Question for guests only please

[tshirt_tony]

These are the views of a once member.
The NSRA have always been up front with the way they would like the Rod scene in the UK to progress.
Top marks to them, they have stayed constant over the years.
The scene has changed but I'm not sure they have followed, or even needed to follow.
Different stroke's for different folk's and all that.
The forums been a real success, thats part of its problem. Its attracted everyone involved with the whole Hot Rod/ Street Rod /Custom/ Race scene by default. There was nowhere else.
My view is that they are not happy with their own success. They would like their house back as they want it.
You will notice, I'm saying 'they and them" and unfortunately, thats how it is.
I feel separate. Thats not a criticism, its their forum. If I want one, put in the effort and make one.
I do feel its an opportunity missed though.
Oh well, maybe in the next life.
Good luck with whichever direction you take.
Tony.

[Alcoholic Rat]

The opportunity has been there for many years Tony but the majority decided as it was free they would,nt join. The issue is far bigger than money or a handful of members wishes, its about the site and forum being the shop window of the NSRA, as such prospective rodders ect come here to see if it is what they want unfortunately they see a wide variety of vehicles which are not NSRA criteria and therefore move on or join and then get a baptism of fire for having a vehicle which does,nt fit. That is unacceptable on both counts and is the fault of the club for allowing this dissolution to happen.

So, the time has come to reiterate and update the car criteria (which has been done) as guests have had years to decide i personally dont think its unfair for the club to say "ok we,ve been more than fair now you have to make a decision" some think it is but just take a look at the biggest conplainers post count, they are not the newbies they are long time forum users who purport to have an interest in the whole scene yet have never dipped in their pockets to further the club or attend an AGM and have some input. Funny how now the club is supposed to compromise for these people with a reduced rate just for forum use.

I dont blame anyone for being somewhat misled as to what the club is about as thats the way things used to look when you looked in the shop window, in future people will see the NSRA when they look through the window and not a general car club.

I understand some think its the club saying pay up or be barred but in reality the club has accomadated guests for far longer than any other club i know of and has helped many along the way and for guests to now say "we will pay so much and your all eltists and its so unfair" its some what ungrateful considering how long the club has catered for them.

I hope most of you do turn up at shows and by all acounts we have a steady stream of members joining minute by minute, either way i would like to thank you all for your contributions and hope you all have long and happy lives.


Regards
Dazz (King of the Elitists) apparently.:(

[tshirt_tony]

Sorry mate, thats why I'm off.
Just not welcome in the first place.
I'm not bunging thirty quid your way to buy mates. It just does not work like that.
Thats hard and uncomfortable, but its what it boils down to.
Its a real shame, and totally unnecessary, but I never started this fight... sorry... discussion.
I've had enough
Good luck.

[kapri]

Just a slight twist on this,if you want to become an Executioner they ask YOU , you cannot simply join the best hotrod club in the UK ( don't forget the cheque Terry ;) ) .

Yet where's the moans about elitism about that ??

[a5llx]

Please accept my apologises if this has been said as ive not read the whole thread but personnally i have found that, the majority of people on this site have accepted me as a new guest with open arms , replied to my posts and threads, helped me to find parts and with technical advise and instruction on some things that they may know more about than me and asked nothing in return
If im honest i probably wont use any of the benefits listed when becoming a NSRA member .
my truck will be on my traders insurance and i get trade on tyres etc anyway , but , i have still jus filled in my memebership online and joined , the sense of community and help available is worth the small price we pay for a year...
£30 well spent

ASH

ASLautos.co.uk

[tshirt_tony]

Sorry mate, completely lost me there.
Anyone can be an executioner, look it up on ebay. Full member pack, t shirt, bird,if you want one, car, the whole nine yards. Highest bidder wins a plaque, and a place on the Gay News Calender.
Your point was?

One of twenty something or other.
Am I now Bork?

[weemark]

Just a slight twist on this,if you want to become an Executioner they ask YOU , you cannot simply join the best hotrod club in the UK ( don't forget the cheque Terry ;) ) .

Yet where's the moans about elitism about that ??

really?? thats surprises me.

[welshborder38]

we all joined today, but cannot get on members forum

[a5llx]

we all joined today, but cannot get on members forum

Nor can i mate ,but give em a bit of time though , i think its the mods that do it and it is sunday , our details all need to be put in etc
ASH

[Klunk]

Can all new members please make sure they fill out this form (http://www.nsra.org.uk/membership_status.htm)and ensure their membership number is in their User Profile

USER CP - Your Profile - Edit Your Details.

- as we have to cross check 'em against the membership list which can be a slight delaying factor....apologies in advance.



Ta Muchly.:)

PS. Thanks for joining.

[welshborder38]

just wanted you all to no that we have joined thanks ash

[Hot Rod Widow]

just wanted you all to no that we have joined thanks ash


may I be the first to welcome you

[tshirt_tony]

Oy, you two...
Guests only.
You started it.

[welshborder38]

thanks for being the first one to welcome us, would have joined along time ago, but my husbands middle name is scrooge ha ha

[kapri]

Sorry mate, completely lost me there.
Anyone can be an executioner, look it up on ebay. Full member pack, t shirt, bird,if you want one, car, the whole nine yards. Highest bidder wins a plaque, and a place on the Gay News Calender.
Your point was?

One of twenty something or other.
Am I now Bork?

..and now you've lost me ;) But where are you lot going to compare handbags now :confused::) I liked the coat ,was going to bid ,couldn't stand the thought of picking all that lettering off though .

[Flat Ernie]

The opportunity has been there for many years Tony but the majority decided as it was free they would,nt join. The issue is far bigger than money or a handful of members wishes, its about the site and forum being the shop window of the NSRA, as such prospective rodders ect come here to see if it is what they want unfortunately they see a wide variety of vehicles which are not NSRA criteria and therefore move on or join and then get a baptism of fire for having a vehicle which does,nt fit. That is unacceptable on both counts and is the fault of the club for allowing this dissolution to happen.

I do think you are missing the plot entirely. The forum is NOT the NSRA - you say it yourself, it's merely the shop window. The belief by members that guests are simply using it for free and see no need to sign up are probably missing it as well - I'll bet most guests simply don't associate the forum with the NSRA, rather, the best UK hot rodding forum going, full stop. If you get a few folks who wander by the shop window, have a look, and join, that's just a bonus. But I believe the forum has evolved past the original message board (yes, I remember the black background and green font) into an online community that involves more than just the narrow view of the NSRA.

All that said, since the NSRA are footing the bill, it is not unreasonable to expect to play by your rules. More in a mo...


So, the time has come to reiterate and update the car criteria (which has been done) as guests have had years to decide i personally dont think its unfair for the club to say "ok we,ve been more than fair now you have to make a decision" some think it is but just take a look at the biggest conplainers post count, they are not the newbies they are long time forum users who purport to have an interest in the whole scene yet have never dipped in their pockets to further the club or attend an AGM and have some input. Funny how now the club is supposed to compromise for these people with a reduced rate just for forum use.

You're electing to turn your back on entire segments of the hobby though. I find this short-sighted. You are being dividers instead of unifiers. If you want to continue to be the voice of the hobby, larger numbers surely mean more credibility - even if only online.


I understand some think its the club saying pay up or be barred but in reality the club has accomadated guests for far longer than any other club i know of and has helped many along the way and for guests to now say "we will pay so much and your all eltists and its so unfair" its some what ungrateful considering how long the club has catered for them.

I don't see how the club has catered for guests in the least. You put up a public forum and did not anyone from coming. That is clearly not the same as catering to them. That is opening your doors for a shop tour. It is opening your arms saying, 'see what we are about - why don't you joint us' - some will, some won't. But don't now get upset when several don't. If they misbehave, kick them out of the shop...simple.



Just a slight twist on this,if you want to become an Executioner they ask YOU , you cannot simply join the best hotrod club in the UK ( don't forget the cheque Terry ;) ) .

Yet where's the moans about elitism about that ??
There's a difference between elitism and exclusivity. I belong to a forum where you must be invited, and to be invited, someone on there must know you personally (not just on the net). This is exclusivity.

To proffer the attitude that you either pay up or leave smacks of elitism, not exclusivity. Although I'm certain you can make a case for exclusivity (club member and all).

It is so glaringly obvious to all but the few...

[kapri]

To proffer the attitude that you either pay up or leave smacks of elitism, not exclusivity. Although I'm certain you can make a case for exclusivity (club member and all).

Ernie is that you or 'you' ? I don't buy into the whole exclusivity or elitism in any form, got a bigger picture than all that ( this ?) in my head and always have had .

I was/am /was/am /was one of those who through out members discussions has looked for the middle ground. Unlike many about I don't need to be told what to think or say,my own man and will continue to be .

[Alcoholic Rat]

I do think you are missing the plot entirely. The forum is NOT the NSRA - you say it yourself, it's merely the shop window. The belief by members that guests are simply using it for free and see no need to sign up are probably missing it as well - I'll bet most guests simply don't associate the forum with the NSRA, rather, the best UK hot rodding forum going, full stop. If you get a few folks who wander by the shop window, have a look, and join, that's just a bonus. But I believe the forum has evolved past the original message board (yes, I remember the black background and green font) into an online community that involves more than just the narrow view of the NSRA.

All that said, since the NSRA are footing the bill, it is not unreasonable to expect to play by your rules. More in a mo...



You're electing to turn your back on entire segments of the hobby though. I find this short-sighted. You are being dividers instead of unifiers. If you want to continue to be the voice of the hobby, larger numbers surely mean more credibility - even if only online.



I don't see how the club has catered for guests in the least. You put up a public forum and did not anyone from coming. That is clearly not the same as catering to them. That is opening your doors for a shop tour. It is opening your arms saying, 'see what we are about - why don't you joint us' - some will, some won't. But don't now get upset when several don't. If they misbehave, kick them out of the shop...simple.



There's a difference between elitism and exclusivity. I belong to a forum where you must be invited, and to be invited, someone on there must know you personally (not just on the net). This is exclusivity.

To proffer the attitude that you either pay up or leave smacks of elitism, not exclusivity. Although I'm certain you can make a case for exclusivity (club member and all).

It is so glaringly obvious to all but the few...

Well pardon me, i think it is you sire who does not get it!

The shop window is only a good advert if it displays the goods to which the shop relates.

The forum was opened up as a marketing tool and where has it got it, the same amount of members still exist the list has not grown, all thats happened is some people have used the site to dillute the NSRA into something it was never meant to be.

As for turning our backs on entire segments of the hobby ????

Have you actually read the vehicle criteria , if you had and were conversant with the old criteria you would know that it allows for a wider genre but more inkeeping with what the club IS about.

