The "new" OCA website is up, I think. Is this all gets going to be? Anyone know what their plans are?

http://oldsclub.org/

 

I would hope not. That's less info than the original carried.

I know there were supposed to be updates and changes that were approved this year. The Board is as usual in an uproar and can't agree on anything, so who knows how this will turn out.

I will say that with the contact info given, hope no one expects a timely reply- assuming they get one at all.

 

That's the understatement of the year.

That's about as sad a "site" as I've seen in a while. I presume it's just an interim situation with more to come. Otherwise, I've seen better websites for local lemonade stands run by 6-year-olds.

 

So what exactly is wrong with the Oldsmobile club? Board members can't get along? One or two people think they own it and can only have things their way? Whatever the problem the board needs to address it and seemingly they haven't.

How long until it's time for new officers so you can get things turned around?

 

Have to agree, this is more than pitiful! I have far better web sites than this.

Since there has been no "new web site" official announcement, let us hope this is only a holder for the future offerings from the OCA.

 

Until the OCA members care enough to learn how their Zone directors (aka Board of Director members) are behaving and voting, there won't be an effective, cooperative BOD. Next time BOD members are elected, learn about the candidates and vote!

 

That's the whole point. Most don't, and you can't blame them. Most OCA members are interested in two things, the annual OCA nationals and the show put on by their local chapters. These seem to happen just fine in spite of the turmoil in the OCA leadership.

The only other connection most members have is the monthly magazine, and as long that arrives regularly, OCA headquarters could be in flames, and few would really care.

Everyone is complaining about the OCA website, including me, but what do we really need from it? Is there some information void that only the OCA website could fill? Other than links to chapter websites and info about the upcoming nationals, I don't think so.

 

The OCA is suffering from hardening of the arteries - too many old-timers with the same tired ideas. As Jaunty says - the OCA nats and local Chapter meets are the entire OCA.

In fact, if the Chapters stay and OCA goes, who, really would miss it? As a member since 1975, I feel more and more disconnected from it.

 

The new OCA website is
www.oldsmobileclub.org
enjoy!

 

I've just had a quick look at it, but first impression is it looks a lot better than the old one. It looks more current. I like it.

 

Wow! Now that is a professional looking site...the website alone calls out for someone like me to join. Much better!

 

I haven't had time to look around on it, but, yes, it looks very good now.

 

It's nice that they jumped out of the late nineties, question is can they keep up and make changes on monthly basis.

Pat

 

I just got my card to re-new my membership, so I gotta send my $30 soon!

 

What a difference a day (and the right URL) makes...

 

As with most websites,it's probably a work in progress. What I don't understand is these hostile attitudes toward the OCA. While I may not be happy with some of the goings on,it's a freaking car club,nothing more nothing less. It cost $30 a year for dues,the JWO alone is worth the price. It's not the OCA who make it what it is,it's the members who make the OCA what it is. Without the OCA,where would the Olds community be? It's a tool to bring Olds guys together for the common good of Olds. In the internet era,it's become less prevalent,the Olds websites do some of the things Olds guys need and want. I just think that guys expect way too much from the OCA. Just look @ WAC,that's a great site that fills a void that's needed. The thing about WAC is,it's free and I use it all of the time for info. There's room for everybody,the OCA,WAC,ClassicOlds,ROP,442.com etc. Just take them for what they are,good or bad.

 

The point of the hostile attitudes, as I see it, is that the organization takes money from people and needs to do what they say they will do. Changing rules for the concours or other events just because they feel like it, or hindering changes or upgrades to the website or newsletter, or whatever else they do, makes bad blood for everyone in the club.

I have no beef with the club, in fact I'm not even a member. The OCA is no different than any other old car club. And there's nothing in the newsletter that you can't find someplace else.

I was a member in the 80s. Paid for First Class postage for several years and always got the magazine the last week of the month. Never could get an answer out of anyone if that was normal and the Third class magazine came in the next month. Then one year instead of getting a renewal, I got a card that said, maybe you should take a break from being a member. Never did understand that. So I did.

 

Are you serious! Wow! That's crazy...I thought I had heard it all lmao! I guess I wouldn't have gone back either...sheesh!

 

What? You actually got a postcard from the OCA telling you to take a hike? You don't still have it, do you? I'd love to see it!

