off big time, and I do not want to be seen as "sleeping on the job", so here goes.
Car shows are generally made up of classes. Classes can be virtually anything at all, depending upon what the organizers want to attract and include. But what is all too seldom considered is the ENFORCEMENT of the classes, to insure that the participants will all be treated fairly and with respect.
While the show, itself, should provide for the enjoyment of all, placing vehicles in the appropriate classes should be a matter of integrity. Placement should not be for the express purpose of giving some vehicles an unfair advantage. It may not always make a participant happy by insisting on appropriate placement, but it is always necessary.
No vehicle should be allowed to register in any class that is not specifically suited to the vehicle. And if the show does not have a suitable class for a vehicle, the participant should be offered the choice of either parking, unregistered, in a common area (strictly for viewing), or leaving without participating. For organizers to take their entrance fee then place them unfairly in an inappropriate class just so they can pocket the five bucks is just plain wrong.
In no case should a vehicle be permitted to register in a class that is not suited to the vehicle. Period. If you permit unregulated placement, you will be doing a disservice to every vehicle that is in that class legitimately, as they must now compete not only with vehicles of their own class, but also with vehicles of other classes which have "jumped the fence" in order to gain an advantage.
As an example, let's say you have a 2x2 truck, and you are registered in the 2x2 truck class. I have a PT Cruiser, but there is no class for cars newer than 1990, and there is no class for PT's or even Special Interest. So, I decide to register in the 2x2 truck class.
You would be angry, to say the least! And if my PT should win a trophy over your vehicle, you would be livid. And rightfully so. Registering my PT in your class, inappropriately, cheats everyone in your class, even if I don't win anything. Why? Because even if I lose, chances are excellent that I would have taken at least one or two votes away from the legitimate vehicles in that class. And that affects the outcome. It could make the difference between someone else winning or losing. What if those two votes would have gone to you?
We are not talking about trophies here. We are talking about FAIRNESS. We are talking about RESPECT for other participants.
The most sorely abused class is "Special Interest". Altogether too many organizers AND participants look upon that as a bastard class. A non-class. A grouping of misfits, or miscellaneous vehicles. Or a place to go if you cannot compete in your own class. But that is NOT what "Special Interest" is. Special Interest is a legitimate class, like any other. And like any other class, only those vehicles that are appropriate for that class should be allowed to register in that class. A Mustang is not allowed to enter the Camaro class, so any vehicle that is not have a distinct Special Interest should not be allowed in Special Interest.
And what, pray tell, is appropriate for Special Interest? That's simple - the vehicle must have a special interest. A special, well-defined theme beyond the ordinary. And, no, simply painting a mural on a vehicle does not constitute a theme, nor does adding a blower. Herman Munster's car is a themed vehicle. An antique fire truck is a themed vehicle. A hearse is a themed vehicle. And, yes, a beach wagon that is dressed as such is a themed vehicle.
A new, stock, "right off the showroom floor" Corvette has no special interest, even if it has a mural painted on it and a blower, because there is no theme. A restored M.A.S.H ambulance would, indeed, have a special interest. A nearly stock vehicle from the '40's is not of any "special" interest - it belongs with other cars of the '40's. But an old fire truck would hold a "special interest", as would an amphibian car. "Special Interest" could have (and probably should have) been called "Themed Vehicles". The vehicle should have a specific, well-defiined theme that adds a "special" interest inherent in the vehicle.
Any vehicle owner who registers in any class in which his or her vehicle is not appropriate is cheating everyone else in that class. Just because the show does not have an appropriate class for you does not give you the right to "jump the fence" and register where you do not belong.
In 2006, we attempted to register our 2002 PT Woody in the Old Orchard Beach Car show. They did not have a class for PT's, nor for 1990's or newer. And while we could technically register in 2x2 trucks (the PT Cruiser is listed by Chrysler as a truck), that was not really appropriate, and it would have been unfair to the owners of the 2x2's. We chose not to participate in that year's show, but we did suggest to the organizers that they include "90's - Present" for their next show. And they did. In 2007, we participated in the "90's - present" class, and we won.
