View Full Version : What has happen to Model Motoring?


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slotrod
01-11-2008, 10:12 AM
Does anyone know what happen to Model Motoring? I went to the web site to see if they had any new products and they only have a few lines. No Chevelle's, '55 Chevy, Camaro's, and no GTO. What is going on are they folding up or what. Any info on this would be great. :confused:

cagee
01-11-2008, 10:44 AM
I have went there several times over the past year and all they ever had was Willy's bodies. I thought surely in a year they would produce more than that.

vaBcHRog
01-11-2008, 11:10 AM
He is only selling the GM products on ebay. Some kind of licensing problems between them and GM.

His ebay seller name is ratherboring. You can also email him and buy most of his bodies on sale for 6.99. I don't have his email address here at work I'll have to post it later

Roger Corrie

Slott V
01-11-2008, 11:22 AM
Rumor last year was GM filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement. :rolleyes:

SplitPoster
01-11-2008, 11:30 AM
There are members on this board with extensive information, if any will post on it now. You can look at archived posts and get a good bit of it. Somewhere online there is a copy of a court order from a major manufacturer (re slotv) as well, but it appears things have been folding up for some time.

It's a shame. As I understand it, there were some problems early on with the MM chassis, but in a quick glance you can see the, materials, casting and machining is superior to ...., and the bodies are a good bit less cheap-toy like than much other stuff that is still around.

It certainly must be very difficult to try to run a company from design to distribution and put out a full line of (in the slot car world) high end products. Remember, he made reproduction track, grandstands, all kinds of stuff "in development. Maybe that was part of it too.

I admire the effort, though I came back into slots well into the downhill side of it. I have purchased a couple times from MM, and several times off e bay under his old ID. Always been satisfied. I hope I can still buy some single lane track, the original is out of sight.

videojimmy
01-11-2008, 11:36 AM
Too bad... his bodies are top notch.

I'm glad I bought them when I had the chance.

Slott V
01-11-2008, 01:09 PM
There was a license agreement between Aurora and GM when Aurora made the TJet. When Model Motoring took over, they purchased the rights to the Model Motoring name and design rights for chassis retooling. Apparently the licensing was never renewed by GM for body retooling and they sicked their lawyer Dobermans on Harrison. I've heard GM is ruthless with licensing agreements, even down to little guys including a tiny GM logo on a decal set for pennies on the dollar. Heard that first hand from someone else getting slapped by GM's legal dogs.

Ligier Runner
01-11-2008, 02:08 PM
This more or less confirms what I thought when I saw him put up 5 of the curved bleachers kits on epay for a buy it now price of $45 (normally $20 a piece on the MM site). I bought them as this was a whale of a deal. It came out to less than $11 per bleacher kit including shipping.

bigun624
01-11-2008, 02:46 PM
With GM's car sells in the toilet, they kinda like the government gotta go after the small guy. Bet it makes em feel real big.

SplitPoster
01-11-2008, 03:52 PM
Hey Bigun, GM has been like this for some time. A cottage industry sprung up serving people doing 1:1 GM restorations, producing decals like you would find under the hood, to put on old cars to match the unavailable originals. GM even went after them, their own fans who weren't taking a dime from GM's pockets, only paying tribute to them! You are dead on right, as far as GM has fallen from where they were, and as much as they have permanently obligated themselves to costly boondoggles (including those lawyers) - leave no stone unsqueezed.

