Folks Of Interest Rodders Journal Update

True. Life without chaos is just...life.

 

It is possible for a magazine of quality to maintain publication. It must cover the cost with subscription revenue. "Collectible Automobile" is such an example. Its only advertising is for subscriptions and related publications.

And "proofreader" is one word. Eye no cuz eye yoused two bee won.

 

One of the most enjoyable writers I recall was Bill Burnham.

He always wrote an entertaining column.

 

Nicely put Ryan. I used to write a monthly newsletter for a model car club I was in. I always wrote like I was having a conversation with the reader. Didn't know any better. I wish I had paid more attention in school!

 

I met him once at Freemont, he was a real hoot!

 

Since we're on a tangent, I recall Gray Baskerville's writing style drawing me in, in my early days of reading car magazines (early '90s).

 

....That's a very interesting take on things. I love the writings of Steinbeck, Fitzgerald to a degree. I find it tough sometimes to follow the thoughts of Hemingway. You have opened my eyes to re-reading some stuff and taking into account your observations. For that inspiration, I thank you.

 

pgan comes to mind.

 

@Ryan
Good observation points on writing and writers that write, in a manner that is for the common folk.
Now this isn't to drift too far off topic, but I would add Charles Bukowski and Jack Kerouac to that list.
Bukowski's best book in my opinion was " POST OFFICE " and from Kerouac,
definitely " ON THE ROAD ".

Just those two books alone, in my opinion, dovetail right into the hoodlum in all us, that have ever thrown a pop bottle, at a stop sign at high speed, from a fast car, just because you felt like it !

There was a time when ammunition could be found at any gas station, see the Coke machine!

 

Yes, that was another step in the progression toward mediocrity in automotive magazines, the template for listing the products used to build the featured vehicle.
P Ganhal and T Defeo had different styles, but spoke to the reader.
When I did technical editing, our group was focused on a style guide so we 'spoke with one voice'. It made sense for the reader. It dulls the reading experience in entertainment and teaching. We probably all had the teacher that just read the book, and hopefully had the teacher that went beyond and inspired.

 

Actually from what I remember the plan was to not have more than 10 percent of the pages devoted to adds. The Rodders Journal started just down the street from where I live in Wallingford. So I had the opportunity to spend time with Steve as he developed his plan for the Journal and then actually watched as Steve's dream became reality.
I'm certainly looking forward to its return.
Ronnieroadster

 

I didn't do very well in HS English. Didn't really see the need to be able to diagram a sentence. Fast forward to being a supervisor and having to review reports by my own investigators as well as countless ones from other allied agencies. I can't begin to count the number of reports I reviewed that left me with more questions than answers. A good report to me was one that told me everything I need to know and left me with no unanswered questions. I feel the same way about an article in a car magazine.

 

Writers? Writing sux. We have phones and keyboards for shit sake. I mean, just sayin.

But seriously (not really) my dear departed Mom always pushed a little extra in my school days toward a wide vocabulary. I thank my lucky stars for that because of my mostly upscale clientele. Still, on my own time I always expressed things in a way that any rodder, street race gang or opponents in the pits would understand. Yes, expletives included which is also an art form in it's own right (write?).

And @Germ ? Oh hell yes, and I was late to that party.

 

in its own right (write?).

 

You make a lot of assumptions, Ryan.
Almost like you'd be surprised at many HAMBer's reading habits.
I read every word on every fucking cereal box as a kid.
Even the Aunt Jemima bottle.
Nerd kids grow up to become voracious readers. While some of my buddies were playing ball, I was checking out every car book in my public library.
Comic books turned into Speed and Custom, Custom Rodder, Car Speed and Style, all that shit. All of it.
As far as writing style goes, everybody's got their own. I like abnormal shit. I don't like pretentious shit pretending to be high-brow and worldly. I love to write, too. Y'all won't ever likely see any of it, but some of it may see print one day. Or not. I only do it for me and those close. Don't care what anybody else thinks of it, AFAIK, it's fucking brilliant. Lot of pompous motherfuckers in the literary world who can't really be taken seriously. I aspire to be one someday.
My real point is the HAMB is a treasure trove of good writing. I appreciate youse guys every day.

 

Not to take anything away from our members that were well educated.

My spelling is atrocious, my grammar is pure Southern redneck and my punctuation is almost non existent, to the point of not being where it should be but with all my ramblings I seem to get the point across.

To be perfectly honest I vividly remember the earlier days on the Hamb where the self appointed grammar nazi's had a field day with some of the members, thankfully those days are in the past.

This site is about traditional hot rods & customs and not English 101. HRP

 

You can't blame the writers, Ryan. They are writing for an audience with a 140-character attention span.

 

I hear what Ryan is saying, I guess. But to me a good writer is one who can tell a good story in a way I can relate to. Here on the hamb, I can quickly think of two I really enjoyed.
They were C9 and yonharr. In the hot rod world of print, certainly Pat G, Tom Medley and Gray.

 

I got acquainted with C9 on a different forum. Having never met him in person but corresponding by email, I was impressed with his ability to communicate. He always seemed to be a gentleman and helpful. The phrase, "a good person" comes to mind. I purchased his 2 books and downloaded all of the short stories that he shared in the writers group. He had the magic to make life come to you in words. If a writer's words can allow you to visualize what they are conveying, haven't they achieved a goal. Many can write but not all have the gift. Back to the regularly scheduled discussion. Sorry for the interjection.

 

Wow, this thread has sure taken a right turn,but hey, I'm liking it.

 

Ryan, you might enjoy "Eats,Shoots and Leaves" by Lynne Truss. It is a good take on grammar and a good joke about penguins. Arguing about the "Oxford comma" is always good for two beers. And then there's interpretation: "Let's Eat Grandma" vs "Let's Eat, Grandma". Grammar has its place even in great writing.

 

John Herold Haynes is one of my favorite authors. His use of syntax holds the reader as they adjust a carburetor or rebuild a brake system.

 

I envy you guys that can read books. My adhddyslexic brain just won’t allow it. However, banging and filing on metal for hours upon hours is some of the most relaxing, enjoyable time I can waste. I’m one of the few that really loves sanding and blocking primer. Filler work? Love it.
reading? I’ll take it in 140 straight to the point characters all day. I prefer pictures though

 

If nothing else, these last few replies have clearly shown a legit hunger for the return of TRJ.

THERE. I did my good deed of keeping on topic. Hey, it's my story so I can tell it my way...