Yes, it is sometimes a tough decision to make, going home rather than participating. Or parking in a common area without registering. But if a show does not have a class that suits your vehicle, that is the choice you should be making. Suggest a class for next year, and hope they add it. If not, go to shows that do. But muscling in on another class is inappropriate and grossly unfair, and shows a lack of respect for others.
In short: check ahead of time, to find out what classes are included in a show. If none of them are a GOOD fit for your vehicle, choose another show. And if you get to a show and they do not have an appropriate class, refrain from the urge to "jump the fence" by entering a class that is not appropriate. And if there are too many shows that exclude any legitimate class for you, encourage the organizers to create a new class - one in which all the "orphans" can go and compete with one another. But that should NOT be the purpose of Special Interest. Such a class could be called the OPEN class - it is open to any variety of vehicles, which may have nothing in common except that the show does not have a specific class for them. And that class could be voted on as is done in "open field" judging - the vehicles are judged on what pleases the voters the most, and not on make, model or year.
Such a class is going to become necessary (and already is) as each passing year provides a host of new vehicles that will eventually end up in shows, creating a need for more and more classes - or more and more orphans.
And what is even worse? Vehicle owners who arrive at a show, discover that the competition in their class is too stiff, so they opt for registering in a less appropriate class, just to gain an unfair advantage at the expense of others. I have seen owners register in a class, and when better cars arrive in that class, they re-registered in a different class. Talk about NO class! If you have a Corvette, for example, and there are too many in the Corvette class, do not use that as an excuse to enter into "Special Interest", or any class other than Corvettes. If you cannot compete with your peers, tough. Maybe you need to work on your vehicle to improve its chances next time. But you do not have any right to muscle in where you really do not belong, just so you can increase your chances of winning. If you cannot win in YOUR class, then you simply do not deserve to win in someone else's.
Each participant should be choosing the most appropriate class, and not just any class they could technically squeeze into. Every Camaro, regardless of how custom, should register in Camaros, if there is a Camaro class. If there is a '50's custom class, every 50's Custom should be registered there, and not in Special Interest or some other inappropriate class.
I know I have mentioned this before, but true "kit cars" - replicas - do not belong in the same class as their original counterparts. A 1929 Mercedes, with all the imperfections inherent in an 80 year old car made of steel, should not have to compete with a replica of the '29 Mercedes that was built with modern technology and fiberglass in 2006. Besides, the replica is NOT a '29 Mercedes. It is a 2006 REPLICA of a '29 Mercedes.
At the fair today, a '54 Austin Healy took first in its class, and rightfully so. But if it had been up against a flawless, brand new REPLICA of an Austin Healy, it would probably have lost - and that would have been unjust. Personally, I think all kit cars (new replicas built from the ground up, and not restored cars using new parts) should either register in KIT CARS, or should be required to sport a bold sign that says REPLICA, so at least the voters will not be fooled into thinking it is an original.
Us car folks cannot depend upon show staff to monitor classes, or to insure appropriate placement. That leaves it up to us. We need to monitor ourselves. We need to take responsibility for fair play, and for respecting others. It is up to each of us to look objectively at the class we choose, and not choose one that is not the BEST fit. It is far better to simply turn around and leave, with honor, than to dishonor yourself and disrespect others by registering in a class where you really do not belong.
If a person feels a need to gain an unfair advantage, or to register in an inappropriate class just because there is no class for him or her, then the last thing he or she deserves is a trophy. What that person deserves is the disdain of all. Because that is right up there with cutting in line at the market or theater, or not yielding the right of way at an intersection, or buying a term paper to get a good grade, or dealing cards off the bottom of the deck. It is CHEATING, plain and simple.
It is fine to gain an advantage by hard work and effort. It is not alright to gain an UNFAIR advantage by cheating in the classes. If a person wants a trophy badly enough to be unscrupulous and unfair, he should let me know - I'll tell him where he can buy all he wants. But don't cheat others out of what they have earned.
