'Phil Lacefield Jr.' phil-LCrXqBkB8xb2eFz/2MeuCQ@public.gmane.org [vSAAB]
2014-07-29 16:14:07 UTC
Hi Jerry! No problem, I've already had replies from several folks who
would be thrilled to lend a hand, I understand that you'd rather be
elsewhere. It's a busy show, lots to see and do!
And perhaps I need to clarify something here. My email wasn't a demand for
free labor, nor putting out the hat for money, nor anything else other than
a request from my friends - some of you I've known and cherished for going
on 20 years now - to lend me a hand while I'm busy helping run the SOC.
Wrenching in the parking lot happens at every single SOC, so this isn't a
new development here. And as I clearly stated, if it doesn't happen, no big
deal, I'll just drag it home and put it back together myself. But since I
WILL have the car there, I figured I'd make it available to anyone and
everyone who has never seen the inside of a stroker engine before, or would
like to see how easily one goes back together, or who simply likes helping
out with a job that shouldn't take more than a couple of hours solo, and
should take practically no time at a convention of folks who know these
cars inside and out. I totally understand that you work on Saabs all day,
and you'd rather spend your vacation NOT wrenching! I'd hate to print
t-shirts on my vacation, that's for sure :-) In addition, my offer of beer
at the car was in no way an attempt to draw folks away from any other
activity they might with to pursue that weekend, it's just another thing to
see and/or do, should anyone wish to participate.
While I'm at it, I'd also like to make perfectly clear to you, other
members of your club, and the Saab community at large that I am, to this
day, mystified at the hatred thrown at me by so many people for so many
years, for reasons that no one can ever properly explain, or for some
ridiculous misunderstanding that happened over a decade ago. Let's set the
record straight, once and for all: in the 2001-2002 time period, when I was
busy not only raising my oldest child and running a business, I also spend
upwards of $10,000 of my own savings to found, establish, and make
available to the world the Saab Club of North America, simultaneously
organizing and presenting the SOC02. That time period cost me my life
savings, my second marriage, and at least one ulcer - and yet, when the
dust settled, I left the SCNA with $14K in the bank, and walked away from
it, poorer in cash but richer knowing that it finally existed. How on earth
anyone could possibly come away from that and STILL think I'm pocketing
money, or trying to profit from the SCNA, the SOC or ANYTHING RELATED TO
SAME, is just beyond my realm of comprehension. My bookkeeping during that
time was crystal clear, and despite what some may think of me today, I am
simply one of three co-chairs for the SOC14, an event where we will never
touch ANY money, outside of selling our shirts and parts at our tent in the
parking lot. The SOC is an SCNA event, the three of us are simply putting
it on. If anyone thinks I'm stealing money from the club - because, let's
face it, that's what many think to this day - then say so, now, and get it
out in the open, or do us all a favor and just knock it off. It was old and
offensive in 2003, and 2004, and 2007, and every single other year and day
and week since. I'm sick and tired of it.
Yes, I am sometimes abrasive, and sometimes mouthy, and sometimes an
asshole. We all are. But this community has outlasted it all, and were it
you or Tom or Lester or Brad or Ray or Bud or anyone else saying "hey, my
parts will be at the SOC, and I'm super busy running the show, can I get a
hand?", I'd drop what I could and help out, because that's how I roll. If
you need a part, I'll ship it to you today. If you want one of our shirts
but spent your last free cash on a part in the lot, I'd likely give you
one. If you want a national Saab club or a national convention, I'll spend
my own money to help make both a reality. and not ask for anything in
return except the chance to be a member of the community. Some folks don't
like me, for whatever reasons, sure, I get that. But unless and until
someone has a specific beef to pick with me, and wishes to confront me
face-to-face with accusations and proof, I'd really rather everyone just
settled down and get off my back for once. I'm not in this for fame, or
glory, or riches; I'm just here for the Saabs, and the friendships, and to
be a valued member of this incredible community. I'd appreciate being
treated like one, just one time.
Thanks, see you all in - holy crap, ten days!!
Phil
would be thrilled to lend a hand, I understand that you'd rather be
elsewhere. It's a busy show, lots to see and do!
