Driveline

[Ken H.]

Re: Driveline

Just got mine last night in Austin TX - bums me out that a different country gets it 4 days before I do (no offense to Canadians!!). Some people think, however, that Texas might as well be a different country!!

On a related issue - many times when I call on parts in the Driveline the person listing will say stuff like "that sold a while ago" or similar comments. Is there something I am missing about how these get mailed out??

Thanks!!

[Joe R.]

Re: Driveline

Got mine yesterday in St. Louis. It sure is great to be near the distribution center. I agree with Ken, every time I've called on parts it's already sold. I think we need online parts and cars for sale or wanted here on the NCRS web site. That would sure make it more fair.

Joe

[Terry M.]

Re: Driveline

Joe that would make it especially fair for those without internet access.

[Henry S.]

Re: Driveline

Joe that would make it especially fair for those without internet access.

Terry, Most members without internet access do so by choice. Many of us get the Driveline a week to ten days after others because of faults with the postal service. Of course we do have the option of moving where the service is better but I doubt any of us would. Like it or not we are becoming more of a technical society, would you have thought 20 years ago most of us would be talking on phones attached to our hips. Or even know what e-mail is.

My Driveline arrived about 15 minutes ago (May 20) beating last issue's arrival by 1 day (March 21).

Paul, I would imagine the whole fruit tree is gone at this point.

[Rob M.]

Re: Driveline

I still don't have it... :-(

regards,
Rob.

[Terry M.]

Re: Driveline

I still don't have it... :-(

regards,
Rob.

But it IS on-line, so what is the problem?

[Edward B.]

Re: Driveline

But it IS on-line, so what is the problem?

Terry: The problem, quite succinctly, is that it appeared online some time after a select group of members had received their copy in the mail which gave those persons a distinct advantage in purchasing desirable items. An initial online distribution of Driveline would eliminate this inequity.

[Terry M.]

Re: Driveline

I understand the delivery issue Ed -- although when you say a select group that implies someone is selecting the people for early delivery. I would suggest that is NOT the case. Unless you want to believe the USPS has someone sorting the mail and sending Joe his mail and holding it back from Pete.

What I don't understand is the continuing "It hasn't showed up in BFU yet" when it IS posted on-line. Your, and others, suggested solution to the delivery problem is to post it on-line, yet even when it IS on-line, an has been for several days, folks still complain that it hasn't arrived in the mail yet.

My point in this post is that the evidence of these last four posts suggests that even going to on-line delivery will not stop the complaints. Me thinks some folks just need/want something to complain about -- again based solely on the last four (counting this one) posts.

What amazes me about the postal delivery system (back to the first issue) is that those who send me bills can get their messages to me at the same time every month. Yes, they do not come via bulk delivery, but they do (at least many of them) bundle their mail for discounted delivery. Maybe there IS someone at the USPS who delays The Driveline and then gets enjoyment from reading these posts.

[Edward B.]

Re: Driveline

It doesn't look as if Rob was complaining, but rather making a tongue-in-cheek comment about the delivery problems inherent with his relatively remote location in Tulipland.

[Rob M.]

Re: Driveline

Mainly that we, international members pay an additional $25 due to increased shipment cost for a document which is nearly useless for us. Obviously that is partly true since the Restorer itself (which needs to be sent as well) is simply FANTASTIC!!! But it would be nice when the Driveline would also have so value to us.

We would like a decrease of the membership costs from $60 to $50 with just a electronic version of the Driveline available to us...

regards,
Rob.

[Henry S.]

Re: Driveline

I understand the delivery issue Ed -- although when you say a select group that implies someone is selecting the people for early delivery. I would suggest that is NOT the case. Unless you want to believe the USPS has someone sorting the mail and sending Joe his mail and holding it back from Pete.

What I don't understand is the continuing "It hasn't showed up in BFU yet" when it IS posted on-line. Your, and others, suggested solution to the delivery problem is to post it on-line, yet even when it IS on-line, an has been for several days, folks still complain that it hasn't arrived in the mail yet.

My point in this post is that the evidence of these last four posts suggests that even going to on-line delivery will not stop the complaints. Me thinks some folks just need/want something to complain about -- again based solely on the last four (counting this one) posts.

What amazes me about the postal delivery system (back to the first issue) is that those who send me bills can get their messages to me at the same time every month. Yes, they do not come via bulk delivery, but they do (at least many of them) bundle their mail for discounted delivery. Maybe there IS someone at the USPS who delays The Driveline and then gets enjoyment from reading these posts.

Terry, I believe Rob was just stating a fact, that he has STILL not received his hard copy as of today the 22nd. I believe from one of your earlier post that would make it about a week since you received yours. You are either missing the point or don't want to admit the problem. Even with the Driveline being posted on the 15th (except for this month which Gary already explained and apologized for) most of the deals are GONE!! Why should they (those who don't have their hardcopy in hand) go to the online version almost 10-14 days after it was mailed to see what they missed out on?? We can beat this horse until it has no hair left on it but it will not solve the problem. Those with feelings one way or another need to contact their representative as Gary pointed out and see how it shakes out. I believe we all want to do what is best for our membership and we can't lose site of that.
Shooter

[Terry M.]

Re: Driveline

Others seem to have taken your post differently than I did, Rob. I guess my point of view is not the same at most others on these threads.

Of course, I understand for a publication that has time value the more distant the location the less value the publication has. That value diminishes rapidly to zero, or nearly so -- and I share your frustrations at being charged extra for nothing. Even here in the good old USA, most of the time my Driveline is useless to me beyond the meet notices, and I recognize those do not even have value to you.

I know I am swimming upstream in my belief that the on-line posting of The Driveline at the same time as it is mailed will simply shift the advantage to those with the fastest electronic service, or who live in a time zone that allows them access to it the second it is opened for member viewing. I still believe we are trading one set of problems for a different set -- and someone will still miss out on all those good buys. The reason they miss out will not matter -- the parts went to someone else is all that will matter.

[Joe R.]

Re: Driveline

Terry,

Maybe I'm missing the boat, but I figure that the vast majority of the members have internet access by now. Those that don't can get online at the local public library. That could be a hassle for them, but I feel that's a small number of people.

If the Driveline went online the day it went out, nearly everyone would have an equal shot at getting the parts they need. Right now a small minority who receive the magazine early get the first shot at it. Seems less fair than the alternative to me.

Joe

[David Z.]

Re: Driveline

Since I've yet to receive mine (haven't checked today though) I'd like to second Joe's comment above:

"If the Driveline went online the day it went out, nearly everyone would have an equal shot at getting the parts they need."

I mean no disrespect to anyone here, but putting the Driveline on-line when the first bundle ships out does seem like the fairest and easiest solution to this problem.

A fellow member in Illinois always calls me at least a week before I receive my issue and lets me know if there is something I might be chasing for a car! If it were on-line early I could follow up on those leads a little easier.

The Driveline is one of the major benefits of membership.

Thanks for listening!

Dave Z

P.S. Driveline was in the box when I got home tonite!