As an aside, I personally think shows would benefit from eliminating the term "SPECIAL INTEREST" altogether, and adding "THEMED VEHICLES" and "OPEN" classes. Perhaps then, both car buffs and organizers would have an easier time deciding where vehicles really belong. If a vehicle does not have a specific, unusual theme, it would not be permitted in that class.
OK, so I know I have upset some folks. If so, that's fine - but if you are not doing the right thing, you have no right to complain. If, on the other hand, you would like to offer something constructive that helps solve the problem, I would love to hear from you.
HotKarz is not here to get into a pissin' contest with anyone. We are here to provide solid info and news, and to try to come up with solutions to problems that will benefit everyone.
As my Daddy used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, you ARE the problem."
Car shows are generally made up of classes. Classes can be virtually anything at all, depending upon what the organizers want to attract and include. But what is all too seldom considered is the ENFORCEMENT of the classes, to insure that the participants will all be treated fairly and with respect.
While the show, itself, should provide for the enjoyment of all, placing vehicles in the appropriate classes should be a matter of integrity. Placement should not be for the express purpose of giving some vehicles an unfair advantage. It may not always make a participant happy by insisting on appropriate placement, but it is always necessary.
No vehicle should be allowed to register in any class that is not specifically suited to the vehicle. And if the show does not have a suitable class for a vehicle, the participant should be offered the choice of either parking, unregistered, in a common area (strictly for viewing), or leaving without participating. For organizers to take their entrance fee then place them unfairly in an inappropriate class just so they can pocket the five bucks is just plain wrong.
In no case should a vehicle be permitted to register in a class that is not suited to the vehicle. Period. If you permit unregulated placement, you will be doing a disservice to every vehicle that is in that class legitimately, as they must now compete not only with vehicles of their own class, but also with vehicles of other classes which have "jumped the fence" in order to gain an advantage.
As an example, let's say you have a 2x2 truck, and you are registered in the 2x2 truck class. I have a PT Cruiser, but there is no class for cars newer than 1990, and there is no class for PT's or even Special Interest. So, I decide to register in the 2x2 truck class.
You would be angry, to say the least! And if my PT should win a trophy over your vehicle, you would be livid. And rightfully so. Registering my PT in your class, inappropriately, cheats everyone in your class, even if I don't win anything. Why? Because even if I lose, chances are excellent that I would have taken at least one or two votes away from the legitimate vehicles in that class. And that affects the outcome. It could make the difference between someone else winning or losing. What if those two votes would have gone to you?
We are not talking about trophies here. We are talking about FAIRNESS. We are talking about RESPECT for other participants.
The most sorely abused class is "Special Interest". Altogether too many organizers AND participants look upon that as a bastard class. A non-class. A grouping of misfits, or miscellaneous vehicles. Or a place to go if you cannot compete in your own class. But that is NOT what "Special Interest" is. Special Interest is a legitimate class, like any other. And like any other class, only those vehicles that are appropriate for that class should be allowed to register in that class. A Mustang is not allowed to enter the Camaro class, so any vehicle that is not have a distinct Special Interest should not be allowed in Special Interest.
And what, pray tell, is appropriate for Special Interest? That's simple - the vehicle must have a special interest. A special, well-defined theme beyond the ordinary. And, no, simply painting a mural on a vehicle does not constitute a theme, nor does adding a blower. Herman Munster's car is a themed vehicle. An antique fire truck is a themed vehicle. A hearse is a themed vehicle. And, yes, a beach wagon that is dressed as such is a themed vehicle.
A new, stock, "right off the showroom floor" Corvette has no special interest, even if it has a mural painted on it and a blower, because there is no theme. A restored M.A.S.H ambulance would, indeed, have a special interest. A nearly stock vehicle from the '40's is not of any "special" interest - it belongs with other cars of the '40's. But an old fire truck would hold a "special interest", as would an amphibian car. "Special Interest" could have (and probably should have) been called "Themed Vehicles". The vehicle should have a specific, well-defiined theme that adds a "special" interest inherent in the vehicle.
