ClassicCar

SamJ wrote:

As editor of the White Triangle News, I stand behind everything in the magazine and my personal contact information is available for all to see. This is true of the hundreds of HET Club volunteers who have given so much to this hobby over nearly 50years. We are willing to stand up and be counted, whether we are right or wrong.



This Forum is a private enterprise not connected with the Club. A small percentage of the 3,600 Club Members Worldwide (<> 200) access it regularly. Since you may post anonymously, the Forum is the ideal vehicle for non-members and bullies to voice their opinions. Whether they like it or not, Members of the HET Club control at least 95% of all the cars, parts, services, expertise and repro items available for fans of Hudson-produced motorcars. Most members are in the hobby to have fun; most of us are willing to help fellow Members freely whenever we can out of the goodness of our hearts. Some Members have small businesses which the rest of us need. Their business practices are their own responsibility. Non-members are lucky if they are not shut out of the process completely, although some can always turn to daddy if they have a problem.



My name is Sam Jackson and my contact information is freely available in every issue of White Triangle News.



The Club's Web access and membership database is maintained by volunteers who give selflessly of their time. If you're one of the anonymous few who choose to stand outside the tent p**ing in rather than joining us in trying to make the hobby better, I can only hope that it blows back in your face.:mad:

Thank you Sam...Very Very well put and I for one appreciate all that is done for the rest of us with less talents to keep our H.E.Ts on the road and of course the WTN. Ron Prida H.E.T. "Member"

I Shake My Head In Disdbelief Of Some Of The Non Members Who Have Plenty Of Criticism To Off Even Tho They Are Non Members Who Cant Join On Line(this Is An Excuse For Not Using A 41cent Stamp And Paying Some Dues. Ican Read Thru The Criticism And Hope They Never Join. These Are The Type Of People Who Would Not Make Good Members Anyhow.,let Them Wallow In There Self Rightous Criticisims, And Never Know The Joys Of H.e.t. Membership, Bill Albright 37 Year Member

It's a pity the forum allow anonymous postings. Why hide behind a pseudonym? If we have a gripe, or a commendation, we should be man enough to identify ourselves. I suppose one advantage of being at the bottom of the world is that if I upset anyone, it's too far away for them to come and let my tyres down! Been a club member for 44 years now, and had mainly positive experiences with all I have been in contact with. The good book says "Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall also reap", which is extremely true. I have seen people come, and go. Those who go are usually the ones who expect others to provide them with everything they need, so they can make a killing, and when it doesn't happen, they disappear. We don't need them!

Geoff.

Well put Sam. You took the words right out of my mouth.



I joined the club as soon as I knew it existed! Are you kidding me? Thirty bucks? That was the easiest decision I've ever made. I can't get out of a gas station these days without spending twice that! And that's every week....not once a year!



That as well as the fifteen bucks to join my local chapter is about the most value you'll get for your money these days. With the price of everything today (real estate, food, gasoline, etc.) I can't believe that anyone would ever say boo about spending thirty dollars to join the HET Club. I guess some people would rather gripe and whine and hurl insults. Say how it SHOULD be, etc.



I have also benefited from this forum from time to time, but I take it with a big grain of salt, and usually consider the sources when people add their comments. It's really just another way for me to stay in touch with the great Hudson people I've met at the Nationals, Regionals, and Local meets. That's what it's all about anyway. Not some self proclaimed Hudson person that we as a club are better off not having in the fold anyway. I've personally had wonderful experiences with some of the people that are being raked over the coals on this forum.



blah, blah, blah...



As a proud HET Club member, it's pretty obvious to me who's pulling the wagon and who's riding in it.

Right on Sam! I guess I've missed a bunch of stuff around here, darn it! Been busy on my Dodge and haven't been on the forum here much recently. Guess I'm not the only trouble maker! lol

In defense of the HET club, the folks I have met are truly great. I can't tell you a better bunch of people. I really think after all of this booh hoooing on both sides, that come Monday, I'll send out my renewal membership for a year, just to have you HET club members have me on your side of the argument, haha. Then you're all stuck with me.



