What do you want to see in Toyota Trails?

[TJDIV]

Originally Posted by FirstToy

Well here is one of things that would be great to see along w/ the spectacular photos. This is one of the first things I saw at iH8mud that blew me away.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/trails-events-expeditions/20546-colorado-ouray-4x4-trip-report.html

First Toy hit the nail ON THE HEAD.

Surprising to me to see the number of people that voted MAINTENANCE.

That makes little to NO sense in a mag. like TT.

Woody's Tech article was WAY cool. Off the cuff upgrades and things of that nature are GREAT captive reading material.

Maintenance as a topic is WAY boring. Not too mention the Tech Section here is SO MUCH more in depth than anything TT could publish that I believe it would be a waste of space.

I do think that little "ask the mechanic" section is good though, like the format of writing in and getting noticed; even if some of them are WAY dumb questions. Not everyone is a pro at maintaining their rig. I'm one of those "non pro's".




Adventure style articles make for great reads. Event write-ups make for great reads.

You'll reach a much higher percentage of your reading base by placing pictures and teasers like those in the thread linked above.

FWIW: The Surf N Turf cover photo was Way Cool.


That's my vote. More stuff about actually getting out there and doing it. Using them for what they're for. Need your valves adjusted? Do a search in the tech forum. And YES I firmly believe that the resources offered on Mud and other forum sites should be expanded upon in the publication.

[TJDIV]

You know, something else I've often wondered addressed toward us as owners of cruisers:


My for instance and what I would consider a reasonable "contribution" to TT =

When Hurricane Ivan hit, I took 6 guys, loaded up my FJ45LV with chain saws, gas, water, tow straps, etc...and drove around Pensacola for 2 weeks straight helping people out. At that time I wasn't thinking about what I was doing, but I was doing it as fast as I possibly could because so MUCH needed to be done.

In hindsight I think it would've been cool to document through photo's and notes the 2 weeks we worked out of the Cruiser. Friends would see us pull up in it and laugh, but not the ha ha laugh. I think it was mainly the "thank God they're here" laugh.

Maybe I'm off the mark here, but those are the kinds of stories I would like to read and see pictures of.

Point in saying it is that I guess sometimes we all may go through something that could be considered a "contribution" but we miss the opportunity to document it.

[hatfieldcb]

Originally Posted by TJDIV

You know, something else I've often wondered addressed toward us as owners of cruisers:

My for instance and what I would consider a reasonable "contribution" to TT =

When Hurricane Ivan hit, I took 6 guys, loaded up my FJ45LV with chain saws, gas, water, tow straps, etc...and drove around Pensacola for 2 weeks straight helping people out. At that time I wasn't thinking about what I was doing, but I was doing it as fast as I possibly could because so MUCH needed to be done.

In hindsight I think it would've been cool to document through photo's and notes the 2 weeks we worked out of the Cruiser. Friends would see us pull up in it and laugh, but not the ha ha laugh. I think it was mainly the "thank God they're here" laugh.

Maybe I'm off the mark here, but those are the kinds of stories I would like to read and see pictures of.

Point in saying it is that I guess sometimes we all may go through something that could be considered a "contribution" but we miss the opportunity to document it.

Now THAT would have made a great story!!

[Kaderabek]

Originally Posted by TJDIV

You know, something else I've often wondered addressed toward us as owners of cruisers:


My for instance and what I would consider a reasonable "contribution" to TT =

When Hurricane Ivan hit, I took 6 guys, loaded up my FJ45LV with chain saws, gas, water, tow straps, etc...and drove around Pensacola for 2 weeks straight helping people out. At that time I wasn't thinking about what I was doing, but I was doing it as fast as I possibly could because so MUCH needed to be done.

In hindsight I think it would've been cool to document through photo's and notes the 2 weeks we worked out of the Cruiser. Friends would see us pull up in it and laugh, but not the ha ha laugh. I think it was mainly the "thank God they're here" laugh.

