I’d rather be writing a Curbside Classic than about Curbside Classic, but once again, we’ve had several comments complaining about a car written up that was too “new” to be a Curbside Classic. Sorry, but there’s no such thing. Curbside Classic is a big tent; yes our signature product are write-ups on older cars, but that’s absolutely not the only thing that interests us, or what we write about (“Every Car Has A Story”). In case you’re relatively new here, allow me to give you a picture of our breadth and depth.
We’ve had popular posts discussing new cars, like the 2012 Beetle and the Fiat 500, because of their retro design or new technology. We do trains, planes, buses, engines, trucks, fire engines, tractors, motorcycles, and almost anything that moves. We’ve had series on maintenance, buying used cars, and technology. And we write about the cars that we’ve owned, and the experiences we’ve had in them, including road trips, nostalgia, youthful experiences, as well today’s. And we’ve had several autobiographical series, which cover everything from old to new.
Here’s from the CC Welcome: The Auto-Biography gets a complete makeover, expanded and fully illustrated, as well as auto-biographical series from other writers. And lots of other content too, from editorials to short-form blog pieces including CC Outtakes and anything and everything that grabs our interest and imagination from the wide world of cars. (emphasis added). And more than just cars, obviously.
We’ve also covered automotive-related art, popular culture, tv, movies, books, racing, histories of all sorts…I’m sure I’m forgetting a whole lot more. The point is, if it interests us, and is in some loosely related to our interest in the broad spectrum of automotive and transportation, it’s fodder for our fingers.
There are just a few things which we have decided to not do: the typical new-car reviews, as well as the daily news. And since we’re an eclectic bunch, but share a common interest in these things, we’re polite and stay away from the three taboo subjects: religion, politics and sex. On second thought, let’s narrow that down to two taboo subjects.
One more thing: everyone who writes for CC is doing it as a labor of love, in the hopes that you might be informed, entertained or stimulated about a subject that interests you. This is not a one-man band anymore; we have developed a cadre of writers (and editors) with a wide range of interests, experiences and in a range of voices.
Our volunteer writers make themselves vulnerable by putting out their work for your comments. That’s not to say in anyway that we don’t welcome honest feedback and critique in your comments, about the actual subject content. Bring it on! But please, not about the choice of subject, or negative comments about the writer. If you don’t like a post, or its subject matter, skip it. Or write me personally. It’s not fair to question writers on their choice of subject matter. If it’s up on our pages, it’s because I think it adds to the wide range of content we offer.
I decided quite a while back that CC wasn’t going to be just my blog. That creates challenges in maintaining quality as well as opportunities in unleashing new talent. I wasn’t a “trained writer” either; I sent a piece to TTAC one day, and it was accepted. And we’ve cultivated some really outstanding talent here, who I would put up against many (or any) “professional” automotive writers.
The web has light and shadow sides. It offers an incredible opportunity for personal expression. Unfortunately, it also doesn’t hardly pay, unless one gets big enough, or writes for one of the really big blogs. Not being able to pay our top writers possibly pains me more than them. But it would be nice if readers remembered that we’re all doing this in our precious “spare” time, and it does take a lot of time and effort to keep this show going. Too much, actually; there’s days when I….
I didn’t mean to make a tome of this, but it needs to be said, from time to time. A big Thank You, to all the Editors, Writers and Contributors that make it possible, and for all I’ve learned from you and your lives. And on a very wide range of subjects, at that.
Andale
We shall write what pleases us, and if it is published we shall be pleased. 😛
Bravo, Paul.
And, you know, if anyone doesn’t like anything that appeared on the site, then the CC policy is to refund readers every cent of what they paid to read the site in the first place, isn’t it?
I.e. “if you don’t like my driving, get out and walk” 🙂
The incredible variety on this site is one reason I keep coming back and Im sure I aint the only one
True car guys don’t discriminate solely based on age. If it’s cool (or slightly less than cool), then it should be written about.
