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I just received the latest issue of Packards International Magazine (Summer 2009 Vol. 46 No. 2) and in the letters to the editor section was a wonderful note from our own Kevin 'Big Kev' Waltman. I am very pleased that Packards International not only acknowledges the PackardInfo website but also seems to be very supportive. There seems to be a realization that this site is good for individual Packard owners, the Packard club(s) and most importantly the future of the history and preservation of the Packard automobile.

I have said this in previous posts, and I will say it again, Big Kev has almost surely created a new medium and format to invite and engage many individuals in to the wonderful world of Packards that may have otherwise passed by because of little available information and enthusiasm. As a result, many people are directed to marquee specific clubs such as Packards International, creating membership, resulting in camaraderie and participation. While the internet is an excellent medium, the importance of the actual car clubs are (in my opinion) strengthened because of the constant excitement and sustained engagement of the internet medium engaging people in the exhibition and use of their Packards. While other car clubs cry of decreased membership, and un-interested youth, Packards International has had the good fortune of attracting a diverse membership. I am pleased there is acknowledgement of Big Kev's contribution and the value of this website.

Congratulations Big Kev! and to the many contributors of this growing community of Packard Enthusiasts!

Best Regards,
Jim

"... and un-interested youth.."

The younger set are interested in all cars. They are just NOT interested in sitting at a car show under an umbrella next to a Coke cooler and winning a dash plaque.

It seems to me that clubs who complain the most about "the graying of the hobby" are the ones who are least willing to try and understand what's really behind that trend.

If the problem was merely getting younger people interested in old cars, the most effective approach would be to get the cars out in the public eye more often and let curiosity take over. Beyond that, fostering involvement is one thing, but don't forget the old adage that "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink".

When it comes to declining club membership, methinks the clubs need to look inward. Also, some people are not only un-interested in social organizations, but turned off by pecking orders and rules of engagement. That's only the tip of the iceberg.

Point is: if people can't get what they're looking for from the club, it should come as little surprise, then, that they look elsewhere. The Internet simply opened up a whole new world of potential in that regard.

Yet, while a lot of Packard-related sites have come and gone, PackardInfo thrives. IMHO, this is due, in part, to this site being open to all regardless of what club you belong to or none at all (like me), yet not controlled by any club. When it comes to format, the site is easy to register, sign-in and navigate, and the forums are not overly moderated. Perhaps most important of all is the amount of information that has been archived - thanks to many generous members and the care and handling of the webmaster.

Alas, while the Internet has become more widely accepted in the past decade or so, there are still many who have neither had time for nor wanted anything to do with it.

That said, I'm glad to see PackardInfo getting more recognition and acceptance.

It was nice to see they posted my letter, and they continue to run the PackardInfo.com business card in the advertiser section at no charge.

Kudos to Packards International for being willing to acknowledge outside Packard resources that can benefit their membership.

Thanks!