Our Readers Write

Dear CruZin’,

Over the past couple of years we’ve seen a major increase in gas prices and many enthusiasts, including myself, believe that it is time for the cruising public to respond to increased costs. Increasing costs of the events or at the events isn’t the answer. I’d suggest that a better idea might be to lower the costs, or, at least keep them in check. Wouldn’t that encourage more participation?

I realize that many, if not most events, do a lot of good with the proceeds from their event(s). How about actively encouraging “donations” from the viewing public? Many events charge very little, or nothing, to the spectators, while charging a set “donation” to the participants. In other words, we’re expected to pay for providing the entertainment. The “donation” could at least be made flexible.

There are ways event costs could be trimmed, like reducing the number of trophies. Handing out dozens of trophies has to be expensive, plus, wouldn’t limiting the number of trophies make receiving one more meaningful?

What about “goodie bags”. Mostly they are all the same and wind up in the trash.

I think we’re already seeing car owners become more selective. Personally, I use the event coverage in CruZin’ to help me decide which shows I want to attend. In these economic times I want to support the events that offer me the most bang for my buck.

We build the cars, we like to share (show) them, but it seems backwards that we have to pay to provide the show.

Carl Petersen,
Spokane, WA

Your point is well taken Carl. At the same time it should be noted that most club events are volunteers working hard to benefit worthwhile charities. On the other hand, the “big time” commercial shows are in it for a profit. They spend big bucks on everything from entertainment to advertising, plus, there are major dollars involved in renting and staffing a “fairgrounds” show.

What we have seen is car owners doing more “homework” and being more selective about which shows they attend. ED.

Dear CruZin’,

I would like to bring to your attention that in the June ’08 edition, which featured the Palouse Days show, omitted something. I was discouraged at the gross oversight on the part of the magazine for not mentioning or even featuring the winning car.

Your magazine featured 23 cars, but not one mention of the one who took not only First in Class but Best of Show as well. That person was me and I featured a 1961 custom Thunderbird.

Why was this omitted. I also noticed that First in Class and Best of Show are routinely omitted from the magazine. Why?

Everyone who enters these shows spends a considerable amount of time, money and energy preparing for the shows and they want to be noticed; they deserve to be noticed! Especially the ones who win top honors. I would think your readers would be interested as well.

I also feel that the Best of Show should have been featured in your magazine in such a way as to stand out from the rest regardless of where the shows are.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

George E. Patterson,
Walla Walla, WA

Well George, you’ve expressed your opinion pretty well, and, we responded to you personally over a year ago. Since that time we have attended dozens of shows. At each show we’ve gone out of our way to ask participants how they felt about giving special attention to trophy winning vehicles. The vast majority agree with the policy we’ve maintained for the past 22 years. That policy is, the trophy winning cars get an abundance of attention and recognition at the shows and, this hobby isn’t all about who goes home with a trophy. It is all about being there and sharing in the fun and camaraderie.Our view is, whether your car is a beater, daily driver, rat rod, mega-buck trailer queen, or whatever, doesn’t matter, they’re all winners. ED.

Dear CruZin’,

Some things get better with age. Your magazine has become awesome with age. I may have left Oregon for the desert, but I took CruZin’ with me. Thanks for an great magazine.

Bruce Walker,
Anthem, AZ

Thanks for staying with us Bruce. ED.

Dear CruZin’,

I was quite disappointed this year due to the lack of event dates of swap meets. I always refer to them several times and several of them were not listed.

Sure hope this can be corrected and improved this next year, or I may decide not to renew my subscription again.

Chris Jensen,
Sweet Home, OR

Chris, if an event has ever been listed in the CruZin’ Calendar we automatically send them a postcard in October, requesting their dates for the next year. If we receive no response, and we have an e-mail address, they are sent an e-mail. We also have messages year round in the magazine asking swaps and shows to get their listings in as soon as their dates are set. Remember, the listing is free and we must have them in writing.We’ll continue to do our best. ED.

Dear CruZin’,

I just received my April issue of CruZin’; boy, each issue just gets better and better. CruZin’ covers most all the car shows here in the Northwest. Each issue has so many local cars it keeps me interested to the last page.

I started off by taking so many different magazines, each day I would receive a different book. Now I am down to just two, CruZin’ being the one I look for first. You know I will renew when the time comes.

Dean Dennis,
Kennewick, WA

Thanks Dean, you keep renewin’ and we’ll keep doin’! ED.

Dear CruZin’,

The shows and cars you feature really illustrate the core of the hobby and highlight locales I’ll probably never see. The calendar is, of course, indispensable. The basic tech articles explain subjects that many of the big magazines don’t. Very helpful stuff!

Thanks for everything!

Sandy (Paul) Carter
Lyman, WA

Thanks for the kind words Sandy, they are appreciated. ED.