What do you want to see in Toyota Trails?

[65swb45]

Originally Posted by Rzeppa

hmmm...that comment got me thinking (seldom a good idea :-). Todd, how about when you accept an article, ask the author if they want or do not want their contact info published at the end of the article. If they don't respond, it could default to "not". But a lot of us don't mind, and a lot of times readers would like to know a little more about some detail that didn't make it into the article.

I would like that!

[Kaderabek]

Like your contact information being posted? Or like contacting people?

TJK

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

Like your contact information being posted? Or like contacting people?

TJK

I was referring to the author's contact info; I *think* that's what Mark wrote that he would like also?

What had made me think of it was FirstToy's comment, combined with the fact that I have observed that it is common in newspaper and magazine columns and articles to give the author's contact info, typically at the end of the column or article.

[Kaderabek]

I was just curious if Mark in particular would want his personal contact information printed. Of if he meant that he'd like to see other author's information posted so he could cross examine them.

TJK

[65swb45]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

I was just curious if Mark in particular would want his personal contact information printed. Of if he meant that he'd like to see other author's information posted so he could cross examine them.

TJK

Now that's more like the Todd I know!

We've been down this road before; I would LOVE to have my shop contact info added at the end of my articles. Perhaps others would feel that is crossing some line that is different from private parties providing contact info. If so, I understand. But it never hurts to ask.

Best

Mark A.

[hatfieldcb]

You could always just buy an ad.

[Kaderabek]

I think we still put "Mark Algazy owns Mark's Offroad in Burbank, California" at the end of your regular features. Didn't put it after the Roundup article though. No particular reason.

TJK

[Klunky Chris]

I personally have no problem with shop contact info as long as the article isn't a blatant advertisement (doubtfull. I think Todd is pretty good about that)

If the article is a good one with helpful content I see no reason it shouldn't stand as a little window into the qualities and interests of the shop. It's a good way for members that don't have a lot of contact with our communities (have never seen work first hand) to gain some insight.

And boy..... if the shop could buy an ad right on the same page, wouldn't that be great!

..... read an article... ex: "written my Mark from Marks Off Road ###-###-#### / name@com" then the nice ad is right beside it to make it easy to find????
priceless

I think shops have a lot to offer and if they are willing to give up some trade secrets, and willing to put the time into the article, they should be able to.

no?

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by Klunky Chris

I personally have no problem with shop contact info as long as the article isn't a blatant advertisement (doubtfull. I think Todd is pretty good about that)

If the article is a good one with helpful content I see no reason it shouldn't stand as a little window into the qualities and interests of the shop. It's a good way for members that don't have a lot of contact with our communities (have never seen work first hand) to gain some insight.

And boy..... if the shop could buy an ad right on the same page, wouldn't that be great!

..... read an article... ex: "written my Mark from Marks Off Road ###-###-#### / name@com" then the nice ad is right beside it to make it easy to find????
priceless

I think shops have a lot to offer and if they are willing to give up some trade secrets, and willing to put the time into the article, they should be able to.

no?

Yes. I agree that there's nothing inherently wrong with a shop owner who writes an article having their contact info in the article. Among the reasons I joined TLCA was for the ads in Trails: to find out where to find parts. I'm sure there are a lot of members who are equally interested in where they can take their rig to get work done.

I'm not so sure about having the paid ad right next to the article. That's what the a lot of the 4x4 rags do, and it makes those other rags seem like they are too much in bed with their advertisers. I prefer the way Trails is done, it's more tasteful and doesn't make it seem like an ad-driven publication.

[hatfieldcb]

I referenced my vendors/suppliers in my ToyBox article. I don't see a problem with that kind of thing.

[65swb45]

Originally Posted by Rzeppa

I'm not so sure about having the paid ad right next to the article. That's what the a lot of the 4x4 rags do, and it makes those other rags seem like they are too much in bed with their advertisers. I prefer the way Trails is done, it's more tasteful and doesn't make it seem like an ad-driven publication.

Couldn't agree more Jeff. There have been SO MANY fluff-quality 'tech' articles in the major rags running ads from the same companies whose products they're 'teching' that I've pretty much given up on reading most of them.

I think Klunky Chris has hit upon a reasonable litmus test. IF the article is tech [as opposed to chat, like a lot of mine have been] AND the author wants the contact info included, THEN it is appropriate.

Might even give me a little incentive to get back on those tech articles I promised.

[beno]

It seems to me--and this is my purely novice understanding of the Cruiser community after a few years now being a part of it--that there really aren't many "secrets" per se.

All of us love these vehicles and all of us really appreciate (again, speaking for myself and those people I interact with) what sage wisdom is given to the community as a whole by vendors, mechanics, shop owners, etc.