tomhocars
01-11-2008, 08:53 PM
I didn't want to comment on the constant rumors about Model Motoring but I feel I should put in my Two cents.Yes there are law suits with GM and Model Motoring.There are no problems with Ford or Mopar.GM's licenseing agreement was based on a complete car in a package at a set price.This was fine.Model Motoring does not sell complete cars in the package anymore.They may have a small amount left.GM still wants to get the same money whether they are complete cars or not.When thelicense was first issued to make GM cars this was the banks reccomendation.I guess it would have been better to negotiate on quantity produced.Right now things are stilll in limbo.(court)
Now I have this to say about Harrison.I know him a long time.Before MM he owned a company that used to make reproduction Camaro parts,so he was familiar with copyright legalities.He was an HO COLLECTOR for years before he started MM.The name was just lying there waiting to be scoopoed up.He was smart enough to do this.A couple of hundred dollars and he was Model Motoring.He had great plans for the company.He actually succeeded witth most of them.He showed Bob Beers and myself the first cars he was going to produce at the Midwest Slot car show about a year before they became available.There were new body styles and old cars about to be born.It's just like now with Dash Motorsports and JL/AW getting people back into the hobby for a low price.The money Harrison invested was big.He was very generous with his time and money .Do you know of another mjnufacturer who donated rare first run test shots to raise money for childrens charities.He did this at Slot car 2000 in Ohio.Some of these cars went for big money at the time$400.00 TO $500.00.I actually bid on the 55 Chevy and didn't win.I did get it years later along with another 55 plus the Corvette and the never produced GN Buick.When he did the Bob Beers show in New York He always had the Hilton put up free food and coffee for breakfast.He did screw up on the sets.but so many other things came out So many bodies and colors,grandstands,posters.The big blow came with the chassis.When he first sold his cars they had original Aurora t-jet chassis.They aren't going to be available forever.The new manufacturer did a poor job and you were always wondering why they were so slow and when they were going to set off the smoke alarms.Talk about realistic.A fortune was spent and lost on this major item.When a profit margin is so small,a company can get murdered in no time.How long can someone keep putting money in without a return.AFX flex track is what started Aurora's crash.If it was easy everyone would be doing it.So right now MR.H is looking back and wondering if he should have really started this endeavor.I personally think he was one of the major reasons this hobby survived years ago.You can't get new blood into any hobby with expensive products at the start.New blood and enthusiasts need a low priced entry.Then they can decide if they want to step up.I see alot of kids,boys and girls, with their Dads at the shows.I think the future looks good.Thanks Harrison.
Tom Stumpf

videojimmy
01-11-2008, 11:22 PM
Thanks for setting the record straight Tom. I spent a lot of money on his stuff over the years. I bought everything ... cars, parts, bleachers, posters, single lane track, etc... if he put the sets out, I would have bought a few of those as well. I'm a HUGE fan of his stuff ... chassis excluded... I only had a few and I would usually hop them up with green arms and super II magnets.

He was always cool with me and I would always be surprised when I heard some of the crap I heard about him. Now that I know the back story, it all makes sense. I never understood the disproportional amount of anger people had over his chassis though ... especially back then, because Aurora chassis were everywhere and usually only around 6-7 bucks a pop. Different story now, huh?

It's really a shame how a few bad breaks can undo such a great effort.
Again, thanks for setting the record straight

Bill Hall
01-12-2008, 12:14 AM
It was an out and out Gol darned shame. :cry:

slotrod
01-12-2008, 09:33 AM
Thanks for the info. I hope that he can turn this around. You would think that GM would want companies like MM to produce their cars. How many of us remember playing with a car that we wanted to own. It keeps the brand image in the back of there minds. Now GM has lost alot of the market share and kids wouldn't even thing of purchasing any big 3 products. GM ,Ford and Mopar need to wake up before it is too late. Thanks Tom for the low down.

A/FX Nut
01-12-2008, 10:07 AM
Union Pacific RR was sueing people for making everything from Locomotives to Decals. This went on for a couple of years until finally someone in upper mangement realized this was bad public realations and pulled their head out of their keister. People in the Model Railroad hobby quit buying anything to do with Union Pacific. U.P. was being called Utterly Pathetic.

Word got to U.P. and they worked out a low cost licencing agreement to product makers. Randy.

Grandcheapskate
01-12-2008, 11:40 AM
Never understood the licensing mentaility. If someone wanted to give me free advertising, I'd take it. Companies will pay millions to get their names and stickers on a NASCAR car, yet they will charge the small guy who wants to advertise their product by promoting it on a toy. Of course, millions of people will see it on a NASCAR car, but what damage is done when a small manufacturer puts out a toy replica?

When I was in college, there was a picture of a dollar bill in the paper. My friend pointed to it and said "Look, here's a picture of God. This is why we're here (college)." Unfortunately, that comment really does sum up the business and corporate mentatility. The guys at the top really do worship the dollar bill.

