rollcall-new TT

[taccruiser97]

Not only did I get my new TT on 11-9, I also got my new 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine that day. The N-D Issue of TT Trails is outstanding, couldn't put it down until I read it all the way through. Then, I read my 4WD Toyota owner magazine. 11-9 was a good day!

[Garth]

Tubby Explorer...go away, go away!

[Kaderabek]

I accept your criticism, Garth, and appreciate the feedback.

But think about it this way. Say you, as a TLCA member like Jack, call me one day and tell me you're going to drive from the tip of South America to Alaska in a very tricked out non-USA Land Cruiser and you want to know if I want articles covering the journey for the magazine. Of course I say yes. A TLCA member is doing something very cool and very adventurous with a Land Cruiser. Of course I'm going to cover it. You and I shake on it and off you go on your adventure.

Well, in that you have a long way to travel you tend to stick to the (albeit in poor condition) pavement, and in that you encounter some really nasty weather you stay in some motels instead of your rooftop tent, and in that you're a curious sort you visit quite a few tourist destinations along the way. Do I call you on your sat. phone and tell you that I'm bagging the articles because your adventure is not hard core enough for some TLCA members? No.

What I do is work hard to edit the articles, spend endless hours cutting and cutting and cutting while trying to maintain continuity within the articles. It's a linear adventure, I can't exactly cut out nine countries just to hasten the pace of publication. I also spend a lot of time sorting photography in an attempt to convey the Cruiser angle of this story (it is what conveys them, after all) while also showing the variety of cultures encountered along the way.

Why do I bother with all of this? Bagging it would have been a lot easier. Two reasons, first my belief that Cruisers are not the end all of this experience but rather the mechanism whereby we are able to have the experience, whether that be Cruisers out on the Cotton Bales or a Cruiser driving up the spine of South America. The second reason is far more important to me and would be to you if you were Jack. We shook on the deal and short of there being a major problem with the articles I'm going to live up to my end of that agreement. Yes, the journey took longer than I'd like and yes I learned from that and I do hear what you're saying and it does matter to me. But in my book a deal is a deal.

There are two more installments. If you don't like the articles, don't read them. If you want different content in the magazine, submit it. Jack's outdone you in that regard, my friend.

Jack, Margaret, I'm sorry that you'll read this and feel criticized for your efforts. We knew from the start that this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but if it makes you feel any better, I have received equal amounts of praise and criticism. And I very much appreciate the considerable effort you went to along the way to get the stories and photos to me (for which you asked nothing of the TLCA in the form of compensation).

TJK

[taccruiser97]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

I accept your criticism, Garth, and appreciate the feedback.

But think about it this way. Say you, as a TLCA member like Jack, call me one day and tell me you're going to drive from the tip of South America to Alaska in a very tricked out non-USA Land Cruiser and you want to know if I want articles covering the journey for the magazine. Of course I say yes. A TLCA member is doing something very cool and very adventurous with a Land Cruiser. Of course I'm going to cover it. You and I shake on it and off you go on your adventure.

Well, in that you have a long way to travel you tend to stick to the (albeit in poor condition) pavement, and in that you encounter some really nasty weather you stay in some motels instead of your rooftop tent, and in that you're a curious sort you visit quite a few tourist destinations along the way. Do I call you on your sat. phone and tell you that I'm bagging the articles because your adventure is not hard core enough for some TLCA members? No.

What I do is work hard to edit the articles, spend endless hours cutting and cutting and cutting while trying to maintain continuity within the articles. It's a linear adventure, I can't exactly cut out nine countries just to hasten the pace of publication. I also spend a lot of time sorting photography in an attempt to convey the Cruiser angle of this story (it is what conveys them, after all) while also showing the variety of cultures encountered along the way.