No-one is saying payup or go , there are choices, its incredible that most seem to overlook the fact that we have given plenty of time for guests to join and even given them the opportunity to moan via several threads , none which have ben moderated and still we are being unfair.

I was never a fan of the new changes and they,ve been coming for sometime but to be honest i now see that those members that constantly brought up the dissolution of the club so many times over the past years , those that i always dissgreed with were actually SO right!

It was NEVER a public forum , it was a club forum where guests were allowed to join in , in the hope they would become members, it never really worked because the forum then began to be a free for all.

[welshborder38]

Oy, you two...
Guests only.
You started it.

we started what

[tshirt_tony]

I once started a forum you had to be invited onto.
The trouble was, nobody was so up their own jacksie they wanted to be there.
That and I lost my address blackberry, lost my high powered partner,took the helicopter view of it all and started a puppy drowning program.

You may have gathered, I have lost all respect for this Forum.
I'm gone.

[mike noble]

tony, i dont know you but you normally seem a good guy........ you keep saying i'm gone........ but keep coming back WHY ?

[Alcoholic Rat]

I once started a forum you had to be invited onto.
The trouble was, nobody was so up their own jacksie they wanted to be there.
That and I lost my address blackberry, lost my high powered partner,took the helicopter view of it all and started a puppy drowning program.

You may have gathered, I have lost all respect for this Forum.
I'm gone.


So you keep saying!

[mike noble]

lol daz

[welshborder38]

I once started a forum you had to be invited onto.
The trouble was, nobody was so up their own jacksie they wanted to be there.
That and I lost my address blackberry, lost my high powered partner,took the helicopter view of it all and started a puppy drowning program.

You may have gathered, I have lost all respect for this Forum.
I'm gone.

can you please tell us how we have offended you

[mike noble]

can you please tell us how we have offended you............ dont worry, youve miss read it, its cuz members posted in a guest question bit not you .

[tshirt_tony]

Sorry Guys, I've quit so many threads tonight.
If I've already quit this one, I suppose I should not be replying...
Lets take this as the final, final goodbye.

Unless the crowd wants an encore!

So long, farewell, Aufwiedersehen goodnight.......

[welshborder38]

............ dont worry, youve miss read it, its cuz members posted in a guest question bit not you .

thanks for that mike

[tshirt_tony]

tony, i dont know you but you normally seem a good guy........ you keep saying i'm gone........ but keep coming back WHY ?

I keep coming back because I like it here.
I disagree with the money fixation of the forum,but all the time I can participate, I will.
Gods teeth, you make it hard though. I even have to get inventive with my expletives on here. Thats not a sentence I throw about lightly these days.

Hang about, havn't I quit already?

23 to go.

[Hot Rod Deuce]

Just a couple of questions;

how does the new vehicle criteria give a clear view of what the nsra stands for?....it appears to have banned motor cycles,trikes, dayvans and military vehicles.That leaves anything considered a rod or custom( two terms that are widely missunderstood by a lot of people) in effect you have a pre 1972 modified vehicle group..yes?

how come the forum logo and the give away cars are pre 49?

you state that non members post non relevant posts that dilute the essence of the forum, yet members have a section for off topic posts..a bit contradictory?

In light of you complaining of free loaders who won`t join up, so they have to hit the road...are you going to implement the same rules to all nsra events..ie, keep it members only to encourage more people to join?

At events, the members get a reduced rate of entry, the non members pay more(actually helping to subsidise your events and forum costs)is this a fact?

Do you not think that before dropping this onto the whole forum, a posting of the intention would have been the civil thing to do, thereby giving people time to consider the matter, offer suggestions or in some cases to join without the " being seen to join under duress"which in my own case i find I could not for prides sake sign up now?

I ask these questions in good faith, and don`t expect glib off the cuff replies., thanks.

[mike noble]

its not 23 to go because your already over, on the agreed date you will not be able to post

[mike noble]

hot rod deuce....... most people seem to get it, judging by the huge influx of new members......... im sorry but if you dont get it after reading all the posts, then perhaps you never will, politely

[Hot Rod Deuce]

hot rod deuce....... most people seem to get it, judging by the huge influx of new members......... im sorry but if you dont get it after reading all the posts, then perhaps you never will, politely


mike noble.....I guess your right.

[tshirt_tony]

Ha! I'll never fall for that shallow plan to get me posting..

...hang about...

[Flat Ernie]

The shop window is only a good advert if it displays the goods to which the shop relates.

The forum was opened up as a marketing tool and where has it got it, the same amount of members still exist the list has not grown, all thats happened is some people have used the site to dillute the NSRA into something it was never meant to be.

Perhaps, but if you're truly for the good of the hobby, you could use this forum to reach many others beyond your little circle of friends. Indeed, it is a testament to you that you have created such a popular online forum. Direct it more, but don't cut it back...



Have you actually read the vehicle criteria , if you had and were conversant with the old criteria you would know that it allows for a wider genre but more inkeeping with what the club IS about.
As someone else so elequently put it, "modified pre-72" - pretty diverse and pretty subjective. Personally, I'd prefer something stricter, but your sandbox, your rules.


No-one is saying payup or go ,
My dear friend, it is exactly that which you are saying. Can you not read it for yourself? You want me to cease posting on the main board, but you want my parts and cars as well as for me to buy your parts and cars.


there are choices, its incredible that most seem to overlook the fact that we have given plenty of time for guests to join and even given them the opportunity to moan via several threads , none which have ben moderated and still we are being unfair.
I have never said it is unfair. In virtually every post, I've said it is your rules - simple. I'm simply trying to remove the blinkers...a futile effort it seems...


It was NEVER a public forum , it was a club forum where guests were allowed to join in , in the hope they would become members, it never really worked because the forum then began to be a free for all.
If you put it on the web and do not restrict access it is, by default, a public forum. You still retain the right, if not the obligation, to run it as you see fit, but semantic games aside, you're cutting off your noses to spite your collective faces here. You really do not see the goldmine you have here.

As Cinderella sang, "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." I think you'll be surprised come 24 Apr since you can't seem to see the forest for the trees.

I'm not slagging anyone, I'm not whinging about this being unfair - it is indeed your forum to do with as you wish. I'm simply trying to point out the fact there's so much more to this than simply a place for members to trade info and I think you're making a terrible mistake.

Of course, mistake or no, you now have a PR challenge as well...

[Alcoholic Rat]

Again Ernie i have read your reply and still i can make no sense of the hidden answers.

You could make use of this
It is a gold mine but you cant see it
Reach more than your little circle of friends

All very bold statements but no actual answers ,ideas ,suggestions just riddles with no real answers. Maybe there are answers but they only serve to put things back the way they were and inevitably destroy the fabric of the NSRA.

Maybe it would be beneficial for the guests to go over to the HAMB and post on there for a while to find out more about how forums should be run?

Maybe you could give answers and suggestions rather than riddles about what could or would work.

Im listening eagerly:D

This is number 1. rule and is what the NSRA was founded upon.

As someone else so elequently put it, "modified pre-72" - pretty diverse and pretty subjective. Personally, I'd prefer something stricter, but your sandbox, your rules.etc etc etc


Perhaps, but if you're truly for the good of the hobby, you could use this forum to reach many others beyond your little circle of friends. Indeed, it is a testament to you that you have created such a popular online forum. Direct it more, but don't cut it back...For many years now the mods and previous committees have tried to do this but the endless stream of unsuitable vehicles and influx of general car enthusiasts have stifled all attempts.


My dear friend, it is exactly that which you are saying. Can you not read it for yourself? You want me to cease posting on the main board, but you want my parts and cars as well as for me to buy your parts and cars.Actually i was against allowing this but when it was pointed out that Guests could still benefit from this (ie, buy/sell a rod etc) i changed my mind. Its works both ways, guests will be able to purchase from members just the same as vice versa.
The whole affair can be twisted to suit, the fact is plenty of time has passed by since the opening of the forum to guests and still not many joined, why , they can get it for free ,post what they want and then when the sh*t hits the fan dissappear into the ether leaving a trail of sh*t a mile long that members , mods etc have to clear up.

I will say that there has been a steady stream of new members since the announcement on Friday, a steady stream of people who are obviously passionate about the scene and have not moaned but simply thought " fairs fair we,ve had it free for a long time and i have no problem with becoming a member and supporting this hobby" Good for them, each new member is worth 10 non paying guests in committment alone,.



Now , do i think the club will survive ...........Yes
Do i think more will join ................Yes
Do i think the club will be better off for the changes.........absolutely
Do i think all this derision will damage the club ...........No, the club will survive and become stronger and bigger simply because members will be far happier with the criteria , the forum and the fact that they are now part of the NSRA and not a catchall car club.
Do i think all the members that wont come on here because they say it does,nt represent the NSRA or the one they used to know (even though they still join every year) will come back, yes i think some will and as time goes by more will come back, you see its what they,ve been wanting for along time.

Regards

Dazz

[Flat Ernie]

i can make no sense of the hidden answers. All very bold statements but no actual answers ,ideas ,suggestions just riddles with no real answers. Maybe you could give answers and suggestions rather than riddles about what could or would work.

No riddles. Perhaps it's my American accent. :D Indeed, I have offered ways to decrease costs for the forum, I've offered ways to decrease the bandwidth, I've offered ways to offset the remaining costs, & I've offered ways to improve your moderation. Yet you (collective you) seem to have your minds made up that only members will use this forum and I am stumped.

The fact that you've cultivated a very successful online forum is applauded. The fact you're dead set on throttling it is gobsmacking. Folks contribute more than just membership here. There is a sense of community, a willingness to help each other, and some good-natured banter. Sure, there is the odd jerk, but if dealt with swiftly and fairly, shouldn't pose a problem.


Maybe it would be beneficial for the guests to go over to the HAMB and post on there for a while to find out more about how forums should be run?

Ah, sarcasm. I may be a Yank, but I get it. ;) The HAMB is far from perfect. Yet they continue to grow. They do not restrict access and the wealth of knowledge there is unmatched. You are the UK equivalent and yet you don't wish to be that it seems.


For many years now the mods and previous committees have tried to do this but the endless stream of unsuitable vehicles and influx of general car enthusiasts have stifled all attempts.
You could change the way you allow guests to register. Effective moderation is key. Your rules/criteria are clear enough.


i was against allowing this but when it was pointed out that Guests could still benefit from this i changed my mind. It works both ways, guests will be able to purchase from members just the same as vice versa.
I think you probably just moved more folks to rodncustommart...