Any vehicle owner who registers in any class in which his or her vehicle is not appropriate is cheating everyone else in that class. Just because the show does not have an appropriate class for you does not give you the right to "jump the fence" and register where you do not belong.
In 2006, we attempted to register our 2002 PT Woody in the Old Orchard Beach Car show. They did not have a class for PT's, nor for 1990's or newer. And while we could technically register in 2x2 trucks (the PT Cruiser is listed by Chrysler as a truck), that was not really appropriate, and it would have been unfair to the owners of the 2x2's. We chose not to participate in that year's show, but we did suggest to the organizers that they include "90's - Present" for their next show. And they did. In 2007, we participated in the "90's - present" class, and we won.
Yes, it is sometimes a tough decision to make, going home rather than participating. Or parking in a common area without registering. But if a show does not have a class that suits your vehicle, that is the choice you should be making. Suggest a class for next year, and hope they add it. If not, go to shows that do. But muscling in on another class is inappropriate and grossly unfair, and shows a lack of respect for others.
In short: check ahead of time, to find out what classes are included in a show. If none of them are a GOOD fit for your vehicle, choose another show. And if you get to a show and they do not have an appropriate class, refrain from the urge to "jump the fence" by entering a class that is not appropriate. And if there are too many shows that exclude any legitimate class for you, encourage the organizers to create a new class - one in which all the "orphans" can go and compete with one another. But that should NOT be the purpose of Special Interest. Such a class could be called the OPEN class - it is open to any variety of vehicles, which may have nothing in common except that the show does not have a specific class for them. And that class could be voted on as is done in "open field" judging - the vehicles are judged on what pleases the voters the most, and not on make, model or year.
Such a class is going to become necessary (and already is) as each passing year provides a host of new vehicles that will eventually end up in shows, creating a need for more and more classes - or more and more orphans.
And what is even worse? Vehicle owners who arrive at a show, discover that the competition in their class is too stiff, so they opt for registering in a less appropriate class, just to gain an unfair advantage at the expense of others. I have seen owners register in a class, and when better cars arrive in that class, they re-registered in a different class. Talk about NO class! If you have a Corvette, for example, and there are too many in the Corvette class, do not use that as an excuse to enter into "Special Interest", or any class other than Corvettes. If you cannot compete with your peers, tough. Maybe you need to work on your vehicle to improve its chances next time. But you do not have any right to muscle in where you really do not belong, just so you can increase your chances of winning. If you cannot win in YOUR class, then you simply do not deserve to win in someone else's.
Each participant should be choosing the most appropriate class, and not just any class they could technically squeeze into. Every Camaro, regardless of how custom, should register in Camaros, if there is a Camaro class. If there is a '50's custom class, every 50's Custom should be registered there, and not in Special Interest or some other inappropriate class.
I know I have mentioned this before, but true "kit cars" - replicas - do not belong in the same class as their original counterparts. A 1929 Mercedes, with all the imperfections inherent in an 80 year old car made of steel, should not have to compete with a replica of the '29 Mercedes that was built with modern technology and fiberglass in 2006. Besides, the replica is NOT a '29 Mercedes. It is a 2006 REPLICA of a '29 Mercedes.
At the fair today, a '54 Austin Healy took first in its class, and rightfully so. But if it had been up against a flawless, brand new REPLICA of an Austin Healy, it would probably have lost - and that would have been unjust. Personally, I think all kit cars (new replicas built from the ground up, and not restored cars using new parts) should either register in KIT CARS, or should be required to sport a bold sign that says REPLICA, so at least the voters will not be fooled into thinking it is an original.
Us car folks cannot depend upon show staff to monitor classes, or to insure appropriate placement. That leaves it up to us. We need to monitor ourselves. We need to take responsibility for fair play, and for respecting others. It is up to each of us to look objectively at the class we choose, and not choose one that is not the BEST fit. It is far better to simply turn around and leave, with honor, than to dishonor yourself and disrespect others by registering in a class where you really do not belong.
