What Can MAFCA and MARC Do to Improve the Hobby

[Mark Schwing]

At the risk of opening a hornets nest or two, what can the two national organizations, MAFCA and MARC, do to improve the Model A Ford hobby?

I am a candidate for the MAFCA board of directors. Please visit my website at www.markschwing.com

[Tom Endy]

At the risk of political suicide you could suggest that the two national organizations merge into one.

Tom Endy

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

At the risk of political suicide you could suggest that the two national organizations merge into one.

Tom Endy

I agree with Tom. This should be the number one priority; bury the hatchet! Whatever it was about, current membership, and even more-surely potential new members, don't care. The joint national meets I've attended seemed to work very well. Why continue to waste precious resources with silly duplication? Maybe a place to start would be to merge the magazines. What sense does it make to produce and mail such duplicate slick, marginally useful products? Both clubs should be embarrassed that it's been possible for yet a third magazine, Model A Times, to make a go of it.

Steve

[Roadster62]

I've been in the hobby since 1961 and never joined either club. Sure, I've thumbed through some of the magazines and the books they coauthored, but I've never had a burning desire to join either club. Fair or not I think the obsession with Judging killed it for me. Life is too short to worry if your left wizbang is the proper finish if made before lunch time June 3, 1929. How many cars were restored 10 years ago vs this year? Are any restorations being redone? How many cars are in hobbiest garages vs ones licensed and road ready?

[Mike V. Florida]

There are ALOT of car shows around (at least in So. Florida) there are clubs and even individuales that make money on them.

The national clubs could put together a package and even personnel help to get the clubs to sponsor shows, pancake breakfasts, whatever to get our cars out in the public eye and make a few bucks for the club. In case you are wondering what a club would do with the money, there are tons of PR things such as charities that can get clubs exposure with the big check, smiles, and photos. With exposure comes new members and more cars out of garages.

As for judging, can you get photos or even real items that can be at the events for comparisons?

There are tons of organizations that have there own credit cards to bring in funds. These funds could offset chapter visits by the national organization. Here in Florida the second grades learn about Ford and Edison and even visit their homes in Ft. Meyers. I've brought my car to schools for hands on with the kids. How about something like educational materials for that time period with the contact info for the chapters in case a school wants to see the cars.

[cradlescyth]

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I have never understod why there are two such organizations.
If we are all trying to forward the love and upkeep of Model A's why
not get togeather.

[roccaas]

The basis for any organization to remain a going concern is new and younger members. If we don't get kids involved, and their parents interested in buying/restoring/maintaining these cars, they will all be Hot Rods in 20 years (or rusted away when we, or our executors, can't sell them).

I've always pondered: with the rise in interest in muscle cars/resto mods, etc. what about engaging Technical Schools from a national level to rebuild/restore/refresh A's to original levels. Not overdone, not Rodded. What if we could build an alternative energy A on a National level (bio diesel would be easiest, but solar??)

Some National press would help draw the kids.

Without them we will be Packard, Cord, Whippet, as a National presence. Gone and barely remembered. Look around at your next meeting, we are getting up in age, and rarely get new blood. When I joined AACA at 40, I was the youngest in my group by 15 years. No one younger than me has joined, and few have interest in getting greasy working on old cars.

I think a National Program with an International Face (Jay Leno) might tempt more young folks to look to old cars as a hobby.

[Bruce Adams]

I feel that both clubs should try promoting Model A ownership to AARP age members. The people who are "Ready Now" with time and money are in that sixty-something year old group, and hopefully they might see the advantages of owning a stock Model A Ford.
There will be a number of Model A's available as the present "Older Generation" which is a major factor in Model A ownership has no need for them.

ALSO
Had you participated in Fordbarn or Ahooga prior to running for election?
Will you continue to participate?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Bruce Adams

ALSO
Had you participated in Fordbarn or Ahooga prior to running for election?
Will you continue to participate?

Bruce, don't you remember when he donated the distributor back when we did the Workshop here and rebuild an engine to be raffled off and the proceeds donated to the Youth Scholarship? He was hanging out here back then too.


You know to a certain extent, what is being said above are great ideas but who says what is out there between both clubs is actually "broken" --or is needing fixed? People are creatures of habit anyway and don't mind change as long as it doesn't change them! Look at all the opposition that Shelly faced when she announced she needed to change the format. It got downright nasty! Then Shelly offered the website to those who would possibly be interested in purchasing it (me included). Although I am a frequent visitor, I did want it and neither did others including a national club!! Ryan comes along, 'forces the change' and even he met huge opposition, ...however here we are 6 months later and most will defend this site as one of the best on the planet. My point is that I feel Mark is writing his obituary if he tries to take ideas & opinions and make change to the MAFCA present direction. Mark, I think the best thing you can be is a "cheerleader" for MAFCA by just going around and offering praise. If it nothing more than picking up the phone and calling a local chapter President and sincerely thanking them for the job they do, --or sending an e-mail to a chapter newsletter Editor or Webmaster commending them for the efforts they do, ...THAT is what both of these clubs need more of.

