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VMF Cards

2.7K views 34 replies 20 participants last post by  Richelieu  
#1 ·
First of all, I appreciate everyone trying to guess what my priority list is. I didn't respond to the previous post for a lot of reasons, and I'm not sure why anyone on this forum would expect me to explain how my days flow and again, where dealing with cards, offers to setup some deal that reaps the forum a few dollars, advertising ideas, etc. falls on my priority list.

If you must know, things that require significant, or in some cases even relatively insignificant commitments of time from me or require some sort of processes to be put in place that aren't there now will usually fall pretty low on my priority list. Put it this way, I have time to read a post here, post there, but it takes a significantly different amount of time to figure out details of some of the 'deals' people want to do to make this forum money.

In regards to the cards thing, I'm sure there are 52 of you that REALLY want to get those cards done. In my mind I thought everyone was pretty anxious for them in plenty of time for the holidays. That's all that was on my radar. Obviously outlawboss' perception on time is different than mine and after placing a phone call to me the other afternoon, he posted basically saying I was blowing him off. As some of you understand, business calls and commitments come first during the day, and by the time I was done at the office (8pm) he'd already posted.

So, at this point (after pretty much being thrown under the bus) I'd prefer to keep VMF out of the card deal. I really have no interest in being dragged through the mud or have my motivations regarding the forum questioned - it's ridiculous.

As you do your deal, I'm sure you'll notice the irony of using the forum to initiate and transact it.

-bob
 
#3 ·
Umm ... maybe I'm missing something here, but it seems the only thing Angelo was asking of you was a simple yes or no as to use of the logo. The only activity on your part would be depositing the check he sends.
 
#6 ·
Im usually one to stay out of things like this, but if you ask me, I think this whole corporation of the forum is stupid. Now I understand Bob not wanting to take the time to set up an order page, but whats the big deal about using the VMF logo? Is the VMF logo trademarked? Is the VMF (Vintage Mustang Forum) copyrighted? If so, then I think the forum has transformed into something its not.... this is a place for anyone to come and talk mustangs, learn, and share their experience. If I have to worry about being sued for saying VMF or linking to a picture of the VMF logo, then I guess this isn't the place for me. I have been here for over 5 years, back to the old forum, and this is the first time I have ever posted in this regard. I thing outlawboss spent a lot of time on these cards, and if he is the one putting out the initial investment, then I think you should appriciate that at least. All he was trying to do was make the VMF a little money, and make some VMFers happy at the same time.
 
#7 ·
You did give him the go ahead on the project so at that time the priority should have been bumped out of the low class given to many of the ideas that come your way.

At the very least you could have dignified him with a response even if was something along the lines of "I'm going to be swamped until November. Let's take this up then." I hope you can see why he feels blown off.

So instead of apoligizing to him for not responding sooner you walked away from the deal. That's too bad.
 
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#8 ·
You are missing something.

-bob
So, what are we missing? The initial idea initiated by Angelo was to raise some money to support the forum and to share a comraderie among its' members. The Family atmosphere here is what has made the VMF the preferred vintage mustang forum on the net. You also indicate that other initiatives to raise funds for the forum are placed very low on your priorities such as MYTOYS and his hard work to raise funds to support the forum. Do you really not need these funds to help operate this site? Are you having a bad day, or is this really how you feel?
 
#9 ·
When did I say that MYTOYS' auctions are a low priority or that generating some monies to assist with the forum expenses are a low priority? What I said is that if it requires a lot of my time or for me to put processes in place that aren't there now, or work out some sort of deal with various parties (read: TAKES TIME) it would fall pretty low on my list of things to do.

In regards to what you're missing, how about getting the artwork to outlaw, proofing it, getting in contact with the printer, arranging sending the artwork and organizing the order (and how many to run), sending the money to the printer, getting the cards in, setting up the order page, taking orders, processing the orders, dealing with shipping/receiving questions/problems, and hoping that they all sell so I'm not stuck with leftovers and it actually ends up being a money-maker, not a money-suck.

Keep in mind that until today I was perfectly content doing all of the above on my own timeline. What outlawboss did was call me sometime in the afternoon, and by the time I got on the forum that night he'd already posted his diatribe about how I'm ignoring him. Bad day? I dunno, seems like people are pretty quick to turn on me around here - you try spending $12K a year at least on this forum and read the things that were posted in that context.

-bob
 
#10 ·
How much sooner do I need to respond? I'd gotten a voice mail from him sometime in the PM. By the time I got home from the office and checked the forum he'd already started the thread and you guys had your pitch forks and torches already going. Wasn't much point in calling him back after that post.

Like I said below, you try spending $12,000 a year on a forum like this and re-read all those posts in that context. Who owes who and apology?

-bob
 
#11 ·
His initial post says he's been trying to contact you for 3 months. I think anyone would feel blown off after that long.

I'm not going to get into the costs associated with running the forum with you however bringing it up in a thread where you walked away from a decent sized donation is a bit illogical.
 
#13 ·
Bob,

This is your house. We are just invited (or uninvited) guests. Everyone needs to remember that this is a hobby. It is not commercial, certainly no one (except perhaps some of the re-salers) is making any money off it.

I personally believe that some people in this post as well as the original were out of line and apologies are due. That's just my opinion.

