PCA Membership - Did you renew or not?

[cairns]

The more I'm finding it the less I want to know. The covers are excellent shots BTW but first we (at least I) discover the editor has been there for 38 years- no answers as to why so long; now we find out it's a husband and wife deal (nothing inherently wrong with that but it sure isn't obvious and should be for the sake of journalistic integrity), third, the husband goes on the press trips too- (but they seem to use the stock photos so why does he?). Who else goes? Who pays for the press trips?

If it's Porsche do they retain editorial control over the magazine? Would Porsche continue to pay for the trips if the editor comes back and pronounces the Panamera an ugly POS? If it's the club who goes or who decides who goes?

I'm gonna stop now....but this is starting to sound like an excellent magazine article for someone. But not in a good way.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I suspect a number of what you think are stock shots are actually by Leonard.

And of course Porsche pays for the press trips, which typically consist of business-class airfare, sometimes first and never coach unless it's a relatively short domestic trip--New York to Road Atlanta, say--and top-shelf accommodations.

No car magazine on earth pays its own way on press trips. Even such sacrosanct media as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal don't pay--I know because I've been on trips with their writers--but their excuse is that the writers are freelancers, not employees. Doesn't work for me at Conde Nast Traveler, though, since my contract says no freebies of any sort, not even a meal.

I suspect PCNA thinks of PCA as an informal arm of its marketing department, else they wouldn't have permission to use Porsche logos and the like.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by cairns

I hope there isn't a conflict of interest- but the way Panorama reads there sure appears to be one. Roundel will criticize BMW the company and critique particular cars all day long- pretty vehemently. But I can't recall ever reading a critical word from the editors at Panorama- in fact it's just the opposite and way over the top. The current months press releases on the new Cayman and Panamera (let's face it that's all those articles are) are just more examples. The magazine should be the voice of the club- not the company.

It would be interesting to know how much Porsche contributes to PCNA in the form of Pano-advertsing, freebies and assorted bean-fests. I had always assumed this was considerable, and hence the clear conflict of interest.

We have the same issue in the local chapter. It's absolutely taboo to criticize Porsche or any Porsche corporate policies, because they are big sponsors and advertisers in the local publication and website etc.—so the conflict of interest is built in. You don't bite the hand that feeds you right? It's not nice.

Personally, I can live with this, and don't think it is a big deal. I mean the benefit of corporate sponsorship/support in a one-marque car club probably outweighs the cost of keeping the members slightly muzzled. At least in my view. There are, after all, lots of other forums where marque-enthusiasts can vent their views on the corporate parent.
(This board for example.)

[cairns]

A nice perk for certain. I realized they were paid for commercial magazines (they even show the same photos on occassion) but didn't realize it was done for Panorama. Maybe I'm naive but I think 38 years of press junkets by the same company would have an influence on one's journalistic, ahem, viewpoint. Certainly seems to be the case here...

I wonder how long Roundel's editors have been around and why they seem to be able to speak so freely when Pano's can't (or won't). I presume BMW pays for their junkets too. Maybe BMW realizes that criticism of their car or company is good for them and ought to be up front where owners and members can see it? I recall that magazine was very critical of I Drive- and it has improved so much there are no more (or very few) complaints.

[cairns]

"We have the same issue in the local chapter. It's absolutely taboo to criticize Porsche or any Porsche corporate policies, because they are big sponsors and advertisers in the local publication and website etc.—so the conflict of interest is built in. You don't bite the hand that feeds you right? It's not nice."

We don't have that in our chapter. Thank goodness. Most members (including me) rarely have much to say that's critical of Porsche. But we can da*n sure say it if we want to. I'd leave the club if that were the case and suspect a lot of others would as well.

[berettafan]

So Pano is one rich couple's trip through the Porsche world.

Nice.

Now i understand why it reads the way it does.

Cairns is right, if decision makers are too pussified to get the right people involved then term limits will do it for them.

[the]

Originally Posted by carolinatrophy

What, more specifically, would you guys like to see changed about Panorama. That is, if you were in charge, what changes would you make? (I have no connection or loyalty to anyone at the magazine, but I am starting to write more content for the book, and would love to know what you'd like to see more or less of. Particularly since I just got the new issue in the mail and it's the worst ever. A third of it is an ad for the "new" Cayman, a third of it is letters from people about their current Caymans, and a third of it is an ad for the 2009 Parade in Keystone. I glanced through it and wham - right in the circular file.)

Specifically:

1) How would you change the subject of the content. More articles about older cars? More racing coverage? More modified cars? More technical and "how to" articles? Maybe articles about great driving routes? Articles about influential or interesting Porsche-related people? What would YOU like to se when you open the next issue?