I wish Harrison all the best. I have every one of the cars he produced and they are terrific.

Joe

SwamperGene
01-12-2008, 12:13 PM
I'm not too keen on the licensing thing myself, I've even had threats to "turn me in" by another person who also makes paper bodies.

2 points to consider for better or worse, though. If you were in the market for decals, and had a choice between sheet A with a bunch of authentic logos or sheet B with with some no-name made up stuff, which set would you chose? I'm sure most would choose sheet A, and this is proof enough to the courts that the decal maker is profiting from someone else's work (building the brand).

2nd point is that it mostly boils down to precedent. If they let Joe Modeler sell protected items from his basement, then they'd have to let Mattel, RC2, etc do the same. So basically beating up on the little guys keeps the big companies in line.

What needs to be done unfortunately is to see one of these cases make it to the Supreme Court, which would cost somebody a lot of money though it would put the auto companies' bullying tactics under public scrutiny. The way trademark law is written, there has to be damages arising from use of a mark in order for a plaintiff to have a solid case. My guess is that things are the way they are because it would simply cost too much to make a change.

:(

Grandcheapskate
01-12-2008, 08:43 PM
True enough Gene.

I can clearly see why a manufacturer (like GM) would need to approve the use of their logos, car likeness, etc. After all, they did build the brand and any use of their intellectual property is a reflection on them. That only makes good, common sense. I back them here 100%.

What doesn't make sense is that they turn down free advertising when it's available.

I always find it funny that people pay money to buy a shirt with a company logo on it. You want me to walk around with a shirt that has your logo and you want me to pay for it? No thanks. Either give me the shirt for free or treat me like a NASCAR car and pay me for advertising your product.

Joe

tjd241
01-12-2008, 09:17 PM
I like many of the ones they've made. Always good service too. I'm kind of light on them these days... think I'll pick up a couple just on general purposes. :)

nuther dave

Scafremon
01-12-2008, 09:33 PM
I always find it funny that people pay money to buy a shirt with a company logo on it. You want me to walk around with a shirt that has your logo and you want me to pay for it? No thanks. Either give me the shirt for free or treat me like a NASCAR car and pay me for advertising your product.

Joe

So if Nike makes a shirt, and puts their logo on it, you think they should give you the shirt for free, or pay you to wear it?

rudykizuty
01-12-2008, 10:11 PM
True enough Gene.

I can clearly see why a manufacturer (like GM) would need to approve the use of their logos, car likeness, etc. After all, they did build the brand and any use of their intellectual property is a reflection on them. That only makes good, common sense. I back them here 100%.

What doesn't make sense is that they turn down free advertising when it's available.

Joe

I'm confused how use of a brand name, logo, product likeness, design or intellectual property of one concern by another for the purpose of generating revenue and profit is "free advertising".

Say, for example, I decided to print a ton of Model Motoring t-shirts and ball caps and sell them for a profit. Is Mr. Harrison supposed to just accept this as free advertising of his business? I think not. Clearly, I would be violating his rights as owner of the MM brand. This is why we have trademark and copyright law.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get why people believe GM or Union Pacific railroad or whoever (place business name of your choice here) should be any different where their respective brands are concerned.

Grandcheapskate
01-12-2008, 11:49 PM
So if Nike makes a shirt, and puts their logo on it, you think they should give you the shirt for free, or pay you to wear it?

By logo I meant something large across the front or back, not a little mark over the shirt pocket. Identifying your product is not an issue.

Kinda like when a car dealer puts a sticker on your car advertising where you bought it. Why should I be a traveling advertisement for the dealer? What's he giving me in return?

If, for example, someone has a shirt that says "Eat at Joe's", that is advertising. For me to pay to buy that shirt and then walk around like a roving billboard is free advertising for "Joe's". "Joe's" gave me nothing in return - no shirt, no advertising fee. In fact, I paid "Joe's" to advertise for him.

As to the last point raised about the Model Motoring shirt. If someone wanted to print up shirts, mugs, or whatever with the Model Motoring logo, permission would have to be granted from Model Motoring. That is undisputed. You cannot just use someone else's logo or intellectual property.

