Well I've read enough so now I'll bore you with my thoughts. It's not economic
nor is it emotional nor is it what's in it for me. All topics that I've seen
these last few days. To me it's an appreciation for what an organization
staffed by volunteers, who get nothing in return but these complaints, have
done for our hobby. Long before the internet and the now current ease with
which we all communicate, VTR and TRA were the glue that held our common
interest together. Before VTR it was the TSOA factory sponsored club.
A year or so ago I wrote my opinion of how it's my belief that we as owners
should support a single National Organization of our Common interest that in
turn recognized and was interested in the preservation of the cars that we
enjoy. VTR is the only US based club that does that and it's my belief that we
should support them. I, for one think that they do a great job for the money
we spend and for the money the officers derive from their hard work. $0.00 in
case someone thinks otherwise. I'll say it again, it's my belief that all of
the special interest clubs within the cars recognized by VTR should be under
the umbrella of the VTR. The collective enthusiasm of a group this size would
do lots for preserving and encouraging the continued interest in the cars we
enjoy.
My personal opinion is that the maintenance pages should be open to all and
that those pages alone should not be a reason for denying a fine organization
your dues. The VTR Board has done a great job and they've been good stewards
of our money. It's a good deal cash wise and an excellent publication to
spread the word to other members of the activities in support of Triumphs. The
word elitist was used, VTR is not elitist in any definition in my opinion.
Single model clubs within the greater Triumph umbrella are certainly more
elitist than VTR if lines need to be drawn.
I like the idea of placing something from past issues of our magazine on the
web site too and I endorse using it to encourage membership.
So, please continue your support of VTR and encourage members of your local
clubs to join as well. It's money well spent even if the annual convention
isn't close by your home state. Change that too and get in on the rotation.
There's plenty of places that Triumph owners would love to travel to and to
see people of common interest and like minds.
Jerry Van Vlack
VTR # 0691 (somewhere around 1976 I think)
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