Re: [DML] Good DeLorean Experiences
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Re: [DML] Good DeLorean Experiences



Bill Schafer wrote:

James,

I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a fine thing as the DML. I
have never met you but feel that so many people have been helped by this
exchange of information that you started. I know that being from Rockton, IL
I would have to drive to the Chicago area to fined others who would own "D"s
and would have the shared information. The list has made it possible to find
answers to specific problems that are Delorean unique.
Would you just give me an idea of when this DML started and a little
historical background from your point of view. I am a history type person and
thought it would be interesting to know. I hope I get to meet you in June if
you are headed to Cleveland, OH.

Bill
Vin #11596


Thanks for the kind words...always nice to know when you're appreciated!

It's been a long time, but I remember after buying my first DeLorean in May '95, I was frustrated with getting technical advice from the DOA. John Truscott is a nice guy, but calling him in California was a pain. I had some experience with mailing lists and figured a Delorean mailing list would be a great way to share information, bring owners together, as well as get my own questions answered! In August of '95 I started the DML, using no software, just cut and paste and mail out to a small group (less than 10, I think).

http://www.dmcnews.com/backissues/dml001.html

Through word of mouth, postings messages on the old AOL message boards, a couple months after it started, it got too big to do by hand, and I paid a company to handle the distribution, subscribe/unsubscribes, etc. When I learned of Egroups I switched it there as it was cheaper and a much nicer package. After nearly four years of running the DML, I took the job as Marketing Director for DMC (Houston) and called on several longtime DML'ers to take over so that it wouldn't die out or become lower quality and I would avoid a potential conflict of interest. Dave, Mike S, Knut, Marty, Bruce, Dick and now Mike G are doing a great job and I am grateful that took all stepped up when I called on them.

Had I not created the DML, someone else would have eventually done something similar. Would it be as good as the DML is today? No one knows, but most mailing lists are NOT moderated, and the "signal-to-noise" ratio makes many of them unbearable. The fact that there are no other DeLorean-related mailing lists/message boards that have the activity level or quality of content as the DML says a lot on its own.

I'd like to think that many of the things that people now take for granted are a result of the existence of the DML, or at least were available sooner because of the DML. Things I'm talking about include:

Ken Konceliks Cincinnati and Cleveland Car shows
Lee Seilers reproduction keys and limited edition models
All the major parts vendors being online
Marty Maiers 140mph speedos, braided brake lines, etc
Mike Sturbas Window arrow stencils
DMCJoe's broader market success
The successes of local clubs
Two great independent DeLorean poster projects

These are just a few of the things available now that unless their creators had access to a viable market-size (1000-plus) might not have been made/organized.

I will be in Cleveland for the show, unless something happens to me between now and then. I will be acting as the coordinator for the Concours portion of the event. Please look me up!

James







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