If a person feels a need to gain an unfair advantage, or to register in an inappropriate class just because there is no class for him or her, then the last thing he or she deserves is a trophy. What that person deserves is the disdain of all. Because that is right up there with cutting in line at the market or theater, or not yielding the right of way at an intersection, or buying a term paper to get a good grade, or dealing cards off the bottom of the deck. It is CHEATING, plain and simple.
It is fine to gain an advantage by hard work and effort. It is not alright to gain an UNFAIR advantage by cheating in the classes. If a person wants a trophy badly enough to be unscrupulous and unfair, he should let me know - I'll tell him where he can buy all he wants. But don't cheat others out of what they have earned.
As an aside, I personally think shows would benefit from eliminating the term "SPECIAL INTEREST" altogether, and adding "THEMED VEHICLES" and "OPEN" classes. Perhaps then, both car buffs and organizers would have an easier time deciding where vehicles really belong. If a vehicle does not have a specific, unusual theme, it would not be permitted in that class.
OK, so I know I have upset some folks. If so, that's fine - but if you are not doing the right thing, you have no right to complain. If, on the other hand, you would like to offer something constructive that helps solve the problem, I would love to hear from you.
HotKarz is not here to get into a pissin' contest with anyone. We are here to provide solid info and news, and to try to come up with solutions to problems that will benefit everyone.
As my Daddy used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, you ARE the problem."
Toy Run
Big Mike sends in the following concerning the Toy Run to Augusta yesterday:
"Toy Run over and done with for another year! While not as may cars showed up as last year (50 down from 147) it was a far cry from "disappointing"- we still filled up 1 van and the 50/50 made $160.00 ($80 going to Toys for Tots).
"I think a few factors affected the turnout 1.) GAS $$$$$!, 2.) The umpteen million other events going on this weekend, 3.) The sky didn't look too promising (at least from the L/A area north) and the economy in general.
"From what I heard, Augusta is considered fairly central for everyone, that is why we decided to have it there. The idea you mentioned in your blog is interesting, but myself and the people who put the run together already have some ideas on some changes to make for next years run, paramount is better co-ordination with other show and event organizers! [Editor's Note: Augusta will still be two hours drive for many, and gas may well be over $5/gallon by next year, which could seriously affect participation. Most of us Southern Mainers would not travel to Boston for a cruise - and Boston is closer]
"If you would post this on your blog, I would like to thank all the cruisers who turned out this year, we know you had many other choices for where to cruise this weekend (some closer, I would suspect) but you came and helped out a great cause- Kudos to you!
"Planning for next years event is already in the works, and we hope to see you all again! I would also like to especially thank John Huard for the Great Job he did with the Tunes, Mike Shea of Shea Dogs for providing some great food, and my friends Don, Kathy, Kelly and Vince for the help with setting up and running the event (couldn't have done it without yous!) See Y'all Next Year!"
Big Mike.
"Toy Run over and done with for another year! While not as may cars showed up as last year (50 down from 147) it was a far cry from "disappointing"- we still filled up 1 van and the 50/50 made $160.00 ($80 going to Toys for Tots).
"I think a few factors affected the turnout 1.) GAS $$$$$!, 2.) The umpteen million other events going on this weekend, 3.) The sky didn't look too promising (at least from the L/A area north) and the economy in general.
"From what I heard, Augusta is considered fairly central for everyone, that is why we decided to have it there. The idea you mentioned in your blog is interesting, but myself and the people who put the run together already have some ideas on some changes to make for next years run, paramount is better co-ordination with other show and event organizers! [Editor's Note: Augusta will still be two hours drive for many, and gas may well be over $5/gallon by next year, which could seriously affect participation. Most of us Southern Mainers would not travel to Boston for a cruise - and Boston is closer]
"If you would post this on your blog, I would like to thank all the cruisers who turned out this year, we know you had many other choices for where to cruise this weekend (some closer, I would suspect) but you came and helped out a great cause- Kudos to you!
