AMOC Membership
Discussion
I am a member of the Harley Davidson Riders Club, and the technical section is open to guests.
It has been the topic of a lot of discussion lately and it has been decided that guests will have 3 months access. After that, when they have decided what they think of the club, they have to join or restrict themselves to the social sections.
The overwhelming reason given for not closing off the technical sections to guests altogether is that it is the biggest source of new members by a long way.
It has been the topic of a lot of discussion lately and it has been decided that guests will have 3 months access. After that, when they have decided what they think of the club, they have to join or restrict themselves to the social sections.
The overwhelming reason given for not closing off the technical sections to guests altogether is that it is the biggest source of new members by a long way.
Edited by XlBilbo on Thursday 26th April 13:12
I joined as it was part of a deal to get cheaper Insurnace through Locktons.
As I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
As I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
E55 Max said:
I joined as it was part of a deal to get cheaper Insurnace through Locktons.
As I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
That's a weird story, anecdotally it seems to be happening the other way usually, the owners of the classics looking down at the modern mass-produced cars! As I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
FWIW, I have always thought your paricular OI to be one of the most stunning Astons I have seen at any age or price frm your pictures on here. Love it!
The only thing I can think of as the guy ponced off in his pram is jealousy? Or misery caused by the knowledge that he should have bought a DB9. Not sure how that is connected to your story, but generally the Vantage owners realise it's true once they reach puberty...
E55 Max said:
I joined as it was part of a deal to get cheaper Insurnace through Locktons.
As I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
That was my everlasting impression of two area meetsAs I had joined I thought I would go to a local meet. I was a bit disapointed to be truthful.
One of the old guard made a sarcastic comment of 'Oh look it's a V8' the tone left me under no illusions of how he meant it. He then got into his V8V and disapeared. Mine is a 1979 OI in great condition and although I was not looking for compliments some sort of positive welcoming comment would have been nice!
It was such a clique that I actually spoke more to the wives than the owners, then made my excuses and left.
I can't say I will be going back in a hurry!
The Locktons link, the AMOC web site members area, the magazines and the Heritage stuff does nothing for me.
TBH I'd rather have the ~250 miles round Snowdonia
yeti said:
That's a weird story, anecdotally it seems to be happening the other way usually, the owners of the classics looking down at the modern mass-produced cars!
FWIW, I have always thought your paricular OI to be one of the most stunning Astons I have seen at any age or price frm your pictures on here. Love it!
The only thing I can think of as the guy ponced off in his pram is jealousy? Or misery caused by the knowledge that he should have bought a DB9. Not sure how that is connected to your story, but generally the Vantage owners realise it's true once they reach puberty...
Thank you for your kind comment, I am quite taken by it myself!FWIW, I have always thought your paricular OI to be one of the most stunning Astons I have seen at any age or price frm your pictures on here. Love it!
The only thing I can think of as the guy ponced off in his pram is jealousy? Or misery caused by the knowledge that he should have bought a DB9. Not sure how that is connected to your story, but generally the Vantage owners realise it's true once they reach puberty...
E55 Max said:
RichB said:
Ah that one, yes it's magnificent 
p.s. Is that an Aston Workshop's / Tim Wallace image?
Yes it is, he does take a rather good picture!p.s. Is that an Aston Workshop's / Tim Wallace image?
Pity you live at the other end of the country Max, you would get a very warm welcome in the SW
LordBretSinclair said:
Absolute poodles privates - stunning.
Pity you live at the other end of the country Max, you would get a very warm welcome in the SW
I did venture south to kent in January for a mates wedding, It was his transport to the church and as the best man got him out of a spot when it turned out he hadn't book transport from the church for his new in laws! (We also had to chase the ring round the countryside as it had been lost in transit!)Pity you live at the other end of the country Max, you would get a very warm welcome in the SW
yeti said:
Yeah... though as I said, I just eneded up talking to myself on there! The DB7 section was great, loads going on, good chats and banter. DB9 bit was very quiet.
I think the AMOC forum suffers from to much segregation. I agree segregate NP from Bloxham and those from Gaydon, but there's no need for all the model-specific subsections. A lot of the questions apply to all cars, espcially with Gaydon models.
If you try and post something in 'General' or 'Gaydon', Webby has it out of there faster than you can point and laugh at men in skirts.