Anyway, I think that I can see that both sides can learn a lot from one another. In truth, some of the feedback here, should be taken to heart for all you members, and some of you non members, (me included) need to really determine what the true value of club membership really is.



I guess I'm just a bit of a procrastinator, of sorts, one of my goals for the year is to figure out where I fit in, in terms of the club, whether it is to help with the website, for free even, or perhaps go to a few meets, and take some shots for SamJ, for the WTN, and one of the other things I was thinking of trying to do, is maybe, just maybe, putting a calendar together, for next year, in color, 13 month, of a bunch of member's cars, let the club store sell it, and let them keep the profit from the calendars. Of course we will take a poll and vote for the best shots, let the members on the forum vote, and go from there.



So I have given a lot of thought to what I would like to contribute, when I become a member again, but seriously, the best thing all the current members can do is to sit back, and listen to what everyone (who is a non member) is saying, and ask yourself, why are these people complaining, and what can we do to get these people who obviously have the same interest in hudson products on the same page, and be members with us.

Jim, I can see your point, but I, as well as others, HAVE tried to communicate with both local and national leadership, to little to no avail. When they don't have the decency to respond to serious concerns through a simple letter, that shows me that THEY are the ones in need of change. When they say things like "well, if you don't like it, get out!", THEY are the ones in need of change. When I spend money on dues for membership in anything, I expect certain things to happen for that money. When things don't happen that should happen, or they refuse to acknowledge legitimate concerns, I have the right to withdraw my support for that organization.



To stay with something for 30, 40, or 50 years "just because" is silly, and to express desire for new and younger membership, yet essentially tell them to sit down, shut up, and color because we are doing business this way for 50 years and it "works just fine as it is!", is pure BS. Any organization that can't handle legitimate and constructive change is not worth supporting. Unfortunately, HET has fit that description. Some of you will shake your heads and say "not so, not HET!", but those of you that fit that description really need to look around you and wake up, or else the HET organization will end up like the national Packard club.



Nothing personal towards you, Jim, but you bring up valid points that I am simply amplifying.



And that is MY rant on this. Folks can take it or leave it, as well.

SamJ wrote:

As editor of the White Triangle News, I stand behind everything in the magazine and my personal contact information is available for all to see. This is true of the hundreds of HET Club volunteers who have given so much to this hobby over nearly 50years. We are willing to stand up and be counted, whether we are right or wrong.



This Forum is a private enterprise not connected with the Club. A small percentage of the 3,600 Club Members Worldwide (<> 200) access it regularly. Since you may post anonymously, the Forum is the ideal vehicle for non-members and bullies to voice their opinions. Whether they like it or not, Members of the HET Club control at least 95% of all the cars, parts, services, expertise and repro items available for fans of Hudson-produced motorcars. Most members are in the hobby to have fun; most of us are willing to help fellow Members freely whenever we can out of the goodness of our hearts. Some Members have small businesses which the rest of us need. Their business practices are their own responsibility. Non-members are lucky if they are not shut out of the process completely, although some can always turn to daddy if they have a problem.



My name is Sam Jackson and my contact information is freely available in every issue of White Triangle News.



The Club's Web access and membership database is maintained by volunteers who give selflessly of their time. If you're one of the anonymous few who choose to stand outside the tent p**ing in rather than joining us in trying to make the hobby better, I can only hope that it blows back in your face.:mad:

This is where it started and this is where it should end. NO ONE can argue that this is not the best club and forum there is. The only thing I see needing change is the curent snipeing / back biteing going on. And it seems to be comeing from the "NEW GENERATION " Sure I've seen some real good stuff come from there also,and so I think maybe a few days thinking things over just might bring about a differant outlook. Some " OLD FART " set this thing up right and when you start changeing it I guarantee you it won't hold together very long. Plenty of other places to push the new breed if that's what you want. So how about just knockin off the crap and try mending some ruptured fences, createing a bit of brotherly spirit.THAT"S WHAT THE OLD FARTS are doing ---NEW GENERATION OLD FART