The whole affair can be twisted to suit, the fact is plenty of time has passed by since the opening of the forum to guests and still not many joined, why , they can get it for free ,post what they want and then when the sh*t hits the fan dissappear into the ether leaving a trail of sh*t a mile long that members , mods etc have to clear up.
Ah yes, the tired, 'why buy the cow when the milk is free' quote - I used to get that from my girlfriend too. :D If your moderators are bothered, get different moderators. But unless you're referring to specific incidents, the comment, "post what they want and then when the sh*t hits the fan dissappear into the ether leaving a trail of sh*t a mile long" is actually a bit puzzling - what on earth can someone do on an internet forum that requires this level of 'cleaning up'? Again, we're not curing polio here.


I will say that there has been a steady stream of new members since the announcement on Friday, a steady stream of people who are obviously passionate about the scene and have not moaned but simply thought " fairs fair we,ve had it free for a long time and i have no problem with becoming a member and supporting this hobby" Good for them, each new member is worth 10 non paying guests in committment alone,.

I guess where I'm wrong is I don't see the forum as part of the NSRA. I see the forum as a potential place to find answers, camaraderie, kindred spirits, and help with projects. But I see how you view guests.

Since I'll be banned shortly anyway, how 'bout some constructive criticism?

Front page of www.nsra.org.uk (http://www.nsra.org.uk):


NSRA membership is open to anyone with an interest in Rods & Customs, whether or not you currently own one. Although the club's name includes the words 'Street Rod' the UK NSRA is different from most other Street Rod Associations; membership and participation is not restricted to pre '49 vehicles. Please browse the website and message board for information on the benefits of membership and details of the regular events programme organised by the NSRA.

This does not say who you are or what you do. It says you're not limited to pre '49 vehicles and then tells you to browse the website and message board. May I suggest you put your membership criteria right out front instead of telling folks to go digging for it.

6th bullet down, you still have a link to the 2008 membership form.
8th bullet down, you still have booking forms for 2007 Euronats
25th bullet down, you still have booking forms for 2006 ESRA Germany
31st bullet down, you still have the 2006 events listing

I didn't mention all the old links, as those have pics in them, but don't necessarily seem appropriate on a front page. Time to put in the Gallery?

When I click on MEMBERSHIP in the navigation box in the upper left, it takes me to the 2008 membership application. Might I suggest an update.

In the description of benefits it says:

Among the benefits of membership are six copies of Street Gasser magazine, reduced entry fee to the NSRA events, the best street rod events in the UK Membership Secretary
That looks like someone went back and edited w/o proof-reading.

The insurance page seems fine - although I'm not familiar with it. I think the message posting would be better done as a FAQ or Q/A listing.

Events List - good.

Sponsors - good. Would be nice to know which, if any, offer discounts to members.

Links - good.

Magazines - good.

History - seems incomplete - just stops at 1975. Would like to see milestones, accomplishments, etc.

Gallery - here is where you can put those dated pics from the front page. Gallery looks "stale" as nothing newer than '04

Commitee - worth putting contact info here?

Contact - Perhaps combine the "committee" page and the "contact" page?

Popular Front - Perhaps a direct link to their forum? Otherwise, good.

OK - now across the top:

Editorial - Most recent entries are from 2005. Eliminate or update it.

Events - Links to same event page above - duplication?

Merchandise - The 2004 Billing photo CD leads one to believe the page is out of date. Perhaps a "prices current as of [date]" would help dispel that.

OK - throughout all the links, I can see no list of membership benefits. So let's go to the forums.

Forum Rules and Help - First post: NSRA vehicle criteria. Fairly clear, except it's somewhat contradictory.

The vehicle criteria, for Club and Forum, can be stated briefly as pre 1972 hot rods, street rods & customs.
Then further:

Our type of car has its roots in a particular American style of modifying and customising. A style that goes back to the original hot rods, built and raced on the street, the drag strip, and the salt flats, since before World War II.
These two seem somewhat exclusive to each other. You cannot have the latter and include a 1971 anything, really. Once you hit about '64, you're talking Muscle Cars. So, perhaps your own definitions are what is confusing folks.

Then this:

Hot rodding has since developed in many different directions, from the simple hot rod of the forties, through the customs and wild show cars of the sixties, to the high-tech street rods, pro-street cars and top fuel dragsters of today.
Is this a statement of only where hot rodding has been, or is it what the club is about? Can I infer from this that a '71 Camaro is OK if it's pro-street? Don't get me wrong, I like Muscle Cars (and have owned several), but post '64 certainly starts blurring the lines.

At least it's spelled out - contradictory or not.

There's a sticky on forum rules. Simple enough & straight-forward.
Nothing further to tell me what the membership benefits are. Nothing in the Rodding Discussion or any of the other forums either.

So - how then is a new person supposed to know what he's getting for his £30? So far we have 6 issues of the Gasser and reduced entry fees. With some searching, you can deduce there is an insurance scheme as well. Is that it?

(overall - the website needs to be udpated & perhaps slightly reorganised, I think)

More in next post (I've hit my 10K character limit! :eek:)

[Flat Ernie]

Continued...

I think you should use this forum to promote the NSRA, not sequester it. I think you should use it to promote the fact that the NSRA works for the rodder (nee automotive hobby-ist) against silly DVLA legislation & heavy-handed government interference. I think it is precisely because the forum is so successful that you can motivate people to join these causes, that we all must support (or risk losing our hobby). But you cannot do that from behind a locked door. :(

Throughout this discussion, I have attempted to use logic and reason in hopes that you will see that you do indeed have a goldmine here; the people of the forum. They can be used, motivated, annoyed, or derided at your whim. If you can tap into just a small percentage you can have some very effective grass-roots organisation for various campaigns. Sure, not everyone will join anything, but you can't please all of the people all of the time - nor should you try. But you've cultivated a very successful online community, whether that was your original intent or not. To willingly miss out on capitalising on it seems short-sighted to me.

It seems to me you're concerned about the integrity of the club. Perhaps you are correct in your concerns. However, there is room to have both; you have it currently with members-only areas. If it is costs that are the issue, I've pointed out several ways to eliminate/offset those. If it is behaviour issues, we all know that stricter moderation is the answer - even if we don't like it all the time. But it must be exercised from an even-handed and fair utilitarian perspective - to quote Spock, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few; or the one." So ban trouble-makers from the forum - even if they're members.

If there is more to it, I surely can't see it. It seems the only things that have been brought up are: cost to run the forum & behaviours. When these have been countered with logic and reason, the responce has been to say how cheap it is per day to join & guests have freeloaded long enough. This looks like a mis-guided membership drive from many aspects.

I'm glad memberships are rising. I fear, however, that it will not sustain itself, nor will many re-up, but it's hard to say - that's just a gut feeling. I do not think it will be the end of NSRA, but I do think it a PR gaffe of a high order.



Sadly, I'm reminded of a quote from one of my favourite British comedys, Black Adder Goes Forth, when Lord Melchett says, "If nothing else works, a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through." :D

[artiboy69]

- to quote Spock, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few; or the one."

I remember that one...the end of The Wrath of Khan? When he's in the reactor? Top scene.

[firebird68]

As a new guest I am mainly interested in the forum,parts for sale and tech. questions. The parts discount would be a big positive as is reduced entry at shows. I admit clubs need funds and members, but it feels like I 've blundered into WW3 with the members against the guests! For people to join they have to feel welcome,not sure about that here at the moment... Still considering joining. The money isn't the issue its more a case of deciding if this is the right club for me as my main interests are Muscle cars of the pro-touring style, Harley chops and pick ups that fall outside your '72 year cut off...

[kapri]

Morning ! Just to say that if you go back to the original announcements on all this it mentions that a new website will be launched at the same time that deals with the issues re 'presentation' that you mention.

I know it looks like no one is listening but in members section there are threads running discussing many of the issues you raise . It also highlights the members only threads where THEY have asked for action to be taken. The changes are in response those raised concerns and the members perception of it all.

We all elected the Committee to run the club and a manifesto was issued from those running for Chairman and those promises are coming true.

The benefit / disadvantage of the changes are subjective at the moment , always are in politics .Proof will be forthcoming as to which view is correct but even that can be viewed differently simply by feeling that the quantity was / isn't worth the method.

Meanwhile there will be a number of guests who do not wish to join who will be looking for a new home. I've yet to see anyone taking up that challenge and provide what they are obviously not finding here .

Personally I don't want to see guests joining up simply to use the forum , I'd like to see them joining because they feel the NSRA now represents what they want now that the criteria is laid down in black and white.

By the way I know the pre 72 thing always confuses those who used to the American NSRA and American history. It is simply the way the scene developed in this country .

[langysrodshop]

Tony i keep seeing people say its about the money, this is completely wrong and grossly in accurate, its about the club keeping its direction.



I keep coming back because I like it here.
I disagree with the money fixation of the forum,but all the time I can participate, I will.
Gods teeth, you make it hard though. I even have to get inventive with my expletives on here. Thats not a sentence I throw about lightly these days.

Hang about, havn't I quit already?

23 to go.

[plumpcars]

If it's just about the club losing direction why then could the changes not be just to the criteria rather than to restricting guests as well. The reinforcement of the criteria and full committee backing for the mods to enforce those criteria would have overcome that issue.
The restricting of guests has nothing to do with the club keeping its direction.

[dutchrod]

quote:
What could the NSRA do to tempt you into joining as a member or whats stopping you from joining up ???

i do live in the netherlands, thats one reason not to join right away.
secondly, we dont have those easy ways of getting a rod streetlegal, so im gonna build a "hotrod" the lancelot link way by putting a ford roadster on a beetle pan. meaning the car wont be included in the rules for cars allowed in NSRA.

there are ways of getting rods on streets here, but that means building one, getting it to england, SVA the car and make it streetlegal and registered in england, than re-imoprt to netherlands and have it checked by dutch authorities. not impossible, but expensive. therefor i start building on beetle base hoping to raise cash from it to get me a "real" hotrod.

for those reasons im on here too. i just love hotrods or other custom build cars (aint hotrods customcars too? :D i mean they are all custom build to suit the preferencies and taste of the owner)
learning more bout the history of hotrodding, how they are built, how technical difficulties get solved by some rodders that's why i read the forums. and i hope i can keep on doing just that till i can get me a nice front engined, V8 powered hotrod (although 27 roadster in trackstyle with old flathead 4 banger would even be cooler IMO)

hope i answered the question that the thread is about in proper way without insulting or offending anyone with calling a beetle based car hotrod :)
pascal

[martin]

[QUOTE=dutchrod;223775]quote:
What could the NSRA do to tempt you into joining as a member or whats stopping you from joining up ???

so im gonna build a "hotrod" the lancelot link way by putting a ford roadster on a beetle pan. meaning the car wont be included in the rules for cars allowed in NSRA.