2) What do you think of the "tone" of the writing? (I have heard some people say it is not critical enough - too fawning - so they don't really "learn" anything about the subject. Everything reads like an advertisement.) Is the text too corporate and dry? Or do you like the writing, but just don't like the subjects?

3) A number of people mentioned how great the BMWCCA's Roundel magazine is by comparison. Why, exactly, is it better?

Any other suggestions? If everyone in the country thinks the magazine stinks, then maybe with everyone's input we can slowly start to make some changes, no matter whop is in charge.

The easiest way to answer that question is to take a look at BMW's club magazine, the Roundel. They'd do well to copy that. The Mercedes club magazine, the Star, is pretty good too.

It's not just that the Roundel writers will criticize BMW when it is deserved, although that's a big part of it (Pano being the de facto marketing dept for PCNA is nauseating and makes it so predictable). The content is more varied, the writers are far more skilled and entertaining (and they aren't all the same in tone, content and style), the coverage of cars is better, etc. etc. etc.

In sum, it's just a much more entertaining read.

Panorama has become INCREDIBLY stale. They could probably republish their February edition again in November, and most people probably wouldn't even notice. They haven't changed their format in years, including things that have become completely outdated (like the little tech letters to the editors, which was great pre-Internet, but is really pretty useless now. You don't need to wait a month for a magazine to figure out how to get into the trunk of your Boxster when the battery dies, etc.).

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Oh, and an addendum to my post above, after re-reading cairn's post:

Leonard Turner is the person who goes on Porsche press trips, not Betty Jo. If she has ever been on one, I haven't met her in 25 years of doing Porsche trips. Leonard takes the photos and writes the road tests.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

The Mercedes magazine The Star was for years edited and produced by a frequent Pelican poster and longtime Porsche (and Mercedes) owner, Frank Barrett. fbarrett I think his tag is. Good friend of Grady Clay's.

[cairns]

Formerly,
Thanks for clarification but I still think something's rotten in Denmark. As I stated before Panorama should be the voice of the club- not the company.

At any rate are you the guy who writes the articles in Conde Nast where they're driving the new Lexus in Singapore or Mustang V8 in Las Vegas? I cancelled Conde Nast (the advertising alone weighed 85 pounds) but always enjoyed those.

[TimT]

I've owned Porsches for 30 years..

Yet I've only been a PCA member for 11 years now...

I was put off, when I wanted to join in 1978 when I bought my first 911... I then joined SCCA, and learned how to drive the car on a racetrack..

I joined PCA when I found out the local region was doing DEs and the club racing program was starting...To this day I instruct for other car clubs, as well as PCA region... I renew my member ship every year...possibly out of habit.

The Roundel magazine BLOWS Panorama away by leaps and bounds.

And my pano usually goes straight from the mailbox to recycle bin...

[KNS]

The original post was about the club so I'll comment on that. Here in Phoenix, David Hobbs is scheduled to speak at an anniversary dinner event that I would really love to attend - simply to listen to David Hobbs. Sixty five dollars a plate ($130.00 for the wife and I) and semi formal/cocktail attire - No longer interested. Why can't I go and see David Hobbs speak in a more casual atmosphere, this is about the cars (and past racing tales), isn't it?

As for the magazine, I'd have to agree with the Roundal comments. I am a BMW club member and Roundel is far and away the better rag with Mike Miller and the tech notes on top. Mike Miller will tell it like it is and criticize BMW where it is deserved. It surprises me because you see plenty of BMW company ads in the magazine so they must (hopefully) read his remarks.

[Red Baron]

Renewed and will keep renewing as I participate in numerous track events and attend other PCA functions also. It's a great organization to be part of!

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

cairns, that's me, the Great Driver. I'm trying to fob the gig off on my daughter Brook, a Condescending Traveler editor whose Lime Rock lap times are better than mine anyway. We just did one together--Nissan GT-R in Nevada.

[berettafan]

David Hobbs, wow! too bad it's not over beers and pizza at the local tavern. THAT i'd pay $65 for!!!!!

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Are you aware of what David charges for these appearances, which for him are his work? Not fun. He has no interest in beer and pizza.

[strupgolf]

If you're not into DE's and track days, there is no reason to be a PCA member. If it comes with your local dues, then so much the better. I see no reason to join for just a magazine.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

The Mercedes magazine The Star was for years edited and produced by a frequent Pelican poster and longtime Porsche (and Mercedes) owner, Frank Barrett. fbarrett I think his tag is. Good friend of Grady Clay's.

Yeah, ask him about all the years he controlled that publication.

[berettafan]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

Are you aware of what David charges for these appearances, which for him are his work? Not fun. He has no interest in beer and pizza.

ARRRGGGHHH!!! it's like i just found out santa claus isn't real!!!!

[berettafan]

c'mon steve tell him i'll buy the pizza and split the beer with him. i mean what more can a guy ask for!