Concur. Way too much segregation to the point that you feel alone when posting on one of the model-specific forums. More postings on a forum begets more postings. Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was segregated by model? The only time segregation makes sense is when a certain volume of postings occurs, and that point is no where near.I think the AMOC forum suffers from to much segregation. I agree segregate NP from Bloxham and those from Gaydon, but there's no need for all the model-specific subsections. A lot of the questions apply to all cars, espcially with Gaydon models.
If you try and post something in 'General' or 'Gaydon', Webby has it out of there faster than you can point and laugh at men in skirts.
All of the Gaydon child forums should be deleted, this would dramatically increase postings and interest (and maybe encourage owners to join AMOC).
robgt said:
Jockman said:
I'm always on the lookout in the area write-ups for the activities of Tony Hall or Rob & Molly.
quote]
Our Area 5 rep, Fay Langton, has just posted a new write up today as it happens so you will find us mentioned in despatches again
RobGT is mentioned in dispatches in the report Area 5 polishes up with Porsche. If I had been quick enough there would have been a picture of him with an arm load of stuff before being fund out by Molly GT!! The EVO report is more like a medal presentation- an all about me one! a good write up by Molly GT and some super photos.quote]
Our Area 5 rep, Fay Langton, has just posted a new write up today as it happens so you will find us mentioned in despatches again
Fay
DB9VolanteDriver said:
Concur. Way too much segregation to the point that you feel alone when posting on one of the model-specific forums. More postings on a forum begets more postings. Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was segregated by model? The only time segregation makes sense is when a certain volume of postings occurs, and that point is no where near.
All of the Gaydon child forums should be deleted, this would dramatically increase postings and interest (and maybe encourage owners to join AMOC).
I must admit I dont notice the AMOC forum as being as barren as described. I always click on latest posts so it end up like using this site as I get all topics up.All of the Gaydon child forums should be deleted, this would dramatically increase postings and interest (and maybe encourage owners to join AMOC).
don4l said:
The club is great value for me.
I enjoy the magazines. John Fenwick does a great job.
I'm off to Spain with 23 other Astons in the near future.
I also go to some of the monthly meets. At a guess, about 75% of the cars at the monthly meets in both Surrey and NE Hampshire are Gaydon cars.
However, not all is well with the club. Some of the bickering on the AMOC forum and in AM News is very unseemly, and does not reflect well on the club at all. The recent arguement about the Centenary was a case in point. Last year's rows about the racing programme were also conducted with too much agression. This behaviour does not encourage new members.
Here on the PH Aston section you never see such impoliteness. The general atmosphere is much more welcoming.
So, although AMOC is generally very friendly and welcoming, the public facing bits (forum and magazine) do not reflect this as well as they should.
Don
--
Me and my OH also get great value out of membership but there does seem to be an emphasis on the older cars. At one event when we were asked which car we had (V8V) the reply was " well you will be able to save up for an old one now!!!" PH is more immediate and probably suited to the owners of newer cars. I enjoy the magazines. John Fenwick does a great job.
I'm off to Spain with 23 other Astons in the near future.
I also go to some of the monthly meets. At a guess, about 75% of the cars at the monthly meets in both Surrey and NE Hampshire are Gaydon cars.
However, not all is well with the club. Some of the bickering on the AMOC forum and in AM News is very unseemly, and does not reflect well on the club at all. The recent arguement about the Centenary was a case in point. Last year's rows about the racing programme were also conducted with too much agression. This behaviour does not encourage new members.
Here on the PH Aston section you never see such impoliteness. The general atmosphere is much more welcoming.
So, although AMOC is generally very friendly and welcoming, the public facing bits (forum and magazine) do not reflect this as well as they should.
Don
--
Fay
ps Don -see you in Spain
Perhaps we should be the AMDC , Aston Martin Drivers Club, as it seems the PH fraternity seem to get far more enjoyment actually using their cars.
A lot of the posts here hint of a kind of resentment that AM exclusivety has been breached. Education I guess. A lot of Porsche owners detest the Boxster, even though it's a fabulous car. Some Range Rover owners despise the Evoque in spite of it being brilliant.
To be honest I don't really care. I enjoy the company of PH Aston owners and AMOC members when I meet them if they are civil.