I guess at 79 and a near 30 year national and chapter member I am one of the old farts. There are some things I would like to see done. But I cant see ranting and raveing about it is the thing to do. I joined the national and the MidSouth chapter as soon as I learned about the HET club. Have met and had dealings with some of the finest folks in the world. But every once in a while run into a horses rear. If you want to see changes made get in the club and work at it. ARE JUST START YOUR OWN HUDSON CLUB. (Thats been tried before)

37 Terraplane#2 wrote:

Some " OLD FART " set this thing up right and when you start changeing it I guarantee you it won't hold together very long. Plenty of other places to push the new breed if that's what you want.

My point exactly - the "I'm not going to change" mentality. THAT is what needs to change.

This is a great club but it needs a strong on line precesence like any other business. This forum is probably the most helpful tool one could ask for if you own a Hudson. It's like your own person helpdesk.

This is a good case in point: Why doesn't the club have an "official" site like this? This site is controlled by people who don't have to answer to anyone but themselves. A HET site would have elected members and be held accountable for promoting HET business and interests.

I am so sick of hearing that the Hudson club can't afford a decent website or forum. What a crock! They just don't want to do it. And they want the club to grow?

In my experience, many HET members are simply cheap (and getting old). Many still think they can buy a Hornet Coupe for peanuts. Like it or not, things change and cars appreciate (yea!). I just turned 50 so I can call people old if I wish.

Another big issue I have is that the club has no idea on how to market itself. Every year, the National meet is held in some off the wall site with no media attention. A couple of examples: two years ago the meet was held in Reno one week before the acclaimed "Hot August Nights" event. It should have been held during the same week. The amount of exposure would have been incredible. Next example:

The Pacific Nothwest won the right to hold the national event over So Cal. Why? Because So Cal wanted to have it in lovely Ontario, CA where noone goes and cares about. Great idea, let's have another meet where its just club members and no one else to see the cars. I love the PNW but So Cal could easily have had it at Disneyland and promoted the hec out of with with the automobile media and Disney / Pixar and tie it in with the movie "Cars". Talk about exposure with thousands of Disneyland visitors walking past the cars? I think the idea would cause too many members pacemakers to fail. Niels

This thread and the accompanying attitudes are a big part of why I haven't joined HET. I guess I'm one of those people Bill A doesn't want to join the club ever.

I'll tell all you long time HET'ers something about this "online game" ~ long gone are the days when you could expect to have ALL club funcitons performed for free by volunteers.

Only the coding work can be done "for free" and when you ask for "free" coding work you'll either get an amatuer or a professional - either of which doesn't have time to invest to make the HET website world class - and please take the time to read this next statement...I am not trying to slam the folks donating their time on the current online HET efforts - I above 99.9% of you other posters - know exactly what it takes to keep a website up and running (try running over 20 at a time)

And lest ANY of you forget - I have offered my programming services in the past to HET only only asking for a 20.00 membership in return and was subsequently shunned, ridiculed and ignored because I wanted something in return for the YEARS of schooling, YEARS of experience, knowledge and hardware/software needed to do the programming work.

I asked for a membership in exchange BECAUSE GUESS WHAT? - hosting a website costs money, processing credit cards costs money - investing in the technology and an online presence costs money - buying licensed software to build databases and source code to maintain costs money.

As I have stated many times before I have NEVER disparaged anyone from the club personally my only comments have been about the HET clubs generally pervasive attitudes and the current memberships persistence that this "internet thing" "just insn't all that big" (see Sam J-s comments at the beginning of this thread..."A small percentage of the 3,600 Club Members Worldwide (<> 200) access it regularly") and that your club will persist and continue to flourish like it always has because "This is the way our fore fathers did it"

Embrace and Invest in the Online technology and I'd bet my professional reputation you could grow the clubs membership and online revenues by 30% in less than 2 years.