"Planning for next years event is already in the works, and we hope to see you all again! I would also like to especially thank John Huard for the Great Job he did with the Tunes, Mike Shea of Shea Dogs for providing some great food, and my friends Don, Kathy, Kelly and Vince for the help with setting up and running the event (couldn't have done it without yous!) See Y'all Next Year!"
Big Mike.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Kora, at Twitchell
I hope to hear from folks who went to the Kora show. So far, I have only received two "reports". One was from a fine fellow who commented that their Saturday cruise was absolutely fabulous - I know from experience that their cruises are among the best!
The other report, via email, was about the show. It may only represent an individual occurence, I don't know. But this person said that not a single judge ever came by his car. Not one. And his car is no slacker - it has been nominated for the nationals before. If the Kora judges were not judging ALL the cars, then where is the integrity of the show? On the other hand, this may simply have been an isolated situation - a simple case of being overlooked.
I tend to believe this fellow: I know two things for certain - he is painfully honest, and I had a similar experience there last year, which I had reported. But until more reviews come in (if they do), we should all give Kora the benefit of the doubt.
I also heard through the grapevine that the Toys for Tots Run had a disappointing turn-out. I suspect that was due to two important factors:
1) There were too many other things going on today, and
2) Augusta is a long way to travel, with gas as expensive as it is.
It may be that the future holds a need for changes in how some things are done. If money stays tight and gas remains expensive, things like the Toy Run may need to be broken into smaller, localized runs, working in concert for the greater good. Here is an idea: on a day like today, where there were several events, a Toy Run could have been organized from each. As each show ended, the patrons could all leave together in a cruise to their own local place, and bring a toy. Kora could cruise to Augusta, while the Super Cruise could cruise to Old Orchard Beach, and Ossipee Valley could cruise to Fryeburg, or Shaw's Ridge. You would almost have a captive audience - the cars are already gathered. All the toys would then be gathered from each location. Just somethin' to chew on!
Would appreciate news and pix from Kora, the Toy Run and the Super Cruise.
Bill
The other report, via email, was about the show. It may only represent an individual occurence, I don't know. But this person said that not a single judge ever came by his car. Not one. And his car is no slacker - it has been nominated for the nationals before. If the Kora judges were not judging ALL the cars, then where is the integrity of the show? On the other hand, this may simply have been an isolated situation - a simple case of being overlooked.
I tend to believe this fellow: I know two things for certain - he is painfully honest, and I had a similar experience there last year, which I had reported. But until more reviews come in (if they do), we should all give Kora the benefit of the doubt.
I also heard through the grapevine that the Toys for Tots Run had a disappointing turn-out. I suspect that was due to two important factors:
1) There were too many other things going on today, and
2) Augusta is a long way to travel, with gas as expensive as it is.
It may be that the future holds a need for changes in how some things are done. If money stays tight and gas remains expensive, things like the Toy Run may need to be broken into smaller, localized runs, working in concert for the greater good. Here is an idea: on a day like today, where there were several events, a Toy Run could have been organized from each. As each show ended, the patrons could all leave together in a cruise to their own local place, and bring a toy. Kora could cruise to Augusta, while the Super Cruise could cruise to Old Orchard Beach, and Ossipee Valley could cruise to Fryeburg, or Shaw's Ridge. You would almost have a captive audience - the cars are already gathered. All the toys would then be gathered from each location. Just somethin' to chew on!
Would appreciate news and pix from Kora, the Toy Run and the Super Cruise.
Bill
PLEASE...
I keep getting emails from Belgrade show organizers and Sanford show organizers, and they all talk about how it's all about the money they make. They all say that we should be content that we are helping their cause, and that nothing else is really important.
So let me be clear:
1) Your "cause" may be a good one, but that is not why most car folks go to your show. If we were only concerned with your cause, we would "give at the office". In fact, I doubt if more than a handful of the folks who attended your show even know what your cause was! Your cause was NOT the reason they came.