Now, if someone wants to print up shirts that say "Model Motoring" and use the logo, the owner of the logo has to decide whether that would be good for his business. From my point of view, I would consider a couple factors.

1. Did I have any intention of printing up shirts?

2. Does it cost me any money or expenses?

3. Do I get something in return, like free advertising?

If the answers to these questions are (1) no (2) no and (3) yes, then it's a good deal for me. I may put limits on what can be sold and have to sign off on the final product, but the bottom line is it's a good deal for me. It gets my company name out there. Exposure - that's what you are looking for.

Joe

SplitPoster
01-12-2008, 11:57 PM
Joe "GCS" is exactly right - it is utterly hilarious to me that someone would pay big bucks to wear a NASCAR leather jacket with home depot or lowes, etc, and whatever other logos there are all over it. If anything, I would expect to buy that jacket at a discount, not pay extra for it. Kind of like the guy on the side of the road with a tent sign or a clown suit on trying to steer people into a business - that's a paying job. I would expect my clothing to have its brand logo on it, as my car does, but I don't need a Nike swoosh on my car or a Mr Goodwrench logo on my coat.

I think some of you guys miss the point. Yes of course, any company should approve anyone using their logo or likeness of their products on something sold for profit. If they don't like it, they have every right to shut it down. But GM does not make small toy cars, and UP niether makes nor markets model trains. It does not affect their businesses one iota. Actually, anything done well in toys and models enhances their repective images and reputations - and they don't have to pay a dime for it as they have to with image building advertising or philanthropy. Making it difficult for people to pat their backs does not make sense.

Maybe GM needs to sell its logos, and likenesses of long out of production cars. It's an easier sale than what they make now.

Grandcheapskate
01-13-2008, 12:06 AM
Let me just add a fourth, fifth and sixth question I would ask myself before granting permission to my logos, etc.

(4) Will it do any harm to my reputation, product, business or image?

(5) Will it enhance my company image?

(6) Will it give me (greater) product exposure to a whole new audience I might not otherwise reach - and do so at no expense to me?

If all these questions come out in my favor, it would not be business smart for me to pass up these opportunities.

Joe

Scafremon
01-13-2008, 02:27 AM
Big logo, small logo - makes no difference. For the record, I was actually envisioning a large Nike swoosh on the front with "Just Do It" when I made my post. Should it be free now?

I submit that, in general, people have no problem and often enjoy being adverstisements for products they like. If someone laughs at the NASCAR fan in his leather "Lowes" jacket, then surely they laugh at all sports fans, who fill stadiums adorned in advertising for a product they enjoy. What does a $3.00 cap run nowadays, when adorned with a sanctioned MLB team logo - $26.00? I think that's what I paid for my Angels cap, although I did get a free one at a game last year. Says "AM/PM Mini Market" on the back.

I'll send it to ya SP. :)

I think all your ponderances are very well stated Joe. I would just add another point.

If I, as the business owner, am unsure of the answer to any of them (ie. will it harm, will it enhance, etc) then it is a risk, and it needs to be thought of as such. Even if the risk is small, if the potential benefit is not worth the risk, why bother?

rudykizuty
01-13-2008, 10:39 AM
Kinda like when a car dealer puts a sticker on your car advertising where you bought it. Why should I be a traveling advertisement for the dealer? What's he giving me in return?

As to the last point raised about the Model Motoring shirt. If someone wanted to print up shirts, mugs, or whatever with the Model Motoring logo, permission would have to be granted from Model Motoring. That is undisputed. You cannot just use someone else's logo or intellectual property.

Now, if someone wants to print up shirts that say "Model Motoring" and use the logo, the owner of the logo has to decide whether that would be good for his business. From my point of view, I would consider a couple factors.

1. Did I have any intention of printing up shirts?

2. Does it cost me any money or expenses?

3. Do I get something in return, like free advertising?

If the answers to these questions are (1) no (2) no and (3) yes, then it's a good deal for me. I may put limits on what can be sold and have to sign off on the final product, but the bottom line is it's a good deal for me. It gets my company name out there. Exposure - that's what you are looking for.

Joe

I always have the dealer remove the sticker before I take delivery, but it's not because of the advertising aspect. I just think in general, the dealer stickers detract from the look of the car. But anyway.....

