Feedback from Kit Car Magazine
Discussion
kitcarman said:
The only fly in the ointment, that I can see, concerns the Which Kit? attacks. I’m pleased to see that the allegation that they were ‘pathetic’ and ‘childish’ have all but evaporated. However, some still feel that they were lacking professionalism
. I’m left in a quandary in that I feel it’s right to continue to point out that Kit Car is much bigger both physically and in terms of circulation because, as I’ve said, this brings me advertising revenue. So, I’m going to continue to point to such matters, but in factual, lees emotive terms.
Stick to the facts, don't gloat and promote KC's virtues not WK's weaknesses. If you are not careful, even 2 pages of bile will poison the other 200.
I would suggest a 'Cook Report' style investigation article about dodgy practices, but from a factual point of view and neutral tone of voice. Plus a modest article about KC's successes, and how you've been going about feedback.
This will get you more respect. Just reducing the volume of attacks on WK will continue to put off readers, if they still continue in the same form, in the same style.
Oh, and remember to promote kit cars in their own right, rather than by attacking production cars. Especially the Porsche 993RS
HTH
Dom
(Will subscribe soon, honest
) windy1,
There were absolutely no attacks published in Kit Car until May this year. That’s a lot less 9 months ago
when you claim to have stopped .
I also note from your profile that you’ve not contributed to any other kit car thread.
At risk of being told off by PetrolTed or one of his moderators, I’m going to ask you to pass wind somewhere else.
Den
PS. The reason I circulated free magazines was so we could avoid nerdish nonsense.
There were absolutely no attacks published in Kit Car until May this year. That’s a lot less 9 months ago
when you claim to have stopped . I also note from your profile that you’ve not contributed to any other kit car thread.
At risk of being told off by PetrolTed or one of his moderators, I’m going to ask you to pass wind somewhere else.
Den
PS. The reason I circulated free magazines was so we could avoid nerdish nonsense.
domster said:
I would suggest a 'Cook Report' style investigation article about dodgy practices, but from a factual point of view and neutral tone of voice.
Oh, and remember to promote kit cars in their own right..
Dom
(Will subscribe soon, honest
Thanks domster
, This is clearly good advice
. I’m going to have to watch a few 'Cook Report' programmes. There must indeed be a way to achieve what you’re advising. In fact I thought that pages 104/105 were factual. To help me, would you please advise in what respect these two pages go too far. Off forum if it’s going to re-open old issues, but preferably openly if the matters can be put in such a way as to not offend. Den
. Well, it is mainly a tone of voice issue. The odd choice of word. The way you phrase something.
The 104-105 spread contained a few personal comments, rather than independent reporting. Such as:
"We didn't find that too surprising given the lack of finish shown in the adverts" for the AF Sports.
Instead of something like:
"The lack of finish shown in the adverts could have been enough, in itself, to suggest that something was wrong."
I'm not saying lose the style completely - it's very readable - but just write it like you would a news story from an independent journalist. Distance yourself from the Den Tanner conflict, and think what the consumer wants to read - the facts, and some impartial comment.
I liked the Torero piece where the naff engine cover was mentioned. I had seen this at Donington and it let the car down. But we heard from the designer (it looks convincing through the slats) plus from KC (it looks a bit naff just bolted on the engine). It was informed commenbt, wasn't pandering to the manufacturer but let them defend themselves. Balance was just right.
How about an article, maybe even written by a freelancer if you are too close to the arguments, along the lines of: "The Great Kit Car Con - Manufacturers Who Give the Industry a Bad Name". This could feature real life interviews with those ripped off, plus an expose of the shysters in question - but from a rational and level-headed viewpoint.
And it doesn't need to be a recurring theme. Maybe next issue doesn't have any WK bashing in it at all, until the new circulation figures demand another article in a few months time?
Email me off forum if I can help more.
ATB
Dom
The 104-105 spread contained a few personal comments, rather than independent reporting. Such as:
"We didn't find that too surprising given the lack of finish shown in the adverts" for the AF Sports.
Instead of something like:
"The lack of finish shown in the adverts could have been enough, in itself, to suggest that something was wrong."
I'm not saying lose the style completely - it's very readable - but just write it like you would a news story from an independent journalist. Distance yourself from the Den Tanner conflict, and think what the consumer wants to read - the facts, and some impartial comment.
I liked the Torero piece where the naff engine cover was mentioned. I had seen this at Donington and it let the car down. But we heard from the designer (it looks convincing through the slats) plus from KC (it looks a bit naff just bolted on the engine). It was informed commenbt, wasn't pandering to the manufacturer but let them defend themselves. Balance was just right.
How about an article, maybe even written by a freelancer if you are too close to the arguments, along the lines of: "The Great Kit Car Con - Manufacturers Who Give the Industry a Bad Name". This could feature real life interviews with those ripped off, plus an expose of the shysters in question - but from a rational and level-headed viewpoint.
And it doesn't need to be a recurring theme. Maybe next issue doesn't have any WK bashing in it at all, until the new circulation figures demand another article in a few months time?
Email me off forum if I can help more.
ATB
Dom
domster said:
Well, it is mainly a tone of voice issue. . . personal comments, rather than independent reporting. . . write it like you would a news story from an independent journalist. . . and think what the consumer wants to read - the facts, and some impartial comment.
Email me off forum if I can help more.
ATB
Dom
Thanks Dom,
I really can’t fault your observations
. I’d like to know if your opinion is generally accepted, as some did say that they wouldn’t buy Kit Car if it contained anything on this sordid subject
. If your opinion is generally accepted, I’d be very happy to take advantage of your kind offer
. Thanks
Domster puts it so elloquently I couldn't have sadi it better myself. It is the sniping comments that made me think "oh no not again" but it has been covered at to why that is. I agree if the information is correct it should be put into the public domain, however it needs doing in an impartial manner as the domster said. Fight the good fight but "keep it clean no biting, spitting(the dummy out), kicking or tantrum throwing"
domster said:
I liked the Torero piece where the naff engine cover was mentioned. I had seen this at Donington and it let the car down. But we heard from the designer (it looks convincing through the slats) plus from KC (it looks a bit naff just bolted on the engine). It was informed commenbt, wasn't pandering to the manufacturer but let them defend themselves. Balance was just right.
I agree.
I saw this car at Donnington last year, and thought "wow" that's smart, until I saw the silly engine cover that put me right off.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...(or something like that).
Supersixfan said:
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...(or something like that).
Actually I prefer the new version of this famous old saying.....
"You can't polish a turd"
Also, I agree with other contributers about Domster's entry. It always happens that somebody will write exactly what I have been thinking, and trying to turn into words!
domster said:
Glad I could help as a forum spokesperson
Just trying to help Den, too. It wouldn't take much for KC to be a really top flight magazine (soz guys, top flight, not top shelf
I suppose KC could always get a few scantily clad women draped over the kits so it could go on the top shelf....
Whoops.... sorry, I though this was the LaxPower forum....
? 
kitcarman said:
Hey....love to join in....but....
No mag yet.....
Sorry Meerkat, the post to the USA takes two weeks. I simply couldn't afford the air-fare.
Hey I'd have collected it from you at the airport....
What more do you need?
Thanks, I'll be looking for it soon....cheers.
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