Continue to do nothing then see what happens....

This isn't directed to any one person, so no one needs to get their panties in a bunch.

The best way (the only way?) to facilitate change is to do it yourself, but you have to be in a position to make the change. Join the organization, go to meets, say "Hi", be nice to people, get elected to one of those thankless positions like chapter secretary (president, vice president, etc.) Then us members will be very open to helping you implement change with your leadership.

Speaking of herding cats...





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

Also, why does it seem that every time anyone mentions anything about the HET club, the die hard members jump all over anyone that dare offer constructive criticism about the entity? I have noticed this since day one. I think what needs to happen, is that everyone can accept that it is not perfect, but hey, everyone is trying the best they can. That's a fine attitude to have, I think, move forward with that, and see where we all get from there.

royer wrote:

This isn't directed to any one person, so no one needs to get their panties in a bunch.



The best way (the only way?) to facilitate change is to do it yourself, but you have to be in a position to make the change. Join the organization, go to meets, say "Hi", be nice to people, get elected to one of those thankless positions like chapter secretary (president, vice president, etc.) Then us members will be very open to helping you implement change with your leadership.

I agree but many people have kids and work long hours, so volunteering isn't an option. Club basics like a website, forum and media relations are just business commonsense and should be an expectation. This club has plenty of money (or can get it) to get it done.

We should all participate in meets. The bigger the meets, the better. It still confounds me why we have two chapters here in So Cal. Geographically, they are both just as close to the members. If they combined them then they would have bigger and better meets, combine redundant resources, better efficientcies and better serve their members.

I try not to get my knickers in a knot reading some of the postings on this forum, but try as I might, I still do from time to time. What really rings my bell is the apparent assumption that the issues being raised are unknown to or ignored by the volunteers who are trying to improve the Club. In fact, many of us behind the scenes have been agonizing over all of the things we are supposedly "failing" to do for several years. To think otherwise is incredibly arrogant. The first priority of your volunteers has been to maintain basic services for a growing Club. Then, if there's time left over, (and time is the big issue), "improvements" are addressed.



The Internet has revolutionized the Hudson hobby. Parts and information flow easily around the world, and we have discovered Hudsons and Hudnuts in places we hardly knew existed. EBay has changed the sale of parts and memorabila forever. Club leadership communicates almost completely electronically. The WTN is produced completely electronically and we receive most of our material via email. (This enables Members like New Zealnad-based Geoff Clark to have a regular column.) Every issue since Jan/Feb 2003 has been stored in the Club library on disk in a .pdf format. Membership records are completely computer-based and can be sorted by state, car owned, etc. Individual Chapters have their own Websites. The specific group emails for individual years and marques (29 Hudson is an example) are providing a wonderful group resource. And on and on.



Contrary to popular belief, many "old pharts" have been early adopters of the internet and use email, buy on eBay, and so on regularly. For example, Jim Seals, who is long retired, produces and distributes our colorful Zia chapter newsletter completely online. Nobody in our Chapter needs a hard copy, either. In the current membership list for the entire Club, only about 20% do not list an email address, and of that 20% many do not do so for privacy reasons, not because they don't have one. (They've read this forum and don't want to be contacted directly. )



Please do not assume that those of us who have and are donating countless hours to this Club are ignorant of the possibilities. We're not.



And don't assume that this forum represents everybody in the Club who is computer savvy...it doesn't. Unlike those of us who post here, most members feel they have better things to do with their time...like work on their cars, for example.



If you don't know what's really going on in the Club, please understand that jumping to conclusions just pi**es the rest of us off.

SamJ wrote:

I try not to get my knickers in a knot reading some of the postings on this forum, but try as I might, I still do from time to time. What really rings my bell is the apparent assumption that the issues being raised are unknown to or ignored by the volunteers who are trying to improve the Club. In fact, many of us behind the scenes have been agonizing over all of the things we are supposedly "failing" to do for several years. To think otherwise is incredibly arrogant. The first priority of your volunteers has been to maintain basic services for a growing Club. Then, if there's time left over, (and time is the big issue), "improvements" are addressed.