2) If you want money from us, then you need to treat us like any other customer or patron - with care, fairness and respect. If you only see us as some sort of "cash cow" to be milked, then we will quickly lose interest in attending your show, and you won't make ANY money for your cause. The better you treat us, the more cars you will get, and the more money you will make. Don't you understand that simple economic concept? If your "judges" are not judging correctly, that IS a problem, and it needs to be addressed. Otherwise, we don't care WHAT your "cause" is. There are a million other worthy causes that want our money, too, so we can do without yours, if we find little reason to support you.
Simple rule of business: if customers want a RED widget, you had darned well better be stocking RED widgets, and not BLUE ones just because YOU like the blue ones. It is not about what you want - it is about what the patrons want. They are providing the $$$, so you MUST make them happy. Do that, and you will prosper. Fail to do that, and you will just be another has-been (or a "never was").
If you do not treat your spouse with care, respect and thoughtfulness, how long would your marriage last? And would it still be all it could be?
If you treat your boss, or employee, or associate with a lack of caring and respect, how well will your career do?
If you do not give your customers what they want, how often do you think they will come back?
Look, you want success, and you want money. Fine. But the ONLY way to get the most of both is to make the patrons happy. Anything less will result in failure, or at the very least, a less-than-best showing. Whether a business, a marriage, a friendship or anything else, success depends upon making the spouse, customer or friend happy.
3) Don't waste your time or my webspace with more emails of the same - if you haven't "got it" by now, you never will.
So let me be clear:
1) Your "cause" may be a good one, but that is not why most car folks go to your show. If we were only concerned with your cause, we would "give at the office". In fact, I doubt if more than a handful of the folks who attended your show even know what your cause was! Your cause was NOT the reason they came.
2) If you want money from us, then you need to treat us like any other customer or patron - with care, fairness and respect. If you only see us as some sort of "cash cow" to be milked, then we will quickly lose interest in attending your show, and you won't make ANY money for your cause. The better you treat us, the more cars you will get, and the more money you will make. Don't you understand that simple economic concept? If your "judges" are not judging correctly, that IS a problem, and it needs to be addressed. Otherwise, we don't care WHAT your "cause" is. There are a million other worthy causes that want our money, too, so we can do without yours, if we find little reason to support you.
Simple rule of business: if customers want a RED widget, you had darned well better be stocking RED widgets, and not BLUE ones just because YOU like the blue ones. It is not about what you want - it is about what the patrons want. They are providing the $$$, so you MUST make them happy. Do that, and you will prosper. Fail to do that, and you will just be another has-been (or a "never was").
If you do not treat your spouse with care, respect and thoughtfulness, how long would your marriage last? And would it still be all it could be?
If you treat your boss, or employee, or associate with a lack of caring and respect, how well will your career do?
If you do not give your customers what they want, how often do you think they will come back?
Look, you want success, and you want money. Fine. But the ONLY way to get the most of both is to make the patrons happy. Anything less will result in failure, or at the very least, a less-than-best showing. Whether a business, a marriage, a friendship or anything else, success depends upon making the spouse, customer or friend happy.
3) Don't waste your time or my webspace with more emails of the same - if you haven't "got it" by now, you never will.
Ossipee Valley Fair & Car Show
I think everyone had a good time at the fair. And the turn-out was quite large considering both Kora (Twitchell) and the Super Cruise (Biddeford) were also on this day.
There were only two issues, one of those was actually a good thing - they ran out of space in some classes. They did not expect so many cars, I suppose. And I suspect that they may designate more space next year to the larger classes. This indicates growth, which is a good thing.
The only other issue of any consequence was the same issue that all too many shows have - not enforcing the classes. Some folks entered their vehicles into inappropriate classes, which is always unfair to those who belong in the class. The folks who run the show could consider monitoring the classes, to insure appropriateness. And those who enter in a class in which they do not belong should be ashamed of themselves. More about this continuing problem later, in another post.
