View Full Version : Reality rodding or influencing the masses ?
I posted on the thread "Classic Yanks not welcome" as I run a 62 impala.
Its led to me thinking about - what aspires the young team of today to get into our hobby in its many guises ?
Not sure if this is the place to post such an open question, however if the NSRA of the future is to continue "in the spirit of hot rodding" what will draw people to keep that going ? I mean over and above the father to son relationships....
To repeat, Its interesting to note the "reality car builder" shows and the era and catchment group they are intended / targetted to/ for in relation to the type of cars they feature. If you think about it, its quite clever marketing.
The Question - Is it geared to preserve a past culture of modifying cars or tailored marketing to promote the new ?
IMHO (to name a few mainstream shows, for sure there are better / more which i havent).
Overhaulin - late 50's to 70 genre vehicles, many of which, similar styled models of cars are still available at a price to the younger people on the streets today in states, at affordable prices to them. (promoting new)
American Hot rod - more geared towards the older generation who have a few bob of disposable income to invest to achieve similar ilk in a 30's to 50's hot rodding theme. (preserving the past)
Rides - more of a how to do things for me from painting and fabrication. Some excellent featured builders. It also promotes small business but also I feel it encourages your average petrol head that nothing is beyond someones dream in terms of self expression or self styling to their car, bit innovative. (promoting new).
I know im discussing programs stateside, however media allows the worldwide public to see these.
Not so many uK based tv shows target an available market and ability to style british cars which again are still out there, maybe im wrong as i dont watch tv so much in UK, always satellite and mainly US / Asia Pacific airtime.
The UK based program, something garage ?? was pretty naff.
Im in russia working and when one of my russian colleagues seen some pics of my cars in my office, out of the blue he told me he would do anything for a 67 Camaro (seen on one of these shows) I gave him a few pointers to web sites, etc and how to do's and he's just gone and imported a minted 56 chevy Conv and a rolling resto 69 Mustang to Moscow !!! He wants to try for himself rebuilding the stang...eventually he will get into rods, for sure
Back to the point, Both these cars fit into the classic yank thread ref above and other post and not covered for here. Yes there different forums / clubs but if we want to concrete the future of the NSRA...how do we do it ?
We are good at preserving the past.......whats next ?
It would be good for some of the younger membership to answer what draws them into this particular "acceptance criteria" ?
My son has no real interest in American Hot rod/overhaulin etc but wants an early mustang. Not really suprising as he's been around all sorts of cars (not hatchback racerboys though) since he was born, his exposure to that means he has a knowledge way beyond most other teenagers and an expectaion that is totally different. His wish list of cars ranges from a stockish MG Midget (and his current project a totally OTT MG) to a 350GT to a Track T to wanting My A...He's attracted to these cars because of his exposure to them, most kids of his age only ever see your average modern dailys and have no points of reference for our types of cars...the other kids at his school think he's a weirdo because he don't like Corsa's
Most of the hatchback boys I have spoken to assume a rod is way out of their price range and at least a few have been gutted when they find out they have way more money in their saxos than I have in the A. The only way to attract people is to go out and show our cars off, rod runs are great but the attention a rod gets at say a classic car show is unreal. You have to bring rods to the rodless to bring the punters in
I have been giving this subject some considerable thought recently.
I agree with Paul when he refers to 'the only way to attract people'.
There is a tremendous opportunity coming up (The ESRA Meet and the Supernats combined) to go mainstream and garner the support of the general public and the Motoring press.
I know the team at Retro rides mag, for instance are up for a feature, they have just had a journalist/photographer at the GNRS for an up and coming article.
The exposure that could (and should in my eyes) be generated could help the promotion of our hobby/way of life/artistry and would inspire a generation of potential Hotrodders.
I'm sure that independant film makers would also be interested in production of something they could sell to the various television companys that exist nowadays.
There is of course a negative aspect to this (Isn't there always) that it draws attention to what we do, and as in the American programs, the negative/badboy side of things is what draws the ratings.
I still though, think that with the big assembly that is to come this year, it would make a great 'selling' tool for the UK scene. It just needs someone like our past chairman Dave, to take it under his wing and sell the thing.
Even the likes of Fifth Gear and the other television programmes would take it onboard if they were to receive a 'sparky' Press release.
This is all after the event style promotion though, (what did happen) perhaps more exposure before the event is what is required, this would also maybe boost the gate at events and then 'really excite' some newcomers!
Perhaps, if each member had some flyers or window posters available (how I'm not sure) then each time someone visits a Classic show, or reaches out to the motoring public somewhere, then the flyer could help push them in the right direction.
Captain Scarlet
04-02-10, 10:01 AM
Reality shows are geared for entertainment for the largest audience possible,if that involves falsifying or exaggerating to achieve that they will do it.
A lot of us know for example that American Hot Rod was set up like this, and drama inserted when there was none,cars built out of sequence etc,to the majority of viewers the cars are secondary,eg ; i was on my way to the Boyd Coddington workshop when i met someone else trying to find it,so i said, follow me (thinking i was helping a fellow rodder),when we got there i was amazed to find that all he was interested in was the people who work there and the workshop,to him it was like a soap.Most of the people there seemed to be the same .
So i don't think program makers care whether its a 41 Willys or a Fiat Panda being built,as long as it gets viewing figures.
But it has to be said that those who notice the cars have to be influenced to some degree. :)
Our office deputy accountant is always on about American Hot Rod and Boyd Coddington, and thinks anything shiny and made of aluminium is a hot rod, and one of my mates is always on about rat rods.
TV is a waste of time (I don't have one anyway), and 'reality TV' is anything but.
As far as I'm concerned, hot rods and street rods are old cars from a specific era, and you can't keep rolling the cut-off dates forward and still use the same terminology.
Do we need to worry about future 'street rodders'? I doubt it. The current generation will be far happier virtual rodding, and they will be able to build whatever that week's hot ticket is on their computer for a bit of instant gratification. Who knows - there mightn't be any cars left (or any fuel to run them on) in 30 years? And who'd want to drive a hot rod Prius anyway?
Just get out in the garage, build whatever you want, and take it to where ever like-minded individuals want to meet and enjoy their type of car.
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 10:34 AM
A lot of people at work obviously see these sort of programmes as they say "is that what you do?", i think they are a good idea as it does bring our little hobby more into the mainstream.
Morris460
04-02-10, 12:38 PM
I really don't get the thirst for mainstream recognition. I'm happy stuck away in an automotive backwater where most people don't get it and never will, no matter how much publicity (good or bad) the hobby is given. A hobby is for personal pleasure not to seek acceptance from the great unwashed. The last thing we need is yuppies and footballers discovering the latest fad.
Rem nailed it basically.
What Paul said for me as well . I used to think about attracting new blood,I'm now of the opinion that they'lll find us if they 1) get it 2) want it . All this high profile stuff often has consequences, ask Boyd could testify were he still here.
I really don't get the thirst for mainstream recognition. I'm happy stuck away in an automotive backwater where most people don't get it and never will, no matter how much publicity (good or bad) the hobby is given. A hobby is for personal pleasure not to seek acceptance from the great unwashed. The last thing we need is yuppies and footballers discovering the latest fad.
Rem nailed it basically.