With no offense intended, free advertising is thinking for small business. It may be a good idea for a small business trying to establish itself because it has no draw in public interest. But that's where it ends. On the other hand, large companies have marketing budgets and operate on the understanding that revenue generation has an expense side. They've grown beyond the idea of looking for freebies. So, why in the world would General Motors think small? Their business has been established for decades and has a draw on public interest, To them, licensing agreements that involve them getting a cut of the profit being made is all part of how business is done. It reminds me of what Barzini said...."certainly he can present a bill for such services. After all, we are not communists".

PS I also don't consider my Chevrolet T-shirt "free advertising". The T-shirt licensee expensed production of the shirt same as the company that made my plain shirt. The point of wearing it is to make a statement about myself. That I am a "Chevrolet man" as opposed to Ford or Dodge. Same reason I wear a Phillies t-shirt. The point is it says something about who I am, where I am from, and who I cheer for.

SplitPoster
01-13-2008, 12:55 PM
Now Scaf, if they gave you a Chico's Bail Bonds hat I'm all over it :)

The logo/licensing difference is distinct between sports teams or entertainers and manufacturers/marketers. In sports the products ARE the logos, sights, sounds and images, whether you buy a ticket, listen to broadcast and the commercials, or proudly wear the hat.

I don't think it is strange at all that anybody would wear a shirt with a Chevy logo on it if they are a Chevy guy. I've got my Humber Super Snipe sweater vest around here someplace.... But... ask yourself this question: If you are going to spend a day with your family at the mall or the amusement park, do you think that a car company would prefer you wear a shirt with their brand on it? Lots of exposure from "that guy in the Chevy shirt." Therein lies the reason why they can't give the shirts away - a bunch of homeless all wearing new Lexus polo shirts wouldn't be in the best image of the company.

You may not consider that you are endorsing the product yourself, but your perception at that point is the smallest part of it. You can't read your shirt while you wear it. The name is placed in view of others. You have a solid opinion. They may not.

I learned a good lesson about advertising perception years ago. I was driving a company car, and the dealer who delivered it put a front license plate on it. I thought nothing of it. Went to a different (Ford) dealer in town closer to home looking at a car for my wife - got literally chewed out by the senior salesman asking why I was spying and test shopping for the other dealer! I didn't know what he was talking about, until he marched both of us out of his office and pointed the tag out to me. Didn't know whether to laugh or get mad, so I left and ended up not buying a Ford at all.

Sorry, GM and all the car companies DO think small too. They just don't sell direct - so Car dealers and brands are heavily represented at the municipal ball park, at the school fundraisers, in newsletters and programs, and in my mailbox.

I do think it is darn funny when I see kids wearing jackets with huge M&M and Home Depot logos, in many people's view that makes them fans of candy and home improvement products :thumbsup: , not a (smaller logo)race series, team or driver.

videojimmy
01-13-2008, 01:00 PM
All I say for sure is this: the cars I had a kid definately imfluenced the cars I like as an adult.

Example: I never saw a Porshe Carrera until I had the AFX car, today it's still one of my favorite cars. I had an AFX Camaro when I was a kid... loved it so much, when I was older I bought a real one.

There is a connection there.... maybe American car makers should stop thinking about short term pennies when they go after smaller businesses and start thinking long term dollars. Let the kids develop their own love affair with their cars when they're the most impressionable. It's not rocket science.

SwamperGene
01-13-2008, 01:16 PM
To me a bigger question is what ever happened to artistic license, especially when it comes to model cars? These cars are an artist's rendering, and the products are made from that rendering. I can see a license being needed to use manufacturer's logos on the packaging, but that's where it should end, and personally I don't think a logo on the box is so important, it's what's inside that matters. As to calling the product a "'55 Chevy"...well, that's what it is a model of. It's areas like this that have gotten out of hand, at some point the manufacturers should be told to butt out unless they intend to make a competing product.

Though I could be wrong, I highly doubt Andy Warhol had to strike up a deal with Campbell's soup, and I doubt that anyone making reproductions of that painting do either (though of course there should be royalties to Warhol's estate).

rudykizuty
01-13-2008, 02:43 PM
But Gene.....it's not just about logos. They also own the name Chevy. They also own the rights to the shape and design of the body. That is intellectual property.

