Perhaps it would be useful for Colin to define the type of person he meant before any offence is taken?
The last ten years have seen a lot more behind-the scenes improvements, but visually it's just pandering to the type of client that Morgans know unfortunately attract.
Colin M
I still don't believe Colin has defined the "type of client" he believes MMC are "pandering to".
I find it difficult to believe that he means all owners of a single type of car can be lumped into one pile? However, perhaps reading this latest post - and the following quotes - perhaps that is his defining criteria?
Regrettably I feel no kinship with people who would drive an ostentatious monstrosity like the, thankfully discontinued, Aero 8 How long its progeny remain in production is anybody's guess.
Perhaps I should leave Talk Morgan to the new breed of Morgan owner
If that is the case, I should, as I have to do from time to time, lay my cards firmly on the table.
Approximately 5 years ago, I purchased my first Morgan - an Aero 8. As with previous cars, I sought out other enthusiasts and owners so that I could learn more about the manufacturer and become involved in the community.
I found a few discussion groups, joined them, read and listened. After awhile I joined the discussion on one board and mentioned I was waiting for the delivery of my new Morgan. When questioned as to what it was, I explained - with the passion of a new owner about my factory ordered car and how excited I was about the impending delivery. This prompted direct email from a few members (not via the discussion group) which boiled down to a simple message "you haven't bought a REAL Morgan". Reading between the lines, it was quite apparent that I wasn't welcome.
Unperturbed, I made myself scarce, took delivery of my car. Soon enough I had the opportunity to attend a Morgan meet. Again, I encountered negative reaction to the car and in the extreme cases, simply rude behaviour and comments. In short, something I would have never expected from a 'Morgan owner'.
Talk Morgan was started as a result of this experience. Aero 8 owners were not being welcomed in other Morgan circles - as the experience of almost every Aero owner at the time will verify - and therefore, it made sense to start a forum where all Morgan owners and enthusiasts were welcome. Despite the early influx of Aero owners, we soon gained members of every Morgan model and I'd like to think this is a reflection of the spirit of community, lack of heavy moderation and mutual respect we show each other on Talk Morgan. I often hear comments from people praising the open and superb atmosphere of this forum and that makes me proud.
I started Talk Morgan with the belief that
A Morgan is a Morgan and I stand by that to this very day.
I do not have to moderate this forum very often (neither do Brian or Andy) as I (we) believe adults should be able to post, debate and disagree without the need to be offensive (and therefore do not require moderation). No topic (using common sense) is off the table and differing opinions are common place. Again, these are aspects of TM that we receive positive comment on and a fair few of our members have run foul of on other forums; therefore, they welcome the lively and open debate here.
Based on my perception of what is being said on the thread above, it would seem the opinion being posted, by Colin, is one of the very reasons I started this forum in the first place. While we all have differing tastes, likes and dislikes, I personally find it quite strange to stereotype people by focusing on one material purchase they have made. Thereby using this one choice to lump them into a negative group as a result. The concept is foreign to me.
I'll close by saying: enjoy your Morgans gentleman, and ladies; after all, be they old or new, pristine or a work in progress, 3 or 4-wheel, a life's legacy or an impulse purchase, a weekend treat or a daily driver, isn't enjoying them and the company of others what it is all about?