Maybe I'm off the mark here, but those are the kinds of stories I would like to read and see pictures of.

Point in saying it is that I guess sometimes we all may go through something that could be considered a "contribution" but we miss the opportunity to document it.

In fact, nearly all the time....

TJK

[TJDIV]

We've got a GREAT Story unfolding right here on Mud in the 45LV section. Matt is doing work to a Cruiser that some of us may NEVER again see done. His documentation is amazing. He skill and attention to detail are UN-MATCHED.

I'm pretty sure he's already a TLCA member, but if not I will buy a year for him if we put him in TT.

That entire thread is captivating and IMO is perfect TT material. When "non-enthusiasts" or beginners in "Cruiser Land" stumble across a situation like Matts rebuild and SEE for themselves the hard work and time and money people are willing to put into a Land Cruiser simply for the sake of reviving the vehicle; well, if you ask me that will make a lasting impression on anyone even slightly interested in our breed.



Tom IV


*edit for link

http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owners-club/39575-1965-fj45lv-build-up-resto-thread.html


Anyone who has read this thread and isn't impressed?

to Matt for documenting history.

[TJDIV]

and FWIW I second your comments about this thread being a "what do you WANT to see" thread.


If you have something you DON'T want to see, counter-balance your views with constructive ideas and changes will be made.

[Kaderabek]

Originally Posted by TJDIV

We've got a GREAT Story unfolding right here on Mud....

Why would someone want to read this on Mud and then go out to their mailbox to find the same or a similar story in Trails?

TJK

[TJDIV]

It's a show of appreciation. It's recognition of talent.

And the context and twist of it from someone other than Matt could make for a good write up.


And because Mud and TT aren't the same. At all.




And because if you emailed Matt or called him and asked him to save the finished pictures for "Grand Inveiling" in TT and then a post to Mud it would be totally cool. Might piss some folks off though I guess. There-in lies the conflict.


I don't know. It just seems like the content that TT needs. Just because it's already on Mud doesn't make it yesterday's news. Just because Henry does a calendar doesn't mean I couldn't get chicks 10 times better and produce a calender that would blow his away.

Kind of like leaving all the P.O's mods on your Cruiser.

[Kaderabek]

Originally Posted by TJDIV

Just because it's already on Mud doesn't make it yesterday's news. Just because Henry does a calendar doesn't mean I couldn't get chicks 10 times better and produce a calender that would blow his away.

I respectfully disagree with the first statement.

Henry's calendar features Land Cruisers. The connection between scantily clad women and Land Cruisers tends to be a bit tertiary (and not enjoyed by all).

TJK

[TJDIV]

true. very true.


like I said before....demographics are key elements.


................need to go run stairs. will check back later.

[TJDIV]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

I respectfully disagree with the first statement.

Henry's calendar features Land Cruisers. The connection between scantily clad women and Land Cruisers tends to be a bit tertiary (and not enjoyed by all).

TJK

I guess what I meant by it.............kind of like Pro Comp and BFG....both make a MT tire.


If it can be produced on a budget, marketed and sold to make money and NOT offend the majority then I think it's something to ponder.

[Chef]

Originally Posted by TJDIV

Just because Henry does a calendar doesn't mean I couldn't get chicks 10 times better and produce a calender that would blow his away.

I need to go run stairs.

I like Henry's calendar. I like Profitt's calendar. I'd probably like yours too.

Needing to run stairs...man, BTDT, several times:
Once when I was in football, did it again for Tae Kwon Do...ain't going back for a third dose voluntarily. You have my respect sir.

[TJDIV]

Originally Posted by Chef

I like Henry's calendar. I like Profitt's calendar. I'd probably like yours too.

Needing to run stairs...man, BTDT, several times:
Once when I was in football, did it again for Tae Kwon Do...ain't going back for a third dose voluntarily. You have my respect sir.

Well, it's safe to say we all share the same goals. More quality members. I'm willing to help any way possible. There are a dozen folks here in town I could probably gear towards as well.