Why do I bother with all of this? Bagging it would have been a lot easier. Two reasons, first my belief that Cruisers are not the end all of this experience but rather the mechanism whereby we are able to have the experience, whether that be Cruisers out on the Cotton Bales or a Cruiser driving up the spine of South America. The second reason is far more important to me and would be to you if you were Jack. We shook on the deal and short of there being a major problem with the articles I'm going to live up to my end of that agreement. Yes, the journey took longer than I'd like and yes I learned from that and I do hear what you're saying and it does matter to me. But in my book a deal is a deal.

There are two more installments. If you don't like the articles, don't read them. If you want different content in the magazine, submit it. Jack's outdone you in that regard, my friend.

Jack, Margaret, I'm sorry that you'll read this and feel criticized for your efforts. We knew from the start that this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but if it makes you feel any better, I have received equal amounts of praise and criticism. And I very much appreciate the considerable effort you went to along the way to get the stories and photos to me (for which you asked nothing of the TLCA in the form of compensation).

TJK

While the Tubby Explorer articles may not be hard core, I have enjoyed every article from the very beginning. They are driving a Cruiser I will never get to drive, much less own. They are driving a Cruiser in countries I will probably never get to go to, and this an opportunity for TT readers to experience the adventure vicariously through those articles. I say, keep them coming. If I understand the trip correctly, at some point they will be traveling in North America and Canada. Trips in the USA are ceratinly doable for me, and I have been to Canada and plan on going back, so even their articles covering places I have been will hold interest for me, and I suspect a lot of other TT readers.

I hope Jack and Margaret understand that TT readership covers the spectrum of Toyota Land Cruiser owners, some will view it as not hard core enough, while others will view it as an interesting story centered around traveling in a Land Cruiser.

[65swb45]

.....my belief that Cruisers are not the end all of this experience but rather the mechanism whereby we are able to have the experience.............

That is not only so true, but poetic! All you have to do is look at the variety of different forums on a site like IH8MUD to see that there are Soooooooooo many ways in which Cruisers are used. The only thing that is close to universal is that the vehicle serves as a manifestation of our own sense of adventure, whether that adventure is satisfied in a 1/4 mile rockpile or a few hundred miles of the outback. Even when our rigs are down for what seem like endless repairs and modifications, we still look at them and daydream about the next adventure, and we have enough of a hope in a dream to keep us going with the mediocre parts of our lives.

I too have stopped reading the Tubby articles even though I think the rig, the adventure and the people in it are cool. Just not my cup of tea. I know that there are quite a few people who thoroughly enjoy this series, just aren't the type to speak up. That said, I still have to say that I totally respect the fact that Jack and Margaret are out there having the adventure, just as much as I respect the guys in the rock buggy crowd. Whatever we're out there doing, we've all got the web-wheelers beat!

Tubby Explorer is definitely TT material.

[shocker]

Tubby reminds me of watching National Geographic shows on television.

For some reason, no matter where in Africa or South America they are, or what animal species or tribe they are talking about, if I see they are driving a Cruiser it makes it all the more exciting for me.

It's less about the vehicle itself, and more about the idea of freedom and discovery that these vehicles can instill

[wngrog]

You did a good job in the last issue of including a bunch of cool cruiser shots.

I read them all. I think it is pretty cool.

[dmc]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

But in my book a deal is a deal.

TJK

The reason why Trails has become what it is. I will also echo the sentiment. Don't like what you're reading submit something different.
dmc

[Wayneraintree]

I like the expedition stuff and admire the duo for thier adventurous spirit and cool cruiser! if TT was all hard core, then it would be exclusive to those who enjoy crawling and heavily modd'ed rigs.. variety is good! All involved with TT, readers, writers, editors, volunteer staff, you make it happen!

[Kaderabek]

I was talking to Nolen about this the other day so I may as well put it out here too. I'd like to see more in-depth tech articles in Trails. Most of this stuff goes to the boards these days. It's good stuff for Trails too. I understand why the build threads go primarily to the boards, easier to unfold them on a daily/weekly basis and get feedback. I do have one really cool restoration article in progress though. And some good tech stuff coming up, I just don't see very much of it these days.

