bustidwing
I am not a KFOCI member but use the forum often. Gordie, Fid, and Joe Frazer are great people. I admire them. I am also friends with some KF guys who are NOT on the forum, ever. For me it is simply a function of the lack of space, as far as being an "owner" member. Space and time are limited. If someone wants to buy my 1990 Buick Reatta convertible for $4400, then I'll buy a couple of KF products. And become a member again.
You know darn well that all old car clubs are challenged. Many don't have a great forum like this one. ++ for KF right there. I owned a Hudson and their website is bare bones. Studebaker has a good website but it's not as user friendly as this one. On the AACA website forum, your comments would get you banned. Permanently. I know, I am banned there!
Moderation is largely non existent here. Despite that, if you asked a normal question, these great folks would answer you with knowledge if they could. And others who frequent less often like Terry, etc.
Membership in most old car clubs will continue to decline. I don't agree with Jack that anything can be done about it. It's a "perfect storm" of issues that will see old car clubs go by the wayside in the next 70 years. Old cars will mostly be left to museums, and a few collections. In 70 years, all cars will be solar powered, or electric. How we view hobbies and collecting items will demonstrably change. We will all have passed away.
Enjoy the cars now, enjoy the club for what it can provide now, including this great forum. I suspect KFOCI membership will decline by 3-4% annually.
Supply of all collector cars greatly exceeds interested participants. Given a choice between a 1948 Kaiser to restore and dump $20,000 or more into, or a 1969 Chevy Camaro, well, the choice is obvious. Not comfortable for us who appreciate what KF did, but understandable.
PLEASE, give the negativity a break over the holidays. Your comments are not going to change the club direction. If you do not feel the membership is a value, then please do not participate. You will certainly get a better magazine by joining the AACA. 6 times a year. But even that organization will have to prioritize in the coming years.
When I started collecting cars 38 years ago, the hobby was a cheap enjoyable alterative. Parts were scavenged from junk yard cars, a restoration was done in one's garage, and accepted as decent. Now, a person might get laughed at at show n shines for what was a pretty decent restoration 30 years ago.
All of these aspects play a part in where we are at today. For the KFOCI to provide more than what it does now, the dues would have to be what? $150 a year. For slick better produced and more frequent magazines I guess.
All I know is that the folks in KFOCI I have communicated with are GREAT people I should be ashamed of myself for collecting Buick Reattas. Presently. Dave Antram, Rudy, Fid, Gordie, Terry, Jim L and all the others thank you for your passion.
