AMOC Membership
Discussion
Was a user of the AMOC forum for a couple of years until a few of the old boys who haunt the place started to make snide comments about non-AMOC club members who have use of the forum for free.
There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
This has been discussed over on 6speed a bit, too. I'm in my second year of membership with AMOC NA and I've gotten good value out of it - primarily from participating in the Centenary trip that included a number of nice group discounts that have more than covered the cost of AMOC membership. My local dealership is also fairly active in putting on events, including a weekend next month which Dr Bez is supposedly scheduled to attend. For those of us in the States, much of the decision to join comes down to how active our local dealers are with AMOC.
WayneB said:
Was a user of the AMOC forum for a couple of years until a few of the old boys who haunt the place started to make snide comments about non-AMOC club members who have use of the forum for free.
There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
I've said it before, so I'll say it again; I think the AMOC is worth it, even though it's costly. I find the forum useful -- there's a lot of knowledge. There are certainly some "interesting" personalities, but to me it's all part of the experience. Also, the publications are excellent, and I've found the events thoroughly enjoyable.There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
For me I looked at it and quickly decided it wasn't really for me.
I am 30. My interest in being a member of such a club is to meet people of a similar age, who share the same interest in cars. I want to be attending tours of the Alps, not tours of a castle followed by a formal dinner where coloured corduroys are the uniform of choice. I don't really care about discounts and benefits, so would rather pay a smaller fee.
Someone recently posted a link to the Spanish AMOC and their club seemed a lot younger and more about the driving. I was thinking to myself, how hard would it be to start a fresher AM club for those who are like minded? After all, the future of Aston Martin rely on the younger generations to keep them in business, in the not so distant future. In fact I'm almost positive that if I approached AM with a proposition to create such a club, they would be very excited about supporting it.
AMOC is obviously a very good organisation and I'm sure for the current members they wouldn't change the ways things are, but it seems to me that it is suffering the same fate as many golf clubs are in the UK, where tradition is of more importance than evolution, run by people out of touch with what the younger generations want and finally have a protencious air about them, which is of little interest in the modern day, hence why they struggle to attract new young members.
If I were to look into forming a club for like minded people, based on driving events like many of the other clubs, would anyone be interested? It could be an affiliate of AMOC, but run in our own way.
I am 30. My interest in being a member of such a club is to meet people of a similar age, who share the same interest in cars. I want to be attending tours of the Alps, not tours of a castle followed by a formal dinner where coloured corduroys are the uniform of choice. I don't really care about discounts and benefits, so would rather pay a smaller fee.
Someone recently posted a link to the Spanish AMOC and their club seemed a lot younger and more about the driving. I was thinking to myself, how hard would it be to start a fresher AM club for those who are like minded? After all, the future of Aston Martin rely on the younger generations to keep them in business, in the not so distant future. In fact I'm almost positive that if I approached AM with a proposition to create such a club, they would be very excited about supporting it.
AMOC is obviously a very good organisation and I'm sure for the current members they wouldn't change the ways things are, but it seems to me that it is suffering the same fate as many golf clubs are in the UK, where tradition is of more importance than evolution, run by people out of touch with what the younger generations want and finally have a protencious air about them, which is of little interest in the modern day, hence why they struggle to attract new young members.
If I were to look into forming a club for like minded people, based on driving events like many of the other clubs, would anyone be interested? It could be an affiliate of AMOC, but run in our own way.
Barnezy said:
If I were to look into forming a club for like minded people, based on driving events like many of the other clubs, would anyone be interested? It could be an affiliate of AMOC, but run in our own way.
Welcome to the Club, Barnezy. No, seriously, you've come to the right place: Home of the Astonauts.There are plenty of activities organised on here: trans-European drives (to Swiss watch factories), Scottish trips (see the recent Highland Hoon thread), Welsh trips, Sunday afternoon 'pub and go for a blast' trips etc etc. Aston exclusive trackdays (Rockingham and Snetterton, so far, with more to come) and regular socials (piss ups in Soho) and other meet ups (watch out for the impending Hever Castle thread).