Keep on doing what you’re doing. On the rare occasion when I see a CC article on a car I’m not interested in reading about, I don’t – well, usually I don’t. The name of the blog is Curbside Classics, meaning cars we see in the real world; not just in car museums. That said, any car is game, from Model Ts to Acuras (and my guess is the Acura post got some negative feedback, but I enjoyed it). I’ve found all the contributors’ writing both enjoyable and well-written. Keep up the great work!
Well said Paul. Like Bryce, I come here for the variety, and am never ever disappointed. An Acura might seem mundane and modern to some, but we don’t get them here, so it was an interesting read – and it led me to discover that there’s a RHD Honda version of the TL, named the Saber, of which we actually do have a few examples in our sea of ex-JDM imports. So the article prompted me to research and learn more. And therein lies the reason I love CC: I thought I knew a lot about the automotive world, but every article I read, and all the reader responses, show me how little I really know, and how much more there is to learn. To all the powers that be, you have my full support from the bottom of the globe, and long may CC continue!
This may be my favorite site. I really enjoy all the variety and sure do appreciate all the hard work that goes into it. And, I really appreciate the fact that the authors and editors keep it free of political diatribes – there is way too much of that on the web already.
Can’t wait for one/some of the talent writers to tackle the Model T!
I agree on all counts. The sheer absence of silly flame wars here at CC is pretty refreshing, too.
I did once, but not very exhaustively: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1926-ford-model-t-coupe-t-stands-for-tall/
In my seventy years I have driven everything from Bug Eye Sprites to the rear steering station on an old hook and ladder fire engine. From 40 to 400 HP. Garden tractors to cats. If it moves under it’s own power it’s all good. So, bring it on. The folks who come here every day are not dilitantes. I would imagine lots of us have, at some point, skinned knuckles and lost blood keeping one, or more, of our vehicles running out of necessity. This is one of the best forums around. Keep it up!
Paul, thank you for a great site! I enjoy the fact that we can all read about old cars and past experiences with the same. I also like the fact that this is a civil forum that does not tolerate negativity or stupidity, there’s plenty of that elsewhere on the web. You and you fellow writers do an excellent job and I’d like to personally thank all of you.
This IS my favorite website!
The gradual evolution of this site over the years has not changed its basic premise. I appreciate all that you writers do, especially Mr. Niedermeyer, not only for his articles, but also for keeping a gentle hand on the tiller.
The ratio between automobiles and other forms of transportation pretty much mirrors my own degree of interest. I have no problem with a little side trip now and then.
“Our volunteer writers make themselves vulnerable by putting out their work for your comments.”
One summer a few friends and I worked as rent-a-cops. My pal Rich copied and taped up a funny page from the training manual on walkie-talkie usage and etiquette. A paragraph began:
“Please refrain from casual language, such as addressing other officers as “Hey, Dude.”
As an occassional contributor, I have no problem with a commenter saying he didn’t care for a story, or would prefer more Trabants and fewer Broughams, etc.
But please refrain from addressing us, or Paul, as “Hey, Stoopid.”
“You shouldn’t have even attempted to write that and/or it should never have posted” is not that helpful a comment, but we see versions of it from time to time. If you feel the urge to send us a “hey stoopid,” please, step away from the screen, smell the roses, kick the dog, refresh your beverage and regain some sense of perspective about other people’s work that you get for free.
/soapbox
🙂
Please don’t kick the dog! The rest is all good.
Paul, thanks for your efforts, especially the old trucks and busses; your heart really seems to be into them.
I’m going to the Commemorative Air Force’s Midland-Odessa Airsho in October to feed my obsession with all things Warbird. Any requests for particular planes you’d like to see posted? I have a couple in mind that are Rampside Rarities (I.e. not Mustangs or Texans) that I will be taking pictures of if they make it there, 70 yr old radial engines break a lot.
Oh my, don’t get me started… I’ll be at OSH later this month and may have some content to add myself.
If you spot a three-cylinder Anzani, definitely get a photo (and especially of what it’s attached to)!
P-26 Boeing Peasooter. Hands-down, the cutest fighter ever built!
Connies?
I firmly agree with you, Paul, as this is a fantastic site.
I know I get off-track on occasion and perhaps volunteer too much information, but cars and things that move tend to bring out many personal experiences that we like to share.
This is a wonderful forum and the community that has been established is a rather genteel one, for nostalgia keeps out the harsher tone of new car reviews and other subject matter that is featured on TTAC – but even that site – which I also love – is acceptable to me for it is much better than any of its competitors.
If I find something I find unacceotable, I simply skip it and move on, rather than commenting on my displeasure – not my place.
Congratulations on this site and how it has matured, Paul.
I still have serious personal issues with rear fixed side windows, though…
Hmmm…perhaps the Classics purists should start a purely Classics site. It could feature Caprice Classics, Malibu Classics, Rambler Classics and classical music in the background…and I’m certain Coca-Cola Classic will be happy to buy ad space.
All articles and comments must be in Latin.
Paulus locutus, causa finita est!
I think the appropriate thing to remember in this case is; illegitimi non carborundum…
I’m thinking of adopting it as the official motto of the Fruchey family. 😛 (And yes I know its “dog” Latin.)
For some reason this reminds me of the one where Sylvester and Tweety go to Venice, and said cat bangs his head on a bridge while standing in a gondola. Its sign read:
WATCHA YOU HEADA
LOLLOBRIGIDA
🙂
Paul, you have done a great job with this site. A lot of good writing here, and the lack of juvenile flame wars is really refreshing. I post rarely, but read the articles here each day. Of course I am not interested in some of them, and those I just skip. A good lesson for life is to pursue what interests you and leave the rest alone. I have learned a lot about the automotive universe here and look forward to more. Carry on.
I Love this site.
I Look forward to new content ,as well as comments, all day, everyday… checking back often.
Thank you all for doing such a great job. So nice to have a place to read your thoughts when I don’t physically have any car buddies in my life at the moment.
I Like reading what everyone has to say about various cars, some which previously, well their appeal had eluded me.
I found this site at TTAC and really only went there to read about lemons and the vehicles you featured. The tractors you wrote about sunk the hook a little deeper but I really became hooked when RES asked for the sub article and you said it was ok to write it.
I am afraid I am addicted to reading this site and spinning a yarn when time and ability allows.
Thanks Paul (and others)
Curbside Classic is a big tent; yes our signature product are write-ups on older cars, but that’s absolutely not the only thing that interests us, or what we write about…
I think your tent is exactly the right size: big but not all-encompassing. To me, anything parked by a curb is fair game. And, for that matter, so is anything else with wheels (never-produced concept cars; heavy machinery; two-story all-glass, tourist buses) that happens to strike the site owner’s fancy. After all: it’s his show. And, as others have noted, his show doesn’t even charge an admission fee, so really nobody has any right to complain. Don’t like? Click off. As the ancient saying goes, “He who pays the bandwidth calls the tune.”
As for the lack of new-car reviews and industry gossip, you’re right they’re not needed here as there are plenty of other places to get that from. Plenty.
So bravo Paul, both for the unique experience that is CC itself; and also for this latest “mission statement” defining CC’s purpose, intent, and scope.
As you know I was here from the start and have even contributed on occasion. Still love the site and you have been fortunate or shrewd in adding good contributors/editors.
Due to my own other activities and pursuits, I have not been spending as much time here as I have in the past, but I look forward to coming here whenever I can. Many of my sentiments have already been expressed, so I don’t need to repeat them.
Well done and keep up the good work!
I’m guessing this is in response to someone complaining that CC was veering too much from articles about old, classic cars. Frankly, I personally haven’t had an issue with any of the articles. My main concern about the site really boils down to two things:
1. The articles are well-written and interesting.
2. They have something to do with a mode of transportation which had (or may have) some sort of lasting impact (cultural or otherwise).
That’s a pretty broad field and it’s definitely not limited to just old cars.
For example, an article about Raymond Loewy, although many remember him most for his design work at Studebaker, was an industrial designer whose work also included (per Wikipedia) the Greyhound Scenicruiser bus, Coca-Cola vending machines, the Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 and S-1 locomotives, the Lucky Strike package, Coldspot refrigerators, and even the seventies’ redesign of the Postal Service logo.
OTOH, an article about someone like, say, Frank Lloyd Wright, although his architectual feats are classic, stylish, and highly regarded, really wouldn’t have a place on CC.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a major car buff. He loved luxury cars and owned Cadillacs, Lincolns, Cords. He had a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and 300 sedan, received for designing auto showrooms for Max Hoffman (he also designed gas stations). Wright designed a car with a cantilever roof (never produced). He redesigned a 1940 Lincoln Continental coupe and painted it his signature Cherokee Red. Not only did Wright love cars, he also enjoyed leading an annual fall caravan of cars loaded with his staff and fellows, driving from Taliesin in Wisconsin to Taliesin West in Arizona. I think he could have a place on CC.
I stand corrected and agree that an article on FLW would, indeed, be entirely appropriate, particularly his connection with Max Hoffman, the guy responsible for the US importation of VW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and BMW into the US.
Thanks for the info.
Stop making me want a Beetle!
To Paul and the others,
It has truly been an honor to be a part of this wonderful community. I admit that writing does not come natural for me, and because of that my deepest gratitude goes out to Paul, Jim and Tom for their help and guidance whenever I have submitted pieces. Let’s face it, I’m a far better photographer 😛
As some of you know, this past year has been a tough one for me, what with having lost my father and grandfather, and having come very close to losing my own life. However, you all have been most kind, and received my stories well, and for that I thank you all.
Thanks for creating such a great site, Paul. And thanks to the many talented contributors to this site. I visit here to read about cars that I may not have appreciated in the past, and I come away impressed each time. Every truly has a story.
Ok, I recognize a shot….
Love the page, can’t get enough and really look forward to reading it all when I get the chance at the end of a long day.
I also understand it’s “better to be seen then heard from, and don’t speak until spoken too”….haha.
I’ll keep my trap shut now and just enjoy the content….back to your regularily scheduled program folks.
Don’t take that approach; it’s the commenting that really adds to the site. I just get a bit defensive of the site and the writers given how hard they work to provide the content. I don’t mind folks questioning specific issues within a post, but I’m a bit touchy about a post getting dissed for its existence. I know not everyone is going to like every post equally, but some of us like hearing the stories of the cars folks drive/drove, and their experiences with them. Variety is good.
Anyway, it wasn’t just your comment; this needed to be said.
“Brand extension and brand dilution: The existing strong brand name can be used as a vehicle for new or modified products; for example, many fashion and designer companies extended brands into fragrances, shoes and accessories, home textile, home decor, luggage, (sun-) glasses, furniture, hotels, etc. Mars extended its brand to ice cream, Caterpillar to shoes and watches, Michelin to a restaurant guide, Adidas and Puma to personal hygiene. Dunlop extended its brand from tires to other rubber products such as shoes, golf balls, tennis racquets and adhesives. There is a difference between brand extension and line extension. A line extension is when a current brand name is used to enter a new market segment in the existing product class, with new varieties or flavors or sizes. When Coca-Cola launched “Diet Coke” and “Cherry Coke” they stayed within the originating product category: non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. Procter & Gamble (P&G) did likewise extending its strong lines (such as Fairy Soap) into neighboring products (Fairy Liquid and Fairy Automatic) within the same category, dish washing detergents. The risk of over-extension is brand dilution where the brand loses its brand associations with a market segment, product area, or quality, price or cachet.”
— from Wikipedia article, “Brand” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand#Brand_extension_and_brand_dilution
Jeff; I’m not in this for the money. If I was, I might do many things differently. I’m doing it for my (and hopefully, others) enjoyment. Business school theories mean nothing to me now.
Also: Curbside Classic is “my personal brand”, and what I do here is similar to what I was doing at TTAC. I never intended CC to only be “Curbside Classics”. It’s the brand that folks associate with me.
And: does Motor Trend only write about trends in motors? Does Road and Track only write about roads and tracks? I could go on with this line for quite a while.
Finally: I though about calling the site “Curbside Classics and Automotive Histories”. Too long. So look up there now: “Every Car has a story”. And that includes any car with something interesting enough to be included.
Every curb has a story too, and most curbs are pretty old. I like to think of the History pieces as Curbside Classics from the curb’s point of view. The curbs in my part of town have seen it all.