I think what was trying to be put across, was the fact that the younger part of society are not getting the same exposure to Hotrodding as we (I'm guessing your around your 50's) were in our day. We jumped on board with the info that we gleaned and we are quite happy in our little backwater garages doing what we do!
What if in our day (60's, 70's, 80's) everyone was shut away in there backwater garages and no-one else got excited about the possabilities of what they could acheive?
What if there was no Custom Car, Street Rod etc
You probably wouldn't be on here saying what your saying cause you wouldn't know any better!
The kids of today do have the interest, they consider that what 'we' do is way out of there league both monetarily and skills wise, they may also consider that it is impossible due to the regulations.
The kids of today are being swayed by the massive influence of the press, and television and of course the series of films showing warmed up modified cars racing about, kids killing each other. The way kids drive today is even influenced by these films. Kids are getting killed because of them. Have you not noticed how young persons don't like to stop at a roundabout, or slow down for a corner!
I digress!
As an organisation, we are constantly concerned about the cost of things, if we have sufficient money to cope with a failed show etc. The committee constantly strive on our behalf to make things work.
Why even do you bother with this organisation Morris?
You could just shut yourself away and not bother anyone else.
Are you not part of this organisation because you want to be around like minded people?
I personally have always had a biased view of clubs and associations, there is a constant fluid movement of fallouts and disagreements, egos against egos, and have always kept away from them.
I have tried to come to terms with why this particular organisation exists!
The only reason I can find (and it is because of the type of remark that you made Morris) is that it is here to try and help promote what we all do. Its not here to make profit! Its not here so that some elitist few can gloat at others that aren't in there particular club! Its not an 'us and them' type situation.
So what are we doing here?
We could be totally isolated and mean, but I for one, am always happy to explain, help, cajole, show, inspire (if thats possible), and generally push the ethos to anyone remotely interested. Young or old!
And thats why this association is here!
I don't think its about attaining 'mainstream recognition' its more about casting a net and then filtering out the people that have sufficient interest to take things a little further and get involved.
Or you can just let it die out, and you do your own thing!
Bleedin heck it turned into a rant!!!! What am I doing?
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 01:21 PM
Shaun you are a wise young Owl mate, with you on it mate.:):)
I think what was trying to be put across, was the fact that the younger part of society are not getting the same exposure to Hotrodding as we (I'm guessing your around your 50's) were in our day. We jumped on board with the info that we gleaned and we are quite happy in our little backwater garages doing what we do!
What if in our day (60's, 70's, 80's) everyone was shut away in there backwater garages and no-one else got excited about the possabilities of what they could acheive?
What if there was no Custom Car, Street Rod etc
You probably wouldn't be on here saying what your saying cause you wouldn't know any better!
The kids of today do have the interest, they consider that what 'we' do is way out of there league both monetarily and skills wise, they may also consider that it is impossible due to the regulations.
The kids of today are being swayed by the massive influence of the press, and television and of course the series of films showing warmed up modified cars racing about, kids killing each other. The way kids drive today is even influenced by these films. Kids are getting killed because of them. Have you not noticed how young persons don't like to stop at a roundabout, or slow down for a corner!
I digress!
As an organisation, we are constantly concerned about the cost of things, if we have sufficient money to cope with a failed show etc. The committee constantly strive on our behalf to make things work.
Why even do you bother with this organisation Morris?
You could just shut yourself away and not bother anyone else.
Are you not part of this organisation because you want to be around like minded people?
I personally have always had a biased view of clubs and associations, there is a constant fluid movement of fallouts and disagreements, egos against egos, and have always kept away from them.
I have tried to come to terms with why this particular organisation exists!
The only reason I can find (and it is because of the type of remark that you made Morris) is that it is here to try and help promote what we all do. Its not here to make profit! Its not here so that some elitist few can gloat at others that aren't in there particular club! Its not an 'us and them' type situation.
So what are we doing here?
We could be totally isolated and mean, but I for one, am always happy to explain, help, cajole, show, inspire (if thats possible), and generally push the ethos to anyone remotely interested. Young or old!
And thats why this association is here!
I don't think its about attaining 'mainstream recognition' its more about casting a net and then filtering out the people that have sufficient interest to take things a little further and get involved.
Or you can just let it die out, and you do your own thing!
Bleedin heck it turned into a rant!!!! What am I doing?
What Paul said for me as well . I used to think about attracting new blood,I'm now of the opinion that they'lll find us if they 1) get it 2) want it . All this high profile stuff often has consequences, ask Boyd could testify were he still here.
So have you finally conceded, that it is better to keep quiet about what we are doing Kev?
Or are you still trying to find ways so that 'we' can still do the thing we love?
If you are giving up then why bother with ACE?
Are we just becoming an old boys club?
The work that you have portrayed to everyone has been to show that a build can still be acheived within the existing and/or proposed legislation. Very valuable it has been too!
The builds that Boyd RIP created were not within the laws that existed at the time, thats why he got in trouble!
These next few years may be the last opportunity that we get to do the thing we love, but part of what we do is an actual art. You have to have vision. You have to have skill. And of course it does need an amount of money! That bit doesn't stop everyone!
If the potential is not shown to people, then the artistry will go!
See, you've got me going now!
rustycoupe
04-02-10, 01:47 PM
There is a perfect oportunity to give your ideas a an airing, that is take up the position that is vacant on the NSRA as public relations officer. Regards to ESRA and Supernats, thats not really a good example when you think that you can only go to the ESRA if you have been before. BUT go on take up the challenge and be the new PR man for us, get on radio, telly in film and promote your hobby.
Rusty.
I spend my working time trying to do those things for my own company, I organise events, some of which have been car shows!
I have featured on television, radio and the stage in various forms from the age of 15
I'm not particularly good with words, which makes things a challenge, and I work most weekends and some nights aswell.
I am not in a position to take on any extra unfortunately.
I just think that it would be a shame to waste the opportunity, the chance to show that the Europeans and perhaps some Americans want to come here, and that we personally, and the NSRA can create a spectacle, well worth showing.
It would surely have a benefit for our Association.
Course it might be chucking it down!!!
weemark
04-02-10, 02:16 PM
im with paul and kev and dont see the need to keep pushing it to people who 'dont get it' - the people who want to get into it will find it - as for the rest leave them be.
From my first post.
There is of course a negative aspect to this (Isn't there always) that it draws attention to what we do, and as in the American programs, the negative/badboy side of things is what draws the ratings.
I'm not pushing one way or the other, or trying to persuede, but if the event comes and goes, I think it will be an opportunity missed!
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 02:35 PM
Say a high profile person got into Rodding, indeed Jeff Beck certainly is, but thinking more along the lines of someone you see regularily on TV.
Would it be such a bad thing?, rodding,customising etc was huge here in the 70,s are those days gone, lost forever!!!!!, probably, but i for one would like to see a resurgence in our "little" hobby before bureaucracy attempts to strangle it.
Theres power in numbers.;)
Just my opinion friends Romans countrymen, the word is mightier than the sword.
From my first post.
There is of course a negative aspect to this (Isn't there always) that it draws attention to what we do, and as in the American programs, the negative/badboy side of things is what draws the ratings.
I'm not pushing one way or the other, or trying to persuede, but if the event comes and goes, I think it will be an opportunity missed!