Here we go again, as long as you have an interest in Rods, & the rod your building is in the looks of a rod, i'm assuming a '32 roadster, then it fits right in.

Martin

Hope I've got that right?

Join up, come on in, the waters lovely.

[langysrodshop]

Guests don't get copys of the Gasser only members. Although as you supplied a cover pic if you had asked i'm sure you would have been given one.



I've asked the self same thing a few times. Forum gets updated and nothing changes on the front page. How much do I save on the entry price at shows? I was told this information was in the Gasser... don't remember getting a copy even when I provided the cover picture for free...


I've been a forum member since 2003. Would have been nice to be told I wasn't welcome then to save writing all those 1200 posts. Sorry if I helped anyone out.

[Nick]

...my main interests are Muscle cars of the pro-touring style...

I'm leaning towards Pro-touring with my Camaro, I can't see how that style would fit in with the NSRA. As stated before though you only need an interest in Hot Rods to be a member not a suitable car.

To be honest the more I read on here the more confused I am about if I want to be a member or not. I started appreciating that the committee had made some decisions but now I'm understanding some of the motivation it's not so impressive. I think I'll wait for the dust to settle first and see what life is like on the other side of the cut off. The main reason to join would be to use the forum, as Kev points out that may not be reason enough :(

The most childish thing I've seen so far is removing the link to an alternative board, committee members are saying why not go somewhere else or set a board yourself but then not allowing people to do just that is just spiteful. It seems that would be an easy way to move on the "undesirables" as we seemed to be referred to (I say we as there is no distinction as to who the troublesome guests are, seemingly anyone with an opinion).

[Nick]

(I say we as there is no distinction as to who the troublesome guests are, seemingly anyone with an opinion).

Although in fairness I would add to this that I don't think Battersea Boys has helped the guests point of view at all.

[langysrodshop]

So if you were having a party at your place and someone put a note on your front door saying there was a better party a few doors away that would be ok ???



I'm leaning towards Pro-touring with my Camaro, I can't see how that style would fit in with the NSRA. As stated before though you only need an interest in Hot Rods to be a member not a suitable car.

To be honest the more I read on here the more confused I am about if I want to be a member or not. I started appreciating that the committee had made some decisions but now I'm understanding some of the motivation it's not so impressive. I think I'll wait for the dust to settle first and see what life is like on the other side of the cut off. The main reason to join would be to use the forum, as Kev points out that may not be reason enough :(

The most childish thing I've seen so far is removing the link to an alternative board, committee members are saying why not go somewhere else or set a board yourself but then not allowing people to do just that is just spiteful. It seems that would be an easy way to move on the "undesirables" as we seemed to be referred to (I say we as there is no distinction as to who the troublesome guests are, seemingly anyone with an opinion).

[Nick]

So if you were having a party at your place and someone put a note on your front door saying there was a better party a few doors away that would be ok ???

If they were people I didn't want at my party, yes! :D

[vince-305]

Although in fairness I would add to this that I don't think Battersea Boys has helped the guests point of view at all.

Nick their just passionate about the hobbie and i do agree with the fact that some have been abnoxious and rude BUT so have some of the members :o

:)

Please ignore this comment it sounds like a playground thing

[farncombe pop]

To be honest the more I read on here the more confused I am about if I . It seems that would be an easy way to move on the "undesirables" as we seemed to be referred to (I say we as there is no distinction as to who the troublesome guests are, seemingly anyone with an opinion).
Nick, the " undesirables" are the guests that state NSRA members are *****oles, and the NSRA just want your money not you! how wrong can someone be?

[langysrodshop]

I know its very boring to repeat this but nobody is saying the guests are not wanted, I very highly value the guest input myself.



If they were people I didn't want at my party, yes! :D

[langysrodshop]

Paul i don't exactly like being reffered to as an *****ole just because i'm a member of the best hotrod club in the U.K.

I would ask what has that person done for the U.K. scene ??? They weren't the only people there way back in the early 70's as we were all there doing our bit with highly modified cars not stock yanks. It seems strange but i can't remember seeing them at any NSRA event for donkeys years if ever ???



Nick, the " undesirables" are the guests that state NSRA members are *****oles, and the NSRA just want your money not you! how wrong can someone be?

[RoddingRitch]

I'm confused.:confused: The whole thread keeps changing!

I'm a new member (joined feb for the first time) and i'm talking on behalf of guests. i have not used members areas (apart from move my project from guest to member rides).

Simple, why did i join? because i love hotrods/classic cars. i'm only gonna visit 2/3 shows this year without my 51 pickup as its stuck in the garage![xx(] which means i dont need the insurance, i was also unaware of discounts, this has to be explained more on your homepage! so what do i save? about a tenner! i get some mags aswell! A free T-shirt would be cool!

Also my mate has just joined the forum, he doesnt own an old car/rod, although would like to soon! he would now need to use the forum to chat to people, find a car, understand whats what and all that jazz. He too will also visit 2/3 shows this year but £30 doesnt justify joining at the moment! We all know moneys tight at the mo!!

Good you have got online joining and rolling membership now!
How about full membership including show discounts, insurance scheme, parts discounts, magazines the forum and a free T-shirt!? £30
Then half membership which would get show discounts, your magazines and use of the forum! no T-shirt though! £15

The forum wouldnt have such a divide and you'd get more visitors to the shows too! what do you think?

[farncombe pop]

I'm confused.:confused: The whole thread keeps changing!

I'm a new member (joined feb for the first time) and i'm talking on behalf of guests. i have not used members areas (apart from move my project from guest to member rides).

Simple, why did i join? because i love hotrods/classic cars. i'm only gonna visit 2/3 shows this year without my 51 pickup as its stuck in the garage![xx(] which means i dont need the insurance, i was also unaware of discounts, this has to be explained more on your homepage! so what do i save? about a tenner! i get some mags aswell! A free T-shirt would be cool!

Also my mate has just joined the forum, he doesnt own an old car/rod, although would like to soon! he would now need to use the forum to chat to people, find a car, understand whats what and all that jazz. He too will also visit 2/3 shows this year but £30 doesnt justify joining at the moment! We all know moneys tight at the mo!!

Good you have got online joining and rolling membership now!
How about full membership including show discounts, insurance scheme, parts discounts, magazines the forum and a free T-shirt!? £30
Then half membership which would get show discounts, your magazines and use of the forum! no T-shirt though! £15

The forum wouldnt have such a divide and you'd get more visitors to the shows too! what do you think?
If your mate is looking for a rod to buy i would say that would very much justify £30 for joining! your/he is looking at just the forum when you should look at the bigger picture ;) the NSRA is helping to keep hotrods on the road along with ACE, there is sooooooo much more to the NSRA than just this place ;):):)

[chaley]

I know its very boring to repeat this but nobody is saying the guests are not wanted, I very highly value the guest input myself.

Ditto:D
Chaley

[RoddingRitch]

You have got online joining and rolling membership now! Well done!

How about full membership including show discounts, insurance scheme, parts discounts, magazines the forum and a free T-shirt!? £30

Then half membership which would get show discounts, your magazines and use of the forum! no T-shirt though! £15

The forum wouldnt have such a divide and you'd get more visitors to the shows too! what do you think???????

[Hot Rod Widow]

You have got online joining and rolling membership now! Well done!

How about full membership including show discounts, insurance scheme, parts discounts, magazines the forum and a free T-shirt!? £30

Then half membership which would get show discounts, your magazines and use of the forum! no T-shirt though! £15

The forum wouldnt have such a divide and you'd get more visitors to the shows too! what do you think???????


I would have thought that the £30 as it is now would not allow a margin to give away a t shirt and who would volunteer to pack them all up and what about the different sizes not alone men and womens... of course once again just my opinion.

[Mark Harrison]

I am just getting back into the "scene" after some considerable time away,and have found the forum invaluable.It's an amazing resource,and was the main reason for me wishing to join.As a matter of principle,I won't join if the input of guests in restricted as stated,but thats my choice(extremely damaging not only for the N.S.R.A.,but for the rodding scene in general) .However,I'll put my money where my mouth is and join if this is changed.Lots of people on this forum seem to have forgotten why we are here,OUR LOVE OF HOT RODS.Frankly,I hate to think where this is all leading.The debate(?) on the other thread just turned into one big cat fight, the genuine constructive posts(from both side of the argument) possibly being lost in the middle.If things cant be changed I wont be joining but,sincerely wish the N.H.R.A. all the best for the future.I would urge those that have not read Kev's(kapri) post,BOYCOTT,to read it.It maybe a wake up call to all involved.Well done,Kev.Sorry to go off track a bit ,Steve but the other thread is closed.Regards,Mark.

[RoddingRitch]

I would have thought that the £30 as it is now would not allow a margin to give away a t shirt and who would volunteer to pack them all up and what about the different sizes not alone men and womens... of course once again just my opinion.

True! could send a voucher through the post and pick up your T-shirt at a stall at one of the shows? maybe! and the cost i aint got a clue, but cant be more than 3 or 4 quid in bulk surely! i might be way off though.

Also set up the donation(paypal) for the forum, its works, it may not be a lot but its something for nothing.

[Flat Ernie]

Just to say that if you go back to the original announcements on all this it mentions that a new website will be launched at the same time that deals with the issues re 'presentation' that you mention.
Would it not have been better to update the page first?


If it's just about the club losing direction why then could the changes not be just to the criteria rather than to restricting guests as well. The reinforcement of the criteria and full committee backing for the mods to enforce those criteria would have overcome that issue.
The restricting of guests has nothing to do with the club keeping its direction.
Hear! Hear!


How much do I save on the entry price at shows? I was told this information was in the Gasser...
Precisely, Phil.


Here we go again, as long as you have an interest in Rods, & the rod your building is in the looks of a rod, i'm assuming a '32 roadster, then it fits right in.
You did catch the part about him living in the Netherlands, right? :rolleyes:


So if you were having a party at your place and someone put a note on your front door saying there was a better party a few doors away that would be ok ???

If they were people I didn't want at my party, yes! :D
Touche!


Nick, the " undesirables" are the guests that state NSRA members are *****oles, and the NSRA just want your money not you! how wrong can someone be?
You will understand how some get that impression though, won't you? I mean, there's now been a load of posts from members and committee stating that guests have been freeloading a long time & it's now time to sh*t or get off the pot. It looks like a badly designed membership drive.


I know its very boring to repeat this but nobody is saying the guests are not wanted, I very highly value the guest input myself.
Then why kick guests out? Why gag them after 25 posts? Why tell them to pay up or get out? It's not very welcoming.


I would ask what has that person done for the U.K. scene ??? They weren't the only people there way back in the early 70's as we were all there doing our bit with highly modified cars not stock yanks. It seems strange but i can't remember seeing them at any NSRA event for donkeys years if ever ???
Presence does not justify superiority. It sounds quite school-ground-ish as well.