The fact that GM doesn't produce model cars makes no matter either. Just as in the example I put forth earlier, I can't start producing MM t-shirts just because they don't. There would have to be a license agreement between myself and MM in order to do that. And rightfully so, it would probably involve me having to come up with licensing fees as part of my expenses.

On the point of big versus small, let me ask this question. License agreements represent an already existing revenue stream to large companies like GM, whose products have a following. Where is the money in giving away what they are already in a position to sell?

I know we are not going to all agree. But one thing about HT, it is a great source for invigorating conversation. :hat:

tomhocars
01-13-2008, 09:46 PM
Joe,I understand your feelings on why should you pay for something that is advertising someone elses products.There must be some reason you like it.I guess that's where your screen name comes in."GRANDCHEAPSKATE".I'll see you in a few weeks. Tom Stumpf

micyou03
01-13-2008, 10:22 PM
I think that if you own a piece of clothing with a company logo or such on it you should have to get permission from the company to wear it!!!

1976Cordoba
01-13-2008, 10:22 PM
http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/500/popcorn1.gif

Scafremon
01-13-2008, 10:38 PM
I think that if you own a piece of clothing with a company logo or such on it you should have to get permission from the company to wear it!!!

LOL! :)

"Excuse me sir. I couldn't help but notice that terrible slice you have. Permission to wear that Titleist cap is DENIED."

55 Chevy Nut
01-14-2008, 10:09 AM
Capitalist Society! I hope GM's lawyers don't come after me for my name! LOL Have fun! Greg :wave:

Slott V
01-14-2008, 04:00 PM
I had an opportunity to talk to one of GMP's reps at SEMA last year and we were discussing licensing issues. He told me how tough GM and NASCAR is and how hard it was to sell a product at a profit that has anything NASCAR or GM on it. Their licensing fees in particular are very costly.

As far as law suits go, they are all designed to do one thing in particular: make an example. And big corporations will always win regardless of the case because they can afford to throw money at lawyers all day and just continue cases until you run out of money and give up.

I spend a lot of time with our patent lawyer with some of the new products I've designed for my company. He also handles copyright infringement. If you guys want to see an example of how a country operates without copyright laws, just look at China and some of the vehicles they are proposing. They look just like American made SUV's and vehicles but aren't built to American standards are very dangerous in crash situations. If these vehicles are produced for sale around the world, the general public will be in danger when they are deceived into buying a product because it resembles something else that is made to safety standards.

-Scott

twolff
01-15-2008, 12:22 PM
Looks like Ford in pileing on with similar foolishness. Even photos of your own car.

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/01/14/1628204

valongi
01-15-2008, 12:52 PM
I sit on the side of the folks who don't like to advertise a brand name on my body. I have a brother-in-law who you wouldn't catch dead in public WITHOUT a piece of clothing / hat that tells of his allegiance to his favorite team. I find it sad that he's fallen prey to the marketing monster - it's become rather predictable on his part, and contrived. He even has a new doormat that I love to step all over.... when does it end?

With respect to slot cars, this is a such a niche hobby to the point it does look silly for a company like GM to get heavy-handed with the "little guys". However, it is business, and I get that.

When it comes down to brass tacks, It's not about GM, it's about the attorneys who f_ck everything up for everyone involved. In no way, shape or form will a slot car with an unauthorized logo or physical representation of a GM automobile EVER affect the share price for GM. It's always about overzealous attorneys trying to prove their worth as valuable assets to corporate America, creating billable hours, and generally living up to their stereotypes.

Dslot
01-15-2008, 02:42 PM
You want me to walk around with a shirt that has your logo and you want me to pay for it? No thanks. Either give me the shirt for free or treat me like a NASCAR car and pay me for advertising your product.Bless you, Joe. I thought I was the only crusty old grump who felt that way.

