[DML] DOD ch-ch-changes

[James Espey <james@xxxx>]

I can only offer background of the DOD while I was responsible for it...so
for those who are new, here's the history...

A few years back, when the DOA decided they couldn't produce a member
directory, I started the DeLorean Owners Dirrectory (DOD). The only
criteria for being listed was you had to supply a valid VIN. The only way
you could get a copy was to be listed in it, too.

The first couple revisions of it were available in a password-protected
directory at the DMC-News website. I printed some copies for folks who did
not have an email address (and theoretically no web access) to facilitate
the folks who submitted their information via a regional club mailing.

The last printed edition was in May of 98, with some 400+ entries. De
Lorean Motor Company (Houston) helped pay for the printing of it and in
return I gave them an ad on the back cover.

When I handed the DML to Dave Swingle and the rest of the moderating team,
the DOC was placed in the hands of Ken Montgomery. Ken spent an ENORMOUS
amount of time updating the data, and entering in the new data. I
understand the DOD has nearly doubled in size now, and it's really a
monumental task to keep updated.

I'm sure Dave and ken will chime in with facts, but in St. Louis I heard
that there was some sort of technical problem keeping the DOD from being
posted in the "lounge".

No one, NO ONE, is doing this as a money-making venture. A quantity of
current DOD's was printed (with no subsidizing by DMC this time, though it
was offered) and the nominal charge for a printed copy is simply to cover
the expense of printing and mailing.

James

At 9:24 AM -0500 11/10/99, Marc A Levy wrote:
(SNIP)
>
>While on the DOD... When the directory started it was available for
>download by anyone on the DOD list. Will it ever be again?
>
>I am not clear on how or why the DOD has changed over the past year or
>so. It went from a free on-line publication for the participants only,
>to a list that can be viewed by anyone (a invasion of privacy) and a $5
>charge for the complete printed copy (who is making money on the
>distribution of my personal information?) Frankly, this is not what I
>signed up for. I see there is still a "DMC-News Members Only Lounge",
>but is this still active and up to date? (I dont remember the Password)
>
>I would like to see the DOD return to how it was presented. The option
>of a printed copy for a small copy/mail charge should be made available,
>but the "Listed Owners" page should be modified to include less
>information.
>