NAM!

Seriously-

I just saw a post this morning where someone asked for info, someone else posted a link that was only marginally relevant, and the first poster came back and flamed the second poster.

By Internet standards, it wasn't even a "flame." But it really made me aware of what a friendly place this is. God, I love you guys!

I put up some pics of my car a couple of days ago, thinking, "Oh, this is ridiculous - these are pics from the dealer. I don't even have my car yet and here I am posting pics. People will think I'm nuts!" And I was just overwhelmed at all the sweet, wonderful, positive responses I got!

And I think of Donna's cabrio getting keyed and the outpouring of sympathy and support.

And the incredible support people have given each other, sharing their knowledge, step-by-step DIY installations (with pics!) and researches into problems like the dreaded yo-yo. Even the blue suede interior - wow, people could have really trashed that, but no one did. Instead, the most negative responses were things like "Wow - not at all my cup of tea. But you did a great job!"

This is a really cool board!

I have been going nuts since the moment I decided to order a new MINI. This board has been a great source of information, support, and entertainment while I'm waiting. I spend some time on other MINI boards, but nothing I've found even comes close to NAM.

So, thanks everyone! Have a GREAT Thanksgiving!!!

:hug: (<- smiley not available!)

(Nine more days, and counting!)

 

hey, you have a great Thanksgiving too!


btw, are you on Lombard St or stay in the City?

 

This IS a really cool board! 'Cause MINI owners are really cool people.
... and to own a MINI... well, that makes you one of the cool!

Happy Thanksgiving and Godspeed to all the really cool people!

 

Used to live on the Peninsula. First ride in a Mini was a Mini Cooper S, down Lombard Street at a very high rate of speed! Belonged to a friend who lived in The City, back in 1968. Phew! A ride I'll never forget!

Living in Sacramento now. Plan to take Tillie down Lombard Street as soon as I can. (She's in Cleveland!!!)

 

Hey, while I'm at it -

Thanks to Mark for hosting this board and to all the Moderators!

 

You said it Lombardst! I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday season. We can hear great stories of packing boots full of gifts and holiday feasts!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

DITTO

Also to eveyone . I have never before owned a car that had this kind of people getting together in person or on the internet and talking about things, help, questions, how to, etc.

Earl

 

Cool, your still in the area. Give me the word when you come down, I'll rally up a welcoming crowd.

 

This will be my second Thanks Giving that I've had my MCS and on the board that brings me so much cheer year round - Thanks Mark and thank all of you who make my Rally Light Hi-Beam.

And thanks LombardStreet for the great thread.

Driven down it many times - What a gas (or break) that street is.

 

I wish MORE MINI enthusiasts in my neighborhood would belong to a community like NAM. I mean, I'm in a HUGE city, but 9 out of 10 MINI's don't wave. I used to think if the person had a vanity plate, or even custom vinyl--other than the typical off the shelf bonnet stripes, that they MUST be an enthusiast! (Well I don't have a custom plate, but I want one). But it seems even these people, atleast in my neighborhood (Los Angeles) are all zoned out.

I used to be able to come up behind or alongside a MINI and get a friendly nod or gesture--not anymore. Heh heh, with the exception of MINIClo who I bumped into at the onramp to the freeway--I can always count on her sweetness.

I think we need NAM name plates on our car so we can extend the COOL ness outside of NAM into the real world.

NAM is definitely a wonderful place that I'm thankful for. Guess it's time to go out and face the 'other' world.

 

I think the decals are a nice start... but it would be super cool if they had personalilzed ones that you could put your username on.

"My name is 2005LY and I'm a MINI Junkie" (with the NAM logo)

Yeah - this place rocks!

 

Not a bad idea. I've been trying to come up with something for a license plate frame:

I don't know, maybe a little too "in-joke"-ish. But then maybe people would ask and then you could start a conversation about NAM.

Somewhere - one of our sponsors I think - I saw custom namebadges with your "handle" and where you were from. And there are the NAM decals available here. I'm thinking of getting one of those to go with my "Actual Size" decal. :smile:

 

I know the "waving" thing has been beaten to death, but, oh well, redundancy never stopped me before! Here's my tuppence...

I grew up in suburbs west of St. Louis. When I was in grade school in the late 50s my mom drove a TR-3 and my older brother drove an MGTD. Back then everybody waved. If you had a sports car, you waved. Didn't matter if it was British, German, Italian, or even... (get this)... American. We even waved at Corvettes and T-Birds - and they waved back!

