Re: T-34 Registry Issues

["Gregory M. Merritt" <gregm@engin.umich.edu>]

Hi Big Al & everyone,

	I am actually gearing up for a low-key, informal T3 newsletter...
Been scoping out costs, info sources for articles, etc.  My target is to
have a first issue put together by the start of the local VW event season
(May) and pass out free intro copies at the shows. 

	My goal is not so much a T3 club or registry, but an info resource
for *all* vehicles that have the pancake engine from the T3.  SP-2s, T34s,
T3 powered dune buggies, convertible Notchbacks, T3 panel vans, you name
it.  A publication that's much in the spirit of this list, but able to
reach a wider (read: not internet-only) audience.  Tech info, history,
product reviews, feature cars (beaters *and* show cars! why not?),
personal classifieds, etc.  This list now has over 160 subscribers(!), so
it's clear to me that there is a strong interest in T3.  What fraction of
T3 owners have/utilize the resources to access this list?  It's anyone's
guess, but I suspect that most don't have such access.  The newlsetter is
targeted to an English-speaking North American audience, but would accept
other foreign subscriptions with appropriate postage. 

	The newsletter will also be ad-free.  How many times have you read
a "review" article of a VW product in the magazines--nothing but
raves--followed by a full-page ad from the supplier?  A bit of a conflict
of interest, if you ask me.  If a product is lousy or overpriced, I'd like
that to be stated in a review! 

	I am currently in the stages of designing a nameplate, logos, and
layout.  I've amassed quite a file of VW and automotive newsletters from
local clubs around the country(US), national clubs, clubs based on a
certain Type, etc. I've been reviewing them for content, layout, tone,
etc. to learn what floats & what sinks in a VW newsletter. 

	If I find that I can't produce a worthwhile publication with the
content and quality that T3s deserve at a reasonable (cheap!) price, I
will not even print issue one!  If it goes, it's gonna fly.  I won't get
behind something that's gonna go belly-up or suffer from fits & starts
like some VW newsletters.  I have even considered making the entire
newsletter available on-line for those who *do* have 'net access just to
save paper, time and $$ for everyone involved--*IF* there is ftp/web disk
space, quick & easy adaptation to a downloadable format (.pdf? .html?
.ps?), etc. 

	Well... just thought I'd let you all know what I've been up to
since Big Al brought up the subject.  Any thoughts/suggestions/flames/
etc. are welcome. :)

-Greg
'71 squareback
'63 Beetle