I'm sure this is old news to many, but here's the article-
Not so smilin Bob
I used to be slightly curious as to why the poll indicates that BMW owners "get it" more than Porsche owners but after 4 PCA outings, I'm starting to figure out why. I have to say that, as a new PCA member, I don't exactly feel embraced by my Porsche bretheren. In fact, I would say they are downright cold. Here's why-
I've been to four PCA gatherings. The first one was the last concours of the year 2004 at Elkart Lake, WI. I drove up and parked among all the other Porsches being primped by their owners. I was greeted with cold stares and no greeting what so ever. By the time I could muster a wave or nod the person would look away and resume their efforts.
Event 2- a 2005 winter tech session. One would think that the many officers in attendence would want to welcome new members, but not so. In fact I was ignored for the duration by all.
Event 3- The 2005 BRIC gathering at Porsche Park at Road America. Same as above-cold, who the f@#% are you stare. No greeting at all. Not even when I park my 911 among them and walk around looking at their cars. Forget about anyone asking me about mine. As a side note, when I park
anywhere else, people stop and look at it. It's just a nice looking 911. Nothing special, but nice.
Last event-Tonight. An informal gathering of PCA folk at a local restaurant parking lot that sponsors some sort of vintage car night every Tuesday. In this instance the Milwaukee region PCA is bringing old and new to join the other cars (a beautiful mini, 6 pack Cuda, and a Cobra to name a few) I pull in as a 911 is pulling out. I wave, he ignores me and leaves. I drive past all of the Porsches and people and get the same old stare. No waves. No nods. No nothing. Again, not even when I park (this time at the end of the lot because I'm getting used to this by now) and look at all the cars do I get one "hello" or even a hint of acknowledgement.
Now-the internet being what it is, the reader may think this is a rant or boo-hoo poor me. Not at all. Simply an observation and a query- Is it this way everywhere or only in MIlwaukee? I ask here because this Pelican community does not seem that way to me at all. I have found the people here to be very friendly and helpful.
Logically, one might think it's me. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. Maybe
I'm the one who's stand-offish. Maybe I'm the problem. I could accept that. I certainly have been accused of being a dick now and again. However, I don't think any of these folks know me
. Also, I've been a BMWCCA member for quite some time now. My behavior among them is the same as it is here and among PCA folks. At BMW gatherings everyone is at least greeted and included. I am truly part of the BMW community. They're a fun, friendly bunch-even when I show up driving a 911! It's just better.
Anyone else experience this?