I have a perpetually malcontent friend who who thought she was making a nonconformist statement in her high school days, by wearing a ratty, torn old sweatshirt on which she had scrawled the name of one of the chic designers in Marks-a-Lot. She was stunned to find that she got mobbed by the "ohmoighod girls" (as she calls them) wanting to know if it was a new product and where they could get one. After recovering from her shock, she told them it was a special item for associates of the designer only, but her uncle could get them because he had done some promotional work for the line. She had taken orders for several at $75 each before somebody wised up to the scam. -- D

valongi
01-15-2008, 03:22 PM
She had taken orders for several at $75 each before somebody wised up to the scam.

That's freaking brilliant! Add me to the list of crust old grumps, Dslot. The only team memorabilia I wear is if it's gifted to me on a birthday or Christmas. I won't fork out any money of my own on that stuff. I do wear college t-shirts and sweatshirts. They're different since the investment you make in your college or university pays life-long dividends. I proudly "advertise" for them since the sheepskin has done me well.

Ligier Runner
01-15-2008, 03:39 PM
Alas, I guess I'm a crusty old grump as well. I haven't purchased anything like that in several years. I can't bring myself to buy a $20 hat or $25 shirt knowing what the basic item cost initially before adding the "brand X".

The last thing I bought with anything on it was a Valvoline hat from Dollar General....$5. I needed a new hat. :rolleyes:

The way I see it, the big corporations and the stars/celebrities/athletes have enough money of their own already. They don't need mine. I need mine.

Bill Hall
01-15-2008, 05:24 PM
Wanna swap a few of my redvines for a coupla handfulls of popcorn? :p

Grandcheapskate
01-15-2008, 11:33 PM
Bless you, Joe. I thought I was the only crusty old grump who felt that way. -- D

When you can combine being a crusty old grump with being a grandcheapskate, you turn yourself into one super babe magnet.

Yeah...I got it all workin' for me now.

Joe

Ligier Runner
01-16-2008, 08:46 AM
When you can combine being a crusty old grump with being a grandcheapskate, you turn yourself into one super babe magnet.

Yeah...I got it all workin' for me now.

Do I see a book in the future?

"Attract Women Cheaply - Confessions of a Crusty Old Grump"

sethndaddy
01-16-2008, 10:18 AM
I am guilty of wearing band shirts "Korn", "Deadstar Assembly", "Type-o-Negative" are among my favorites. But I look at it like this.........check out what I like.

I also have an AFX RACING TEAM shirt I got at a show a few years back, still proudly wear that.

christos_s
01-16-2008, 11:26 AM
I am very confused. I see all the MM stuff on their online stor NOW.
This includes Willys, Mustangs, Plymouths -- that's it, no GTO s or Chevy's.
Are these the lines of cars that were cut back?

christos_s
01-16-2008, 11:28 AM
I am very confused. I see all the MM stuff on their online stor NOW.
This includes Willys, Mustangs, Plymouths -- that's it, no GTO s or Chevy's.
Are these the lines of cars that were cut back?

bigun624
01-16-2008, 03:14 PM
I guess I better bury all my bootleg movies, music, and resin ho chevy bodies in the back yard before the Feds find me.

vaBcHRog
01-16-2008, 04:46 PM
I am very confused. I see all the MM stuff on their online stor NOW.
This includes Willys, Mustangs, Plymouths -- that's it, no GTO s or Chevy's.
Are these the lines of cars that were cut back?

All GM Cars Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, Cadillac etc.

Bill Hall
01-16-2008, 06:35 PM
Funny that.

Ya'd think they'd be more worried about clubbing their competition both locally and especially abroad where they are getting drilled right in the nads.

Beating down slot-tards and t-shirt goons seems like the least of their worries. Hire more qualified designers and fewer lawyers! Start building quality, reliability, and aesthetics back into the product.

Then they might be too busy counting money to hassle with the small fry who never did them any harm.

Excluding the Corvette, Can ya really name a wildly popular to die for car they have produced lately that appeals to the mainstream and is relatively affordable? Didnt think so! Neither could I. LOL (let the stoning begin...snicker)

It's an age of CAD drawn, over thought and engineered cut, paste and print cars. Machine drawn, built by machines, for what they think are automotons...and yet they wonder! The big car companies are like the neighborhood dweebus, they dont even know we're laughing at them...and they cant figure out why their pockets are turned inside out!

Back to the lobby...Doba's waitin' on me with fresh popcorn.