But this little country show was otherwise quite excellent. Of course, it didn't hurt to have a fried dough stand on every corner! And a bunch of us put our canopies together to build a "tent city", where a lot of folks stayed out of the sun.
This was the first show where our daughter, Christi, drove her PT Woody to the show - she now has her learner's permit. I got to ride in the back seat. Anyone know where I can get the fingernail marks removed from the upholstery? Actually, she does very well, and I cannot complain.
Well, I got a lotta work to catch up on, and I want to build some new galleries, so I'll cut this short. Hope to see you all at CHOP on Tuesday and/or the Big Dipper in Lisbon Falls on Wednesday - the Big Dipper is where we hope to conduct balloting this week for the Super Cruise Awards.
Bill
There were only two issues, one of those was actually a good thing - they ran out of space in some classes. They did not expect so many cars, I suppose. And I suspect that they may designate more space next year to the larger classes. This indicates growth, which is a good thing.
The only other issue of any consequence was the same issue that all too many shows have - not enforcing the classes. Some folks entered their vehicles into inappropriate classes, which is always unfair to those who belong in the class. The folks who run the show could consider monitoring the classes, to insure appropriateness. And those who enter in a class in which they do not belong should be ashamed of themselves. More about this continuing problem later, in another post.
But this little country show was otherwise quite excellent. Of course, it didn't hurt to have a fried dough stand on every corner! And a bunch of us put our canopies together to build a "tent city", where a lot of folks stayed out of the sun.
This was the first show where our daughter, Christi, drove her PT Woody to the show - she now has her learner's permit. I got to ride in the back seat. Anyone know where I can get the fingernail marks removed from the upholstery? Actually, she does very well, and I cannot complain.
Well, I got a lotta work to catch up on, and I want to build some new galleries, so I'll cut this short. Hope to see you all at CHOP on Tuesday and/or the Big Dipper in Lisbon Falls on Wednesday - the Big Dipper is where we hope to conduct balloting this week for the Super Cruise Awards.
Bill
Special Friends; Special Pigs
I hope I never get to the point where I keep repeating myself.
I hope I never get to the point where I keep repeating myself.
Went to see Jim Peacock t'other day. He had a 3-legged pig running around the yard. I asked him why the pig only had three legs.
"Well", said Jim, "that's a very special pig. One night the house caught fire, and that pig ran in and dragged each of us outta the house. Saved our lives. Yep, he's a special pig".
Fine, I said. But why does he only have three legs? (repeated myself)
"I'm gettin' to that", Jimbo said thoughtfully (is that an oxymoron?). "Two years ago my son was swimmin' over in the frog pond. Nearly drowned. That pig dove in and pulled him out. A REAL special pig. Yessir. A very special pig."
OK, I said, so the damned pig is "special". But why does he only have three legs???? (repeated myself again)
To that Jim replied with a hungry look, "Well, you just don't eat a special pig all at once!"
I hope I never get to the point where I keep repeating myself.
Jimbo is a great guy. But his special pig wants to be adopted by a Jewish family.
(^.-)
I hope I never get to the point where I keep repeating myself.
Went to see Jim Peacock t'other day. He had a 3-legged pig running around the yard. I asked him why the pig only had three legs.
"Well", said Jim, "that's a very special pig. One night the house caught fire, and that pig ran in and dragged each of us outta the house. Saved our lives. Yep, he's a special pig".
Fine, I said. But why does he only have three legs? (repeated myself)
"I'm gettin' to that", Jimbo said thoughtfully (is that an oxymoron?). "Two years ago my son was swimmin' over in the frog pond. Nearly drowned. That pig dove in and pulled him out. A REAL special pig. Yessir. A very special pig."
OK, I said, so the damned pig is "special". But why does he only have three legs???? (repeated myself again)
To that Jim replied with a hungry look, "Well, you just don't eat a special pig all at once!"
I hope I never get to the point where I keep repeating myself.
Jimbo is a great guy. But his special pig wants to be adopted by a Jewish family.
(^.-)
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