Frankly, even though there are 52 people here that are anxious for the cards, I am not one of them. Sure - I would have bought a deck for the novelty and to support the VMF. Take the logo off and it is just another Mustang calender.

The whole argument seems silly to me.

Frank

PS: I've only been here a couple of years, but if you have to ask whether or not Bob has a trademark on VMF or whether you need his permission to use the logo then it IS time to consider if this is the place for you. Nothing personal, but that is just a preposterous statement.
 
#14 ·
Ok guys, I have already apologized to Bob privately and I will do it publicly now. As I told Bob I should have taken my personal feelings to him rather than posting them on the forum. I wasn't starting a revolt or anything, I just wanted to see what everyone thought about not using the logo and just making them anyway. The fact that I was feeling blown off ought to have never come out. I should know better than that. But I did it and how it's been said. So for publicly bringing out personal feelings like that I am very sorry. Never should have happened.

This thing was supposed to be a happy contribution to the VMF and after getting excited over making the cards I got a little overzealous. The only thing that Cantedvalve said the other day that does make any sense is that this is Bob's site and he doesn't have to reply to people if he doesn't want. It is Bob's right to make that decision and I (we) shoudn't second guess that. He's busy, we all are. SO, put the pitchforks back in the storage shed and lets all be happy. :) :) :) :) :)

So basically I screwed up by getting a little anxious. I will still go through with the Mustang Playing Cards, but after I post that they are on sale I will deal with everyone privately and it will no longer be associated with the forum. Everything they make still goes to Bob, I'm not an indian giver. I told him before that everything they make goes to him, and it will.
 
#16 ·
In regards to what you're missing, how about getting the artwork to outlaw, proofing it, getting in contact with the printer, arranging sending the artwork and organizing the order (and how many to run), sending the money to the printer, getting the cards in, setting up the order page, taking orders, processing the orders, dealing with shipping/receiving questions/problems, and hoping that they all sell so I'm not stuck with leftovers and it actually ends up being a money-maker, not a money-suck.
Yup, I was missing something all right! It was my understanding that Angelo was taking care of these tasks, including taking the financial risk of the decks not selling. I had no idea you were being required to do ALL this yourself. I agree, that's a lot of work!
 
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#18 ·
What we have here is a failure to communicate, therefore causing uncertanties and unrest. Unfortunately, this important thread which involves the interest of a large amount of VMFers will be buried on page 9 by the morning, so the interested parties who sent in pictures to Angelo and are expecting their deck of cards won't have a clue as to why this controvery between Angelo and Bob exists and why they are not receiving their decks of cards.
 
#19 ·
When I can take a break from my priorities which is alot less than I like, I read the forum intermittently (and post even less). Priorities and I are in the office in Nigeria tonight.

So, I can understand a little about where you're coming from. I appreciate the community that you've allowed to take root here. I'm also glad that you've invited everyone in and put up with the BS that comes with the territory. Many thanks for the time, effort, and money that you've devoted to the site. It is most appreciated.
 
#20 ·
Bob, you are supplying a good product here that seems to be invaluable to a lot of its members including me, although I understand the thought and appreciate the activities by MYTOYS and others in their fundraising efforts I think the wave of good ideas (or intentions) to raise money to help fund the site is admirable. I will peroidically donate what I can to help this forum which will include buying the T shirts and other items you may place for sale. I do believe though that you are the sole owner of the VMF logo and should have control over its distribution or use. I think this thread may be more beneficial than harmful in the end... There is still no better forum on the net than this one and you should be commended for guiding it in that direction... Thanks
 
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#21 ·
Hmmmmm. It sounds like you are calling Angelo a liar. He posted that he tried to PM you on several occasions, and that you did not respond to his inquiries. Did you , our did you not? Yes, this is your forum, but with that comes a responsibility to answer PM's regarding important things like the card issue. There may be only 52 interested in their cards, but these are the 52 who are most supportive of this site.
 
#22 ·
There may be only 52 interested in their cards, but these are the 52 who are most supportive of this site.
Give me an effin break. Most supportive how? Financially? Technically? C'mon. It's one thing to spout off at the mouth it's quite another to back up what you say. Is that to say that the money I have donated doesn't count? Or that what I contribute isn't important?

NOW we have a failure to communicate.

Ciao

Frank
 
#23 ·
Let's let this one go... if Outlawboss is the injured party, he appears to be satisfied. No sense picking a fight. No good can come of it.
 
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#25 ·
There may be only 52 interested in their cards, but these are the 52 who are most supportive of this site.
Give me an effin break. Most supportive how? Financially? Technically? C'mon. It's one thing to spout off at the mouth it's quite another to back up what you say. Is that to say that the money I have donated doesn't count? Or that what I contribute isn't important?

NOW we have a failure to communicate.

Ciao
No, we don't have a failure to communicate. I tried to buy the playing cards to support the VMF. I sent Angelo a picture of my Mustantg. Did you? That's where my mouth is to support my claim that I am willing to support with money contributions and vocally support the VMF. Your contributions should also be noted. You are obviously a loyal and viable contributor to the VMF. There is no argument between you and I. My concern is that Bob is not allowing the VMF playing cards to take place. Reasons have been given, but not acceptable reasons in my estimation.