Off to see the FJ Cruiser in Greenville, SC, on Saturday. That should be interesting. Really I'm just going to eat at The Beacon.

TJK

[hatfieldcb]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

.... Really I'm just going to eat at The Beacon.

TJK

You know ALL the good eating spots!

[Kaderabek]

Lord I hope that's not true!

That said, I'll be going with the Double Chili Cheeseburger (not A-Plenty, I have no use for onion rings), large order of fries and some extremely sweet tea. And a side of dill pickles. And I may get an Outside sandwich to go just so I can finally figure out what it is (I believe it to be barbecue). Asked about World's Fair last time, think JC said it was some sort of a club sandwich, shortly before he yelled "Less talkin' and more walkin'! Move the line!" I believe I'll pass on the Gizzard Plate, too close to the holidays. I've always wanted to order the Chicken Leg on a Bun just to see if the bone was still in the leg. Crunch. Also, Chili Bun. Is that chili on a bun? Who knows, not much time to ask questions at The Beacon. "Call it!"

[Garth]

I agree that the articles belong in TT, and completely understand why they were published. I read the first few, but they just didn't do a lot for me. Not criticizing the content or choice at all, I'm just ready to flip to the back of a TT and find something other than Tubby. All of you TT ginks are doing a great job and, well, I love you.

[Kaderabek]

SWAK, baby!

I just rearranged the J/F issue for you, Garth. Enjoy!

TJK

[ginericLC]

Speaking of J/F, how soon? I've been anxious for Alan's FJ impression.

[Kaderabek]

It's been in the mail for a few days now. Slow going during the holidays though.

TJK

[hatfieldcb]

I didn't get my box yet and I'm usually one of the first.

[Kaderabek]

I have inquired.

TJK

[Kaderabek]

Waiting on the postage check.

TJK

[hatfieldcb]

Is it "in the mail"?

[Land Schmoozer]

i sent the checks the next day after recieving the e-mail, which was sent to Jenn and not to me, last Wednesday I beleive.

this should be a non-issue... i have sent an e-mail to Jim asking him to call me so we can talk about this.

the checks for the N/D issue were mis-placed at AmWeb and they are addressed directly to Jim as he asked.

again, this ain't brain surgery... why can't they just bill us for all the postage... we only pay part of it up front... can't they handle that nad bill us? seems overly complex to me...

casey

[Kaderabek]

I appreciate you taking the bull by the horns here, Casey. And in no way did I mean to imply that this was your fault. I assumed it was slow due to the holidays.

TJK

[hatfieldcb]

Woo hoo! Got mine today. What an awesome issue!! Alan and Tony are to be commended for their excellent submissions. I dropped everything and read those two articles. Flipped through to look at the ads. What a cool story on the new FJ. I never realized what an excellent writer Alan is. You rock!!! I like the way the Ivan Stewart article with the Toyota of Dallas ad turned out. And I really like the new binding. We're now like Playboy. All we need is a centerfold!

The pictures and color pages are really sweet! This should help me get some more advertisers. Way to go Todd and Charlie. You guys really rock, too.

[Kaderabek]

Man, I don't even have one...

TJK

(Glad you like it, Chris.)

[ginericLC]

It is awesome. The square binding was a first. I like the little 30th commeration on the cover.

Alan's article on the FJ was great except I'm longing for interior photos. THE BACKSEAT. I've heard conflicting reviews. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=108557 is saying the pricing is much higher.

Also when I was at the Toy dealer the other day the salesman said they are coming with a J VIN. The motor is assembled hear and then sent to Japan.

I can imagine the amount of time Tony put into collecting the historical article. That article is awesome. I love the 70s cowboy hats.

And Todd I too remember the bicentenial quarters and everything being red, white, and blue. It is no small wonder that the TLCA original logos were red, white and blue.

I must admit this is the most anticipated I have been about a TT. I've thought of going to the dealer and showing them Alan's article. An hour drive just to gloat. HMMM! Maybe tomorrow. I need finish the locker retrofit on my 80 today!

Eric V.