Simple, why did i join? because i love hotrods/classic cars. i'm only gonna visit 2/3 shows this year without my 51 pickup as its stuck in the garage![xx(] which means i dont need the insurance, i was also unaware of discounts, this has to be explained more on your homepage! so what do i save? about a tenner! i get some mags aswell! A free T-shirt would be cool!
Yes, the homepage is horribly outdated, IMO.


If your mate is looking for a rod to buy i would say that would very much justify £30 for joining! your/he is looking at just the forum when you should look at the bigger picture ;) the NSRA is helping to keep hotrods on the road along with ACE, there is sooooooo much more to the NSRA than just this place ;):):)
Put it on the homepage. No where does it say this is what you do or who you are. You tell people to come to the forum & find out what we're about, then act surprised when folks think you run a forum.

[Nick]

I know its very boring to repeat this but nobody is saying the guests are not wanted, I very highly value the guest input myself.

OK so let's explore your party analogy. This is a party that no one was invited (people just show up), so it's more like a bar. You've decided in your bar that you only want people to drink wine and wear black shirts. If someone turns up wearing a red shirt wanting a beer would it not be better to say sorry, we only let people in red shirts drink here and we only serve wine, BUT there is a place where red shirts are cool down the road that serves great beer. It makes you a better landlord does it not. Chances are you then get the other bar sending people your way too.

[Nick]

Anyhoo, I've decided to get off the fence and make a decision.

It seems I'd better open a bottle of Chatauneuf Du Pape and iron my black shirt, I'm in. I hope I can offer something to the club, I've been exchanging emails with Nick about supplying some photos for the Gasser.

[Doug]

Would it not have been better to update the page first?


Hear! Hear!


Precisely, Phil.


You did catch the part about him living in the Netherlands, right? :rolleyes:



Touche!


You will understand how some get that impression though, won't you? I mean, there's now been a load of posts from members and committee stating that guests have been freeloading a long time & it's now time to sh*t or get off the pot. It looks like a badly designed membership drive.


Then why kick guests out? Why gag them after 25 posts? Why tell them to pay up or get out? It's not very welcoming.


Presence does not justify superiority. It sounds quite school-ground-ish as well.


Yes, the homepage is horribly outdated, IMO.


Put it on the homepage. No where does it say this is what you do or who you are. You tell people to come to the forum & find out what we're about, then act surprised when folks think you run a forum.

Ernie - Just so you know, there is someone working on updating the rest of the website at the moment but as you can appreciate, these things take time. The committee appears to have a lot to do just now; please can you go easy on the hourly website seminars?
Thanks. ;)

[artiboy69]

I'm enjoying them, myself. Good work, Ernie!

[Russ Gaylord Fontana]

If anyone seems to be putting some effort into this discussion it's Ernie, I think the sensible reasoned points he has so far made puts alot of us to shame.
Keep it up!!!!!

[mikeyboy]

What benefit do I have being a member if I live in the USA? other than posting.

[mikeyboy]

say a guest posts an item forsale before trying ebay or pistonheads etc all forum users get the heads up before its in the mainstream. There have been many great deals on the Hamb and I,m sure on here due to this, make it members only and that elusive 41 willys might go somewhere else!..............

I really don,t understand why a very small element keep driving this membership bs on it is really tiresome and non productive ........

Not only that,you can get info from the States by the overseas guests.

[scottie]

Call me stupid , but I've just been looking for a section that outlines the advantages of being a member ie how much I'd save on entrance fees , the insurance and other discounts ? Please point me in the right direction . Sorry to waste anyones time by just being stupid/lazy or just plain blind. :eek:

steve

i joined the nsra years ago, before i built my first rod, years before i went to an NSRA event, before the internet/forum because i was into rods and wanted to be a member of the NSRA

saving money, getting discounts never even crossed my mind

[sk8erdave]

To answer Langy's original question - why don't I join?

Largely because every time this question arises, out come the bully-boy tactics. I know that's strong language but sorry, it's the truth.

All the way through this thread, the overwhelming attitude is that I should be a member of the NSRA because...well, I just should OK? There has been very little discussion of any benefits of being a member, just lots of folk trying to make me feel guilty for using a forum that's offered for free.

So - why am I not going to join? Why would I? Much as I like rods, I really love Kustoms, so rather than join the National STREET ROD Association, I joined UK KUSTOMS.

I don't use the NSRA insurance and probably won't - I can get it cheaper with my existing insurer.
The reduced cost of entry to shows won't cover the cost of membership - I pay in the region of £150 to trade at each show I go to and am then told that if my Wife wants to put her car on the showfield with a shownumber, I'll have to pay more.
I really don't need a sticker, or a tax disc holder or a membership card thanks.
I don't rely on this forum to meet people and make friends - I go to shows and talk to folk. I try my damndest to help people out where I can and I really don't care what clubs they are members of. I do however use this forum to keep in touch with those folk.

I won't be made to feel guilty for not 'putting something back' when I am Chairman of the UK Kustoms and run a rod / kustom related business. Do I put in an equal amout to what I get out? Just give me a call next time you buy something on e-bay that's in Cornwall and ask me if I can help with collection. Drop me a mail or ask me at a show about how your Son or Daughter can get into striping. There are many more ways to contribute than just financially.

Why am I not a member of the NSRA? Because I don't want to be, thanks all the same. Do I keep asking you all why you are not members of the UKK?

well said tootall.

in answer to the question, i won't be joining because for a start my car is a cal look bug, hopefully be on the road sometime soon. I'd love a rod as iv'e grown up with them, my dad has a 57 ford, but finances won't allow.Plus my car doesn't fit the criterea
iv'e just turned 20, not long started my new job, and im tryin to save money for my holiday too.

Like tootall said, there seems to be bullying. I see it when you dont agree with what certain people say on this forum.
I usually dont reply to "political" topics, but its getting stupid now.
Like people have said, but not in these words, its quite entertaining to come on here sometimes.

The model build off IMHO was the only time ive been on the forum, and felt it to be a friendly place, not full of bitching, slaging off, back stabbing etc

[58impala]

Well I'm 95% there, the only thing stopping me is this cut off date! & what's allowed and what isn't and why 1972? What is the signifigance of that year? There are so many great cars being built out there, some of which fall out of this new criteria..eg that really good MK4 Cortina Estate being built. (I'm sure many of your members have also been watching this thread to see how it's being done! ) You have a section for POP's, why not one for 32's/34's or other types. I'm pretty sure there are POP boys who aren't into 32's and vice versa. Most of us like all these types of cars and want to see them all, but how long will it be before the next set of rules excludes yet another category of car? Variety is the spice of life and at the moment you still have that. I just need that 5% assurance before I sign the line. Thanks :o

[Alcoholic Rat]

1972 was the year set along time ago and coincides with the Insurance cutoff Gary. see link below.

http://www.nsra.org.uk/history.htm

Oh and the vehicle criteria is now set and will certainly not be changed by the present committee.


Dazz

[Steve Foreman]

steve

i joined the nsra years ago, before i built my first rod, years before i went to an NSRA event, before the internet/forum because i was into rods and wanted to be a member of the NSRA

saving money, getting discounts never even crossed my mind


original message deleted so as not to offend anyone else .

[Lwlandy]

I just saw this thread and have not read through all the pages so apologise if repeating but thought I would just add my own experience.

I was going to join last year, or was it 2 years back. Anyway it was in the summer and I mailed the then admins and asked what I would get for membership and also asked if the membership fees would be charged pro rata as I was not keen on paying a years membership for 5 months and was simply sent a mail stating the membership was from Jan.

I thought to myself, oh, well I will wait until Next Jan then, then when it came to remembering and it was already March, I decided to give it a miss until next year. You see where I am going with this.

I really think rolling membership or pro rata joining fees would be a big start to getting new blood to join.

[kapri]

Memebership IS now rolling and online joining ( if you still want to ) ..all on the front page of the website not forum.

[Doug]

Memebership IS now rolling and online joining ( if you still want to ) ..all on the front page of the website not forum.

...and very much in use! :)

[little green]

:)
First of all, I've got a lot of admiration for some of the posters here, members and guests.
I've been, and will continue to go along to NRSA events.
I won't become a member though, it's close to price of entrance for an event I wouldn't otherwise be able to go to. I'd rather go to places, see stuff and meet people, than join. That's one reason.
The other one, to be honest, is that I've not particularly felt a sense of general welcome (though there's been some very pleasant particular welcomes).
I've given my opinion on a couple of matters, and whilst I don't expect everyone in the world to agree with me (who would?), the unpleasantness of some posters has reminded me of playground bullies. One particular instance some time ago was from a member as I recall.
Jesting and playfulness is fine, and I'm old enough and wise enough to know the difference between that and nastiness.
And if I was in the position to go to meetings and join, then I wouldn't want to pay money to have my opinion slapped down out of hand, to be honest.
And rightly or wrongly I've always felt that the Members' Only Forum was the place at least some people went to gossip about guests. Not the place I'd like to be seen in, I'm afraid.

Thanks for reading :)

[Flat Ernie]

Ernie - Just so you know, there is someone working on updating the rest of the website at the moment but as you can appreciate, these things take time.
No doubt they take time. Given the magnitude of impending changes, just seems it would've been much better to have the new one up prior, but that's just a perception management issue...


The committee appears to have a lot to do just now; please can you go easy on the hourly website seminars?
Thanks. ;)
Too much logic and reason at once, then I take it. :D Or is it my rude American way that grates on you? :D

Besides, a seminar requires participation from all parties - I was lecturing you! :D:D:D Mainly because I'm a Yank and like to hear myself talk. :D:D:D

However, for the statisticians out there, of the 330 replies, I've made #236, 247, 266, 284, 286, 287, 312, and this one - 8 (actually, 286 & 287 were really one long post, but...) or 2.4%. And with the exception of 286/287, there were several hours between them.

I type about 90wpm, so you get a bit more for your dollar... :D ...wouldn't want to short-change you.

Actually surprised this thread isn't locked like the other "discussion" thread. Especially since there is really nothing to discuss, apparently.

To the original topic, you've addressed the most glaring and immediate challenges I saw. I'll await the new website to see if enough has changed to sway anything thoughts/perceptions...

Can you tell us what all a fully paid up membership entitles one to? Since it's not on the current website. And as far as discounts on entry to NSRA events, can you show us what those are?