How can you ever 'get it' if you've never been exposed to 'it' ?
Morris460
04-02-10, 02:48 PM
How can you ever 'get it' if you've never been exposed to 'it' ?
It's the ones that are exposed to "it", still don't get "it" but then still want to do it that worry me.
weemark
04-02-10, 02:49 PM
before bureaucracy attempts to strangle it.
i thought it already had strangled it...
Morris460
04-02-10, 03:41 PM
Rockit, I seem to have upset you , I only offered my opinion as to how I felt. It's not club policy or compulsory! Anyhow...
Yes, I am in my 50's. I started in this hobby not because of promotional material but, like a lot of people on here did I suspect, from a mate. In my case some one took me to Santa Pod because they thought I would enjoy it. I was 16 and within a few months was building an altered. Back then it was very much a diy affair and, yes, I did it on my own with no help, no CC, nowt. I still did it and the learning curve was steep and bumpy. I then got married, packed it all in, a year later I was building again. Still no club, no NSRA. Point is, if you want to, you will.
I'm not quite sure what you are actually advocating, you went from-
“The exposure that could (and should in my eyes) be generated could help the promotion of our hobby/way of life/artistry and would inspire a generation of potential Hotrodders.
I'm sure that independent film makers would also be interested in production of something they could sell to the various television companys that exist nowadays. “
to-
“We could be totally isolated and mean, but I for one, am always happy to explain, help, cajole, show, inspire (if thats possible), and generally push the ethos to anyone remotely interested. Young or old!...
...I don't think its about attaining 'mainstream recognition' its more about casting a net and then filtering out the people that have sufficient interest to take things a little further and get involved.”
These are two fundementally different approaches, the first being very much the “evangelical” approach, the other “build it, they will come”. The difference between trying to force feed someone and showing them an enticing feast with irresistable food!
Yes, the NSRA is a place to be with like minded people, to organise event for members and arrange various beneficial deals where possible. But if it dissapeared most would still do what they do because it's their hobby. Nobody dragged them to it.
Thank you for giving me RSI from typing more than I ever have:eek:
Hi Morris
No you havn't upset me at all, and the very purpose of this discussion is for people to offer their opinions or views.
I'm not advocating pushing this at people that have no interest in it at all.
But, If you asked an 18 year old what a Hotrod is, what do you think he/she would tell you?
The mainstream version of a Hotrod in the UK's youngsters eyes is probably a Nova/Corsa fitted with a 2 litre twincam, lowered on race springs and wide wheels with bright blue paint with pink numbers on the doors with a whole array of the white stickers lined up down the back of the front wing! He or she would also have a couple of stickers in the back window that read something like www.hotrodgroup.co.uk!!!
Now going back to your initial sentence after your apology to me (that was by no means needed!)
Yes, I am in my 50's. I started in this hobby not because of promotional material but, like a lot of people on here did I suspect, from a mate. In my case some one took me to Santa Pod because they thought I would enjoy it. I was 16 and within a few months was building an altered. Back then it was very much a diy affair and, yes, I did it on my own with no help, no CC, nowt. I still did it and the learning curve was steep and bumpy. I then got married, packed it all in, a year later I was building again. Still no club, no NSRA. Point is, if you want to, you will.
Your mate was already exposed to what was to become your hobby, he thought that you may enjoy seeing the spectacle that is/was Santa Pod.
So much so that you decided you wanted to have a go! Brilliant, and I applaud the fact that you set out to have a go yourself, but if you hadn't gone to Santa Pod and seen and heard and felt the emotive affect that the cars can have on you, then you would probably still be collecting stamps! (No offence intended!)
From the sound of things, you also already must have had some experience with cars or bikes, along with some help from somewhere in order to even start building something.
Kids nowadays, look at a computer screen or a magazine and trya nd imagine what things must be like. If they have never seen Dragracing 'proper' then how can they imagine it? That would have been the same with you, surely!!
School is not the same as it was when we were there, kids don't build things, they don't do forge work, or sheetmetalwork, or woodwork. Those things have gone alongside health and safety!
What I'm trying to say, is, if you hadn't seen that at first hand then you would not have had the exposure that stuck in your mind, that gave you the drive to do what you did.
Now both of these two following statements could apply to you in your case all those years ago.
“We could be totally isolated and mean, but I for one, am always happy to explain, help, cajole, show, inspire (if thats possible), and generally push the ethos to anyone remotely interested. Young or old!...
...I don't think its about attaining 'mainstream recognition' its more about casting a net and then filtering out the people that have sufficient interest to take things a little further and get involved.”
In my eyes they both say the same thing.
However it is done. It is the exposure to these things, whether they be Drag racing, Go-Kart racing, or Hot rodding that is generally the motivating factor. After all, anyone can look at pictures! Its one of our jobs, either as individuals or as an organisation to at least try and get some exposure to potential enthusiasts.
Just as your mate did!
When you went to Santa Pod with your mate, you may NOT have been impressed, you may have thought, 'thats way out of my league' and not done anything about it, BUT, you did enjoy it, and carefully considered.
Could I have a go at that?
That only comes with the exposure, not just looking at pictures!
Gaining exposure in magazines or on television or radio, doesn't mean that Hotrodding will become mainstream, companies spend millions upon millions in order to become mainstream. It may mean that out of an extra 50,000 people that read a particular magazine, or of the extra 1,000 people that may attend the Supernats on the Sunday, maybe ten or fifty, may just be smitten by the bug and have a go, just like you did, all those years ago!
I for one appreciate you giving your wrists the excercise that they may need and typing your considered reply.
Now I'm beginning to look a little like RATTY! (I don't mean actually looking, my posts is what I mean!)
Regards. (Oh No! Now I've changed my image! )
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 05:05 PM
Hope not Mark, we still get away with quite a bit really.
You going to the swap meet got something for you, sway bar by the look of it mate.
i thought it already had strangled it...
So have you finally conceded, that it is better to keep quiet about what we are doing Kev?
Or are you still trying to find ways so that 'we' can still do the thing we love?
If you are giving up then why bother with ACE?
Are we just becoming an old boys club?
The work that you have portrayed to everyone has been to show that a build can still be acheived within the existing and/or proposed legislation. Very valuable it has been too!
The builds that Boyd RIP created were not within the laws that existed at the time, thats why he got in trouble!
These next few years may be the last opportunity that we get to do the thing we love, but part of what we do is an actual art. You have to have vision. You have to have skill. And of course it does need an amount of money! That bit doesn't stop everyone!
If the potential is not shown to people, then the artistry will go!
See, you've got me going now!
Shaun,I'm not giving up on anything ,only on the idea that we need to promote rodding to the general public .
There are still ways to do what we do, always have been. They were fought for by rodders for rodders many years ago ( as you have said ). There are several more builds going through within the next 10 days and I will be attending to both advise and learn and pass that info along to those who wish to follow that route.
Further to that we are trying to provide further safeguards for existing vehicles .
ACE is to do with ALL car modifiers,the bigger picture , and the creeping tide of ( further) repressive legislation. By working WITH VOSA and DVLA we have made many inroads and have had several important breakthoughs with regards to fresh builds, old builds and modifications that apply to old original cars turned into rods.
We are trying to protect everyones future, and their pasts, in many cases.
Those in the public eye who do not follow the rules, whether or purpose or by ignorance of the rules leave theselves open to repurcusions and has been illustrated on here already, as was the case with Boyds builds.
But back to the 'need' to draw in fresh blood. Much of the discontent seems to be caused by newcomers not versed in the history but only interested in the aspects that they have gleaned by media coverage. Does that help or hinder the hobby longterm?
Say a high profile person got into Rodding, indeed Jeff Beck certainly is, but thinking more along the lines of someone you see regularily on TV.
Would it be such a bad thing?, rodding,customising etc was huge here in the 70,s are those days gone, lost forever!!!!!, probably, but i for one would like to see a resurgence in our "little" hobby before bureaucracy attempts to strangle it.
Theres power in numbers.;)
Just my opinion friends Romans countrymen, the word is mightier than the sword.
Unfortunately Russ, ther are simply not enough numbers in 'rodding' alone, even if we doubled in size overnight. We are a niche within a niche.
kripfink
04-02-10, 05:27 PM
im with paul and kev and dont see the need to keep pushing it to people who 'dont get it' - the people who want to get into it will find it - as for the rest leave them be.
Yup,or 'passion' will become 'fashion'.
The regretable thing with youngsters is their inability to insure anything like we own at a time when they are most likely to be able to afford to build it.
Many of our 'youngsters' fall by the wayside when reaching the age when they could actually be able to afford rod insurance as normal life catches up with them and then marry and have kids etc.
Even now much of our new blood is guys who can finally afford to do what they wanted to do when younger but simply couldn't afford to...whatever way you look at it this is not a cheap hobby.
As youngsters can't afford to own the rods/ customs that they aspire to they attempt to become part of the scene with what they CAN afford and are turned away.
Car modifying will start to die within 2 years as new legislation will prevent new cars from being altered . To continue those with a need to modify and own something 'different ' will have to look to other ways of achieving this and rodding ( in its broadest terms) will grow .
Stuart Flitton
04-02-10, 05:34 PM
Rocket
I am with you, well put.
If Russ had not been exposed to when he was little he would not be doing what he is doing now.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (how do you put them little faces on here) tong in cheek
My Godson (18 yrs old) wants an early Mustang then a Rod, this is only due to seeing the Nationals and my cars, ther is an eliment of education required but didnt we all need that!!
Stu
How can you ever 'get it' if you've never been exposed to 'it' ?
Each of us can expose them to 'it' Ian. Everytime we drive our cars and they are seen we promote what we do. If someone is interested enough to ask then we must be prepared to educate and inspire .
I still remember the reasons why Holmsey started the UKHotrods site ,to draw together likeminded prospective rodders that were given the cold shoulder on this very forum ( in non live noticeboard days ) and because he was also ignored when asking questions at shows he visited.
Each of us is an ambassador for what we do.
Unfortunately Russ, ther are simply not enough numbers in rod alone, even if we doubled in size overnight. We are a niche within a niche.
So where has that Dunkirk Spirit gone Kev?
We are unique, and perhaps in a minority within the 'car world'
But, we are here, and wherever a hotrod goes, generally there is a great deal of interest, even from the 'restorers' in some cases. The public at large and the car modifiers are up for it at any time.
I drove down the prom at Blackpool the other day and four seperate times I had kids (12-18) shouting NICE CAR MATE! Your not telling me that kids don't have an interest!
I had a buddy who drove his fenderless 32 and he used to say to me, that he got fed up of people saying to him when he parked up anywhere, "Is it legal like that?", he got to a point when that was his first topic of conversation. It drove him mad, and then us to!
Sold the car shortly afterwards.
I couldn't understand why it upset him so much, if thats how he wanted to drive it then thats what he should have done and ignore the naysayers.
I sat on a chair at Billing a couple of years ago with a guy who had a lovely car on display, we couldn't believe some of the comments that we heard, some people just didn't have the first idea about a car, never mind a Hotrod!
Now if that Hotrod had been aimed at a car guy (not literally) then we may have got some sensible questions, which we did every so often. So I can understand about the great 'unwashed' public.
The niche is likely to be a small one with regards the number of car owners Kev, but that small number makes the cars unique and the number of people that are interested or are potential joiners is enormous. (Should I not have used the word Unique?)
Thats what makes us SPECIAL!
I don't think I can type anymore today !!! I'm going to the garage !
Not with you re the Dunkirk spirit Shaun? I still have it , along with the rest of the guys on the ACE team, we are prepared to stand and fight . Being a realist is another thing entirely . When you have 10,000 screaming enemy running at you and you have 10 bullets what do you do ? Well then you decide that bows and arrows, catapults etc may be just as effective if not your weapon of first choice ;)
"The niche is likely to be a small one with regards the number of car owners Kev, but that small number makes the cars unique and the number of people that are interested or are potential joiners is enormous . (Should I not have used the word Unique?)"Does that not remove/ dilute the uniqueness then Shaun? :)
Morris460
04-02-10, 05:57 PM
Does that not remove/ dilute the uniqueness then Shaun? :)
Beat me to it:D
Beat me to it:D
As quoted by Kapri
Unfortunately Russ, ther are simply not enough numbers in 'rodding' alone, even if we doubled in size overnight. We are a niche within a niche.
Touche
Each of us can expose them to 'it' Ian. Everytime we drive our cars and they are seen we promote what we do. If someone is interested enough to ask then we must be prepared to educate and inspire .
Each of us is an ambassador for what we do.
I used to think about attracting new blood,I'm now of the opinion that they'lll find us if they 1) get it 2) want it.
I agree with the above Kev (please excuse the selective editing :)).
Before computers and the WWW, rodding, and the NSRA, had always had a steady growth just from `being there`, without the need to self promote. A kind of natural progression if you like, which was evident both here and Stateside.
I`ve always found that if people have an interest in any type of car, be it modified or otherwise, sooner or later they`ll find rodding and if they like it, they`ll stay, if not, they`ll move on. It`s what happened in the past, and will continue to happen in the future...
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 07:27 PM
So why has "rodding" become the niche it now is?, remember the days when there was Street Machine, Hot Car, Custom Car, Rod and Custom mags on the shelves in the local newsagents, it was huge.
Now there are endless "Hot Hatch" type mags on the shelves, evolution maybe, easier for youngsters to get Loans for "regular" cars that can be modified easier than building a Hot Rod, more cool at the local car park than a Hot Rod?.
Who knows we need to ask the younger generation, insurance yes is an issue i,m sure, my 1st V6 powered Ford Pop cost £360 to insure in 1979 when i was just 17, god knows how that equates out in todays rates, my point being if you want something bad enough you will save for it, do the "youngsters" want Hot Rods?
langysrodshop
04-02-10, 07:28 PM
Hear hear.
I agree with the above Kev (please excuse the selective editing :)).
Before computers and the WWW, rodding, and the NSRA, had always had a steady growth just from `being there`, without the need to self promote. A kind of natural progression if you like, which was evident both here and Stateside.
I`ve always found that if people have an interest in any type of car, be it modified or otherwise, sooner or later they`ll find rodding and if they like it, they`ll stay, if not, they`ll move on. It`s what happened in the past, and will continue to happen in the future...
langysrodshop
04-02-10, 07:32 PM
Russ its no different now to what it was when we was young, My insurance was 6 weeks wages but we all managed it somehow because we wanted it bad enough. Don't remember us having the benifit of credit in them days.
So why has "rodding" become the niche it now is?, remember the days when there was Street Machine, Hot Car, Custom Car, Rod and Custom mags on the shelves in the local newsagents, it was huge.
Now there are endless "Hot Hatch" type mags on the shelves, evolution maybe, easier for youngsters to get Loans for "regular" cars that can be modified easier than building a Hot Rod, more cool at the local car park than a Hot Rod?.
Who knows we need to ask the younger generation, insurance yes is an issue i,m sure, my 1st V6 powered Ford Pop cost £360 to insure in 1979 when i was just 17, god knows how that equates out in todays rates, my point being if you want something bad enough you will save for it, do the "youngsters" want Hot Rods?
So why has "rodding" become the niche it now is?, remember the days when there was Street Machine, Hot Car, Custom Car, Rod and Custom mags on the shelves in the local newsagents, it was huge.
Now there are endless "Hot Hatch" type mags on the shelves, evolution maybe, easier for youngsters to get Loans for "regular" cars that can be modified easier than building a Hot Rod, more cool at the local car park than a Hot Rod?.
Who knows we need to ask the younger generation, insurance yes is an issue i,m sure, my 1st V6 powered Ford Pop cost £360 to insure in 1979 when i was just 17, god knows how that equates out in todays rates, my point being if you want something bad enough you will save for it, do the "youngsters" want Hot Rods?
Russ, my nephew at 18 is charged £1500 for a sub 1000cc Fiat . I doubt he coudl even get a quote for insuring even a small engines custom/rod.
All those mags were when rodding was 'fresh,hip and happening' . Look at those events and how many cars were older than about 15 years ? Very few .Even those Pops were only around 30 years old, that would be a 1980s motor today ;)
The Retrorides crowd are the equivalent of us in those days , today .
mike noble
04-02-10, 07:47 PM
i cant get the vision of kev in a red iniform , waving his stick at 10000 screaming zulu's out of my head !!!
So why has "rodding" become the niche it now is?, remember the days when there was Street Machine, Hot Car, Custom Car, Rod and Custom mags on the shelves in the local newsagents, it was huge......
........... do the "youngsters" want Hot Rods?
To be honest Russ, I dont feel rodding has ever been `huge` in the UK.
In the UK we`ve possibly only run into a few thousand enthusiasts at any one time. Which is why some of those mags of old just didn`t survive, there just wasn`t/isn`t a big enough market.
Compare that to the US where the head count probably runs into the tens (maybe even hundreds) of thousands.
"Do youngsters want Hot Rods" ?. Some probably do, but I would think they are in the minority as most view them as `funny old cars`.
Kids these days `want it now` and find it easier to lay their cash down on a kitted out hot hatch to impress their mates with, rather than take their time and create something with their own hands and minds :rolleyes:...
i cant get the vision of kev in a red iniform , waving his stick at 10000 screaming zulu's out of my head !!!
Stiff upper lip meboy ...and a strange smell from somewhere behind me.
Morris460
04-02-10, 08:25 PM
So why has "rodding" become the niche it now is?, remember the days when there was Street Machine, Hot Car, Custom Car, Rod and Custom mags on the shelves in the local newsagents, it was huge.
Now there are endless "Hot Hatch" type mags on the shelves, evolution maybe, easier for youngsters to get Loans for "regular" cars that can be modified easier than building a Hot Rod, more cool at the local car park than a Hot Rod?.
Who knows we need to ask the younger generation, insurance yes is an issue i,m sure, my 1st V6 powered Ford Pop cost £360 to insure in 1979 when i was just 17, god knows how that equates out in todays rates, my point being if you want something bad enough you will save for it, do the "youngsters" want Hot Rods?
Go back and look at most of the cars then. A very high proportion were just jacked up escorts and the like ( and stock yanks:eek:). Not many were quality rods. I think the "niche" is probably larger now if you take out the non rod dross from back then.
To be honest Russ, I dont feel rodding has ever been `huge` in the UK.
In the UK we`ve possibly only run into a few thousand enthusiasts at any one time. Which is why some of those mags of old just didn`t survive, there just wasn`t/isn`t a big enough market.
Compare that to the US where the head count probably runs into the tens (maybe even hundreds) of thousands.
"Do youngsters want Hot Rods" ?. Some probably do, but I would think they are in the minority as most view them as `funny old cars`.
Kids these days `want it now` and find it easier to lay their cash down on a kitted out hot hatch to impress their mates with, rather than take their time and create something with their own hands and minds :rolleyes:...
As part of setting up ACE we did the circulation check on all motoring mags, makes interesting reading.
...I don't think its about attaining 'mainstream recognition' its more about casting a net and then filtering out the people that have sufficient interest to take things a little further and get involved.
That only comes with the exposure, not just looking at pictures!
)
I'm not really interested in being mainstream but am interested in making access to what we do easier for those who want to "join in". Speaking to some classic buffs at the NEC they were really impressed with the quality of the cars, the fact that "period cars" are being built practically as they would build a period racer and mostly impressed about our knowledge of SVA, construction regs and the way we deal with those things. At least 2 of the MG blokes would only need a little push to come over to the darkside as at the end of the day they are building pre 49 modified cars...only to a different set of rules to us.
As Rocket has said the Euronats/Supernats pretty much is a shop front for us to show people what we can do and the fact we can do it as well if not better than the US. We are currently seen by the mainstream as a novelty ...funny blokes with funny cars or as wana be Americans driving big gas guzzlers and wearing cowboy clothes. I don't know about you but that's not me (OK get the jokes over with!!)................But we have an opportunity to show that what we do has a history, a culture (or Kulture) and can compete with any other genre of motoring interest.
and yeah we're gona film it anyway!
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 10:55 PM
I guess its a sign of the times Kev, and evolution. Insurance is a killer all round these days are we banging a dieing drum?, were all getting older, laws/regs are getting tighter, gas is getting dearer jeez sounding like the grim reaper lol.
I for one hope that it don,t all end in tears.:(
Russ, my nephew at 18 is charged £1500 for a sub 1000cc Fiat . I doubt he coudl even get a quote for insuring even a small engines custom/rod.
All those mags were when rodding was 'fresh,hip and happening' . Look at those events and how many cars were older than about 15 years ? Very few .Even those Pops were only around 30 years old, that would be a 1980s motor today ;)
The Retrorides crowd are the equivalent of us in those days , today .
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 11:03 PM
I dont know Brian, there used to be so many local shows on years ago, Chelsea was great, Kings Road lined with people, look at it now where has everybody gone?, families, life etc?, to have had so many mags at the time must have ment there was a reasonable readership out there? as we both agree on its easier to "build" a hot hatch these days, and as Kev rightly says Pops were only 30 odd years old in the 70,s now the mk 1 escorts are taking off, Evolution again, having said that i think its great to see the retro Ford thing, would love a mk1 Lotus Escort myself or even a 1800 BDA/RS2000, still very cool in my book. Opps top gear moment.;)
To be honest Russ, I dont feel rodding has ever been `huge` in the UK.
In the UK we`ve possibly only run into a few thousand enthusiasts at any one time. Which is why some of those mags of old just didn`t survive, there just wasn`t/isn`t a big enough market.
Compare that to the US where the head count probably runs into the tens (maybe even hundreds) of thousands.
"Do youngsters want Hot Rods" ?. Some probably do, but I would think they are in the minority as most view them as `funny old cars`.
Kids these days `want it now` and find it easier to lay their cash down on a kitted out hot hatch to impress their mates with, rather than take their time and create something with their own hands and minds :rolleyes:...
randrhotrodimports
04-02-10, 11:07 PM
I agree Paul, there were a lot of the jack up parade, general grabbers etc, as for top notch rods, well i guess you count on one hand the amount of them that were about.
Cant help thinking it was much more fun way back when though.
Times change, people change,cars change, attitudes change, i,m staying right here havin fun as usual;)
Go back and look at most of the cars then. A very high proportion were just jacked up escorts and the like ( and stock yanks:eek:). Not many were quality rods. I think the "niche" is probably larger now if you take out the non rod dross from back then.
Yup,or 'passion' will become 'fashion'.
Better to be fashionable, than to be like hot rodders in France, or other countries with a similar draconian view of hot rods.
In the town where I live, biggish town, very close to Birmingham, I have seen ONE hot rod in the last 8 years, apart from my own.
Hot Rodding could be as fashionable as football for all I care, if it meant I saw a rod every couple of days! :D I don't need to be that exclusive and individual.
Morris460
05-02-10, 06:30 AM
Cant help thinking it was much more fun way back when though.
Times change, people change,cars change, attitudes change, i,m staying right here havin fun as usual;)
I believe you have a point there Russ.:)
rustycoupe
05-02-10, 07:50 AM
Sorry ROCKIT,
I didn't put that very well did I, I wasn't singleing any one out or answering any comment in particular, It was a suggestion to any one at all that had a comment on this subject, including myself. In truth I think the British are far too insular in general to stand up and do anything about what they believe in until it's too late, we have an I'm all right Jack outlook, and when it all goes wrong we moan, that is why we all have to put our hands together for the people that actuially do something to promote our hobby, like the NSRA comitee members and contributors to car mags, organisers of local clubs, those people get up and 'DO' while others that have always got a comment, sit around and do nothing.
So again sorry about that ROCKIT. Personally I would like to see Mr Pepper do that job, I think he would do a great job of it with his attitude to our hobby. Sorry Russ.
Rusty.
I spend my working time trying to do those things for my own company, I organise events, some of which have been car shows!
I have featured on television, radio and the stage in various forms from the age of 15
I'm not particularly good with words, which makes things a challenge, and I work most weekends and some nights aswell.
I am not in a position to take on any extra unfortunately.
I just think that it would be a shame to waste the opportunity, the chance to show that the Europeans and perhaps some Americans want to come here, and that we personally, and the NSRA can create a spectacle, well worth showing.
It would surely have a benefit for our Association.
Course it might be chucking it down!!!
randrhotrodimports
05-02-10, 08:08 AM
Thanks Steve, having served on the committee a few years back i know whats involved, i literally have the Tee shirt lol.
If i didn,t have the Hot Rod business i would definately have a go, its a shame that no one has stood forward for the role yet. The NSRA needs you people, i guess like myself we all have excuses not to do it thank god or who ever you believe in, that these brave souls are doing a blinding job for us, i applaud them all.
Sorry ROCKIT,
I didn't put that very well did I, I wasn't singleing any one out or answering any comment in particular, It was a suggestion to any one at all that had a comment on this subject, including myself. In truth I think the British are far too insular in general to stand up and do anything about what they believe in until it's too late, we have an I'm all right Jack outlook, and when it all goes wrong we moan, that is why we all have to put our hands together for the people that actuially do something to promote our hobby, like the NSRA comitee members and contributors to car mags, organisers of local clubs, those people get up and 'DO' while others that have always got a comment, sit around and do nothing.
So again sorry about that ROCKIT. Personally I would like to see Mr Pepper do that job, I think he would do a great job of it with his attitude to our hobby. Sorry Russ.
Where can I get some of those rose-tinted specs from? :)
OK, some of you were knocking out rods at under twenty back in the '70s, but I suspect you were in the minority? I know I was about twenty before I got my first 'on topic' attempt (4-door Classic), and my first proper rod-build took five years to build (not two months like on the telly) and I was thirty by the time it was finished.
That Classic was around 20 years old then, and the boy-racer car of the time was probably a 10-year-old Mk.1 Escort or 1600E Cortina. That would make the current equivalent boy-racer stuff Novas/Corsas/Fiestas/Civics/Polos/Golfs/etc., (in fact they have a far better choice now than we ever had?) and we all know a twenty year old car could never be NSRA material now (****, my daily B** is over 20: I rest my case).
As the NSRA has a date cut off it will always be self limiting .
Many of what where 'roots' cars back then have moved into other niches now Escorts, Capris , Mk 1 and 2 Cortinas , Anglias etc etc .
We do at least have the option of replication to keep the hobby available and affordable.
Times are very much changing ,we have had our glory days where it WAS fashionable ,easily affordable and naive .
It will continue to exist but by the very nature of the world moving on around us it WILL change... fuel costs, green issues, motoring legislation , parts availability will make it morph and change . Enjoy it for what it is while it exists in this form.
Hell, even Chevy has stopped making some of its V8s , what does that tell you ?
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/12/sign-of-the-times-gm-halts-production-of-big-block-v8-after-51-years.html
That Classic was around 20 years old then, and the boy-racer car of the time was probably a 10-year-old Mk.1 Escort or 1600E Cortina. That would make the current equivalent boy-racer stuff Novas/Corsas/Fiestas/Civics/Polos/Golfs/etc., (in fact they have a far better choice now than we ever had?) and we all know a twenty year old car could never be NSRA material now (*poo*, my daily B** is over 20: I rest my case).
Well said, and never will be.
My dad had the first Ford Fiesta in the street. A '77 R plate silver with houndstooth interior that looked like my Grandmas dress.(god rest her soul), 30+ year old ??Thats older than the cars that were being customised back then (Mk1 capris purple metallic, jacked up and side pipes, mk2 consuls, etc).
I dont want these to be accepted into the scene but it helps me understand the retro scene...and we hope they find us....
I went to the Retroride Gathering last year and really enjoyed myself. Young guys enjoying their cars with no rules and no barriers...
I put a post up over on R&S a little while back about ' frames of reference', looking back to when I first passed my test and what was a brand new car and what would be the equivalent of a 'retro ride' back then . Mk 3 Cortina was the new Ford in the showroom and a 30 year old car would have been a mid to late 40's car. A '32 would have been 'only ' 40 years old .
Look at a '32 now, almost 80 years olds...my frame of reference when I passed my test would have made that a horse and cart for a daily driver :eek:
Andy nailed it ,I'm still doing the same cars I was back then, my first Capri was only 13 years old, now it's 46.
Andy nailed it ,I'm still doing the same cars I was back then, my first Capri was only 13 years old, now it's 46.
That's the thing; hot rods are from a certain era. Not a certain age. Thus it doesn't roll forward, as a vintage car club might.
There will never be a day when Fiestas and Clios are the stock fair of the NSRA. It will always be hot rods, from the 30's to the 70's.
In 2070 kids won't be hot rodding atomic powered hybrid cars and argueing about whether the NSRA should let them on the show and shine field. Not unless they are an atomic rolling chassis wrapped in a 'glass 32 bodyshell anyway. :D
That's the thing; hot rods are from a certain era. Not a certain age. Thus it doesn't roll forward, as a vintage car club might.
There will never be a day when Fiestas and Clios are the stock fair of the NSRA. It will always be hot rods, from the 30's to the 70's.
In 2070 kids won't be hot rodding atomic powered hybrid cars and argueing about whether the NSRA should let them on the show and shine field. Not unless they are an atomic rolling chassis wrapped in a 'glass 32 bodyshell anyway. :D
No Paul!
They might be taking over from us, and rodding the same things we are now !
Oh no! We're not educating them are we?
Whats going to happen to the cars that we are creating now, hopefully they will be passed down the line.
No Paul!
They might be taking over from us, and rodding the same things we are now !
Oh no! We're not educating them are we?
Whats going to happen to the cars that we are creating now, hopefully they will be passed down the line.
the point I have been trying to make now for a few years is that we aren't educating them and without education there is nothing but ignorance
No Paul!....
.....Whats going to happen to the cars that we are creating now, hopefully they will be passed down the line.
They'll rot away in lock ups and sheds, and be scrapped, crashed, stripped etc, just like they've done for a hundred years, what else?? :confused:
One in a hundred will be restored, renovated, given a new lease of live!
Do you really think they will pass down from father to son, like some family heirloom??
Toys for big boys, that is all hot rods are.
Young people will do what they want to do, will like what they want to like. Such is the way of young people.
Hot rods were of a period in time, like the great age of steam, and the world moved on, and just a few old codgers remember them days, and reminisce, and such will be the era of hot rodding.
Or I may be totally wrong, and the NSRA will flourish and grow, hot hatches will become a thing of the past and factory hot rods will the next fashion trend. :D
the point I have been trying to make now for a few years is that we aren't educating them and without education there is nothing but ignorance
I agree entirely Paul. What I don't understand is this negative attitude to promoting the very thing that we do, via the shows that the NSRA put on.
I do understand entirely those people that have something to hide not wanting to show it !
You don't have to do you ?
This summer is something of a unique (there it is again!) situation, and all the hard work by our Committee will be purely for the members, as it should be.
Then again, why don't we use the very best situation that we can create, to try and educate some more people?
It doesn't matter if they are Corsa drivers or NSX drivers, they will have to park on the public parking area and walk around the showfield.
What won't happen is, they won't turn up to look if they havn't been given any info about the thing taking place.
Remember that, any results from any exposure will be a follow on from any experience newcomers would get.
We only have to look at examples like The Festival of Speed at Goodwood, to realise that the survival of events like these depend on press exposure. It don't spoil the show!
You don't see a Corsa driver careering up the track uninvited do you?
We have a pretty rigourous regime here on this forum, that alone would be sufficient to weed out any nutters! All forums generally attract there fair share of those, even the HAMB. They are dealt with quite robustly, as generally they are here, its only when two of the same ilk come up against one another that a fight ensues.
I can't believe that some among us cannot see the benefit of exposure to new blood!
Magazine articles or television programmes are generally reporting on an event, after the thing has happened, so any interest would follow a show, not spoil the show!
Anyways, I'm not interested in what ANYONE else is doing, locked away in there damp garage! I have no interest at all! NOT! The simple fact that like minded people are on here shows me that we are interested in what other people are doing.
Partly written by me, and partly written by the half a bottle of Altivo Rioja that I have consumed!
surfmonkey
05-02-10, 11:17 PM
i live in biggleswade...practically the town where the uks biggest hot rod show takes place and i can safely say that the majority of the town have no idea what is going on at the supernats...those that see the cars that venture into the town ooooh and arrr as they spot a hotrod leaving sainsburys or asda but none have a clue as to whats happeniing..theres no mention of it in the local papers leading upto it..theres one banner up on the roundabout at caldecote but thats it.....not much of an advert for the show really is it...i see the same locals at the show every year
Morris460
06-02-10, 06:27 AM
Rockit, you mention Goodwood. Yes, this does need publicity, it's a very expensive show put on with the very intent of attracting visitors. I very much doubt if any one that goes then aspires to owning a vintage or classic racecar. It's a show, a living museum. It's aim is not to entice people to participate but to show off the classic age of motorsport.
Education got a mention, I'm not convinced that's an issue either. There must be, as Paul B hinted at, many projects or finished cars in lockups around the country. Why? Because not everone that comes into this hobby stays with it. They move on, life kicks them, interests change. But even so, they are/were educated about rods.
You don't care about people beavering away in garages? Surely they are the future? They DO need reaching and nurturing, not some barry boy in a Corsa who will promptly get all his mates down to the local meet and screw it up like so many have managed in the past. Nor the guys into modified whatever vehicle they are into, that IS their hobby, they aspire to a better version of what they have not what they see as an old jalopy.
I don't consider my view to be negative, I'm all for new blood, but it needs to be a selective, nurturing approach, not a scattergun " come one, come all" recruitment drive.
Disclaimer. Just my opinion, written without alchohol but very early at the start of a busy Sat morning at work.
MisteR Tee
06-02-10, 10:45 AM
Interesting note to this, an old friend of mine who was very involved in it in the early days just emailed me that he'd "discovered" Overhauling recently & wasn't it fantastic & how he wished he'd had a workshop that clean! This from a guy who had a very successful bodyshop that did run-of-the-mill accident repairs but had also carried out some radical mods & customising back in the early days (60s).
Interesting note to this, an old friend of mine who was very involved in it in the early days just emailed me that he'd "discovered" Overhauling recently & wasn't it fantastic & how he wished he'd had a workshop that clean! This from a guy who had a very successful bodyshop that did run-of-the-mill accident repairs but had also carried out some radical mods & customising back in the early days (60s).
And therein lies another problem, all these so called 'Reality Based TV' programs are anything BUT reality.
How many 'educated' people will start a hot rod project thinking it'll be done in a couple of weeks, or that they can bang a mild custom out in a weekend?
And then how many will end up as a half hearted Chop Shop type hack job, or simply lie unfinished in a lockup, when the builder realises the whole 'Reality' thing was a fiasco of farcical proportions?
How many potentially good cars will be ruined or scrapped by this supposed 'tv education' of the young generation??
And therein lies another problem, all these so called 'Reality Based TV' programs are anything BUT reality.
How many 'educated' people will start a hot rod project thinking it'll be done in a couple of weeks, or that they can bang a mild custom out in a weekend?
And then how many will end up as a half hearted Chop Shop type hack job, or simply lie unfinished in a lockup, when the builder realises the whole 'Reality' thing was a fiasco of farcical proportions?
How many potentially good cars will be ruined or scrapped by this supposed 'tv education' of the young generation??
Then all the more reason to show them what can really be done!
All this talk about general members of the public doing or building silly things and ruining the 'scene' for everyone is just a load of tosh.
Talking about 'mainstream' ie. promoting to the general public is just pie in the sky!
If, and I say, If, any promotional material was to be sent out, where would it go?
More than likely to the motoring press, you know, the sort of things that people who are POTENTIALLY interested in what we do are likely to read, and inwardly digest the info!
Now, out of the people that read it, some will totally ignore it, some may say to there mates, did you see, some may say, Hey guys, lets go for a day out and I'll show you what I used to do when I was a teenager, you'll like this?
Or someone may say.
I wonder if there is anyone at the show who may be interested in the old Fordson that I still have in the garage out the back?
Now, your not telling me that The Goodwood Festival of Speed is marketed towards a good average Joe family day out are you? Really?
Billing, is a different story! Thats somewhat out of our control.
Have any of you been to see the caliber of people that attend The Festival of Speed? You know the ones that are prepared to put up £50 each (just for a day entry!) they are NOT the type that just turn up and hope that there is something that will interest them, something that they can pull to bits on the next forum that they can access? !!!
I have been trying to find some indication of the the demographics of the people attending Goodwood, to no avail unfortunately. However, I am of the opinion that the people that you would see at the Festival of Speed, are genuinely interested in the varied selection of motorised transport on display, they are true enthusiasts, who appreciate what is on display infront of them, they are not interested in forcing their Nova in front of everyone in attendance, and I'm damn sure that the organisers would not stand for it. What do you think?
When you organise an event, and you are paying to rent the site, and you as an organiser are charging an admission, you can dictate who comes on and who doesn't. If you have a real problem with someone that you don't want on that site, if they are causing real problems that interfere with the status quo that you as an organiser are creating, then you have the ultimate decision where you can call a Bobby to help eject that person from the site you are in control of!
I know, I've done it myself !
You do have to display a notice to the effect that you have that right, but hey, its no problem, most people go quite easily!
The only people that WOULD potentially take on board even thinking about attending the Supernats (if they were to be given forward notice of it taking place) would be people that have a genuine inclination towards what we do.
The ones who are pepared to put up the admission fee, the fuel to get there and of course spend their day off viewing something that they are genuinely interested in!
The dads who remember the Hotrods and Custom Cars from the 60's, 70's and 80's, the ones who want to show their kids part of there own past.
Its at those points when kids are there with parents and the parents are enthusiastic, that they are strongly influenced. Is it not a good thing that the kids will know what a Hotrod is?
The ones that WON'T attend are the ones that could be going down the local supermarket with there mates and causing a commotion for no cost at all apart from a bit of fuel!!
Publicity in the right directions can only be a positive thing.
I really am tired of trying to explain the benefits to the association, or what will make a great show busier or better, I hope that the committee will make the right decisions on the members behalf.
I can see exactly why we don't have a public relations officer !
Regards, Shaun
Heres a copy of what I had included in the past post about being interested in other peoples projects, read it again and realise that myself and others on here ARE interested in what other people are doing
"Anyways, I'm not interested in what ANYONE else is doing, locked away in there damp garage! I have no interest at all! NOT! The simple fact that like minded people are on here shows me that we are interested in what other people are doing."
I have isolated the word that you may have missed reading on your first quick read on your way to work this morning.
surfmonkey
06-02-10, 10:12 PM
one thing i`ve wondered about is the cruise...the cruise takes place on the saturday of the supernats, a day where the potential non hotorodding public aren`t on the site..so a good idea to promote or at least stir up a bit of interest would surely be to take in the surrounding towns and villages but instead the cruise hightails it straight over to santa pod, 30 miles away, not gonna get potential customers over there
i know what you mean about goodwood, they were charging (and selling) bottles of champagne at £350 a frigging go
Then all the more reason to show them what can really be done!
All this talk about general members of the public doing or building silly things and ruining the 'scene' for everyone is just a load of tosh.
Talking about 'mainstream' ie. promoting to the general public is just pie in the sky!
If, and I say, If, any promotional material was to be sent out, where would it go?
More than likely to the motoring press, you know, the sort of things that people who are POTENTIALLY interested in what we do are likely to read, and inwardly digest the info!
Now, out of the people that read it, some will totally ignore it, some may say to there mates, did you see, some may say, Hey guys, lets go for a day out and I'll show you what I used to do when I was a teenager, you'll like this?
Or someone may say.
I wonder if there is anyone at the show who may be interested in the old Fordson that I still have in the garage out the back?
Now, your not telling me that The Goodwood Festival of Speed is marketed towards a good average Joe family day out are you? Really?
Billing, is a different story! Thats somewhat out of our control.
Have any of you been to see the caliber of people that attend The Festival of Speed? You know the ones that are prepared to put up £50 each (just for a day entry!) they are NOT the type that just turn up and hope that there is something that will interest them, something that they can pull to bits on the next forum that they can access? !!!
I have been trying to find some indication of the the demographics of the people attending Goodwood, to no avail unfortunately. However, I am of the opinion that the people that you would see at the Festival of Speed, are genuinely interested in the varied selection of motorised transport on display, they are true enthusiasts, who appreciate what is on display infront of them, they are not interested in forcing their Nova in front of everyone in attendance, and I'm damn sure that the organisers would not stand for it. What do you think?
When you organise an event, and you are paying to rent the site, and you as an organiser are charging an admission, you can dictate who comes on and who doesn't. If you have a real problem with someone that you don't want on that site, if they are causing real problems that interfere with the status quo that you as an organiser are creating, then you have the ultimate decision where you can call a Bobby to help eject that person from the site you are in control of!
I know, I've done it myself !
You do have to display a notice to the effect that you have that right, but hey, its no problem, most people go quite easily!
The only people that WOULD potentially take on board even thinking about attending the Supernats (if they were to be given forward notice of it taking place) would be people that have a genuine inclination towards what we do.
The ones who are pepared to put up the admission fee, the fuel to get there and of course spend their day off viewing something that they are genuinely interested in!
The dads who remember the Hotrods and Custom Cars from the 60's, 70's and 80's, the ones who want to show their kids part of there own past.
Its at those points when kids are there with parents and the parents are enthusiastic, that they are strongly influenced. Is it not a good thing that the kids will know what a Hotrod is?
The ones that WON'T attend are the ones that could be going down the local supermarket with there mates and causing a commotion for no cost at all apart from a bit of fuel!!
Publicity in the right directions can only be a positive thing.
I really am tired of trying to explain the benefits to the association, or what will make a great show busier or better, I hope that the committee will make the right decisions on the members behalf.
I can see exactly why we don't have a public relations officer !
Regards, Shaun
Heres a copy of what I had included in the past post about being interested in other peoples projects, read it again and realise that myself and others on here ARE interested in what other people are doing
"Anyways, I'm not interested in what ANYONE else is doing, locked away in there damp garage! I have no interest at all! NOT! The simple fact that like minded people are on here shows me that we are interested in what other people are doing."
I have isolated the word that you may have missed reading on your first quick read on your way to work this morning.
Well, you seem to have single handedly disagreed with, yet concurred with, reacted and responded to everything everybody has said on the subject, answered all the questions, and produced even more, so I think you should run for Prime Minister and/or Public Relations Occifer next. :D
To paint a picture, you have to have both light and dark and all shades inbetween!
I shall say no more on the subject, it was only a discussion after all.
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