BTW, I am of the opinion that anywhere there is excitement, new people will join in. You do not need to promote the club to AARP aged people, or 'Generation X' ...or even Youth. If you offer a service or venue that they perceive as FUN, they will come participate. I am not advocating that changes needs to be made but more about adding to the existing. Let me offer an example. There would be mutiny if the National Meet format was changed however many would agree that it is about as predictable as the typical Sunday Morning Church Service. Instead of changing the format, what happens if an alternate venue such as the National Driving Tour was held a few weeks away (during the summer!!) and a week was spent driving and visiting different sights around the country? The logistics doesn't matter whether it is a hub tour or a progressive tour, BUT what does matter is that you take 150-200 Model A families who are spending time together as a family. IMO, "together" does not mean that Dad is at the swap meet, Mom is lounging at the pool, big Sister is in the hotel room asleep, and little Jr. is on a kids scavenger hunt ...all while at a National Meet. 'Together' is stopping at places that each of the family members participates as a group and makes memories together that they can share at a later time and place! If an event such as this is fun for the entire family, it will be a priority for it to be an annual event for the family.

(BTW, this is not my idea but merely an observation on how another club has kept interest high and attracted new members each year.)

.

[30ccpickup]

It seems odd that I am a paying member of MARC, but for help, I contact the free advice from the Fordbarn. Do not get me wrong, when I go to a national meet the people are friendly and the help is good, but I am just surprised that in today’s age that their website isn’t more helpful. They need to post there tech info there. Can you image going to your a local club and being a paying member and asking a question and the say the answer is in this book and it is $49.95, but do not worry this money goes to support our club. In my opinion the club is the sharing of the information and the information should not be used as a fund raiser for the club. I think the intrest is out there, you just need to recrute them towards you. I visit this site daily (or more) the national club sites maybe once every two months.

[RonC]

Without new members the Model A hobby as we know it will surely die as time goes on. All clubs should promote and donate to the Model A Youth restoration award. Youth can't get into the hobby without some financial help. Of all the clubs in this country only a handfull have donated to the program.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by RonC

Of all the clubs in this country only a handfull have donated to the program.

To the defense of the other clubs, some promote the hobby to the youth from within when money allows. Our club used to do this when we had the funds. Since the funds are short there is no longer that kind of donation being made hense my suggestion on how to build funds.

And as for fashion, as long as it does not overwhelm the magazine why not? It is part of the culture. I often dress the part when I go to shows and the like. I find history fascinating, all of it!

[John LaVoy]

While at the recent national convention in Vancouver Canada this very subject came up. Some of the suggestions revolved around merging the two clubs but also taking the meet planning away from a local chapter and having an event planner on staff at MAFCA select venues and arrange the contracts etc and the local chapter be called on for some assistance with staffing the event.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

...The two national clubs serve two different purposes and should be left alone. I can't see any reason to merge them.

Jeff,

Could you elaborate on the "two different purposes"? I have been a member of both for over 20 years and have never discerned a dime's worth of difference beyond geographical emphasis, which I don't find very compelling. They have common judging standards.

Thanks!

Steve

[dan]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

... actual technical articles. Real 'meat' the stuff we need to know.

It could be, that perhaps over the years about all that can be written about a Model A Ford, has indeed been written. And, the two national clubs depend upon members to submit articles. Maybe we have all been too lax in doing so.

I agree with this point. I like the pictures of As in the magazine, but sort of the reverse of Playboy, I don't read it for the articles :-)

If indeed everything useful has already been written, how about republishing old articles? I'm sure there was a lot of useful info published in the last 30 years and a good number of us haven't been around that long. The cars haven't changed, so how about recycling some of that older, useful info?

I'd also like to second that all this info should be on the Web site. This is 2010 for Pete's sake; I don't want to have to order a paper book and wait for it to arrive--I want to read it online and print out a page to take down and get greasy in the garage.

I'm appreciative of what the club and local chapters do. But those are two changes that would be worth making in my opinion

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by dan

I agree with this point. I like the pictures of As in the magazine, but sort of the reverse of Playboy, I don't read it for the articles :-)

If indeed everything useful has already been written, how about republishing old articles? I'm sure there was a lot of useful info published in the last 30 years and a good number of us haven't been around that long. The cars haven't changed, so how about recycling some of that older, useful info?