Thank you

[Flat Ernie]

As it's been more than an hour, I feel the need to post again. ;) :D

Was searching the main site for more info - ie: something that defines who the NSRA are & what they do for the hobby. To be honest, I can't find hardly anything. There is the lone editorial linked from the front page here:

http://www.nsra.org.uk/editorial13.htm

Which appears to be quite dated. To quote Eddie Murphy, "What have you done for me lately?" What are the current endeavors the NSRA have undertaken to improve the hobby? What current legislation are you doing battle with DVLA over? How are you helping me to enjoy my hobby and how are you safeguarding it for the future? If I've missed it somewhere, I apologise, but I cannot find it.

Again reviewing the History page, I can find nothing to indicate the club is here to protect the hobby. A few short anecdotes about early days, early members, the first Billing run, and that's about it. Doesn't say how the club evolved into the preeminent club doing battle with government ninnies over silly motoring legislation at all.

So what are the club doing these days? I ask only to find out what it is I'm being asked to support as there's a dearth of info anywhere online (and that's not necessarily a dig).

[plumpcars]

Ernie I'm not taking sides here(Although I'm not in favour of all of the changes) but it has been agreed for some time that the website is in need of a huge facelift. I believe that this is coming in a couple of weeks time as announced elsewhere.
I'm guessing that when the new committee came on board they decided upon a total revamp rather than a few quick fixes.

[vince-305]

As it's been more than an hour, I feel the need to post again. ;) :D

Was searching the main site for more info - ie: something that defines who the NSRA are & what they do for the hobby. To be honest, I can't find hardly anything. There is the lone editorial linked from the front page here:

http://www.nsra.org.uk/editorial13.htm

Which appears to be quite dated. To quote Eddie Murphy, "What have you done for me lately?" What are the current endeavors the NSRA have undertaken to improve the hobby? What current legislation are you doing battle with DVLA over? How are you helping me to enjoy my hobby and how are you safeguarding it for the future? If I've missed it somewhere, I apologise, but I cannot find it.

Again reviewing the History page, I can find nothing to indicate the club is here to protect the hobby. A few short anecdotes about early days, early members, the first Billing run, and that's about it. Doesn't say how the club evolved into the preeminent club doing battle with government ninnies over silly motoring legislation at all.

So what are the club doing these days? I ask only to find out what it is I'm being asked to support as there's a dearth of info anywhere online (and that's not necessarily a dig).

Hi Ernie

They support A.C.E m8 and have got to be one of the biggest contributers to help safe gauard and fight for our side but i personaly dont think that in this situation it should be used as a bargening tool

[weemark]

:)
And rightly or wrongly I've always felt that the Members' Only Forum was the place at least some people went to gossip about guests. Thanks for reading :)

Pam I can assure you you are wrong - its not used to gossip about guests - its used for questions about the club and various other sensitive issues that might be OT for an open forum.

[vince-305]

I of sain mind do have a couple of question's concerning the membership

If single membership for £30 covers 1 adult (and 1 guest at shows i presume)

A joint membership of £40 covers 2 adults and children under 17

How many shows do you have where you have to pay for children under 17

And lets say for example your spose enjoys the shows but doesnt actually have a car (or one on the road) and you have a broken tv and ended up with 4 kids (that are all under 13) then surely the £30 membership covers said family

No i havent said i wont (or will)

ALSO

It would be nice if you showed the bennefits of joining before you actually joined for example

I want to be rebuildin my engine (as you all know) but it would be no good me getting a discount for a hair cut if a hair cut is not what i need for my engine

(ive read you get discounts but for whom)

I think this might go a long way to get some of the others to join if they knew, not every one knows someone whos pregnant....... opps i mean in the club :eek: :D

[langysrodshop]

You have lost me there i'm afraid ???



I know.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/hotrodfil/hotrod%20bitz/spindles.jpg

[Doug]

Oh good. And if any guests come up with any more constructive solutions can we post them in the for sale section? For say £30 a pop?

I'm glad front of shop is getting sorted anyway.

Are you suggesting that these changes were put in place because of guests' suggestions? :eek:.

Any future suggestions can be sent to the committee whose contact details are on the website :cool:.

[Doug]

... Or is it my rude American way that grates on you? :D



You must be a ****ing nighmare in a supermarket "Get the manager - these shelves are stacked all wrong - what you thinkin about? - get your merchandisin manual and start again... and a packet of biscuits please" ;)

[LimeyHotRodGirl]

You must be a *flip*ing nighmare in a supermarket "Get the manager - these shelves are stacked all wrong - what you thinkin about? - get your merchandisin manual and start again... and a packet of biscuits please" ;)

LOL - your wicked!!

Doug, its a good job I know you :-)

Ali

[pauline als diner]

at the mo money is very tight so trying to work it out so i can do it. was planing on doing it this week but have manged to find a engine for my car and have had to pay for that so broke again:o

[vince-305]

Are you suggesting that these changes were put in place because of guests' suggestions? :eek:.

Any future suggestions can be sent to the committee whose contact details are on the website :cool:.

Hey Doug

I have had a look at the contact details for the committe but all I can see is phone numbers (proberly my lack of pc knowledge) but could i have their email addy please

Just in case i have an idea

[Alcoholic Rat]

You could always PM us Vince.;)


Dazz

[vince-305]

Will pm's still be available to Guests that are no longer able to post

:)

PM's seem long winded when i wright em Dazz

[Roadster RR]

Regarding membership of the NSRA,

My concerns were always the cost, for the two of us £60 to continue
using this excellent forum.

Klunk very kindly helped me out on this one, he said that you can have a family membership which will cost £40. and he also said that both mine and my son (kidmorris) aged 15 could still use our own individual registered user names , (as we are now,) if we join the Nsra as a family. Can you confirm this..
and how would we go about it using the online membership form (for both of us) and making sure we keep our individual status on the forum. Thanks RR.:)

I have posted this on here, just in case anyone else in the same situation.

[Doug]

Regarding membership of the NSRA,

My concerns were always the cost, for the two of us £60 to continue
using this excellent forum.

Klunk very kindly helped me out on this one, he said that you can have a family membership which will cost £40. and he also said that both mine and my son (kidmorris) aged 15 could still use our own individual registered user names , (as we are now,) if we join the Nsra as a family. Can you confirm this..
and how would we go about it using the online membership form (for both of us) and making sure we keep our individual status on the forum. Thanks RR.:)

I have posted this on here, just in case anyone else in the same situation.

No probs - join as family membership then send me a PM when you've done it and I will sort out you both having MEMBER status. :)

[Alcoholic Rat]

Will pm's still be available to Guests that are no longer able to post

:)

They seem long winded when i right em Dazz


Good point , go to the front of the class.

heres one to use

chair@nsra.org.uk

[Roadster RR]

No probs - join as family membership then send me a PM when you've done it and I will sort out you both having MEMBER status. :)

:cool:Thankyou Doug, will do. RR.

[Doug]

Nope. I'm suggesting that a number of people when asked said there reason for not joining was the lack of rolling membership and a method for doing it online. I guess they would have been guests/lapsed members at that time?

Online joining was suggested (and agreed by then committee) a number of years ago, long before the threads asking why.

(Then there was a 'slight' delay before we eventually got the go-ahead to do it.)

Rolling membership was a decision of the current committee in response to requests.

[Doug]

:cool:Thankyou Doug, will do. RR.

Sorted.

[Roadster RR]

sorted.

thanks.:d

[Mart]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kapri View Post
Memebership IS now rolling and online joining ( if you still want to ) ..all on the front page of the website not forum.


...and very much in use! :)


Doug, I aint got an axe to grind but I just scanned through the "who'd pay for forum access" post and of all the 40-odd who said they would pay for forum access only 1 is now a member.

From your comment I sort of assumed a massive swing from those who just wanted forum access into full membership. I just realised that 1 in 40-odd isn't really a massive swing.

I dare say the online signup has been in use and I'm pleased it has, but those people seem to be those that would join anyway and just needed a nudge to do it now rather than later.

Mart.

[farncombe pop]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kapri View Post
Memebership IS now rolling and online joining ( if you still want to ) ..all on the front page of the website not forum.




Doug, I aint got an axe to grind but I just scanned through the "who'd pay for forum access" post and of all the 40-odd who said they would pay for forum access only 1 is now a member.

From your comment I sort of assumed a massive swing from those who just wanted forum access into full membership. I just realised that 1 in 40-odd isn't really a massive swing.

I dare say the online signup has been in use and I'm pleased it has, but those people seem to be those that would join anyway and just needed a nudge to do it now rather than later.

Mart.Hi Mart, there is a thread going in the members section where new members are being welcomed, i think the main thing is these people have seen there's alot more to the club than just the use of the forum ;)

[302zeph]

Been doing the Hot rod custom thing for years ,bought Street Machine and Custom Car for years,building and modifying older cars and never once thought of joining the NASC or The NSRA.
Have attended The Nationals every year since 87(missed 3)Billing most years but again never had the urge to sign up But over the past year i really have enjoyed going on this forum and reading posts in all sections and as a Guest when things change I shall have to join as I dont want to be limited to 25 posts only.
Loads of great people on here ,good Tech info and a willing to help each other ,,,,,,,,Funny it has been the forum that has made me interested in the NSRA and as you have pointed out some of the membership money pays for the forum so If I Want to continue using the forum I shall join up
Thank you Andy
And thank you to Kev and a few others on here who have helped me with some Questions

[Dig these feet]

I must admit that I've never really been bothered about joining the NSRA. I already pay to belong to the Moto Guzzi Owners Club and the Cresta Owners Club, mainly for spare parts, and to the Motorcycle Action Group because it has campaigned effectively to protect bikers' right. Didn't much like the idea of forking out another 30 quid to use the NSRA forum.

However, thinking about it, since I started using the forum last November, I've met some good people, had some sound tech advice and sourced some useful parts. I guess that's worth the money in itself. If I also get a magazine from time to time and a discount on NSRA events, well, so much the better.

It's much better now that NSRA offers rolling annual membership. In fact, I'll sign up right now.

[vince-305]

1972 was the year set along time ago and coincides with

The year i was born !!!

(So not that long ago)

And feels like the year i posted a couple of questions to which ive had no reply :eek:

[cabby]

The year i was born !!!

(So not that long ago)

And feels like the year i posted a couple of questions to which ive had no reply :eek:

Which questions Vin??

[Fbiiburton]

If i had to pay to use the forum?

No, i'd be gone.


I have in the past made donations to forums i frequent alot to help out though.


Theres a bit of a circle of problems.

The way the forum is seems to offend the paid up members. The paid up members comments seem to offend the guests.
This gives the forum a bad feel at times which makes the guests even less likely to want to pay up to join, which offends the paid up members.

Banner adds are used to fund all the other forums i use and they cause no distraction at all and provide all the funding needed to run the forum.

