Ended my TVRCC Membership

[Johno]

Please understand my passion for the marque has not changed one jot. I am stil a huge TVR fan. This is also not a personal attack on anyone in particular.

I realised that I hadn't actually read a copy of sprint in over 6months, they were just gathering dust. (Ian Massey Cross articles of old were superb!)

I am really not interested in reading about windscreen repairs and spark plugs. I am interested in reading about TVR's. I have submitted previously and it's not been published before you go there. Additionally I know several other people who have submitted and have not been published. It seems to go to the same old people again, yet we are always told that they do not get enough articles.

Then I started to consider the other things that had been mulling around in the back of my mind . . .

Where was the support for Thunder, the run to Downing Street ? I understand they were not going to support and then changed their minds !? This is where a club in my view should be promoting it's support.

I am sure many people will say fight from within and take part. However, it just seems to me that all the debate on here is doing nothing for the marque or what's left of it, rather it is becoming slightly embarassing. If I could be involved in supporting the marque and it's fans I would love to. I just don't feel that's what it would be about, there is too much politics involved for me.

It just feels that the club/committee is too concerned about their legacy of organising this event or that event than the marque they are supposed to represent.

The debate is consistently he said, she said, he did . . . . kinda boring now.

I debated long and hard about posting this, as I am sure I'll come in for a whole load of flack. However, I am not the only one thinking like this and perhaps the debate will make me change my mind . . .

I have attended many great events, and wish the club the best of luck in the future. It just isn't what I think it could be and I do not want to sponsor it any longer.

[G_Sleigh]

I paid.......

Got a letter saying my membership card will be arriving soon......

Still no sign and the temp number doesnt work to join the forums online.

Nice. BUT i havnt chased them in all fairness which i could do. But i just like complaining today. ha.

I agree on the magazine.. Just full of adverts that i am not interested in.

[FlipFlopGriff]

There should be more articles and less wordy regional reports as most regional owners have a dedicated website.
It does seem to be getting very commercial. I think the mag is worth the subscription alone but most of the "better/popular" events are organised by groups of owners which would go ahead with or without club support.
I know a fair few disillusioned with the club.
FFG

[coach]

Hi Johno

I am realy sorry to hear this. You have obviously made up your mind and I respect that. Perhaps you would do me the privelidge of chating over and elaborate on some of your points so I can make the club a better service.

Not a dig at you but I would love to have more feedback before it gets to the level that people need to make such a gesture on here.

Please give me a call on the numbers on the web or drop me a PM and I will forward to you.

Jeremy

[Derek Smith]

Johno said:

I realised that I hadn't actually read a copy of sprint in over 6months, they were just gathering dust. (Ian Massey Cross articles of old were superb!)

I am really not interested in reading about windscreen repairs and spark plugs. I am interested in reading about TVR's. I have submitted previously and it's not been published before you go there. Additionally I know several other people who have submitted and have not been published. It seems to go to the same old people again, yet we are always told that they do not get enough articles.

It's your magazine so why not tell me what you want to see in it. I'll listen. I asked dozens of people at Diamond Rock what changes they'd like to see in Sprint and will follow what they said. Most said they liked the technical articles and the spark plugs one got good feedback at the time. You may know all there is to know about engine electrics but many of us don't. Sprint has to cater for the tastes and knowledge levels of all members.

Further, when was the last time I said we didn't get enough articles? It is, unfortunately, a bit like John West: it's the articles we don't use that maintains the quality. Regarding the article you submitted - I can't be specific as you are anonymous - did you phone up before writing it and discuss it with one of the Team? If you did then it is very unusual, although unfortunatly it can happen, that it was binned.

I've submitted articles to magazines for years and, whilst I know it is disappointing when one doesn't get published, it is a fact of publishing life. No one is suprised that Jon sorts though loads of pictures before picking the one he feels will balance the magazine then bins the rest, but it's what I have to do as well with copy.

