What is PistonHeads?
Discussion
Lately there have been a couple of event related threads that have discussed using the PistonHeads brand name, 'What no PF05' and 'Lands End to JOG'. I do understand brand image and how brands are ruined by misuse; Hoover is a good example of a brand that has been lost into common language. We hoover the carpet, we don't want people pistonheading the motorways. I therefore appreciate why Ted must act to protect this brand. Further I understand why PistonHeads must distance itself from activities that risk tragedy.
I strongly feel though that PistonHeads is a triangle.
If this is true then I am part of this PistonHeads thing. When I or others organise events through these forums we do so because we want to do more with the friends we have found here. I have taken to naming events by non-brand names like NEPH or NEPHers yet these events are PistonHeads events in every sense of the word. They occur because of PistonHeads and are organised through PistonHeads.
This leads me to wonder what is PistonHeads? Is there a business ethos or set of values that PistonHeads members can use to guide them when planning events. I know there are rules for posting but I feel that PistonHeads has become much more than a discussion forum. Posting is acceptable PistonHeads activity, meeting fellow PistonHeaders it is not. That doesn't fit with how we feel when we meet for a drink, go for a drive, what ever. We want to be proud of our affiliation with PistonHeads but we're asked to hide this fact.
Edited to replace 'PH' with 'PistonHeads'.
>>> Edited by tvrbob on Saturday 8th January 07:57
I strongly feel though that PistonHeads is a triangle.
- Ted, the leadership and direction provided by him and the magazine elements of PistonHeads that enable positive first impression and capture a high market share.
- The financial contribution made by those businesses that believe PistonHeads is a worthy place to advertise.
- The multitude of members and non-members who frequent this site and make it a place worthy to advertise.
If this is true then I am part of this PistonHeads thing. When I or others organise events through these forums we do so because we want to do more with the friends we have found here. I have taken to naming events by non-brand names like NEPH or NEPHers yet these events are PistonHeads events in every sense of the word. They occur because of PistonHeads and are organised through PistonHeads.
This leads me to wonder what is PistonHeads? Is there a business ethos or set of values that PistonHeads members can use to guide them when planning events. I know there are rules for posting but I feel that PistonHeads has become much more than a discussion forum. Posting is acceptable PistonHeads activity, meeting fellow PistonHeaders it is not. That doesn't fit with how we feel when we meet for a drink, go for a drive, what ever. We want to be proud of our affiliation with PistonHeads but we're asked to hide this fact.
Edited to replace 'PH' with 'PistonHeads'.
>>> Edited by tvrbob on Saturday 8th January 07:57
I've had a few Guinnesses so this may not be totally lucid or necessarily answer the question 
I strive hard to ensure that PistonHeads doesn't become a generic term like 'petrolheads'. Petrolheads is a long established term used in all sorts of situations - not great for a brand name. It's difficult to protect and is more liable to confusion with other products/services etc.
PistonHeads is a unique name and I have gone to some lengths to protect it including trademarking it.
That's why I ask people to use 'PH' for events associated with the site but not organised by my business.
If someone says 'PistonHeads' then they know it's this site
I strive hard to ensure that PistonHeads doesn't become a generic term like 'petrolheads'. Petrolheads is a long established term used in all sorts of situations - not great for a brand name. It's difficult to protect and is more liable to confusion with other products/services etc.
PistonHeads is a unique name and I have gone to some lengths to protect it including trademarking it.
That's why I ask people to use 'PH' for events associated with the site but not organised by my business.
If someone says 'PistonHeads' then they know it's this site
tvrbob said:
I have taken to naming events by non-brand names like NEPH or NEPHers yet these events are PistonHeads events in every sense of the word.
I appreciate you naming them in this way but do disagree that they are "PistonHeads events in every sense of the word". I don't organise those or have any say in how they're organised. Given that they are out of my control I have to be extremely careful how 'PistonHeads' is associated with them. Any PistonHeads event must conform to health and safety crap, be fully insured etc, etc. Scratch events don't need to be.
Pwig's Lands End to John o'Groats run has the potential to get very bad press - that's why I don't want PistonHeads associated with it. It's fairly obvious why, I hope.
Witness the bad press I got from Le Mans last year when a few cars with PistonHeads.com caused some grief. Nothing to do with me directly but some people's perception of the site was tarnished and I was getting emails complaining about the behavious of my 'members'.
It's a fine balance between getting some great publicity and some bad publicity. Managing this brand ain't simple!
Ted, this is a genuine question about Le Mans this year.
I am thinking of putting 2 of the large 20" "Pistonheads.com" decals on the sides of my car for the drive down there next year. However, I can't deny that I may be associated with some daft antics as that seems to be the way that these events go sometimes.
Would you still be fine with me essentially acting as an advertising tool for this website at LM?
It isn't a very PH car, but I like to think that I am a very PH type of guy! Hope this makes sense and you can appreciate what I am trying to say!
Cheers
...ooh and YHM Ted!
I am thinking of putting 2 of the large 20" "Pistonheads.com" decals on the sides of my car for the drive down there next year. However, I can't deny that I may be associated with some daft antics as that seems to be the way that these events go sometimes.
Would you still be fine with me essentially acting as an advertising tool for this website at LM?
It isn't a very PH car, but I like to think that I am a very PH type of guy! Hope this makes sense and you can appreciate what I am trying to say!
Cheers
...ooh and YHM Ted!
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