If the NSRA wants to attract more paid up members then the bad atmosphere that frequents the board now and then needs to be stamped out. Then, maybe the guests would feel more comfortable and less pressured and would feel like they WANT to join.

I think the NSRA needs to take action to renew its reputation then people may want to pay up.


Thats just how i see the situation from an outsiders point of view. An observer as it were.


Ive just popped on and only read to page 7 but 49 is spot on. I would imagine there are other threads around by now talking about it more . It seems if i dont join im a parasite lol i just have a read of the forum ask a few questions thats all . No shows /magazines/parts/pop is not on the road yet . Another reason i wont join is because i see to much bitching on here im new to the scene but not the vw scene and forums where i have 1000's of posts. Im never asked to pay a penny!!!! but funny enough ive paid a lot and organised parties to help fund it. I also rarely see arguments on there. Why? Because theres never a divide . I guess ill be shot down now. Was just my thoughts

[vince-305]

Which questions Vin??

I know and understand that these are busy times and im not one for kicking up the stench of used gear oil but post 336 (did have a committee member researching)

:D

[cabby]

On behalf of Vince-305

I of sain mind do have a couple of question's concerning the membership

If single membership for £30 covers 1 adult (and 1 guest at shows i presume)

A joint membership of £40 covers 2 adults and children under 17

How many shows do you have where you have to pay for children under 17

And lets say for example your spose enjoys the shows but doesnt actually have a car (or one on the road) and you have a broken tv and ended up with 4 kids (that are all under 13) then surely the £30 membership covers said family

No i havent said i wont (or will)

ALSO

It would be nice if you showed the bennefits of joining before you actually joined for example

I want to be rebuildin my engine (as you all know) but it would be no good me getting a discount for a hair cut if a hair cut is not what i need for my engine

(ive read you get discounts but for whom)

I think this might go a long way to get some of the others to join if they knew, not every one knows someone whos pregnant....... opps i mean in the club :eek: :D

[Flat Ernie]

ALSO

It would be nice if you showed the bennefits of joining before you actually joined for example

I want to be rebuildin my engine (as you all know) but it would be no good me getting a discount for a hair cut if a hair cut is not what i need for my engine

(ive read you get discounts but for whom)



My point exactly - no mention really of what you get for your 30 smackers.

Among the benefits of membership are six copies of Street Gasser magazine, reduced entry fee to the NSRA events, the best street rod events in the UK Membership Secretary:
Apparently there's a membership secretary with the best street rod events inside him!


They support A.C.E m8 and have got to be one of the biggest contributers to help safe gauard and fight for our side but i personaly dont think that in this situation it should be used as a bargening tool

How? Where? When? Went to the ACE site and didn't really see anything about NSRA activity - only that they were "active". Doing what? What impending legislation have they defeated? What MP have they won over to our side?

Not trying to be obtuse, just see a lot of big talk about how great it is to be a member, but no tangible reasons why. I'm returning to the UK next month - convince me I need to be a member.


You must be a *flip*ing nighmare in a supermarket "Get the manager - these shelves are stacked all wrong - what you thinkin about? - get your merchandisin manual and start again... and a packet of biscuits please" ;)
Naw, me wife does the shopping. I'm pampered and catered to in all aspects of my life....so I can have the time & luxury to sit and point out others' flaws. :D ...of which, seems to be taking a lot of my time here! :D

Oh, and my post count is far too high - I went back and actually looked at my posts - I've only about 50 or 60...shows me with several hundred. If I'm to be banned for my post count as a guest, would like it to be accurate! :D

[Doug]

....

Oh, and my post count is far too high - I went back and actually looked at my posts - I've only about 50 or 60...shows me with several hundred. If I'm to be banned for my post count as a guest, would like it to be accurate! :D

I would imagine your 50 or 60 are since November 2007 when we switched from the old to the new forum - your join date is 2003 so the others were presumably on the old one. But you knew that didn't you? :rolleyes:

[vince-305]

I would imagine your 50 or 60 are since November 2007 when we switched from the old to the new forum - your join date is 2003 so the others were presumably on the old one. But you knew that didn't you? :rolleyes:

A guest since 2003 !!!!

Now thats what i call a test drive :eek: :D lol

[1960Zody]

How? Where? When? Went to the ACE site and didn't really see anything about NSRA activity - only that they were "active". Doing what? What impending legislation have they defeated? What MP have they won over to our side?


Just going to make one statement here and leave it at that.
At the present time ACE is nowhere near large enough to be 'Defeating legislation' as you say.
We are a campaining group not a political lobbying organisation.
The remit at present is to 'Get the word spread' regarding legislation and attempt to unite car enthusiasts under the same banner.

The website has been running for just over a year and you will notice that we are recognised widely and, in fact we have gained a lot of credibility in that time.

So far as I can tell we are one of only two sites that Edmund King, President of the AA, responded to regarding the news report.
The other was Pistonheads.

I can see whare you are coming from in terms of your comments regarding this forum Ernie, but don't get into slagging off organisations you clearly have no knowledge of.

If you want to know more about our current direction and plans feel free to contact myself or any member of the Admin Team directly.

rgds
Steve Wallace
The Ace Team

[kapri]

Actually ,back then, you pinned a note to a tree and waited ...and waited ...and wai....

[Banger]

Just going to make one statement here and leave it at that.
At the present time ACE is nowhere near large enough to be 'Defeating legislation' as you say.
We are a campaining group not a political lobbying organisation.
The remit at present is to 'Get the word spread' regarding legislation and attempt to unite car enthusiasts under the same banner.

The website has been running for just over a year and you will notice that we are recognised widely and, in fact we have gained a lot of credibility in that time.

So far as I can tell we are one of only two sites that Edmund King, President of the AA, responded to regarding the news report.
The other was Pistonheads.

I can see whare you are coming from in terms of your comments regarding this forum Ernie, but don't get into slagging off organisations you clearly have no knowledge of.

If you want to know more about our current direction and plans feel free to contact myself or any member of the Admin Team directly.

rgds
Steve Wallace
The Ace Team

I think you'll find Ernie's post was directed at the lack of information from the NSRA not ACE. Don't think he was slagging anyone off either, just asking a question, that's all.

[Banger]

Yup. Same here. Of course back then, when the world was black and white, we were all just forum members....

I remember when this was all fields.

[vince-305]

Actually ,back then, you pinned a note to a tree and waited ...and waited ...and wai....

I didnt know they had pc's way back then :eek:

lol

[willip]

This is a genuine question and please keep it constructive.

What could the NSRA do to tempt you into joining as a member or whats stopping you from joining up ???


In all fairness, nowt apart from waiting for a pay cheque!
will

[vince-305]

18



No not a random number (im not as good as Kev) this one has meaning :confused:

[Flat Ernie]

At the present time ACE is nowhere near large enough to be 'Defeating legislation' as you say.
We are a campaining group not a political lobbying organisation.
The remit at present is to 'Get the word spread' regarding legislation and attempt to unite car enthusiasts under the same banner.

The website has been running for just over a year and you will notice that we are recognised widely and, in fact we have gained a lot of credibility in that time.

So far as I can tell we are one of only two sites that Edmund King, President of the AA, responded to regarding the news report.
The other was Pistonheads.

I can see whare you are coming from in terms of your comments regarding this forum Ernie, but don't get into slagging off organisations you clearly have no knowledge of.

Steve - I was, as Neil pointed out, enquiring about NSRA activity, not ACE. I did not spend a copious amount of time evaluating the ACE website, honestly, I was searching it specifically for NSRA activity...I will revisit it in future for a more thorough look-see at ACE in general.

The NSRA have positioned themselves, particularly in terms of joining, as a defender of automotive hobby pursuits - I was merely searching for evidence of such. It's one thing to say, "I agree with you, let us join forces and thwart evil" and quite another to actively engage the "enemy" as it were...

Perhaps you can answer how NSRA supports ACE. People? Monetarily? Active participation (if so, in what?)? etc. You will see that I'm simply trying to find justification for joining the NSRA on my return to the UK.


A guest since 2003 !!!!

Now thats what i call a test drive :eek: :D lol
You will, of course, appreciate that I was formerly a member for much of my time in the UK ('02-06) and have not lived in the UK since Oct '06...no test drive here, really a continuation of a former member that doesn't gain anything from membership currently. However, now that I am returning to the UK for another two years, I'm looking for a good reason to join as I feel I've been made unwelcome. For me, it isn't about the money - I can afford it (especially with the more favourable exchange rate these days). It's about the direction and decisions made...I don't understand them.


I would imagine your 50 or 60 are since November 2007 when we switched from the old to the new forum - your join date is 2003 so the others were presumably on the old one. But you knew that didn't you? :rolleyes:
Yes, but I was a member back then, so surely I shouldn't have been penalized for posts made when I was a member!

[kapri]

There are Committee members of both NSRA and NASC on the ACE team , along with both guests and members from here ,all with other automotive interests as well as Rodding. Both national organisations have placed a £1 levy on events, for the past 4 years ,that is ring fenced for a Legislation Fund . It was decided that the best use of this was to support ACE in its work.

You will not find any specific reference to NSRA other than some links as the idea is that it should be distanced from any one specific genre of car modifying giving a wider view and the ability to deal with any legislative campaigning with a broader interest.

[Flat Ernie]

There are Committee members of both NSRA and NASC on the ACE team , along with both guests and members from here ,all with other automotive interests as well as Rodding. Both national organisations have placed a £1 levy on events, for the past 4 years ,that is ring fenced for a Legislation Fund . It was decided that the best use of this was to support ACE in its work.

You will not find any specific reference to NSRA other than some links as the idea is that it should be distanced from any one specific genre of car modifying giving a wider view and the ability to deal with any legislative campaigning with a broader interest.

Fair enough. And I'm not taking the pi55, but what exactly are the funds going toward? What does the legislation fund do? What do NSRA and ACE actually do? Previous it was stated that goal was to "raise awareness" - How? Where? With whom? What has been done to date?

And if the goal is to have a centralised organisation who are the single mouthpiece for all segments of the hobby (which makes loads of sense, actually), wouldn't individuals be better off supporting them directly? Perhaps slightly rhetorical, but you get the idea.


I'll be honest. I initially joined back in '03 (I think) for the insurance, then was told I wasn't eligible. Ok, fair enough. The following year, I got a family membership as I thought I'd be better off with the discount on event entry and assumed NSRA were working for the hobby (family didn't go to a single event & due to work I missed all but two). I think I let my membership lapse due to forgetting to renew and the lack of a rolling membership back then (by the time I remembered, it was half a year gone), so figured I'd do it the following year, but then was posted back to the states. I certainly wasn't a member for the forum, as it was back then - because it wasn't. It was more of a message board - as someone said, like pinning a note on a tree & hoping someone saw it! The bottom line is, I joined because I thought I would benefit (regardless of whether I actually did or not). So now I'm struggling to find a reason to join.