If anyone has any problems with Sprint, then give me a call. Don't just complain. Be positive. Have a chat. Don't forget that if you love TVRs then you'll be talking to someone who shares your passion.

Every editor is looking for ideas. If you have one, then let me know. Please.

If Sprint doesn't suit you, then let me know.

If there's a particular subject you want covered then . . .

If there is a particular car . . .

A particular person . . .

The ROs, Committee Members and others who give up their time love TVRs as well and want the Club to flourish. So, if it doesn't suit you, then please, before handing in your resignation chat to us and let us know your thoughts. We will listen. If we can't resolve any issue you have and you still feel that the Club is not for you, then we will be sorry to see you go but, hopefully, will part without animosity.

[tvrgaas]

Derek Smith said:

It's your magazine so why not tell me what you want to see in it.

An apology for Dross excluder.

Article by anyone else than one Derek Smith.

[.Woody]

tvrgaas said:

Derek Smith said:

It's your magazine so why not tell me what you want to see in it.

An apology for Dross excluder.

Article by anyone else than one Derek Smith.

I believe Derek was not the one in the wrong here, wasnt it AB? How was he to know, he's just doing what he thinks right at the time, correct me if I'm wrong please just my assumption not what I know.

As to articles written, I've done 3 in the past year and every ones been published, not many seem keen to, as he said its your magazine, why not (anyone) ask on the forum about suggesting a subject they would like writing one on? If nobody volunteers then surely Dereks gotta try and fill the gaps?

[Derek Smith]

.Woody said:

As to articles written, I've done 3 in the past year and every ones been published, not many seem keen to, as he said its your magazine, why not (anyone) ask on the forum about suggesting a subject they would like writing one on? If nobody volunteers then surely Dereks gotta try and fill the gaps?

Thanks for the articles. They were well received. Got two pulls about them at the Rock. It seems that people with Chims and Griffs are becoming more willing to do work on them themselves.

After changing a headlamp bulb on Wednesday - just a two-hour job - have you any ideas for modifications for headlamp access. I nearly ended up cutting a hole in the wing.

[anonymous-user]

.Woody said:

tvrgaas said:

Derek Smith said:

It's your magazine so why not tell me what you want to see in it.

An apology for Dross excluder.

Article by anyone else than one Derek Smith.

I believe Derek was not the one in the wrong here, wasnt it AB? How was he to know, he's just doing what he thinks right at the time, correct me if I'm wrong please just my assumption not what I know.

The words "dross excluder" did not come from Burdette. Nor did the reference to anything contrary to the editors personal opinion as "ill founded, speculative and plain false". The editor chose not simply to report what he was told (let alone question it!) but to editorialise it in a highly personal manner which was patronising to anyone who happened not to share his own rose tinted view. I agree totally with tvrgaas.

[.Woody]

Everyone doesnt have the same sense of humour thats accepted by all, I kniow that! But we obviously think its right when releasing our thoughts, at least the effort is there to do so, despite what people may think

[tvrgaas]

.Woody said:

I believe Derek was not the one in the wrong here, wasnt it AB?

IMHO Sprint is the Club Newsletter. It should be a paper of record. If the editor was mislead, as we both appear to believe, he should be able to say that to the members. In the current month it does say that AB doesn't return his calls. So why not correct the false(?)impression given in the infamous editorial? I doubt it was humourous to the dealers.

As to articles, many have cried out for technical articles and some have even submitted them. These have been rejected, as not being up to standard. Then we get articles on how the editor had his car serviced at Racing Green and how he got tyres from Continental. Personnally I'd rather Sprint gave a wide range of other members experiences and not try to compete with EVO. It is the club newsletter, not just a record of the experiences of the editor. Remember a reject article is also a reject club member in most cases.

[anonymous-user]

.Woody said:

Everyone doesnt have the same sense of humour thats accepted by all, I kniow that! But we obviously think its right when releasing our thoughts, at least the effort is there to do so, despite what people may think

Humour? What are you talking about Woody? You think the May editorial was supposed to be humourous? I've heard it all now.