I'd also like to second that all this info should be on the Web site. This is 2010 for Pete's sake; I don't want to have to order a paper book and wait for it to arrive--I want to read it online and print out a page to take down and get greasy in the garage.

I'm appreciative of what the club and local chapters do. But those are two changes that would be worth making in my opinion

MARC has their "Technically Speaking" books and covers past articles from begining to 1996. Curently at Vol. 8.

MAFCA has their "How to Restore Your Model A" books and covers past articles from begining to 2007. Curently at Vol. 8.

Pluck

[Bob/Kansas City]

[QUOTE=Jeff/Illinois;70723]I agree pretty much with Brent and ForeverFour. The V-8 Times is a great club magazine, not packed with stories of someone's pancake breakfast or other eating venue or what underwear your Granny would have worn in the Model A era, but actual technical articles. Real 'meat' the stuff we need to know. /QUOTE]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above. Make the publications from MARC and MAFCA more meaningful and helpful.
Articles with photos on member restorations similar to what "Hemmings Classic Car" does. How to articles, with photos, on topics that all Model A'ers are facing in their restorations.
Yes, many have already done their brakes, transmissions, rebuilt engines or whatever and for them it may be old stuff but there are always new people coming into the hobby that don't have their level of experience and need some help or at least a general exposure to things they will encounter in their restorations to get them started in the right direction.

Maybe post the member anniversaries, chapter news, etc on the respective websites and better utilize the print space for topics of more interest to restorers.

I sincerely hope no one takes offense but I just can't help but shake my head at a 4 (!) page article on cigar boxes in a Model A Ford publication.
Just my opinion!

Thank goodness for The Ford Barn forum and the wealth of information available here!

[marc hildebrant]

As a new Model A owner and new MAFCA member, I agree with many of the past comments. I would suggest a section in each magazine (and available on line) that covers the basics. For example, brakes, timing, etc.

Marc

[WTSHNN]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

I sincerely hope no one takes offense but I just can't help but shake my head at a 4 (!) page article on cigar boxes in a Model A Ford publication.
Just my opinion!


Bob. I felt that way too but didn't want to say anything.

I tried to 'get into' the article but had to turn the page, I didn't see anything there that was even remotely interesting.

The article was cool but contained a tremendous amount of detail that wasn't of interest (to me) in a Model A magazine. However, the author still took the time to write something and submit it. Something the national is constantly struggling with. So I won't knock him for doing that!

-Tim

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by Mark Schwing

At the risk of opening a hornets nest or two, what can the two national organizations, MAFCA and MARC, do to improve the Model A Ford hobby?

Phase One
Media coverage is everything! Model A's get almost none. There is a reason. The news guys don't know what's going on! The nationals can help by putting together a training video for local chapters/regions (as well as themselves) to use. It should include samples of proven effective press releases that led to major TV coverage. Of course, this means they should HIRE A PROFESSIONAL to do this, as I have never seen any organization's B.O.D. 'do it yourself' efforts in this area to be much good. I did say a training video. A manual is nice and necessary, but nobody reads. Encourage showing the 10 min max video at club meetings annually.

Sending cars to visit a retirement home? PRESS RELEASE
Overnight tour with a parade of cars? PRESS RELEASE
Picnic in public area with lots of Model A's to see? PRESS RELEASE
Parade? PRESS RELEASE
Club resto project? PRESS RELEASE
Outing to XYZ? PRESS RELEASE
Model A's attending a wedding/ funeral/ mitzvahs? PRESS RELEASE

If 0.1% makes it to ten seconds of news coverage, that's a million dollars worth of advertising to potential new blood for our hobby!

How else can the nationals help? After developing and distributing the training materials, they can:
1) Use it themselves!!
2) Establish a points tracking and rewards system for chapters/regions that send out releases, get local coverage, get national prime time news coverage. Throw in some points for showing the training video to all the members, not just the local board, annually. Make it worthwhile. There should be some really big rewards/prizes for the chapters that do the best every year. Like a data projector for the club, or a rebuilt engine for them to raffle. Whatever lights their fire. Lots of smaller rewards, too. Hats, pins, tools etc.
Phase Two
The national should quarterly produce 5 to 10 minute Model A human interest and involvement videos. Real personal stuff of interest, not trash like convention coverage that the general public does not pay attention to. They should be full HD, on Blue-ray discs. Send them to all network news media. Also send multiple copies to the locals so they can send them with press releases to their local stations. Of course, this means HIRE A PROFESSIONAL, a script writer, and have it posted in a real editing suite, not done by some wedding photographer or guy with a a consumer camera. If they look "ready for prime-time" perhaps a few minutes will reach national network broadcast. That's a MILLION DOLLARS worth of free advertising to support our hobby.