TVR Car Club independence

[zertec]

The internet is not accessible to everyone. For most people, contrary to what you might imagine, access to the internet is usually (i)not possible due to not having/being allowed access (ii)restricted due to cost/time restraints. Over a third of Zertec enquiries come from people who read Sprint and roughly half of those do not have internet access. I would like to see balanced content in Sprint so that there is some interest for everyone, trunion polishers and socialites included. I consider it disappointing if the Club refrains from publishing critical or semi-critical articles in the desire not to 'offend' TVR Engineering. I believe that TVR Eng Ltd take notice of comments, both web and paper based and alter their operations if they consider it appropriate, I am aware of several changes that they have made due to external views. I am surprised if the Club would not publish an article on the origins of a part for the above reason. There are many thousands of words typed each day on the Gassing Station and on the e-mail lists. If 10% of that effort went into articles for Sprint then the editor would have more choice to the benefit of the members. I am sure that a large number of the contributors to the Gassing Station and the e-mail lists are not club members (what about a poll Ted?) and some of them consider the Club outdated in the 21st century. I think that they are wrong. The TVR Club engenders a feeling of belonging to enthusiasts which is not so evident on the 'net. There may be complaints about beer swilling and local event reports in Sprint but that is not so different to some of the e-mails and gassing that goes on, in fact it is quite sensible compaired to some regular late night contributors to the e-mail lists. My membership to the TVR Club is almost paid for by the reduction in my RAC contributions (15%). I support the Club simply because I believe in choice, which is why I will not be voting in the general election. Clive Reed Zertec Limited [e-mail] www.zertec.co.uk

[PetrolTed]

quote:Perhaps PH should take on the production of sprint...

Mmm... thinking of all those subscription fees

[tuscanboy]

I wasn't necessarily suggesting that a web based sprint should replace the printed version, but might suplement it. If indeed a large proportion of it's readership does not have acces to the web, then surely they would benefit enormously from the wealth of useful information exchanged on PH and e-groups and by having some integration wouldn't be a bad idea. For instance the "For Sale" section could easily be synchronised. Having access to the web content would surely make it a more appealing publication for those without net access (although I find it hard to beleive that these people constitute a large number these days).

[PetrolTed]

Trouble is if you compromise the printed mag, you call into question the reason for the club for many people. I suspect the majority of club members rarely attend a club event or make use of club facilities. By sending a mag each month at least they feel they're getting something for their money.

[manek]

I agree that a co-ordinated effort is a good idea. There's also merchandise that the club does that could be usefully marketed on the the Web.

[PetrolTed]

Like I say - give me £150K a year and I'll give you value for money. Or will I just piss it up on beer and pies