If I were to quantify all of the help, tech. info, etc., that I have received from the likes of posters here on MUD, in TT, in conversation, at tech. meetings, etc., it would indeed be beyond the value of the vehicle I own. I'm sure the conversations that I've had with Jim C., or with Robbie, or with Nick Jennings, or with Lance at Iron Pig, and others have more than paid themselves off in terms of the new knowledge and technical know-how I've gleaned from these conversations. They've never sent me invoices, or hours worked (though I am sure they could of if they wanted to).

That said, it is nice actually to know that when Mark Algazy speaks tech. information about what a "true restoration" is as opposed to a "quasi" or other variation, I know that the information is coming from someone who has built a reputation upon knowing, differentiating, and understanding the differences between the semantic qualities of these phrases. It's nice to know that he's not "chatting" per se. And, hell, he probably digs the fact that these differentiations mean something to his audience, to the readers, to die-hard cruiserheads.

What I love most about this community is in fact the transparency of the information. If someone is speaking out their proverbial "elegant posterior", others will call them on it and request--no, demand--a correction. We rely heavily on the information we receive here and in TT. That is to me a testament to the self-correcting nature of the cruiser community.

Bravo to that. And I don't mind seeing Mark Algazy, or Christo Slee, or Luke Porter, or Jim Chenoweth's name next to articles they write. They are presenting themselves and their knowledge, and we as a community are better because of it.

Now, if I ever get a carburated Cruiser, Jim C. is going to get my business, or if I ever need custom fabrication, Lance will receive it, if I ever need advice on restoration information, I will make a call to Mark and ask his advice and input. Hell, I'll even pay these folks because they deserve it.

But, if I ever get a Millermatic or a 120-ton press brake, or a 5000 watt laser, I'm doing all the work myself!!

[Kaderabek]

We're not ad-driven at all. We're a club newsletter. We're member-driven.

I'm very much ok with listing vendor information in or after articles. We do it fairly often. But, we, unlike other magazines, do not exchange editorial space for ads. There are no backroom deals. Chris sells the ads, I handle the editorial content, and the paths never cross. Period.

TJK

[Rzeppa]

Just to veer slightly back to what FirstToy asked about, his specific question was about contact info for an author who doesn't have a cruiser business, who is just a regular TLCA member. I know Royal well, and have wheeled with him and Loretta many times; they are among the nicest, highest quality people I've had the pleasure to meet. He's shared a lot of the tech he's learned, and taught me a lot of wheeling hints. I'm reasonably sure authors like him wouldn't mind having their contact info printed at the end of articles they submit.

[Kaderabek]

They're welcome to request it.

TJK

[Klunky Chris]

just want to be sure I wasn't misunderstood.
I can see where the dislike of ads by articles comes from. I was just thinking it would be both convenient for potential customers, and a little incentive to purchase an ad.

Also figured that would satisfy the *this article is an ad* thing because all you have to put in the article is the author and the name of the business. The ad beside it would fill in the blanks. Maybe that would smell funny to some. I wouldn't read any underhanded dealings from it... but then I'm somewhat familiar with the community. How new or unfamiliar members would take it is probably the most important.
And in reality the magazine isn't THAT big that we can't flip a couple pages to find the ad

I personally would at least like to know what business the author owns/works at. I don't know everyone and love learning a little about shops and more importantly people. Puts a story to the name to the business

Doesn't matter to me. I agree that we have a GREAT zine and don't need to become like the others.



...maybe I'll try to write a Pig Run article....

[nullifier]

Being in the minority of tacoma owners I would like to see more stuff on the trucks. I would really like to see more expedition coverage. +That type of wheeling has the highest appeal to me.

[LandCruisers4Life]

I also voted for Adventure. I can get on IH8MUD and get tech stuff. I like to read about the good stuff - people loadin up their Cruisers and hitting the trails for days or more on end, navigating by compass/GPS etc, exploring the back country. Trails here in the USA, Australia, Africa and other such places would be welcome. As well a variety of Land Cruisers, from the new FJ to more exotic (at least to us Americans) BJ70s and so forth all kitted out for the long haul.

Nothing gets the heart pumpin like the view of a Cruiser with a Safari Snorkel, Roof rack and a few off road only lights

[TiredIronGRB]

A big white portaled 80

[IBCRUSN]

I like the balance but its almost like a rotation of authors would freshen things up. I don't mean total replacement but there are so many folks out there that have good ideas they might just need a little of Onur's editing skills sans the Jamaican-phonetic influence

[66fj40x2]

Originally Posted by TiredIronGRB

A big white portaled 80

I thought you were selling it?

[TiredIronGRB]

Nah, I would miss it too much.

[Radd Cruisers]

I have seen several us companies posted in trails mag for thier ventures and builds but have yet in my short time as a TLCA member, remember seeing a Canadian company being posted.

Dan at four wheel auto would be one of the companies who has supported the tlca in Canada ASFAIK. They have supported the TLCA for quite some time I think?

Would be nice to see something north of border.......

[Kaderabek]

Would be nice to have something submitted from north of the border. That's pretty much how it works.

And I agree with you.

TJK