And a forum with more technical info and banter than you could ever want. (Just learn to ignore the occasional bridge dweller).
What more could you want?
And the subs? Absolutely gratis (other than having to get involved, now and again).
WayneB said:
Was a user of the AMOC forum for a couple of years until a few of the old boys who haunt the place started to make snide comments about non-AMOC club members who have use of the forum for free.
There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
I was party to that discussion Wayne and you and one other member in particular were giving as good as you got. The whole demeanor of that thread descended when members took exception to remarks made which they took personally. There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
Many parts of the AMOC forum are free and open to guests and if you are a guest on a club's forum then it is understandable that members of the club may take criticism personally, even if it is not intended in that way. As it happens my opinion is that the thread was ignited by another person and your posts were the catalyst but the fact remains, you made your point and it was taken on board by the majority of people on the thread. Many agreed that some sort of discounted overseas membership would be a good idea, even Roger "Webby" (who you have another go at on here) was on your side on this matter.
I am posting this purely in the interests of balance and fairness. AMOC members seem to get a bad press on Pistonheads - e.g. as you are doing on here now - suggesting that members are simply interested in wealth and status and a badge on their car (the irony being of that comment is that one of the non-members making accusations of snobbery sports an AMOC badge on his car!). Others will refer to corduroy trousers (they must, of course be red) - I guess the cliches will run and run rather like Skoda jokes and all Volvos being boxy, however it's not necessarily true and like all "old jokes" eventually the people telling them no longer seem funny.
Edited by RichB on Tuesday 21st October 19:16
Barnezy said:
For me I looked at it and quickly decided it wasn't really for me.
I am 30. My interest in being a member of such a club is to meet people of a similar age, who share the same interest in cars. I want to be attending tours of the Alps, not tours of a castle followed by a formal dinner where coloured corduroys are the uniform of choice. <clip>
Totally understandable and I agree young members are the future of the club. Strangely I have been on a number of tours and events with AMOC and at 58 I am usually one of the older chaps on tour. The vast majority of cars are V8Vs, DB9s and V12Vs i.e. modern Astons and most people (I would say) are around 40-45. Yes we stay in some nice places but that doesn't prevent having some great nights after a days driving. Our tour to the Champagne region a couple of years ago was riotous and on the drive down to Italy last year my '58 Aston was the oldest car on the run. At Monza (yes we had a track afternoon at Monza) the cars were split into Straight 6 cars and V8, V12 cars and there must have been 25 or more Gaydon cars in the second group.I am 30. My interest in being a member of such a club is to meet people of a similar age, who share the same interest in cars. I want to be attending tours of the Alps, not tours of a castle followed by a formal dinner where coloured corduroys are the uniform of choice. <clip>
If you are a "modern" owner you will find tours of the factory etc. very easy to access as an AMOC member without having to go through a dealer. The factory and Works Service have a very good long standing ties going back decades with AMOC and I know they are not interested in working with other clubs.
Other than castles I can recollect tours to Ireland, Norway and France as well as Italy which I've mentioned. I've met some nice people through AMOC and some I would now call good friends and I assure you none of us wear corduroy or red trousers! Most enjoy driving, share a passion for Astons and like a decent meal and a drink.
I'm 47 and I joined the AMOC when I got my V8V 5 years ago. I am probably among the younger people I've met at the events (unless that's just wishful thinking), but there are many members who are about my age, as well as many who are older. There are also quite a few, though not a large number, who are younger. However, IMO, that's not because the club is old and stuffy, but simply because Astons are fairly expensive and most 30 year-olds cannot yet afford to own one. My experience with the AMOC has been a great mix of driving events, social events and Concours (not a castle yet, though there aren't that many in the States ).
Also, IMO, the recent "spat" on the AMOC forum is not at all the norm. PH is great, but so is the AMOC, and each offers things the other doesn't.
). Also, IMO, the recent "spat" on the AMOC forum is not at all the norm. PH is great, but so is the AMOC, and each offers things the other doesn't.
RichB said:
WayneB said:
Was a user of the AMOC forum for a couple of years until a few of the old boys who haunt the place started to make snide comments about non-AMOC club members who have use of the forum for free.
There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
I was party to that discussion Wayne and you and one other member in particular were giving as good as you got. The whole demeanor of that thread descended when members took exception to remarks made which they took personally. There are some good people on that forum (mostly who use the Bloxham section), but there are a hell of a lot of patronising types including the Webby character that apparently runs the place who seems to like using Latin a fair bit in posts presumably to highlight some sort of Public schoolboy education?
95 quid to be a member of a car club, when even the Ferrari club of America charge half of that?
Besides the Bentley Drivers Club, I couldn't find any other car club that charges such an extortionate amount to join.
Not for me, but I can see how some would view an AMOC badge screwed to the front of their car as some sort of exclusive status symbol of wealth (or perceived wealth and status)perhaps?
Many parts of the AMOC forum are free and open to guests and if you are a guest on a club's forum then it is understandable that members of the club may take criticism personally, even if it is not intended in that way. As it happens my opinion is that the thread was ignited by another person and your posts were the catalyst but the fact remains, you made your point and it was taken on board by the majority of people on the thread. Many agreed that some sort of discounted overseas membership would be a good idea, even Roger "Webby" (who you have another go at on here) was on your side on this matter.
I am posting this purely in the interests of balance and fairness. AMOC members seem to get a bad press on Pistonheads - e.g. as you are doing on here now - suggesting that members are simply interested in wealth and status and a badge on their car (the irony being of that comment is that one of the non-members making accusations of snobbery sports an AMOC badge on his car!). Others will refer to corduroy trousers (they must, of course be red) - I guess the cliches will run and run rather like Skoda jokes and all Volvos being boxy, however it's not necessarily true and like all "old jokes" eventually the people telling them no longer seem funny.
Edited by RichB on Tuesday 21st October 19:16
As I mentioned in my post there are some nice people who are AMOC club members, and I did appreciate the support that was shown towards my reduced price internet only membership proposal.
However by not implementing such a scheme the AMOC demonstrated just how far behind the times they are, many members only require the use of the forum, all of the rest of the "trimmings" are simply extras that people like me don't require or need.
The majority of internet car forums have free membership that is enabled by advertising, I find it kind of archaic that in this day and age such a forum still feels compelled to charge anything for such.
Yes I could have carried on using that forum for free, but the AMOC's refusal to accept a fair priced internet only membership and its existing memberships support of its current rates just demonstrates that its only really aimed at the well off, and I for one don't like to be constantly reminded that non members are only allowed being to contribute because the membership subsidise it.
AMOC members also seem to forget that many worthwhile contributions are made by non-members, especially technical advice from non-members who are willing and able to work on their own cars and take the time to document the findings on the forum.
As for Webby as he is in charge, I guess the last word in the matter will always be down to whatever his personal whims are, and I for one have never liked any of his patronising comments, he has a real talent for talking down to people which is just not the best way of creating a welcoming atmosphere to the place IMO.
Wayne, I’ll not answer your reply in detail as there’s no point in perpetuating it. It was not my intention to provide a platform for you to express your accusations of elitism, snobbery and what have you, rather to present the other side of the coin to Pistonheads readers who may not have read the thread on the AMOC forum. Thank you for allowing me to do that.
No problem Rich, this is a thread about the AMOC and I understand If you think its beneath you to enter into an online conversation about the same with someone who's opinion of same happens to differ from your own.
I didn't post on this thread to start a row, its about peoples experiences with the AMOC and I decided to share mine.
Sadly I doubt the club will ever change , which is a shame as quite a few ordinary people now own Aston Martins.
Next step, raise the dues to make it even more exclusive?