Di
A lot of the posts here hint of a kind of resentment that AM exclusivety has been breached. Education I guess. A lot of Porsche owners detest the Boxster, even though it's a fabulous car. Some Range Rover owners despise the Evoque in spite of it being brilliant.
To be honest I don't really care. I enjoy the company of PH Aston owners and AMOC members when I meet them if they are civil.
Di
I think I'm going to start the AMDC too. Mine will be the aston Martin detailing club. However, I'll be the only pro detailer allowed.
I've not had any positive dealings with the amoc at events sadly. They are very cliquey and didn't even want to talk about their cars, which was odd. They were too busy telling the wives off about being careful taking the picnic basket out of the boot! I even got into a argument with a guy over a model of DB6 saying it doesn't exist, despite me showing him pics on my phone from after I had detailed it!
And no, at no point was I touting for business. The only sound one there was my old mate tony hall, in his fern green DB9 ;-)
I've not had any positive dealings with the amoc at events sadly. They are very cliquey and didn't even want to talk about their cars, which was odd. They were too busy telling the wives off about being careful taking the picnic basket out of the boot! I even got into a argument with a guy over a model of DB6 saying it doesn't exist, despite me showing him pics on my phone from after I had detailed it!
And no, at no point was I touting for business. The only sound one there was my old mate tony hall, in his fern green DB9 ;-)
One of the main reasons I started this post was to find out your views and you have all been great in voicing your opinions. I will be going back to the club memebership secretary with all of the information you have given.
My opinion is that the club needs to gell together and welcome the newer car owners. I mentioned before that whenever there is a new model, the previous model owners find it difficult. The situation at the moment seems to be the fact that there are a large number of cars being build in comparison to the earlier models. Aston Martin have gone from a company that produced around 200 cars a year in the 1980's to one that produces several thousand a year now. That is the way the current leadership at Gaydon are taking the company but it's a new concept for older car owners. This doesnt mean that as a club there should be any difference between the owners.
If you came to an Area 1 meeting I would'nt care if you had your car painted pink with black spots, you would be welcome. Apart from the fact you would be a huge talking point!!
I speak as an owner of a 1978 OI V8 Vantage owner (Max, yours looks lovely), I have the Works Prototype DB7GT and am on the look for the right V8 Vantage. All three cars drive and behave completely differently but they are still Aston's. Old or new they are still very special.
If any of you have interesting stories about your cars, send them to me and i'll push them as far as I can. A lot of the time the publication people don't have the time (because it's a volunteer capacity like an Area rep)to write anything and rely on good copy coming through from members.
My fear is that the club splits as has been mentioned and an AMDC being formed. This has happened to most clubs, Jaguar, Rolls, Bentley and it can't be a good idea. I have followed the club's activities for nearly 35 years so if that makes me an old fart in some eyes then so be it. I can wear that badge. The important thing is to get veiw points heard and acted upon as soon as possible. If the new Chairman and CoM coming in take your views on board then its a start.
My opinion is that the club needs to gell together and welcome the newer car owners. I mentioned before that whenever there is a new model, the previous model owners find it difficult. The situation at the moment seems to be the fact that there are a large number of cars being build in comparison to the earlier models. Aston Martin have gone from a company that produced around 200 cars a year in the 1980's to one that produces several thousand a year now. That is the way the current leadership at Gaydon are taking the company but it's a new concept for older car owners. This doesnt mean that as a club there should be any difference between the owners.
If you came to an Area 1 meeting I would'nt care if you had your car painted pink with black spots, you would be welcome. Apart from the fact you would be a huge talking point!!
I speak as an owner of a 1978 OI V8 Vantage owner (Max, yours looks lovely), I have the Works Prototype DB7GT and am on the look for the right V8 Vantage. All three cars drive and behave completely differently but they are still Aston's. Old or new they are still very special.
If any of you have interesting stories about your cars, send them to me and i'll push them as far as I can. A lot of the time the publication people don't have the time (because it's a volunteer capacity like an Area rep)to write anything and rely on good copy coming through from members.
My fear is that the club splits as has been mentioned and an AMDC being formed. This has happened to most clubs, Jaguar, Rolls, Bentley and it can't be a good idea. I have followed the club's activities for nearly 35 years so if that makes me an old fart in some eyes then so be it. I can wear that badge. The important thing is to get veiw points heard and acted upon as soon as possible. If the new Chairman and CoM coming in take your views on board then its a start.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff