Chuck, et al in the ESReg hierarchy.
Wouldn't the start of a new year be an appropriate and logical time to address some subjects which are sure to be and probably have been on the minds of many a member for some time now.
I respectfully submit that the following are just some of the more important issues we need to address, and even if we do not resolve them immediately, at least discuss them in depth and give the membership an opportunity to provide input that we might finally act upon.
!. Address the distinction between paid members, registered 'members' and guests, establish equitable tiers / differences for each in the privileges, perks and services enjoyed and accessible by the various categories and publish them in clear, unambiguous language. I submit the time has clearly come when there needs to be a distinction between the various levels of "membership". Considering the recently announced price increase ( latest issue of the ESSES - Vol. 23, Winter 2013 ) I believe we've arrived at the point where we can no longer casually dismiss receiving the ESSES as the only difference between paid full membership and 'registered member'. No matter how good and cool the ESSES may be, when Excellence and Panorama are in direct competition and offer as much as they regularly do, and cost less due to significantly greater frequency of publication to boot, we really should react by adjusting our price vs.services available structure . I submit that it absolutely should cost something for someone to be able to log on and enjoy the full range of experience, wisdom, advise and generosity so selflessly donated by the membership. I submit that to continue the status quo and maintain that " if someone doesn't want / need the ESSES they don't have to be paid members but can continue to enjoy unrestricted access to all other 'privileges' of paid membership is counter-productive, doesn't make sense, especially not economic sense for an entity such as our Registry.
2. Establish clear parameters for the items we require to be displayed in signatures, locations, names etc., to wit, everyone who posts must show a real location, at least a country if other than the US and major city in view of the relatively recent 'internationalization' of the Registry ( not crap like 'North of somewhere' - 'the center of the universe' or some other such nonsense ), real names, as in first and last.
3. Indicate the Registry status of everyone who posts and enters the fray on the various forums…..in other words, I submit that when someone logs on and peruses the various forums, the status of the posters must be prominently visible / displayed, either in the form of color-codeding their name, or an icon to designate their status ( paid, registered, etc. ). I don't believe that constitutes class warfare as has been prepostrously suggested in the past with some outrageous and far-fetched reasoning. I don't think I'm alone when I say that I want to be clear who it is that's asking, or replying or posting, because I further don't think I'm alone when I say that my response may vary according to their status.
4. Address the issue of the significant increase in the amount of bandwidth and discussion about $$$$$$, value, financial implications, " market-level", etc. Yes, I agree that this can be avoided by simply not logging on, just like not tuning in to a TV program you don't wish to watch, but again, I just can't believe I'm alone when I state that I find the recent flood of speculation and endless cliches about establishing "market values" ( whatever the Hell that is in the first place ), blah, blah, blah intensely irritating & pointless. Personally, this is only one of many hobbies I enjoy, pursue and am fervently involved in, and I certainly didn't become a long hood aficionado because I thought I could make a few bucks on them, I just happen to believe they're damned good, interesting & enjoyable little cars with endless possibilities to the joys of ownership, which I love to discuss with other members and Porsche-types. I certainly don't think the subject and discussions about $$$$$ & values should be curtailed or limited, rather, facilitate acknowledging the importance of the economic issue in our passion by establishing a separate forum for it. Separating the financial aspect from the General Info forum would simplify things for everybody and would most likely even increase the amount of 'hits' and participation about the monetary aspect of our hobby, possibly maturing into a potential future area in which the Early 911S Reg. could provide far-reaching influence.
5. These are just some of the points I would like to see discussed, and I'm sure there are other, obscure / pressing issues on the minds of other members. Perhaps those who feel strongly enough about their issues should state them and add them below.
Chuck, it is not my intent to add to your workload, make life miserable for you, nor place you into an uncomfortable position, but given the time of the year and where the Registry finds itself these days, I felt compelled to air some of my concerns and to suggest that maybe other, less troublesome members share my views but simply didn't want to stir the pot…………..I do believe we need to take some action to prepare for a bright, prominent future for the Registry, as well as strengthen our reputation as a first-rate early Porsche 911 community.
Respectfully,
John Z. Goriup
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