MotorMeister ad dropped from PCA Panorama magazine!

[Deschodt]

Good riddance to MM...

As for the virtues of Roundel over Panorama, I have to agree... I have both feet in the Porsche world and a few toes in the BMW world (think heel n' toe) since I bought an Inka orange 2002, yet I have to admit that Roundel would good enough to buy on a newstand - Pano in comparison is only good for ads or fixing a table that is out of balance. Now and then there is a good historical article, but even the small format bugs me.

Then again all the porsches I've owned have had better build quality than the Bimmers we've had, so I'm not too sad about the status quo, lesser mag, more reliable cars ;-)

Still, I'm lusting for a nice early 70s CSi, old bimmers are still affordable, while classic 911s are out of reach for most of us now...

[jkarolyi]

Thanks Frank for the contact info...will email her with a link to this thread.

I agree with Grady that PCA is what you make it.

I think Panorama would be well advised to feature a "region of the month" and detail some of the events they put on to inspire others. I think PCA has been an awesome value for me over the years. I've been a member for 18 years now and joined up when I bought my cheap-o 924 as a 16 year-old! Our region here in Riverside and Orange County is very active and they have fun runs, DEs, track days, Festival of Speed in Fontana every year, along with the "wine and cheeser" events like restaurant gatherings. Take your pick.

Sure, we get lots of the newer water coolers and even a Cayenne or two, but there are still lots of early cars at the meets I go to, and I never felt snubbed even when I showed up in my 924. The tech articles contributed to much of the knowledge I have now, and the DE and autocross instructors taught me how to drive properly.

Really, the local region is what makes or breaks PCA.

[eapcpa]

Roundel is slightly better but I am not fond of either. My Roundel sits on the counter, I browse it for a few weeks never really reading a comlete article until my wife asks if she can throw it out. I don't have a BMW 2002 which every red blooded BMW owner knows was the best car ever made period. (NOT). I dropped my PCA membership years ago for the same wine and cheese crowd reasons. I see a Pano every so often but I am unimpressed. But the subject is MM and thank goodness they are gone from those pages.

[unclebilly]

Interestingly enough our local PCA chapter is tending towards the wine and cheese crowd. A scenic country drive was cancelled for this weekend in favour of another photo opportunity in front of the Banff Springs Hotel (see the recent article in Pano). The banff drive involves an hour or so of straightline driving on the Trans Canada Hiway followed by a photo op and a $49 per person brunch.

We have done a few tech events recently that were well attended. At one, I was shocked when a long time Porsche Owner made a remark that made it apparent that this was the first time he had ever seen the rockers in a 911 engine - I kinda though that setting your valves was a right of passage with 911 ownership.

Anyway, I joined PCA for cheap track time. I met a some great friends along the way and have attended a few of the wine and cheese type events which were somewhat enjoyable. I think variety is the key to making these clubs fun for everyone.

[equality72521]

Our chapter is cool. Everyone from the rich with the GT2 or GT3 down to to the 18 year old kid with a 1983 944.

[rfloz]

If you want a good model for an owners' magazine, check out BMWON, the BMW Motorcycle Owners News. Good tech articles, along with tours, riding technique tips, coverage of shows and Rally meetings, product reviews, restorations, member profiles, etc. The older "Airheads" (yes, they have that conflict too) get plenty of attention.

I was hoping for this with Pano when I joined PCA. Boy, was I ever disappointed. I keep the Sunday L.A. Times around longer than I keep Pano.

[berettafan]

Early S registry puts out a really nice publication as well. it's not monthly (i'm not even sure how often it does come?) but it is invariably very well done.

i suppose one has to consider that PCA needs to satisfy a large group and many of that group aren't interested in a 911&PW style magazine with detail shots of race parts and such.

now Excellence has been kicking so much butt lately i'm not sure if they should even try to improve. just give people a sub. to that magazine with their membership instead. positively fantastic vehicle choices and coverage. photography has been top notch as well.

[Manny Alban]

Letters, emails or phone calls from members are addressed on a timely basis, be it to the Executive Council or at the national office. If you're dissatisfied with Pano, I encourage you to let it be known. Copy, paste your posting in an email. All the main contacts are on pca.org or right to the national office at admin@pca.org Let your voice be heard. I can talk until I'm blue in the face, but saying "berettafan" said this or that, doesn't carry alot of weight. I need names of members attached to the complaints. Didn't mean to pick on berettafan, just using him as an example of how a username doesn't show pca membership.

In our member surveys, Pano is at the top for reasons people stay with PCA. Is that the people that just get Pano and don't participate in events or is it indicative of the small core of people who participate? Personally, my favorite is 356 Registry magazine. Great pics, interesting articles on not just the cars, but the PEOPLE behind the cars, be it the owner or restorer.

It's not secret that I believe Pano should be a magazine about the club. Promoting PCAers and their cars, be it members who are living the dream and racing professionally or the guy who restored or modified a car and is very proud of it. As always, just my two cents.

[berettafan]

momma always said i was a bad example.