National Dragster publication changes??

[Sean Marconette]

Bruce,

Thank you for the info. It would be a benefit to all subscribers to be able to download the online publication. Only members with a current subscription should be allowed that access. If it means for security purposes to have encryption to not allow free copies to be sent everywhere than so be it. With the down time at tracks that have little to no Internet access the members are getting screwed. Just ask the live reporters that take the time and effort to get race info to everyone here. The bottom line it it is helping NHRA's bottom line and does not seem to be equal to what everyone paid for in the past. Also all of the racers who have sponsors I am sure this presents challenges on what the sponsor can see their money going to as well. How does the racer send Internet subscription based info? Screen shots from their computer? This whole thing seems one sided from where I stand. Take the traveling Pros like Dan Fletcher in mind. I am sure he has sponsor requirements, is the sponsor going to be required to have a subscription to gain access to what Mr Fletcher has accomplished. Everyone need to look at the big picture instead of what this does to their bottom line, and how great it is to not have postage and paper to deal with.

Sean

[Stewart Way]

Sent a message to NHRA last night asking when I might expect my refund for the missing 24 issues of ND. Got the expected response this morning. Seems that since NHRA feels that the reduced issues, plus all the other membership benefits still, in their opinion, exceed the $69 fee paid that they don't feel a refund is needed.

I really didn't expect a response and can't say I agree with it but at least I got one. Kind of held hostage if you want to race.

[George Fitzpatrick]

Remember reading the dragster from front to back over and over again? I know I do, wow how things have changed. Sad

[racerhead]

Sean, you make some good points that deserve to be noted. This is a huge change and it will take some time to fine tune the system. I recommend that folks send suggestions so they know where they need to make improvements. I know people sometimes don't feel listened to when they make comments but now is a time when they really need input from users.

As far as print outs are concerned, I followed a link to my column last year and found that from the e-version I can just print out a page on my computer. If a racer is looking to document results and he doesn't have the paper copy it seems like you can print a page at a time.

Bruce Deveau

[Div 6 Fan]

I think that they should give the option of two publications. One with all of the coverage and one with just the sportsman coverage. I open mine up and immediatly skip over the pro crap and go right to the sportsmen coverage. I have been attending races since 1973 and used to enjoy watching and reading about the pros. Now it seems like a big soap opera and all they are to me is the people who oil down the track and cause us to miss runs and happy hour.

[John Kissel]

I have been an n.h.r.a. member since 1970 and always looked forward to getting my weekly issues. The only reason I will continue to be one, is that the membership in an approved association will lower the insurance premium for my car. I'll never be able to afford to have my car, class legal and competitive, so if not for the above reason, I'd drop 'em like a bad habit. If glendora, had been up-front about the changes, and had the good public/customer relations sense to send out an e-mail explaining what was going to happen and why, that would have been different, as we all know how trying these times are for any business. It's just another case of "my way or the highway" that ain't quite right. Besides, I can't get that big gray box on the right side of the page to quit moving around, so I can read what I didn't ask for.

[CycloneFE]

I would like to add my comments to this thread.

I have been working with ND for close to 7-8 years to improve the on-time delivery of the magazine in my area. I was asked 2 years ago about my thoughts of a digital version, and this was my response.

I like the idea that NHRA is looking at being current and while some folks may find this an excellent way for them to read Dragster but not me. I take my Dragster to work and read it on my break or lunch hour, I take it into my doctors office because their magazines suck. I take it to any place where I might have to wait and read it there. Digital will be of no use to me.

While the digital issue will not be late as my paper copy will, it may still be slow due to the speed of my server or connection speed.

I don't see anything "new" in the digital issue that will improve the way I get my information, as Drag Race Central and the other sites give near instant info. When Dragster starts doing that, they will get the members attention.

I will probably not renew my subscription until I complete my car and begin racing, as all the info I am concerned about comes from other on-line sites or I can go to NHRA's site and see the standings as needed.