[DML] Re: DeLorean Owners Association

["therealdmcvegas" <dmcvegas@xxxxxxxxx>]

Touche. You bring up a very good point here that a national
organization can indeed function properly and have happy members.
However examining those sites for the clubs you mentioned, there are
some serious differences. The DOA's site is the only one that is
devoid of a Mission Statement, a List of member benefits, and any
online technical library/archives. I'm sure that other marquees have
clubs that represent them, and their members are quite happy with
them. However keep in mind that there is a good reason for that. Other
than one single event which is just a cruise-in, the events listed on
the DOA's site are just other classic car events that they are just
suggesting their members attend.

When was the last time the DOA hosted a Tech Day for any of their
members? Not a brunch for everyone to get together and BS, but a real,
let's get greasy and fix up some cars kinda Tech Day? Be it locally or
abroad, when was the last time anyone from the DOA organized a
sanctioned Tech Day to work on cars, and perform safety checks on each
others vehicles?

Even tonight I received an e-mail in regards to the DOA being a local
club exclusive to Southern California. I was corrected, and want to
publicly apologize: The DOA shouldn't be listed as a regional club for
SoCal, but rather for Los Angeles exclusively. As was explained to me,
San Diego members have been ignored for quite some time. Even when
then president Linda Porter lived in North San Diego county, members
in San Diego went unnoticed. So even then there are more grievances
that should be addressed. More importantly, what is the DOA going to
do in the future in order help out people on an individual level? Once
again the question of "What are the true benefits of membership?" goes
unanswered. Because right now all the DOA's site says is you get
access to some message boards (like we need yet another), a magazine
that people apparently have no input on, instant membership in some
local *club* which *maybe* you happen to be near, and discounts on
swag from the DOA's online store. None of that appeals to me, nor the
greater majority of people. I have my shirts and buy more when I need
them, I already interact with many other groups, and I already have
access to technical support online and over the phone from vendors.
What's left? Prestige? Because that the DOA can't offer me. In fact
most people who I've met over the years who are members have told me
that the only reason they keep that membership is to add copies of the
magazine to their memorabilia collections in case they ever sell their
cars, and need some bonus gifts to throw in to sweeten the deal. Even
they admit the DOA serves no real purpose.

Further more, no, the name of the DOA should not change. ESPECIALLY to
"DeLorean Motor Club". If a new club that begins with that name
emerges, then Robin McNeil and the other co-founder (whose name
escapes me at the moment) should be given credit where credit is due
as the pioneers who tried to fight the Goliath that tried to crush so
many under it's feet.

All I'm asking for is answers. Answer publicly, and honestly, and
*gasp* you might just win me over to your side.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"



--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Mike S." <drivestainless@...> wrote:
>
> Ken Baker wrote:
> 
> > I also understand that intellegent people
> > can understand that a debate on the internet
> > can be counter productive. So if anyone would
> > like to ask me questions directly I will be
> > happy to discuss any comment, questions, concerns
> > or perceptions. Just email me your contact
> > information and I will be happy to call you.
> 
> As a DML moderator I must agree with Mr. Baker's assertion that
> internet debates can be counter-productive.  I love all the DML
> subscribers, but already this week two of you have tried to re-hash
> very old arguments that can never be resolved on the DML.
> 
> And it's only Tuesday.
> 
> Tonight I took Ken Baker up on his offer and contacted him privately.
>  I believe that his desire to reshape the DOA is sincere.  I also
> believe that he is in for a very difficult challenge, demanding
> Koncelik-esque dedication.  I hope he can pull it off.
> 
> IMO this week's DML conversation about the DOA's name is very amusing.
>  But personally, considering the serious nature of other issues DMLers
> have brought forward in the last thirteen years, I hope that changing
> the name is pretty low on Mr. Baker's priority list.
> 
> For those who doubt the value of a national / international club, I
> suggest that you attend a major orphan or British Car show in your
> region.  See what The Strudebaker Driver's Club, Austin Healey Club
> USA, The North American Triumph Car Club, and other orphan car clubs
> do for their marques.  Believe it or not, it is possible for the
> members to love the club.
> 
> - Mike Substelny
>   VIN 01280 for fifteen years
>



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