AROC v Brand X

[Pottree@domain.elided]

In a message dated 01/31/2002 2:03:37 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> .  I wish AROC would do more than just the annual convention.  I also wish 
> more the the meets are on the NE side.  Now for the $60, it is a bit to 
> swallow.  For me the newsletter I couldn't care about because its the worst 
> newsletter I've ever picked up from a club.  If you look at the Mercedes 
> club (Star Mag.) or the BMW club's (Roundels) newsletters they actually 
> have interest articles and helpful info.  I've received more help from the 
> digest then I've ever did from reading the newsletter!  

I have stayed out of the discussion of AROC dues, etc. for the most part, but 
here I'd like to chime in with a side comment on the Owner:

Mercedes and BMW are not orphan brands abandoned in the USA, like Alfa.

M-B and BMW were pretty much always expensive (or, near-luxury) cars that 
sell pretty well in the USA because (fill in your own reasons).  Result: the 
business of selling M-B and BMW in the USA has been a profit-making venture 
as opposed to Alfa which has traditionally been (cultural imperialism, way to 
hold onto the Communist vote, fill in your own guess) anything but.  

Our German friends therefore find it worthwhile to stroke their flock in 
hopes of selling them even more cars (and fashionable factory accessories and 
service and parts... ) and therefore can justify subsidizing the owner's 
pubs, the clubs, and even (BMW that I know of) running a direct response 
division for branded merchandise.

There is no comparison between the motley little band of straggling Alfa 
stalwarts, some 5000 weirdoes who are in AROC, and the juicy markets 
represented by the millions of free-spending BMW and M-B drivers.

Gold chains aside, I'd say we do pretty damn well!

The Owner is a monthly printed in what really amounts to uneconomic numbers 
(a minimum print run), largely relying on volunteers for content.  Compared 
this with factory-sponsored or subsidized books (that can share and prorate 
content with sister pubs in other markets worldwide) printed in much more 
substantial numbers or with the immediacy of the Digest.

As past-president of our local AROSC chapter where we put on many, many 
events year-round in numerous categories (something for everyone!), I can 
understand how the Owner is not only AROC's major expense but the main way 
most members interact with the club.  With rising costs on one side and the 
speed and back-and-forth of the Internet on the other, the concept of a 
monthly for our little group may have outlived its time.  Perhaps a quarterly 
would be more affordable -- but then the majority of members, I'm afraid, 
would feel the club is providing even LESS for the annual dues.  So, it's ye 
olde rock and hard place.

Charlie
LA, CA, USA

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