 

So would I. Though the talking drums say at least one of the current directors is threatening to ban members for life if they're found to be "subverting" the board.

My comment to that was that the membership in his Zone elected him; they can just as easily put his *** on the street next election.

This is the most fractured and self-serving Board I have ever encountered in 29 years of continuous OCA membership, and I served as a director ten years myself. They are no longer about promoting interest in Oldsmobiles. They are about wielding power and control. To be honest, some of them are starting to remind me of HOA ninnies.

Any more, as long as the JWO comes on time and I get my 30-year jacket, they can do pretty much as they please with the Club. That's provided they don't implode it first. Now, if I've paid my 2-year renewal, they've cashed the check, and the JWO doesn't come, somebody will pay hell.

 

I think I still have that card. I still have all the JWO that I got, it's probably in with them. Back then DeNovi was president and some guy named Braun wrote a regular column about Toronados. That's about all I remember.

It seems to me I was waiting for the renewal card one year and it never came, and just about the time my dues would have been late I got this card saying, and I don't remember exactly, sometimes people and things grow apart and maybe it's time to take a break. This would have been 88, 89 maybe. I was part of IVOC as well.

I'm cleaning out the room where 25 year old stuff stays. I'm hoping I find all this stuff and if I do I'll scan this card and post it. Of course I wouldn't want to give anyone any ideas.

 

The OCA is very different now, but still needs some serious fixing. Some are still power brokers and don't realize they are in a service function. Some Zone directors have only been to about 3 of the last 10 Nationals.

 

He still does, although the September issue didn't have his column. Some years ago he added "and Aurora" as in "Frontwheeling with Toronado and Aurora" to the title of the column. He drives and follows Auroras now as well as Toronados.

I always enjoy his writing.

 

I've been a member of OCA for more then 20 years, it does for me what I expect ..... and that is to promote and support the national meet in conjunction with the sponsoring local chapters, therefore I have no issues with the OCA..... As for issues with JWO, again no complaints.... Received my October issue TODAY.......

 

i enjoy their issues

 

I love the look of the website but I hate all the power struggles that appear to be going on among the leadership. It's disruptive and does not help the OCA to be a better club. I am not a longtime member nor a board member and would not want to be involved it that BS in any way. I'll read JWO, attend the National events, and stay active in my local chapter. All that infighting makes the whole club look foolish and makes it unattractive to prospective new members.

 

Website looks great!

Do you have to be an OCA member to participate in the Springfield, IL OCA event next year?

 

Historically, yes, you had to be an OCA member to register your car and show it at the nationals. But was that relaxed this year?

The flyer that pops up when you click on the 2013 show link doesn't say one way or the other.


By the way, at this exact moment (11:09 eastern time), the OCA website is back to that minimal look it had a few days ago. Perhaps it's undergoing maintenance?

 

Interestingly, the 2013 meet is in Springfield and the site advertises the crown plaza and Holiday Inn Express as hotels. Are they still in foreclosure? Did they ever get this resolved? I'd sure hate to make reservations and risk a PITA next July.

http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x690...ay-Inn-Express

 

I too, as I am sure many others, would love to see the "take a hike" card.

I am also very, very interested in tracking down the JWO issue containing an article entitled "Rocketeering Remembered." I can not say with any certainly, but I think it was published sometime between 1992 and 1995. I am interested in it as I was the author, and I do not have a copy.

If anyone should stumble upon it, do let me know!

 

Here you go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-JOURNEY...-/120577045339

 

I have no idea howl you happen to stumble upon that? But, I sure am glad you did! The issue is now on its way to me after years of looking. Thanks, I really appreciate it!

Ah, the wonders of the net!

 

I just searched for auction titles+descriptions with the terms "rocketering remembered"; since the seller was good enough to mention the contents of the issue in his description, it made things farily easy. Happy to be of help.

Found a couple pics of 65-67 cars with what appear to be orignal oil filler tube labels too...but I think I'll sit on those.

 

Here is the article from JWO June 1996:

 

What you did, obviously worked and I thank you for undertaking the effort!

 

Not only do I know have the hard copy (on the way to me), but I won't even have to scan it when it arrives. Are you guys are great, or what! Thanks.

 

Same here, always look forward to his articles.