Re: [DML] Good DeLorean Experiences

[James Espey <james@xxxx>]

Bill Schafer wrote:

> James,
>
> I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a fine thing as the DML. I
> have never met you but feel that so many people have been helped by this
> exchange of information that you started. I know that being from Rockton, IL
> I would have to drive to the Chicago area to fined others who would own "D"s
> and would have the shared information. The list has made it possible to find
> answers to specific problems that are Delorean unique.
> Would you just give me an idea of when this DML started and a little
> historical background from your point of view. I am a history type person and
> thought it would be interesting to know. I hope I get to meet you in June if
> you are headed to Cleveland, OH.
>
> Bill
> Vin #11596


Thanks for the kind words...always nice to know when you're appreciated!

It's been a long time, but I remember after buying my first DeLorean 
in May '95, I was frustrated with getting technical advice from the 
DOA. John Truscott is a nice guy, but calling him in California was a 
pain. I had some experience with mailing lists and figured a Delorean 
mailing list would be a great way to share information, bring owners 
together, as well as get my own questions answered! In August of '95 
I started the DML, using no software, just cut and paste and mail out 
to a small group (less than 10, I think).

http://www.dmcnews.com/backissues/dml001.html

Through word of mouth, postings messages on the old AOL message 
boards, a couple months after it started, it got too big to do by 
hand, and I paid a company to handle the distribution, 
subscribe/unsubscribes, etc. When I learned of Egroups I switched it 
there as it was cheaper and a much nicer package. After nearly four 
years of running the DML, I took the job as Marketing Director for 
DMC (Houston) and called on several longtime DML'ers to take over so 
that it wouldn't die out or become lower quality and I would avoid a 
potential conflict of interest. Dave, Mike S, Knut, Marty, Bruce, 
Dick and now Mike G are doing a great job and I am grateful that took 
all stepped up when I called on them.

Had I not created the DML, someone else would have eventually done 
something similar. Would it be as good as the DML is today? No one 
knows, but most mailing lists are NOT moderated, and the 
"signal-to-noise" ratio makes many of them unbearable. The fact that 
there are no other DeLorean-related mailing lists/message boards that 
have the activity level or quality of content as the DML says a lot 
on its own.

I'd like to think that many of the things that people now take for 
granted are a result of the existence of the DML, or at least were 
available sooner because of the DML. Things I'm talking about include:

Ken Konceliks Cincinnati and Cleveland Car shows
Lee Seilers reproduction keys and limited edition models
All the major parts vendors being online
Marty Maiers 140mph speedos, braided brake lines, etc
Mike Sturbas Window arrow stencils
DMCJoe's broader market success
The successes of local clubs
Two great independent DeLorean poster projects

These are just a few of the things available now that unless their 
creators had access to a viable market-size (1000-plus) might not 
have been made/organized.

I will be in Cleveland for the show, unless something happens to me 
between now and then. I will be acting as the coordinator for the 
Concours portion of the event. Please look me up!

James