Stairs are rough. Not too mention the strength shoes and 30# weigh vest when it's almost 100* outside. But after a while you just sort of go through it without thinking about it and that's the best part.

I messed up today and rode my mountain bike to the stairs....4 miles and 3 sets of stairs....body's shaking right now.....going to go down a teaspoon of honey and some egg whites.....yack yack....


to progress. You fellas keep up the good work and it'll pay off.

[TJDIV]

I forget which 4 wheel drive mag it is, but I always get a kick out of the "Stuck" section.

You know, a dozen or so pics, maybe two pages with a short story on the situation and how it was resolved. Pretty funny to see some of the rigs buried fender well deep and the yahoo's that got'em there.

Like the dude that ran Moab 05? The truck upside down in the rock bowl thinga ma jigger.

Hell, I know enough of us amateurs on Mud get stuck too many times to count.

Could make it a contest to where the BEST entry wins a years membership each edition.




(and I'd do away with the classified section unless it generates a decent amount of $$$)

[taccruiser97]

I guess I would like to see a series like TT has done in the past where short articles and pictures of members rigs were in the magazine. I would like to see more articles regarding Cruiser Wagons, and adventures such as the ARB story.
I think TT is the best 4WD magazine being published and take great satisfaction in the fact that TT is not another Primedia Clone. It is the only 4WD magazine I read from cover to cover several times over. The tech articles are outstanding and have answered several questions I have had about my FZJ 80. Maybe TT needs some minor tweaking, but understand that I think TT is an outstanding periodical.

[desertdude]

The reason, this thread below and the mans talent and documentation of this extend of restoration makes for a great 8 - 12 part article, is because not everyone reads MUD and some folks never get off their favorite boards - I happen to be fascinated by the 45's so I cruise over there every once and a while. I stumbled into that thread mid way - to not include it in the TT would be missing a part of restoration history - We still live in a society that needs things to be in print to be archived...

Somebody should ask him to submit...

QUOTE: We've got a GREAT Story unfolding right here on Mud in the 45LV section. Matt is doing work to a Cruiser that some of us may NEVER again see done. His documentation is amazing. He skill and attention to detail are UN-MATCHED.

I'm pretty sure he's already a TLCA member, but if not I will buy a year for him if we put him in TT.

That entire thread is captivating and IMO is perfect TT material. When "non-enthusiasts" or beginners in "Cruiser Land" stumble across a situation like Matts rebuild and SEE for themselves the hard work and time and money people are willing to put into a Land Cruiser simply for the sake of reviving the vehicle; well, if you ask me that will make a lasting impression on anyone even slightly interested in our breed.



Tom IV


*edit for link

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=39575


Anyone who has read this thread and isn't impressed?

[TJDIV]

Originally Posted by taccruiser97

Maybe TT needs some minor tweaking, but understand that I think TT is an outstanding periodical.

I think this sums it up best as well. I do like the TT the way it is. Add and tweak here and there, but it's still a stellar mag to get in the mail.

[Chef]

See, the thing is (and back to my earlier point!), that there is really no "we" that writes articles and puts them into Toyota Trails...other than *you* dear reader!

So, as much as this thread is about us finding out what you want to see in the magazine, it is also a call to arms for those of you who wish to see something different to *please write some stuff and submit it*

This is the only way we get content, period.

Thanks!

Alan

[TUFFTORQ]

TLCA L.A. County Trail Crew running Dusy Ershim next month. Although I've never been before, I'll try and do a decent write up with some trail photos.

[Kaderabek]

That would be awesome, thanks.

TJK

[Yotahilux]

Just got back from East Coast Pig Run. What happened here is WELL WORTH AN ARTICALE IN TT. The problem is, it will take several of those that were there and survived to complie it. We have lots of pics of those that made it, and some pics of those that did not. We have agreed not to post any pics until talking with TJK.


Chuck

[Kaderabek]

I saw one every nice photo from the run this morning. And I would absolutely love to see an article submitted. Thanks!

TJK