Hello all,
I am the Tommy AKA NYMonteSS that people are referring to here.
I have been around for the last week or so just reading and taking it all in.
All I can say is WWOOOWWW.
I wasn't going to get involved, but it's time I said what's on my mind.
First, Thanks Tuggy for trying to put something together for the 2010 GM Nationals, it's nice to see your enthusiasm and interest. My wife and I are really looking forward to attending next year.
Second, I want to say there's been a lot of talk about "clubs/sites and clicks" & people feeling "left out." When I got back into this hobby 10 yrs. ago, it wasn't hard to find like minded people. I loved the Monte I had just purchased at the time, and wanted to find other Monte owners & car lovers in general. My wife and I traveled up and down the east coast meeting people from all different car clubs. We put ourselves out there and extended our hands to strangers. We met a lot of great people and some not so great. The great one's always seem to stick around. When I started the NYMCC, 9 years ago it was 5 or 6 guys getting together on Long Island once a week at a local cruise night. Today the NYMCC plans many cruises and trips, in NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE. We do this to meet new people and see old friends.
The Monte is NOT just a car to me and my wife, it has given us the opportunity to meet some amazing people. We happen to be very lucky, a lot of our members happen to live only a few miles away. This may give some people, especially new members, the appearance the we are "Clicky". Well that is NOT the case at all - We encourage ALL people, no matter what kind of car they drive, no matter what they look like, to come over, pull up a chair say Hi and shoot the breeze. Don't just stand from a far and judge us, because we are laughing and having a good time. Come on over and join us....
We post where we are going to be and invite all to attend any of our gatherings. Whether your a member or not. If anyone has a problem with our club, and with our members they are free to leave. We don't push people away, if anyone truly feels that we have done that, it was NOT done intentionally.
We're a small, laid back, car club, we don't have strict rules, we get to the events when we get there... if a break down happens, NO ONE traveling with the NYMCC gets left behind. LOL and never will be. So if that makes us seem "Clicky" then so be it!!! Maybe there should be more "CLICKY" clubs like this one around...
Third -Let me address the fact that some people in my club have expressed their opinions about other events and where they are being held, and about some posts made on other boards. May I remind you all, this is a free country and we are all entitled to our own opinions. All I ask of my members is to be respectful of each other. There is a way to express your opinion without be disrespectful. It has also been mentioned here, that my old site has been changed & deleted. What does upgrading an old flawed message board, with a new updated website and board have to do with anything. I deleted posts that were very positive also. We lost a lot of information in a data base crash. Lot's of great posts were losts, as well as some members, and lots of great pictures. Some things we could not recover. The new board has lots of new features for our members. It was time to upgrade. The "Secret Forum" is a Staff lounge for Moderators and Admins to discuss site happenings, most boards have them. What's the issue???
Lastly, My club had an amazing 2009 season so far and its not over yet, we still have a few more events to go. I personally am looking forward to 2010. My wife and I have a full season planned already. We have most of our hotels booked, and look forward to meeting all of you next year at the GM Nationals.
Now with that lets get back on the topic, the GM Nats and g-bodys and our love for them!!!!
Tommy
