REFLECTOR:Scott's question "VV is it worth it?"
Greg Poole
reflector@tvbf.org
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 15:44:37 +1000
Jerry,
There are others out here - particularly in distant countries that share
Scott's base analysis of VV content and putting VV out only via the printed
medium. I have previously put my thoughts to Duane Swing via email but fear,
as indicated by another Reflectorite, that the request for feedback in this
regard is only pertinent when it contains the answers that the factory wants
to hear. I have a friend with a long finished Lancair 360 that still
receives a posted complimentary newsletter update despite that his aircraft
has been finished for 5 years.
On principle, I sorely resent only being able to obtain KPC's and technical
developments via VV (- certainly not client friendly and a form of extortion
IMHO) - especially when the majority of us have access (even via a relative
or friend) to this very modern means that I am currently using to
communicate with you. I appreciate there are those that have an aversion to
computers, but why should we cater to the lowest denominator (i.e.:
minority)? For timeliness and production cost nothing beats this medium
....and I cannot stand the argument that the cost of production is going to
be any greater than currently as the technical info and articles have to be
typed anyway and can be simply uploaded to the web.
The factory has a web site already - why is it not possible to put VV issues
on it? ...and those that want hard copy can have them printed off. On
principle, I do not want to pay for international mail and 4 issues of VV
per year at the prevailing exchange rates. I subscribed to VV for several
years and bought all the back issues to ensure I got all the technical info
necessary to build a Velocity safely. Most of this information would have
optimally been readily available in updated manuals (thank goodness they
finally got around to doing it) and in searchable digests instead of having
to trudge through allot of event material that is of limited relevance to
most of us (perhaps not all!) overseas Velocity people. At one stage due to
exchange rate effects, I effectively paid AUD$20 per issue....when I
analysed several editions and took the repetitious advertisements, the U.S.
event reports/promotional stuff out, and some factory editorial out , it was
costing me something like $2.37 per page!
Do I want strong technical articles on building and flying Velocity
aircraft, and factory updates? You bet! ....should I pay for paper and
postage when there is a more modern and convenient medium?? Well, I
believe the silent majority has been voting with their feet and hence the
urgings to subscribe. I speak regularly with Velocity friends in the U.S.
and regularly check if there is anything new that I should know about - if
it is important, I get to hear about it.
Now I know my view is not shared by my friend Jeff Barnes and several others
including yourself Jerry, but you should know that Scott is not alone in
wanting change for the better in this area.
Regards from Down Under,
Greg in Sydney.
----- Original Message -----
From: <Jerry.Brainard@Anthem.com>
To: <reflector@tvbf.org>
Cc: <duanes@velocityaircraft.com>; <reflector@tvbf.org>;
<reflector-admin@tvbf.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 11:57 PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR:Scott's question "VV is it worth it?"
>
> Scott,
>
> Thanks for the exposition of your views of the Velocity Views (V V).
>
> In my opinion, at the current subscription cost, V V provides a good
value.
> If one is looking at V V as solely a source of KPC's, then it is probably
> not the vehicle of choice.
>
> I suggest the real extra value to me is what you inappropriately call Bull
> Shit. Without the V V, I will not see the authoritative technical
> information. I would not have the opportunity to better know those at the
> factory. I would not know about what the factory is doing and planning.
I
> would not see the "stupid builder tricks" and from those learn how not to
> do things. Without V V, what would be the factual source for those areas
> that are important to the factory.
>
> V V is a place where I get information about people. V V is one place
that
> I get to know Velocity owners. I see this as a component of strengthening
> the Velocity Owners community. This is an area where builders can share
> ideas openly.
>
> Yes the Reflector does provide a conduit for the exchange of ideas. I
> would suggest that an analysis of the Reflector postings shows a
> significant content that you don't consider worthwhile. Even worse, the
> Reflector can be intimidating because, without editorial control (and
there
> should not be editing in this type of forum) responses can become personal
> attacks. The vitriolic responses that we often see do not promote free and
> open communication. Rather, they attempt to beat the opposing opinion out
> of existence with emotional intimidation rather than factual response. So
> I would add those responses to the no value count.
>
> While I understand that the cost of kits to future builders may not be of
> immediate concern to those who have already purchased a Velocity. I
> suggest it will be a concern in the future viability of the company and
> therefore, the owner community. Yes I understand that it seems like a
> small addition, but it is an additional cost and higher cost means
> decreasing buyers. The best way to ensure the continued evolution of the
> breed is to continue selling kits. When the factory no longer sells kits,
> the idea conduit will begin to close, interest in Velocity's will decline
> and the value of the orphans we own will begin to decrease.
>
> Since this has been an area of much posturing and venom in the past, I
have
> worked to keep the tone of this note as neutral. If I have failed, I
> apologize. What I am hoping to encourage is thoughtful responses that
> provide open communication and meaningful feedback to Duane and Velocity.
> I hope that others will look at the issues in the broader view and let
> Duane know their thoughts.
>
> Jerry
>
>
>
> Scott Derrick
> <scott@tnstaafl.n To:
reflector@tvbf.org, duanes@velocityaircraft.com
> et> cc:
> Sent by: Subject: REFLECTOR:Scott's
question "VV is it worth it?"
> reflector-admin@t
> vbf.org
>
>
> 07/02/03 10:55 PM
> Please respond to
> reflector
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I think this topic has been run through the mill numerous times, but
> Duane asked so here goes.
>
> Last year about this time I was on the fence about re-subscribing. I
> bought my V already built though it was in need of numerous repairs and
> tweaking t get it fly able. I want to fly a safe plane and try to avail
> myself of all available information to help me maintain and modify my
> aircraft. SO the question is does VV provide this service and the
> service it provides is it worth the cost of $45 a year.
>
> There were 20 pages in this quarters news letter.
>
> Here's how I broke them down.
>
> 6 pages on the Williamsburg Fly In, Wasted bull shit.
>
> 1/3 page on KPC's, Good stuff!
>
> 1 page Builders hints, good stuff.
>
> 2 pages Factory News, 1 page on the WIlliamsburg Flyin, 1/2 bullshit 1/2
> good stuff
>
> 1.5 Factory notices, most a repeat every issue, 2/3 bullshit 1/3 good
> stuff
>
> 1.5 pages Scott Baker, 1.2 on Williamsburg/Oshkosh, 1.2 bull shit, 1/2
> good stuff
>
> 2 pages A&P Talks, good stuff
>
> 1 page Electronics, good stuff
>
> 2 pages Subscription info, all bull shit
>
> 1.5 builders Forums, good stuff
>
> 1.5 ads, most repeats good stuff
>
> so we have about 11 pages of bull shit and 9 pages of good stuff all
> printed on very nice paper in a magazine format.
>
> The last issue I noticed had a large amount of fluff(bull shit). I
> realize that the intrinsic worth of the VV is very large but the current
> implementation sucks.
>
> Scott
>
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