Regards,
Wayne
I didn't post on this thread to start a row, its about peoples experiences with the AMOC and I decided to share mine.
Sadly I doubt the club will ever change , which is a shame as quite a few ordinary people now own Aston Martins.
Next step, raise the dues to make it even more exclusive?
Regards,
Wayne
well i think it is a great club, i have got off my backside and organised 10 events so far, mostly touring all over Europe with the "Viagra" club (Virage In All Guises Road Association) last year was a trip to the ring and spa and yes we passed a few castles but only ever at very high speed.
this year i managed organise 82 vanquish in the same spot for an event then got 20 on a day out as a featured car in a concours and got great advice by Amoc all along the way.
all this nonsense about elitist is just exactly that. there are those in clubs that like black tie events and those that don't. if you don't, don't go to them but don't b
h and whine about that they are held. i have never been to one personally nor ever likely to but just because they are there doesn't mean to say there is any elitist thing going on.
Do we all have to be the same ? i am guessing that many that enjoy those events are not likely to enjoy anything i organise that's for sure but none of them feel the need to bang on about it.
yes an AMOC concourse event does have a lot of wing commanders walking around going "arf arf" a fair bit and talking about "cabbage crates over the briney" and stuff but they never intimidate me because i am me. they are different is all and we have different wants from the club but so what. because you dont like what they want and they talk posh tt a lot they are "elitist" for some reason. utter balderdash.
The cost for membership is too high but the committee are looking into different ways to do this without bankrupting the club itself in one go. They are well aware that you cannot continue by just putting the price up and that fresh thinking is needed and i am sure that within the next year or so you will see new initiatives to that effect.
there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy your aston, i am looking forward to going on one here next year to meet people, also looking forward to some organised by AMOC and one euro tour i am doing next year myself.
Both the web sites are free to use so no biggy to me. Get out what you might want to put in.
For the record, Webby doesn't own the AMOC site, he manages it on the members behalf and does a good job. it has moderators to run it like here except with less censorship. If he chooses to use Latin from time to time i don't see that as any different to me using slang. Some here have totally mastered fluent bks but i dont mind. Its a choice. Thankfully we still get one.
if you think AMOC is good value, good for you, if you dont, good for you too.
Aimed at no one in particular
this year i managed organise 82 vanquish in the same spot for an event then got 20 on a day out as a featured car in a concours and got great advice by Amoc all along the way.
all this nonsense about elitist is just exactly that. there are those in clubs that like black tie events and those that don't. if you don't, don't go to them but don't b
h and whine about that they are held. i have never been to one personally nor ever likely to but just because they are there doesn't mean to say there is any elitist thing going on. Do we all have to be the same ? i am guessing that many that enjoy those events are not likely to enjoy anything i organise that's for sure but none of them feel the need to bang on about it.
yes an AMOC concourse event does have a lot of wing commanders walking around going "arf arf" a fair bit and talking about "cabbage crates over the briney" and stuff but they never intimidate me because i am me. they are different is all and we have different wants from the club but so what. because you dont like what they want and they talk posh t
t a lot they are "elitist" for some reason. utter balderdash.The cost for membership is too high but the committee are looking into different ways to do this without bankrupting the club itself in one go. They are well aware that you cannot continue by just putting the price up and that fresh thinking is needed and i am sure that within the next year or so you will see new initiatives to that effect.
there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy your aston, i am looking forward to going on one here next year to meet people, also looking forward to some organised by AMOC and one euro tour i am doing next year myself.
Both the web sites are free to use so no biggy to me. Get out what you might want to put in.
For the record, Webby doesn't own the AMOC site, he manages it on the members behalf and does a good job. it has moderators to run it like here except with less censorship. If he chooses to use Latin from time to time i don't see that as any different to me using slang. Some here have totally mastered fluent b
ks but i dont mind. Its a choice. Thankfully we still get one.if you think AMOC is good value, good for you, if you dont, good for you too.
Aimed at no one in particular
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