Certainly with the advent of the new board, an entirely new dynamic has developed online. I'm not sure of the catalyst or root cause, but it has been developing nicely. I initially had trouble logging on with the new board and gave up - tried it again last year when I thought I might be back over and was able to get on. I found a surprisingly vibrant community - a lot like the HAMB of old, actually.

I viewed it as a service the NSRA provided to rodders, not necessarily to members (although I can certainly understand that line of thinking - especially if it starts off that way). So you can understand the shock with the latest announcement that non-paying folks are no longer welcome to contribute their knowledge, wit, or cheer.

I need to read another forum like I need a hole in the head. I spend quite a few hours online in the evenings (and in this case, quite late at night) visiting at minimum eight different sites with at least 16 different forums (two of which I'm a moderator on) along with email, eBay, facebook, newsreader, skype, etc. Nevertheless, I see the closing of the NSRA forum as a loss. I really believe you've got the beginnings of the UK version of the HAMB here; something that could be cultivated into a bigger presence.

And web presence is the new-age branding. There is no better way to reach the younger generation than the web. It's all packaging and marketing, really. Attracting new blood to the hobby is important - will it happen despite the recent turn of events here? Yes. Could things here be used to make that easier? You bet. But it doesn't appear to be the desire of the committee...and that's a shame.

[kapri]

Fair enough. And I'm not taking the pi55, but what exactly are the funds going toward? What does the legislation fund do? What do NSRA and ACE actually do? Previous it was stated that goal was to "raise awareness" - How? Where? With whom? What has been done to date?

What would you do and how would you do it ?

If you can't see what has / is being done by the NSRA ( as opposed to ACE ) then you've missed all the info that has been put on this site over the past 5 years or so ?

If you want to moan about ACE please use the contact details on the ACE website .If you can offer an constructive points of view, please use the contact form at ACE. If you feel you wish to contribute money ,or better still time and effort,please use the contact form at the ACE site.

We are not going to defend it ,or it's work , on this forum... least of all to someone who is only trying to use it to score cheap points on a moot point anyway.

Nothing personal but our commitment to the future of this hobby extends beyond a mere £30.

[kapri]

Re the work of the NSRA I have paperwork here that goes back to 1976 showing the NSRAs involvement in fighting legislation that resulted in the SVA being put in place ( unique in Europe to the best of my knowledge ) that makes the future of rodding as secure as possible. Without their and NASC , input into, and fight against the 1978 Type Approvals regs we simply would not be rodding in this country.

[Doug]

.... I certainly wasn't a member for the forum, as it was back then - because it wasn't. It was more of a message board - as someone said, like pinning a note on a tree & hoping someone saw it! ....

The original Snitz forum (http://www.nsra.org.uk/forum/) ran from June 2003 until November 2007 when the current one was launched.

Prior to that there was a couple of years of 'pin it to a tree' Heath Robinson type of affair.

[BaronVonVVankel]

Re the work of the NSRA I have paperwork here that goes back to 1976 showing the NSRAs involvement in fighting legislation that resulted in the SVA being put in place ( unique in Europe to the best of my knowledge ) that makes the future of rodding as secure as possible. Without their and NASC , input into, and fight against the 1978 Type Approvals regs we simply would not be rodding in this country.

Thats reason enough for joining the NSRA if ever i heard it :)

[BaronVonVVankel]

And if the goal is to have a centralised organisation who are the single mouthpiece for all segments of the hobby (which makes loads of sense, actually), wouldn't individuals be better off supporting them directly?

I doubt that would work, in the Bike world i am a member of MAG which funds FEMA (as does the BMF). I wouldnt want to be a member of the BMF in much the same way as some NSRA members dont wish to be NASC members (and vv). As for FEMA, thats an organisation which seems too far away, to remote for me to deal directly with, even though they do such an important job behind the scenes. If it were left to UK Bikers to donate money directly to FEMA i dont think they would be nearly so well funded. You need organisations like the NSRA which you can connect with, which you feel (hopefully) represents your interests.

[vince-305]

26 ish

:)

[1960Zody]

26 ish

:)


Shock Horror...
Vince decides that his gasser is not really what he wants and reveals the size of the new wheels on this Consul-Dub.... :-)

[vince-305]

Shock Horror...
Vince decides that his gasser is not really what he wants and reveals the size of the new wheels on this Consul-Dub.... :-)

I thought Steve that any thing over 24 was a donk :eek:........ and i wouldnt post one of those now would I

[Flat Ernie]

The original Snitz forum (http://www.nsra.org.uk/forum/) ran from June 2003 until November 2007 when the current one was launched.

Prior to that there was a couple of years of 'pin it to a tree' Heath Robinson type of affair.

Must've been off on my years then, I was in the UK from '00-'06 total...trying to recall when I got my A-roadster ('01?)...getting old isn't fun! Must've been online here earlier than that as I clearly remember the black background green font message board...it also shows I have over 25000 posts over there - seems extremely unlikely! :D I talk a lot, but not that much.


What would you do and how would you do it ?
I'm not having a go...I'm truly ignorant re: ACE and hadn't even heard of them until this thread. Probably because I'm in the states...


If you can't see what has / is being done by the NSRA ( as opposed to ACE ) then you've missed all the info that has been put on this site over the past 5 years or so ?
I grant you that I do not read every posting here (or any forum, for that matter), but I read every posting where the title suggests legislation or action (because anti-car folks are everywhere in every government and governments often look to see what other governments have done in the past to enact silly things - you should always watch California carefully!) and honestly cannot recall anything here in the 9-ish months since I've returned (granted, that is a tiny slice of time). There is a quite dated "letter to DVLA" on the front page, but that's been there for quite some time - I do remember some debate on the forum re: SVA a few years back as well. But debate on a forum isn't necessarily action against legislation - and I'm not necessarily questioning it, just looking for it; there is a subtle, but distinct difference.


If you want to moan about ACE please use the contact details on the ACE website .If you can offer an constructive points of view, please use the contact form at ACE. If you feel you wish to contribute money ,or better still time and effort,please use the contact form at the ACE site.
Not having a go at ACE, or the NSRA, really. Just asking questions.


We are not going to defend it ,or it's work , on this forum... least of all to someone who is only trying to use it to score cheap points on a moot point anyway.
Honestly? Really? I've tried to be rational and logical with my mainly reasoned responses here. I've not risen to any baiting thus far as the emtional responses serve no good purpose.


Nothing personal but our commitment to the future of this hobby extends beyond a mere £30.
First, anytime something is preface with, "nothing personal", it is indeed personal. :rolleyes:

Next, a quick search for 'legislation' here turns up several posts where you have been directly involved in informing people here and making them aware. I've just skimmed through several pages of various posts - I applaud you, personally, for your obvious dedication and committment. (I can recall several threads off the top of my head where you patiently answered many (often the same) question re: MOT, SVA, etc.) Throughout the posts I've found thusfar, however, it seems to have been a moan-fest (not by you - you are always level-headed) and, while I'm not yet done searching through these postings, I've yet to find one where it says, "...and the NSRA did X, Y, or Z and we won a hard-fought battle to do A, B, or C..." (I've found a very few oblique references to things along the lines of, '..and we wouldn't be able to do that if not for vocal lobbying' or 'we owe a debt to those older rodders before us' - these are paraphrases, of course) If, as I suspect, there was action on the NSRA's part, why hide it? Why not advertise it so folks will see exactly the good you're doing - again, I've not finished reading all the posts, so I will leave open the possibility that I am wrong and there are some posts further down that do just that. I will search further later.

Again, I'm NOT have a go at NSRA and I believe they do good things, but I'm just trying to find some for myself...figured it'd be easier to ask as those familiar should be able to point me to several. Instead, I get attitude along the lines of, 'don't question our dedication'...trust, but verify is a nice phrase that springs to mind.

So, to the very original question posed to guests in this thread:

What could the NSRA do to tempt you into joining as a member or whats stopping you from joining up ???
Perhaps some of the accomplishments of NSRA could be listed - I think it would be a great recruiting tool. "See that one? Number 42 right there? Young fellow, if it weren't for the NSRA, you'd have to fit airbags to your Model-A. Yes-sir-ee, you can thank the good ol' NSRA for staving off that stupidity. Why not join us and help out?" I think it'd be more effective than, "trust us, we work for you" (so does the government - in theory) or the "don't question our dedication - what have YOU done?" confrontational stuff. While you can say that since I've been around here so long, it should be obvious to me - how then, if I've missed it, can someone allowed 25 posts to ask questions and get the gist of it all (besides the obvious that I'm thick-headed)?

Your shop window is barren.

[scottie]

for god sake it this still draggin on

[mike noble]

ernie, the majority of kevs (kapri) work/advice is done in the members section.
i have never seen/read so much just to avoid paying £30, becommig a joke .

[Russ Gaylord Fontana]

It seems no 'member' can answer the voice of reason!!!

[ROCKIT]

If you don't pay for SKY, you don't watch SKY !

If you don't pay to make calls on your mobile network, you don't get to make calls on your mobile.

If you don't pay to tax your car, you can't use your car on the road (legally)

If you don't pay to have an Internet provider, you won't have any problems seeing this site. Will you?

See a pattern emerging ?

Simples !

(Apologies for posting on a question for guests, but this ain't going anywhere !)

[Tiki Des]

Must've been off on my years then..... etc etc etc etc etc.........your shop window is barren.

Flat Ernie, i'm not having a go but what you've been saying has come across to me as 'bitter' towards the NSRA? i'm not wanting to start a bun-fight, from what you've said is criticism after criticism of the forum and the NSRA. has the NRSA upset you in some way?

i'm now wondering if i should have written this as i feel i'm gonna get a 22 page answer!!! :eek:

[Russ Gaylord Fontana]

Why are 'members' unable to reply to post by 'guests' without resorting to name calling?? I would have thought a reasoned debate was better for everyone!!!!!!

[Captain Scarlet]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa202/ijarm/jokey%20stuff/cute_little_babies_2.jpg

[Alcoholic Rat]

That dun arf look like Grommit!:D:D:D:D:D


He,s just soooo cute:o Ahem , so my kids say!


Dazz

[langysrodshop]

Looks like a certain rodder to me, squint and you will see :D

[mike noble]

damm, there i am squinting like an idiot

[langysrodshop]

I knew the would be one :D:D:D

Did you see him :eek:



damm, there i am squinting like an idiot

[Pez]

Looks like a certain rodder to me, squint and you will see :D

OY!! I've had a shave recently...

[Doug]

Been told this has served it's purpose.