[tvrgaas]

Johno said:

It just feels that the club/committee is too concerned about their legacy of organising this event or that event than the marque they are supposed to represent.

Hi Johno,

Sorry for the thread hi-jack.

I do feel that the TVRCC committe has come forward, years ago it did appear that some were on the committee to help their business interests. Although they would argue that it was a very small thank you for the hours they put in.

Some of the best events have come out of PH dicussions, and the TVRCC have now accepted and welcomed the single marque events. So there is hope. So give the current committee some room to reclaim the major TVR events.

But yes the main club benefit, Sprint, lies there, thumped but in the main unread. Actually as I didn't go to the The Rock, so this month was good to see. I would have liked some bigger pictures, but understand the editors' dilema.

Hope the Griffith is going well - what colour is the nose these days - black or white?

[lazyitus]

I like the magazine. Keep it up.

Its a decent mixture if a little top heavy with regional write ups at the back.

However, it would be nice to get something like a free CD at least every other month. You know, something like Oasis or E.L.O? They give CD's away with NME now and then and this really gives it just that little extra value for money.

[tvrgaas]

Derek Smith said:

If there's a particular subject you want covered then . . .

On a more positive vein, the old favourite a Christmas list, or more particularly a book review.

I've seen on the forums that both Ayre and Filby have re-issued (?) their books on TVR this year.

So I'd like to see a book review please, which should I put on my wish list to Santa?

Wasn't Ayre's original book billed as the second volume of Filby? Or should I just go for the updated Tipler?

Perhaps you can drag Clive W away from his internet reviews for a day or so.

[Podie]

unrepentant said:

...stuff...

Remember where this got us last time..?

Hope you're well.

[ColG]

lazyitus said:

I like the magazine. Keep it up.

Its a decent mixture if a little top heavy with regional write ups at the back.

However, it would be nice to get something like a free CD at least every other month. You know, something like Oasis or E.L.O? They give CD's away with NME now and then and this really gives it just that little extra value for money.

NME is a music magazine that gives away free CD's, does that mean we should expect free car give aways from Sprint

[Derek Smith]

unrepentant said:

The words "dross excluder" did not come from Burdette. Nor did the reference to anything contrary to the editors personal opinion as "ill founded, speculative and plain false". The editor chose not simply to report what he was told (let alone question it!) but to editorialise it in a highly personal manner which was patronising to anyone who happened not to share his own rose tinted view.

My word, the editor seems guilty of putting his own personal opinion in the editorial! Whatever next?

An editorail is called an editorial because it is written by the editor and contains the editor's opinion. It's simple enough, unrep. What's your problem with the editorial? It was, and is, my opinion. The clue is in the title editorial. You express your opinion often enough on these and other forums. I, as editor, get the editorial as a bonus. It's mine. All editors love editorials. It's their opportunity to put their point of view. It's called an editorial for obvious reasons. But, if it's not that obvious to you, the title points you in the direction of whose opinion is being expressed.

But I did report what I was told in the news section.

Phone me and I'll explain the workings of magazines to you.

[anonymous-user]

Podie said:

unrepentant said:

...stuff...

Remember where this got us last time..?

Hope you're well.

Yeah well....

Good to see you mate.

I'm v good indeed. Hope all is well with you too.

[Derek Smith]

tvrgaas said:

Derek Smith said:

If there's a particular subject you want covered then . . .

On a more positive vein, the old favourite a Christmas list, or more particularly a book review.

In hand.

tvrgaas said:

I've seen on the forums that both Ayre and Filby have re-issued (?) their books on TVR this year.

So I'd like to see a book review please, which should I put on my wish list to Santa?

Wasn't Ayre's original book billed as the second volume of Filby? Or should I just go for the updated Tipler?

Perhaps you can drag Clive W away from his internet reviews for a day or so.

We normally wait for a book to be submitted before reviewing to save costs to the Club. However, I might raid the petty cash. I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for the input.

Edited by Derek Smith on Friday 14th September 16:29