Only one who didn't was this stuckup, bleached-and-lacquered blonde in a Mercedes 230SL. But as my brother pointed out, that wasn't really a sports car.

I think part of the problem now is everybody's in such a hurry, sealed up in their little steel cocoons, talkin' on their cell phones, drinkin' the Starbucks in their stainless steel thermocups. I think they don't even see you. That's gotta be the explanation - too distracted to notice.

I mean, who could be driving a MINI and not wave at another MINI waving at them?

 

Yes, NAM is an amazing place! Certainly the most over-the-top as far as activity goes....nothing quite like it anywhere. I personally find the Pulse to be a life-saver and the only way to keep up with the benignly manic nature of this place.

But even just considering content, the range of expertise here is truly astounding. From the highly technical to the completely absurd......photography, politics, relationships, detailing, performance, and much, much more......NAM has to have some of the absolutely most talented, creative, and nice people in MINIdom. (well, okay......charming, emotionally-balanced, strikingly handsome, alluringly beautiful, highly intelligent, and strangely god-like, too! )

Kudos to all who make this place run and sincerest Thanksgiving best wishes to each and every person on NAM!!!

 

That was in the NAM Store


I like the license plate frame idea. I'm not sure (cost wise) about customizing them, but I like the concept - a lot.

 

North American Motoring is a very special place. As has already been pointed out by several people there is a different vibe here and a lot of interest in seeing that preserved, not just from those of us that help moderate here, but also from long term members, and new members that have been welcomed here.

In the early days of MINI COOPER ONLINE (now North American Motoring), you used to see a lot of times where people would notice a new member making one of their first posts on the site and you would often see people say "Welcome to MCO :smile: ". It happened a lot. It still happens now, but to a lesser degree (at least that's my take anyway). If there is one thing I'd like to change in my own posting behavior, it's to remember to welcome newer members more often on the forums. It may seem like a small thing, but it's really pretty important. Sometimes I think we (and I include myself) forget about what it was like to make your first post or what it meant when someone made you feel welcomed to the forum. This is definitely something I plan on recommitting myself to in the next year, and I hope others will give this some thought too.

I just want to say thanks to all of you for your participation on the site. It certainly makes for some very interesting and entertaining reading.

Everyone have a good Thanksgiving tomorrow. I'd even let you off the hook if you didn't log in for one day. Feel free to pop your head in here tomorrow if you want. We'll be around.

David

 

Oh, yeah - thanks for reminding me. Man, there is some great photography on this board!

(Of course, it's kinda like taking pictures of babies - with such a great subject, how can you not get a great picture!)

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I agree with the above post - this place rules! I am happy that the OT-Political Forum is gone - it brought a bad vibe that wasn't in the spirit of NAM. Although I have only met a few of you in person, I feel as though I have made lots of good friends here!

 

I am thankful for all of you and I LOVE you all! HAPPYTHANKSGIVING

 

Well it's funny cause I see this "camraderie" all the time by guys on Harleys and even scooters. I remember in my younger days, of cruising around on Passports--uhm when that was a bike and not an SUV--- and the idea of waving to a fellow rider wasn't an issue. You just did it.

Of course I admit to having not acknowledged people cause I was on my cell phone, or looking at my radio, or thinking about the day ahead of me, only to be awoken by a blur of a MINI, and to look back and ask myself-"Was that a MINI?"

But getting back to the purpose of this thread---I'm just happy to be able to own a MINI, and be a part of a community that I never even dreamed possible. I've definitely gotten back more than I could of ever asked for--not something you expect when purchasing a new car!

 

I have to let you know that i echo all the above posts and that i think you guys are great ---

happy turkey day to you all -- may you all have safe trips and wonderful memories...

 

(psst - David! it's Thanksgiving - resolutions aren't due for another month and a half!)

Yeah! Right!

Have a happy one - thanks for all you and the other admins and moderators do!

 

I'll bet that's part of the problem - the cars are awfully small and quick. Oops! Just missed another one!

 

I agree - NAM is a wonderful board with really cool people. I've learned a lot and gotten a lot of insight on my fellow motorers on a variety of subjects in the two months that I've been reading.

Hope everyone has a great and safe holiday!

 

NAM is a great place for those of us that rarely see another MINI,let alone get waved at.I look forward to coming online everyday,reading about what others do with their MINIs in the mod forums,learning stuff in Under the Bonnet and tire forums,and my fave,OT,just plain fun.Got some great buddies,and hope to get more
Thanks to all involved,Moderators,vendors and members alike
You folks south of the 49th have a great Thanksgiving,we did ours last month.
Happy motoring all:smile: