After five years of writing Curbside Classics, and three years of running and building up this website, the time has come for a change. I need to un-tether myself from this very addictive activity, and catch up on some critical projects with my other work as well as some travel and such. This is not an easy decision by a long shot, as I’ve poured a lot of myself into this baby. But it’s time to hand over the keys to someone else.
Typically, web sites are sold via brokers or auctions or such, but I don’t want to hand the keys over to just anyone, so I though I’d put this out to you all, in case one (or more) of you wants to hop in the driver’s seat of a fine running website (well, we’ll fix a few minor bugs before we would let you drive off).
CC has grown very strongly and steadily, and October set a major new record (ignore the big spike from 1-13, the result of a couple of links from big sites). We’re now averaging 20-25k Page Views daily. Over 160k Unique Visitors drop in per month. And we’re generating a steadily growing if modest income stream from the Google Adsense ads.
So unlike buying this 1965 Iso Rivolta project car which will cost you untold thousands to get back in proper shape, or buying a new car and making payments just to watch it depreciate, CC will pay for itself, or more! And if you have some marketing savvy (which I don’t), there’s probably lots of ways to monetize the site more effectively.
How much? Well, there are some rough guidelines to value web sites based on stats and revenue, and if you’re really interested, we can discuss it in private. But very roughly the price of a nice new car. No beater Isos, please. My goal is to find someone out there that is already a fan of the site, who wants a new hobby/business and can take CC to the next level. Or maybe a couple of you want to get together and form a partnership or such. It’s time to fulfill that long-lingering desire to be a media titan, and have your own biggish automotive web site. And if you live in the East and there aren’t any CCs to shoot, I’ll throw in my collection of photos, which has thousands of cars yet to be written up.
So who’s going to step up, buy this Curbside Classic, take the wheel, and drive it to new heights? Contact me at curbsideclassic(at)gmail.com or the via the Contact form.
Update: I should have made it clear that I am not disappearing altogether, or right away. I will continue to contribute, as time allows and when inspiration calls. Selling the site is my preferred course, but if that’s not possible, there are other possibilities to explore. The priority is for CC to continue in the present form, one way or another. I’m open to ideas and suggestions as to how that might look. But I do think that the energy of a new owner(s) would be the best course of action.
Oh Dear! I knew this would have to come. But, Paul, if this means you will finally come to Maine and drive my ’36 Chevy station wagon, then I will have to agree that you made a good choice. It awaits your arrival.
No more Niedermeyers!? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I nominate “Carmine”!! He’s got million$ and million$ in the bank. And who knows how much more in stock/IRA/real estate holdings. He’s a regular Warren Buffet!!
“Broughamside Classics”!!
“Classic Broughams”!!
“Broughamtastic Fantastic”!!
Good luck with your sale/transaction. I hope it finds a good home.
The Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman interior (1974-1976):
A Division of Carmine Corp LLC a Netherland Antilles Corporation.
No offense intended Carmine, but you are truly giving me visions of GM buying SAAB here… Unless of course, you run the Corporation like William C. Durant?
NEIN!
It’s the best thing to leave (or sell) when everything is fine and everybody is happy. But CC will never be the same without you, Paul. It is to a big extent the quality and the personal touch of your stories the reason for 25k visits a day… I just hope the other CC editors and their great stories and personal touches would take the keys of CC to keep it running this way. And that, sometimes as a writer, sometines just as a commentor, we still see you around for many years!
I’ll still be around, for sure. At a more leisurely tempo, though.
Good news, you’re a gentleman and a scholar.
You can’t escape – even writing two short sentences you subconsciously mention a CC (Tempo).
Awww heck…
Say it ain’t so Paul, say it ain’t so…
Who else will indulge me writing about everything from lusting after 2nd gen H-bodys, government auctions, and the Falcon’s flashy younger brother (the 60s Mustang)?
Both Niedermeyer’s are what kept me coming back to TTAC back in the old Fargo days.
My questions/thoughts:
1. What is the timetable on this? Is it the next week? Next few months?
2. For any new owner a big problem is that when you go away, a major content contributor goes away too. If you agreed to provide X amount of content over X period of time, I could see that sweetening the deal.
3. While I love the idea of some of the commenters and editors getting together and becoming part owners in the site I’m not sure how feasible that is in reality.
4. I don’t know if he is looking for a brand extension, but Aaron Severson seems like a good guy.
4. Alas, he is penniless in a way that makes the average church mouse look as rich as Carmine.
Yes, but you have good ideas.
And do great research and writing.
I’m not kidding about the penniless part, I’m afraid. I’m seriously concerned that I may end up living in my car before long.
I hope you figure out a way to make a good living at what you most enjoy writing about. Your automotive histories are as good as any on the web.
We all deal with the realities of making a living differently. I ended up switching to policy research when journalism proved too tenuous.
I’ve always dreamed of being able to make a living writing about cars, but the brutal truth is that it’s a very tough way to make a living.
Yup. And as a “professional” you don’t get to write what you want, when you want.
I’ve been too busy with work to post much lately but check this site every day and it remains my favorite. So many great contributors, stories and cars.
I was going to say the exact same thing Gonzo did. It’s not humanly possible to contribute as much as Paul has indefinitely. Perhaps sell it, take a break and then contribute at your own pace? No matter what Paul you need to keep a hand in it somehow. Your articles on the ’65 Corvair and Continental, among many others, were masterpieces.
Not happy about this but understand the reasons. PN’s articles and editorial sense make this site unique.
best wishes Paul,
Alistair
Makes me worry about the future of CC.
This has become a daily ritual for me. Wake up, drag out of bed and check out CC while I have my morning coffee.
Ive just discovered this site a week or so ago, and signed up the day before yesterday. Sad to see you bailing, Paul. Ive enjoyed your write-ups immensely. Actually, I live up in Beaverton which is RIPE for spotting some classic iron. Im in no position to buy a website and wouldn’t have a clue how to run it, but wouldn’t mind contributing to the write-ups here and there. I actually snapped a few craptastic iPhone shots of a ’50s era 4wd Jeep (Willys) wagon that I run into in the Pearl district….
I’ll still be around. We always need more contributors. I’ll get you set up.
How can one know if content contributors will still be able to do their thing under new ownership? Couldn’t this place become less of a cooperative and more “corporate” in the way TTAC is (not that I don’t like TTAC)?
I write the current Sunday morning COAL series and no matter what would like to continue writing it as there are approximately three more months of content to go…
Jim Klein
I hope to think that your COAL Series is to Curbside Classics, what ’60 Minutes’ is to CBS. A fixture, hopefully!
Nothing is going to change here, if at all possible. I only want a buyer if they want to keep this all going. And why wouldn’t they (If I even find one)?
Sorry to hear this Paul, as you have done a truly outstanding job. Achieving that level of growth and popularity, so quickly. But I can fully understand your decision, given the volume of behind the scenes work it must entail. Let alone, the demands on your time. Lots of tasks that we don’t see, but appreciate. Including dealing publicly, with unruly commentators like yesterday, for example. Whomever you choose, will have to be thick skinned for sure. Prepared to deal with the wrath of many when presenting sensitive topics like, “The Deadly Sins” series. Backing up your opinion in the process. Plus tackling many tough topics in the ‘Histories’ section, that required lots of research and detailed fact checking. In addition to having a broad, indepth knowledge of the whole automotive realm. While remaining respectful to the brougham base. A full time job really!
I do hope your successor retains your excellent crew of guest writers. As they consistently submit very enjoyable articles and pics. Including lots of varied insights and backgrounds.
As a reader, I do hope the successor is worthy, and up to the grande task… Best wishes!
+1. Don’t get dragged down by the turkeys; cruise with the Eagles. Or invent some way to crib the codes from BAT and block the knuckleheaded comments which add NOTHING to your superb write-ups. If I wanted to get my info from some truly judicious, objective website, I’d go there instead of CC, where facts are mixed with fun and fotos (sorry needed the alliteration).
Paul, as one who checks in on CC even *before* I have my morning coffee, I can’t help but find the news unwelcome.
Of course you’ll remember that as a comment to your farewell post over at TTAC, I wrote “there are lots, and lots, and lots of people who can build houses, and very few who can write about cars in the engaging way you do. I’m going to choose to believe this isn’t any final decision. I’ve certainly gotta.”
And afterwards you kindly let me know that that comment had crystalized your decision to start CC. It has since been a wonderful ride, but I’d be the last to blame you if you want to get off. How could I, when six months or so after our exchange, I was laid off with one hours’ notice from my job as “editor-in-chief” (read, chief cook and bottle washer) of two websites, ending a 25-year career in media. I’ve had it with the incessant pressure for more pageviews, for the drastic decline in writing standards and non-existent copy editing, for the incessant demand to spend as much time promoting yourself on social media as you do on writing, etc. etc.
Whoever takes on CC will have to cope with all this and more, plus the fact that the internet means there’s far *too much” writing about cars and every other tech topic — there just isn’t the *right* writing. Your contributions are invaluable and I can only echo what other commenters have said: Hopefully with the burden of finances and administration off your shoulders you’ll be able to get back to doing what you do best as not only CC’s founder and editor emeritus, but also contributor-at-large writing from wherever you are.
Yes, it’s all your fault! 😉 I should never have listened to you!
Let’s just say there’s a lot more money in building houses (again).
No, you shouldn’t have!
I’m not surprised; building this website has looked like a herculean effort. Certainly worthy of high acclaim. Paul, you have a great deal to feel proud of.
I also wonder what’s a sustainable model for such a site. My experience with a local blog is that a continuous flow of material is the primary driver of page hits but it’s very hard to maintain an adequate level of production with volunteers.
I haven’t done a count, but my impression is that CC typically posts considerably more than, say, Hemmings. Is that overachieving or necessary to be competitive with a more established site?
I suspect that the folks who are most likely to step forward with money may be “corporate” — with predictable results. Ugh.
Is there a way to maintain what makes CC so special? One option that may not occur to many people would be to make CC part of a nonprofit dedicated to automotive history. That would allow tax-deductible donations as well as access to foundation funding. Of course, that would take away the “profit” motive. But is there a realistic chance of earning a meaningful return on one’s investment?
When Paul first announced that he was launching CC I wondered whether it would have been better to join forces with the likes of Ate Up With Motor. Would that make sense now? From an editorial standpoint it could be an interesting match but I suspect that the business case for CC might not be improved all that much. Nevertheless, this is the most journalistically appealing idea me.
Perhaps it is time to think more broadly about auto history resources. For example, is Old Car Brochures run by a nonprofit? If so, might the addition of CC make sense from both a programmatic and business standpoint?
And then, of course, there’s the Society of Automotive Historians. In theory, that would be an ideal place to park CC — and a great addition to their existing programming. Alas, I wonder if SAH has the drive and vision to take such a big step.
I’d be tempted, except for two things – money and experience. And heck, you wouldn’t want to sell it to me anyway. I’d be calling or visiting you every other day with questions….. Alas, I guess I’m not going to get my ’81 Safari featured……….
You can always have your 81 Safari featured as a “My CC”, y’know…
…Send Paul and email in the “Contact Us” forum an he’ll set you up for a My CC…
I’d like to stay on board as copy editor if that’s cool with everyone.
Tough decision Paul, but one I totally understand. Sometimes even the things we love can take over our lives and become unintended nooses around our necks. It was your incredible effort and dedication to the site since its inception that inspired me to become a contributor this month, but even the two write-ups I did took plenty of time to research and write, I can’t imagine how much more time it must take you! But I’m hoping to keep contributing for some time to come, and I’m glad to see in your replies above that you’ll still be around too – in a well-deserved slower pace!
So long as the new owner isn’t Petersen Publishing (Car and Driver certainly went down the tubes after Petersen bought them) or maybe whomever runs Allpar with those constant, infuriating pop-up ads at the bottom of the images, things should be okay.
Sorry to hear this. I’ve caught CC over the years but just recently became a junkie. I’ve greatly enjoyed your stories and editorial sense!
Sorry to see you going Paul,would like to see more of that Iso Rivolta.The only one I’ve seen in the metal was near Belle Vue Manchester.More Euro American exotics please,they’ve always fascinated me since seeing a Bristol in the mid 60s
Oh no! And only a year after I found it. I’ll really miss you, Paul, please relax from building houses by writing some articles now and then. Hope the site continues, it’s my favorite!
Well, seen from the outside, this is terrible news. But it’s certainly an inevitable decision for any sane person; the amount time and work that must have gone into this terrific site must be tremendous, and that’s probably not sustainable in the long run. In any case, I’ve very much enjoyed this site – it’s my favourite by far! – so thanks for the ride. Let’s see what comes next, I hope for the best!
Instead of selling you should “delegate”, but to each its own.
It’s been a great ride, and again, thanks for the invitation 🙂
Well, poop.
+1
+2
Well, as the song goes, “The times, they are a-changin'”.
I sure the site falls into good hands, but I’m happy Paul will be sticking around, albeit in a reduced presence.
Paul, just be sure that in you house building/remodeling endeavors that all the windows open!
I just tried to comment and the system ate it. Probably because I said I’d be interested!
I have some experience as a corporate blogmeister and I’m currently underemployed. On the other hand, making such a career move could lead to my sleeping in the garage. The Wi-Fi will still work out there, though.
You sir, IMO, would be a great successor and have my worthless support!
Thank you, brother! I promise you a chunk of equity in my non-existent stake. 🙂
You sound like a perfect candidate for the job, 73ImpCapn! Relocating to the garage will put you that much more in touch with your work. 🙂
Paul, will the new owner also be co-editor with Tony LaHood, or will you stay in that position?
Mr. Mann, thank you for the promotion, but I’m merely a proofreader with a Broughmanesque title and no control whatsoever re: content. That said, I do hope fervently that CC will live on in pretty much its present form, and to that end I offer my services to the new administration.
Oh Noodles..
I always figured what makes this special is that the lunatics have more keys to the asylum than usual.
Sorry to hear you are selling Paul, but glad you are getting a chance to do some things you want to do. Best of Luck!!!!
First thought is to jump on it. Second (rational) thought is to not do it, as I really wouldn’t like the torches and pitchforks crowd in my yard.
Yeah, if I did it, my personal biases would show thru – which would mean that there would never be a brougham shown again, unless it was dangling from the end of the magnet about to be dropped into the crusher.
Those big Broughams are probably the farthest thing from my personal taste in cars. I like Volkswagens as you know and pretty much my other car lusts are about the same size vehicles.
However I love looking at those big Detroit behemoths simply because they are representative of another time. A time in which I never lived.
Judging by the amount of “Broughmance” on this site, that’s half of what’s keeping the lights on.
I certainly understand the need to step away from the computer every now and then, so I do not blame you at all, Paul. I also wish you the best in both getting what you want for the site, and getting back the time you need on the home front. I too have been busier with work and life on the home front since I started to contribute. I do check in daily still, even if I don’t always have time to comment. I would love to get more involved, but do not have the money or time for a larger commitment. I just hope that I can continue to contribute as I have time, and continue to have this site as a daily distraction.
I do have a few more pieces to contribute, and should I have time to write a couple of them up over then next month.
Offering Low Down, EZ Terms, No Credit Check, etc.?
Glad you’ll still be around, you’re knowledge of cars past is among the best I’ve ever seen. You made a wise decision to let go before it became a burden and no longer enjoyable. I’m sure someone will step forward who shares your passion for cars. Looking forward to those new open doors
Paul —
Thanks for the gift of your time and energy. CC has given many of us (160,000 of us per month!) countless hours of reading pleasure.
While it’s true that CC is more than just the fruit of your labors — it would be much less rewarding to read without the many contributors and commenters — your skills as a host are unmatched. I can’t think of any website where the comments are as constructive and respectful and enjoyable as they are here. That’s because of the tone you set, and it may be too much to hope that that will continue without your guiding hand.
It’s also true that you’re an incredibly skilled writer. I love the items authored by the contributors, but even without looking at the byline I can always tell when an entry was written by you, because it outshines the others.
Best wishes to you and your family this Thanskgiving.
I don’t have the money, dammitt! I’d love to take this over but I couldn’t justify it right now.
Thank you Paul. For giving me great reading – and giving me space for my ramblings as well. I hope that will continue.
All best, my friend.
Hi Paul, just checked in for my regular fix and saw this distressing post. Of course I understand and of course it’s impossible to blame you, but isn’t there another way that would ensure that CC retains its unique “PN touch”? With a couple more contributors/writers/editors, you should be able to scale down your own involvement without giving up control.
Whatever you decide: congratulations for the fabulous website you have built! As long as it remains true to your spirit, I’ll keep returning (and sharing my modest finds of Swiss CCs). Actually, there is a nice Jag S-type (the 1960s variety of course) sitting curbside in my neighborhood. Need to snap some pictures before it gets stored away for winter.
Say it’s not so, Paul!
Alas, who will sing the praises of Hans Ludwinka and the Tatra? I alone cannot bear that burden!
Just want to take this opportunity to thank Paul, the other authors, and the commenting community here. CC is easily my favorite car based blog. I’m going to stay optimistic that good things lie ahead.
Paul, thank you for your work on this site. It is a truly wonderful site that is informative and entertaining (and much better than the print magazines that focus on these cars). It’s truly an addiction. I only wish I had more time to write articles, but the demands of a job and fatherhood prevent that dream for the present.
I wish I had the funds or I would take this on in a second…. I would have to sell my corvette to pay for it, and that would be unthinkable. I think it would be cool to make curbside classic as more of a car club like culture than an actual company for profit.
What I mean by that is use the site to organize curbside classic car shows, and curbside classic cruises. I also think there should be a store where you can buy curside classic merchandise and use the money raised to build some cars. Curbside classic cruisers, if I did anything like that, there is a local vocational school I would contact to see about doing some of the work and do feature write up on the restoration. Give young students the opportunity to work on a classics and get some good exposure.
If I had the money to afford this site…
Anyway Paul, I found this site a week or two ago, and I am hooked. I have thuroughly enjoyed your review, and I agree the 80 Continental Coupe is a cool car. You will be missed and I hope you can still keep the write ups coming.
This reminds me of how a restorer painstakingly transforms a hopeless basket case into a beautiful old car. Now that the car is finished….what next? Time to move on!
Paul, I’m happy for you — this place is a Honey and it sounds like you have done what you had wanted to do. That has got to be a good feeling. Hopefully, the torch can be passed & you’ll have the freedom to enjoy and/or conquer whatever else comes your way.
+1
Couldn’t have said it better – so I won’t try.
It’s been a great ride so far, and hopefully one that’s far from over.
+1000
Couldn’t have said it better, JB!
Perfectly said JB.
Quite right indeed. I never do the same thing for very long; I like starting things, but after a while, I get a bit restless. Need to change things up every so often.
I’ll add my +1 to that!
I’d have the time to do it, but not the money nor expertise. I hope things go over smoothly…’cause this IS the site where I drink my morning coffee at every morning. I’d hate to see it turn into something like The Site Which Shall Not Be Named in the interest of profit or politics.
If the new owner turns CC into a Mini-Me of The Site Which Shall Not Be Named in the interest of profit or politics, I will try to orchestrate multiple writers’ strikes to prevent dilution of the CC Brand.
I’ll march along with that any day.
Thanks for the support!
Say it ain’t so!!
Paul, you were one of the most uniquely qualified folks to start a site like CC. Your guiding hand will certainly be missed.
It’s good to see that you’ll remain as a contributor, though. The vintage Niedermeyer posts are some of the best!
Best of luck in finding the next owner of CC.
— PRNDL
Personally I think it would be wrong to make this site all about profit when the majority of the work is done by volunteers. The majority of the funds raised should go back into the site and make it enjoyable for all those who spend their time contributing to the sites success. The writers may not ask for money, but I assume they would not appreciate someone profiting of their efforts.
I think I’m experiencing slight withdrawal symptoms.
Does the sale include relocation expenses to your neck of the woods? The new owner has to have curbside resources.
Anyway…. many thanks for your perspectives.
Good luck, Paul!
If you could pick one designer to revitalize your 2014MY life, who would it be? Exner’s Excesses? Loewy’s Lightness?
Mitchell, because fins and fastbacks are always the answer
Well then….
Paul, bittersweet news. I’m happy for you in the tough decision you had to wrestle with. But forgive me cause I’m saddened in a selfish kind of way. Sad cause I know that what’s to come will not be the same. I’ve personally seen 2 boating magazines, serving a small budget niche market, get bought out by large publishers and losing their soul and very reason for being in the process. I’d like to not see history repeat itself here with such a fun and cozy site.
I appreciate what you’ve done here. Such a joy it is to come here and see what classic is on tap. But I’m mindful of the time when I’m away, you are here, staying the course. Putting the hours in to edit, to publish, to police, what goes on round here. Your clever wit will be missed when that day comes to hand the keys over. Whoever takes over has some enormous shoes to fill.
I still find it amazing how the written word can be just as devastating as a punch in the heart or gut. And the news today, as liberating for you as it must have been to finally let go, was indeed one of those punches in the heart to this reader!
Paul, I wish…but my issue is more time than anything else. Being on-call with both a top-rated radio station and a highly creative ad agency means my schedule can go from 0-100 faster than a new COPO Camaro.
Plus I’m trying to finish my house so I can build two cars.
I hope one of the regular commenters can buy it.
Good luck to you Paul. You have created an incredible website and I hope it falls into some good hands as it truly deserves to. I have been hooked on this site for three years now and I know that my interest will always be there. If I had the money and time I would buy it in a second. I wish you the best!
BTW I have several cars that I have saved that I would like to write up someday. How would I go about doing so?
I’ll do my best to keep the Eugene-based content going, what little I know about cars notwithstanding.
Whatever happens thank you for this site!
As I can thoroughly understand the need to change things up, I will add my voice to those who are disappointed by this turn of events. As a person who followed you over from the other site and has been here nearly from the start, the phenomenon that is this site has never ceased to amaze me.
Due to changes in my own life, I mostly lurk now, but still appreciate this quiet corner of the ‘net where I can contemplate some great old sheet metal and other things I hadn’t considered before.
Best of luck to you in your future endeavors. I wish you well, and look forward to your future contributions on this site. Vielen Danke!
I hope a worthy successor comes along, sorry to hear you’re moving on but the time comes for all of us to make a change. At least you’ll be able to abide by the old advice
“always leave ’em wanting more…”
Paul, I can only echo the comments of many of those who have already spoken. Certainly only you can decide what is right or best for you under your circumstances. While it is sad for those of us who have come to love CC under your guidance, it is reassuring to know that you have not gone away for good – that we’ll still hear from you. What seems to distinguish CC from other sites is the old Curbside Classics seem to bring out of us so many thoughts, memories, emotions – such as desire: cars I wish I could have bought back then, cars I really wanted to buy back then but couldn’t afford, and cars that I’d still love to buy and own but still can’t afford, and have a lack of storage space anyway. There’s also the cars I’ve admired, that I’ve liked the looks of but had no thoughts of ever owning. And, perhaps like others, there are cars I never much cared for or paid much attention to, that I think differently of now with the passing of time and an excellent write-up on CC! Yes, some of us were almost born as car nuts. I’ve identified myself as a second generation car nut.
One last comment. Really dig the photo of the partially obscured green Chevy Chevette. That Is a great shade of green, almost green as grass, and green seems to be a rather rare car color.
If you sell out to Gawker, I’m out of here.
And maybe Robert Forago is interested in getting back into cars. TTAC went down the toilet after he left
Oh Paul, how many times must we say farewell???
While my move this year has taken me away from here somewhat, I still very much taking a few moments each day to at least see what’s going on.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for allowing me to become a contributor, and share with the world some of the otherwise useless knowledge that is stored up in my head!
Believe me, if $$$ permitted, I’d be interested. But seeing how for the first time since I was a teenager, I am debt-free, I kind of want to stay that way for a while.
You know, because of CC I became inspired to start The Brougham Society on Facebook. Little did I know that it would become an international success, for which I thank you Paul, for the experience I needed to run it, and hopefully take it to new heights.
Regardless of what happens, I hope to stick around here for the next chapter!
Getting here a bit late (almost 100 comments!) but just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of those expressing a combination of regret and approval. Regret because your blog consistently ranks, according to Google’s tracking of my browsing habits, in either the Top 5 or Top 10 sites I visit (a hit-parade that includes Wiki, Youtube, my own website, my own email inbox, and “New Tab”). My interest in cars is about as close as I’ve ever come to having a hobby; and this old-car blog is as close as I come to spending non-work funtime on the ‘Net. (I barely Facebook; and am not a gamer, as I find running my own business provides me with all the thrills-n-spills I require.) So CC is the only non-news/politics site able to command loyalty from my eyeballs and fingertips.
But also approval, because Paul created this by himself; and so has the right to do anything he wants with his creation — including, should he choose, walking away from it altogether. So I support his decision to pass the torch, even if I’m somewhat apprehensive about CC’s future under new, TBA management. It would be terrific if some CC contributors could come up with the needed coin and keep things going unchanged, but it sounds like the commentariat here all has their money tied up in project cars. (Mine, meanwhile, is all tied up in screenprinting equipment and “cotton futures”.)
For some smart multimedia entrepreneur, CC has a very strong commercial potential which, if developed correctly, could produce a more-than-decent ROI for investor(s). There are potential revenue streams — from local CC club meetups to a Youtube channel (“CCTV”?) to who-knows-what-else — yet to be explored. The trick would be to expand in different directions while maintaining the friendly, folksy charm and informal info-sharing of the original.
Another possibility is, of course, an online store offering CC merch. Ever since Paul first posted about seeking ways to “monetize” this site over a year ago, he and I have had a few exploratory conversations about my possibly printing up some CurbsideClassic.com T-shirts. Although we’re both quite sure you regulars would love them, no final design was ever decided upon… and now of course Paul is looking to take a reduced role in the site, so who knows. But whatever happens with CC Mark II, HollywoodLoser.com remains at your service for whatever screenprinting needs you might have.
To an outsider, who doesn’t appreciate the automobile, the entire Curbside Classic concept might be dismissed as merely “birdwatching, or trainspotting, only with crappy old cars parked on the street.” But we know that what Prof. Neidermeyer has concocted here in his garage is much more than that. It’s a rare intellectual and emotional experience… that just happens to revolve around crappy old cars parked on the street. My very best wishes for Paul finding new owners who understand that.
Judging from your heavy involvement still, at this date, I surmise CC was never sold, even partially. I am hoping that you at least found a benevolent overseer/godfather to keep the content level high for this long….