And perhaps I need to clarify something here. My email wasn't a demand for
free labor, nor putting out the hat for money, nor anything else other than
a request from my friends - some of you I've known and cherished for going
on 20 years now - to lend me a hand while I'm busy helping run the SOC.
Wrenching in the parking lot happens at every single SOC, so this isn't a
new development here. And as I clearly stated, if it doesn't happen, no big
deal, I'll just drag it home and put it back together myself. But since I
WILL have the car there, I figured I'd make it available to anyone and
everyone who has never seen the inside of a stroker engine before, or would
like to see how easily one goes back together, or who simply likes helping
out with a job that shouldn't take more than a couple of hours solo, and
should take practically no time at a convention of folks who know these
cars inside and out. I totally understand that you work on Saabs all day,
and you'd rather spend your vacation NOT wrenching! I'd hate to print
t-shirts on my vacation, that's for sure :-) In addition, my offer of beer
at the car was in no way an attempt to draw folks away from any other
activity they might with to pursue that weekend, it's just another thing to
see and/or do, should anyone wish to participate.
While I'm at it, I'd also like to make perfectly clear to you, other
members of your club, and the Saab community at large that I am, to this
day, mystified at the hatred thrown at me by so many people for so many
years, for reasons that no one can ever properly explain, or for some
ridiculous misunderstanding that happened over a decade ago. Let's set the
record straight, once and for all: in the 2001-2002 time period, when I was
busy not only raising my oldest child and running a business, I also spend
upwards of $10,000 of my own savings to found, establish, and make
available to the world the Saab Club of North America, simultaneously
organizing and presenting the SOC02. That time period cost me my life
savings, my second marriage, and at least one ulcer - and yet, when the
dust settled, I left the SCNA with $14K in the bank, and walked away from
it, poorer in cash but richer knowing that it finally existed. How on earth
anyone could possibly come away from that and STILL think I'm pocketing
money, or trying to profit from the SCNA, the SOC or ANYTHING RELATED TO
SAME, is just beyond my realm of comprehension. My bookkeeping during that
time was crystal clear, and despite what some may think of me today, I am
simply one of three co-chairs for the SOC14, an event where we will never
touch ANY money, outside of selling our shirts and parts at our tent in the
parking lot. The SOC is an SCNA event, the three of us are simply putting
it on. If anyone thinks I'm stealing money from the club - because, let's
face it, that's what many think to this day - then say so, now, and get it
out in the open, or do us all a favor and just knock it off. It was old and
offensive in 2003, and 2004, and 2007, and every single other year and day
and week since. I'm sick and tired of it.
Yes, I am sometimes abrasive, and sometimes mouthy, and sometimes an
asshole. We all are. But this community has outlasted it all, and were it
you or Tom or Lester or Brad or Ray or Bud or anyone else saying "hey, my
parts will be at the SOC, and I'm super busy running the show, can I get a
hand?", I'd drop what I could and help out, because that's how I roll. If
you need a part, I'll ship it to you today. If you want one of our shirts
but spent your last free cash on a part in the lot, I'd likely give you
one. If you want a national Saab club or a national convention, I'll spend
my own money to help make both a reality. and not ask for anything in
return except the chance to be a member of the community. Some folks don't
like me, for whatever reasons, sure, I get that. But unless and until
someone has a specific beef to pick with me, and wishes to confront me
face-to-face with accusations and proof, I'd really rather everyone just
settled down and get off my back for once. I'm not in this for fame, or
glory, or riches; I'm just here for the Saabs, and the friendships, and to
be a valued member of this incredible community. I'd appreciate being
treated like one, just one time.
Thanks, see you all in - holy crap, ten days!!
Phil
Phil,
I will not help you build your car at SOC14. I understand your
predicament. I have four to build at home and if I wanted to, I would stay
home to work on them. When I volunteer my time it will be 100% for the
convention needs.
Jerry
I will not help you build your car at SOC14. I understand your
predicament. I have four to build at home and if I wanted to, I would stay
home to work on them. When I volunteer my time it will be 100% for the
convention needs.
Jerry