The Internet has revolutionized the Hudson hobby. Parts and information flow easily around the world, and we have discovered Hudsons and Hudnuts in places we hardly knew existed. EBay has changed the sale of parts and memorabila forever. Club leadership communicates almost completely electronically. The WTN is produced completely electronically and we receive most of our material via email. (This enables Members like New Zealnad-based Geoff Clark to have a regular column.) Every issue since Jan/Feb 2003 has been stored in the Club library on disk in a .pdf format. Membership records are completely computer-based and can be sorted by state, car owned, etc. Individual Chapters have their own Websites. The specific group emails for individual years and marques (29 Hudson is an example) are providing a wonderful group resource. And on and on.



Contrary to popular belief, many "old pharts" have been early adopters of the internet and use email, buy on eBay, and so on regularly. For example, Jim Seals, who is long retired, produces and distributes our colorful Zia chapter newsletter completely online. Nobody in our Chapter needs a hard copy, either. In the current membership list for the entire Club, only about 20% do not list an email address, and of that 20% many do not do so for privacy reasons, not because they don't have one. (They've read this forum and don't want to be contacted directly. )



Please do not assume that those of us who have and are donating countless hours to this Club are ignorant of the possibilities. We're not.



And don't assume that this forum represents everybody in the Club who is computer savvy...it doesn't. Unlike those of us who post here, most members feel they have better things to do with their time...like work on their cars, for example.



If you don't know what's really going on in the Club, please understand that jumping to conclusions just pi**es the rest of us off.

Sam,



Good post. If what you say is true then perhaps the club needs to do a better job in communicating it's goals to the paying membership. What are the goals AND how is the club going to accomplish them. IMHO, the club should create an action plan to implement some of these "wish lists". Otherwise, it is all talking points. If a major goal is to set up a premium website, then estimates to a do so are readily available and then we have a dollar amount to discuss and how to get it.

Computer savy or not, it is in a HET members best interest to access the internet so they can get their questions answered and find their parts.



I have contributed photos to the WTN so I feel I have some room to speak. But even if I hadn't, my membership dues allow me a voice. My pet peeve is better exposure for the club and for Hudson. It doesn't have to cost more money. In many instances, it is simply looking for exposure. Holding our meets in conjuction with other major makes is just one example. We need non Hudsonites to see the cars. HET doesn't seem to embrace the concept of "exposure". Seems they would rather meet in some obscure place where only fellow Hudson enthsiasts are gathered. How are we to grow if only Hudson people see Hudson cars? I bet Ivan Z. who owns the Doc Hudson car used in the Pixar movie "Cars" has some great connections in Pixar and could get HET in at Disneyland and in the media. My point? Lot's of opportunities out there.

66patrick66 wrote:

Not ours. The local chapter seems hell-bent on staying in 1970. I tried to get the chapter online with a very, very nice web page that cost the chapter NOTHING. I had it up, and the then-chapter pres told me in no uncertain terms, that the chapter was HIS and I was to take the site down. I said "fine", let him know what I thought of his "leadership", and haven't been back to a Chapter event since. Yet another reason why I am soured on my particular HET experiences.



BTW, he is a charter member of the HET OFC.

I'd put it back up.



but that's just me. :eek:

well, figuring he's at least 70, he probably is getting close.



Sad to hear that there are people out there that are that bent on resistance to change. I have been speaking with some people, behind the scenes from this forum, and from what I hear, is the HET club might be quite receptive to some of the ideas that have been presented. The one thing that was thrown out there was is that I cannot expect that change will happen overnight, nor will it all happen at once, but with a proper plan it can happen, and I think that is encouraging, at least to me.



In the case with your local chapter, that is just wrong.