Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 18:41:51 -0500
Reply-To: Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Subject: time to rethink vanagon.com? OFF TOPIC
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Has anyone noticed that the posts with indirect or little vanagon
content seem to be generating the longest threads? Just to play devil's
advocate for a minute I'm wondering if a mail list trying to concern
itself with the mechanical problems of a vehicle that was built with
little change (for arguements sake) for 11 or so years and was last
produced 8 or so years ago may just find itself running out of new,
informative and exciting topics. I mean, with the number of listees
running 150K + miles on their 12, 15 or 18 year old vans I'd guess we
have probably seen about every problem likely to creep up. I have to
say I think I really rather would read about the trials (and successes)
of the lists own entrepreneur, Ron Salmon or maybe chuckle at some
completely rude, off base flame directed at poor Coyote than read again
about the proper tires, or tire inflation pressure(!) for my van. Let's
face it, at some point every conceivable problem with a vanagon will
have been discussed, probably multiple times. At that point the
archives would likely be as useful as the list...and that point may be
right about now. Perhaps if the list branches out a bit it could be
more interesting and might even insure the long term survival and
thriving of the list.
How about an example taylored for the list....for those who have seen
Ratdog, isn't it just a bit depressing to see Bob weir rehash Grateful
Dead songs? I would have much greater respect for him if he never
played another Dead tune again and tried something really adventurous.
How about some new tunes, written and performed with Garcia's absence in
mind, allowing something other than Garcia's guitar to make the tune
soar? All I know is hearing Estimated Prophet (yes a Bob tune) without
Garcia made me cry 1.) because it reminded me how much I miss Garica 2.)
because it made me think less of Bob Weir for trying to recapture
something that is gone...let it go man....It's an opportunity to invent
something new. The choice is to try to hold on to something that has
died a natural death and will not be back, or to accept the change, move
on and thrive.
Perhaps forcing the list to remain a mechanical problem discussion group
is like trying to play Estimated Prophet without Jerry Garcia? Maybe
all these off topic threads are saying something.
That said, I must say I am on this list primarily for mechanical
information...I guess I can't let go...cause I'm afraid to fall.
The wheel is turning,
Mark
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