Restorer/Driveline

[Eric M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Hi Folks,
I spent over an hour on my first reply attempt, but was apparently logged off when I tried to preview...you now get the Readers Digest condensed version...

The only conspiracy in printing/not printing VIN's is my (Driveline Editor) conspiracy to keep as many NCRS members as possible as happy as possible.

Every issue, I receive dozens and dozens and dozens of ads (both free member ads AND Chapter/Regional meet ads) that do not meet the NCRS "requirements" for publication.

Popular ad problems include:
1. No NCRS membership number indicated
2. Not an NCRS member (ever)
3. Ad received after the publication deadline
4. Ad received with no contact information
5. No ad category indicated
6. Not a current NCRS member
7. Corvettes, body, or frame ads received with no VIN indicated

I choose to spend my time in trying to correct the above problems that "should" cause the ads to be rejected out of hand. Happily, I do fix many/most of them.

On the subject of VIN's...
To assume the accuracy of any VIN appearing in any format in any media would not be wise. To base a purchase decision on the inclusion/exclusion of a VIN in any format in any media would also not be a wise decision.

Magazines, newsletters, web sites, auctions, etc. all serve to merely introduce a potential buyer to a potential seller. To assume that all information contained in any advertisement is 100% correct/accurate/true is incredibly unwise.
Caveat Emptor.

Is it safe to assume that most NCRS members are great folks?
Most definitely.

Regards,
Eric Mortimer
Editor, The NCRS Driveline
NCRS Membership
NCRS Merchandise
etc.

[Mike M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

well stated eric and thanks for a job well done.mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Eric, I know the difficulties you have. Not only have you and I discussed this in the past, but I as Editor of The Restorer had some similar issues when members sent stories written in longhand, or sent material that had been photo copied often enough that it was unreadable. I have been there and got that T-shirt.

Some of us -- or maybe I should just speak for myself, and say that I value the inclusion of VIN numbers in the for sale ads. I understand they may not be entirely accurate -- heavens the seller could just send any old VIN along, and we have no way of verifying that.

I have to admire your hard work and dedication.

[Alan S.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Eric,
Although my favorite is the THE RESTORER, I look forward to the arrival of the THE DRIVELINE every other month. I actually spend much more time with THE DRIVELINE because there's so much information in each issue. I have always thought that THE DRIVELINE is a reflection of you and greatly appreciate your efforts in producing it.
VIN or no VIN, THANK YOU!!!!
Regards,
Alan

[Mike M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

What Restorer?????

[Terry M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Hang in there Mike -- I got mine on 5/29, 5:35 PM Central Daylight Saving time

[Chuck L.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Just my $.42 worth, over 10 years of looking at Corvette ads in the Driveline, one of the first things I was interested in was the VIN. Not so much to verify it wasn't stolen, but more from a historical standpoint as to when it was built and how it fit in with option availability before actively pursuing a purchase. The VIN can tell you if the first or second car built, the last power top for a model year, etc. if you're one of the old codgers still with enough time to research such things. Sometimes you discover people have a rare optioned car from a timing standpoint they aren't even aware of. Anyway, my vote to keep it mandatory for all advertising, individual or dealer. After all, who else but us requires it?

[Loren L.]

Rumor River

I am aware of the VIN # problem (or the lack thereof) inasmuch as that is one of the sources of a small data base that I try to maintain.
There are only two things in the material above that jump to the front: 1> Terry's assertion that if it is a rule, it is a rule for everyone; 2> "everyone" does not mean that it is an Eric Mortimer OPTION "to keep the members happy". Correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand the # of pages of the Driveline is one of the criteria for determining whether or not Eric is doing his job - true or not? If true, publishing ads that do not meet the criteria for the rest of the members seems to be a problem.

[Mike M.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Thank you, Eric for all that you do.

What Restorer?.....Still

HaND

[Tim L.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

Thank you, Eric for all that you do.

What Restorer?.....Still

HaND

Mike,
Your mail carrier must still be reading it!! Mine came early last week....southeast Iowa.

Tim

[David D.]

Re: Restorer/Driveline

All I can say is WOW...

Been away from home and when I returned and got the mail that was the first magazine I looked at. I love the new look of the Restorer.

Very Nice Job. I'm always being wow'd on here. Keep up the great work.