Yeah, congrats Mark.

It's a decent name that does capture the focus of the site, at least it's not NAMBLA!

 

Mark,

Like others, my first thought is that it'll always be MCO to us. But North American Motoring does consititute 99.9% of the motoring I do. Heck, the motoring is great here in North America.

Bottom line: Same great site, less headaches for you. Congratulations!

eMINI
Proud future owner of '04 IB/B MCS

 

So am I the first to ask (I suspect not)--are the MCO t-shirts and whatnot collector's items now?

Congrats on finding some peace finally. I've already re-pointed the toolbar link!

Jeff

 

Mark - Congratulations on A resolution. Having been through a similar German vs U.S. corporate TM battle that ended in much the same manner, but only after 2.5 years and tens of thousands of dollars in attorneys' fees, we know too well that any result that continues the relationship, no matter how altered, is a victory to celebrate.

The redirect was flawless and we look forward to supporting NAM and its efforts to promote the MINI in the U.S.A.
Motor On good buddy.

 

North American Motoring (NAM)?????
but isn't this an International site?

 

Congrats, Mark :smile: :smile: :smile: Like the new name, but will still be
MCO to me

Sam

 

Congratulations Mark,

I'm pleased to see that resolution was reached before it became a shooting war. I also agree with you, North American Motoring goes to the core of this forum. Good choice of name.

"I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning. It smells like Victory."

 

>>North American Motoring (NAM)?????
>>but isn't this an International site?
>>

There are some international visitors but the original intent of MCO was to focus on North America. The tag line of the site "The independent North American community of MINI owners and enthusiasts" has been used for quite some time.

Thanks!

Mark

 

>>So am I the first to ask (I suspect not)--are the MCO t-shirts and whatnot collector's items now?

 

Mark -

Congratulations on achieving a peaceful resolution to the situation. I've already modified my "favorites". Now I've got to stop thinking in terms of MCO and start thinking NAM...

- Mark

 

What is truly a shame is that scumbag lawyers have nothing better to do than to beat up people that are enthusiastic about their product. I understand the concept of protecting their trademarks and IP rights and jelously guarding their brand so that they can exploit their merchandising. BUT, what they are so shortsighted in is so typical for lawyers is that is they practice squashing goodwill and even brand loyalty. I for one am pretty offended by their STRONG-ARM tactics, in that your site has done more to objectively promote their product and brand than anything their site has done. What is next for them, to come after our clubs and have us remove M*N* (do I dare spell it out?) from our name??? I mean how much sense does it make to stop people from promoting their product?

I think Tom Hanks said it best in the movie "Philadelphia." Q: What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the sea? A: A GOOD START.

I call it POLLUTION.

 

Just changed my sig. :smile:

Mark,

For your sake, I'm glad this is finally resolved.

BMW and MINI should be ashamed of themselves for their past actions. Hopefully this episode will have taught them a lesson about the power of this community. :smile:

 

Congrats Mark,
I'm glad this has been resolved!
I like NAM, but to me this will always be MCO.
Still leaves a bad taste in my mouth with respect to MINI USA and BMW of NA,
but I am glad for all you did for the site and for us enthusiasts!
I'm glad we can put this behind us!

Good morning .....NAAAAAAMMMMMMMM!!!!

 

Congrats Mark. As one who deals with stressful issues on a weekly (daily?) basis, I have a true appreciation for the relief you must be feeling to finally put this nasty business behind you.

All good things to you and the NAM community in the future!

Garth

 

>>>>I like the name a lot.
>>>>
>>>>I have been waiting for MONTHS for some decals!! Soon?
>>
>>Yep...new shirts, hats, calendars, decals and more coming in time for Christmas. I hope to have more information in the next couple of weeks along with the ability to preorder.
>>
>>Mark

 

Mark, congratulations on reaching a settlement with the name crisis. I know it's taken its toll on you and you're ready to put it behind you.

I can't say I'm fond of the new name, especially the shortened version. Could be because I grew up in a world where the word "NAM" had less than happy connotations. North American Motoring only vaguely represents the intent of the site, but, as pointed out, it's better than a lot of the "suggested" alternatives. Personally, I would have had to have given serious consideration to
"BiteMyWanker.com"

It was obvious though, that BMW was not going to allow the MCO (or any derivative) name to stand as long as they weren't getting anything out of it and someone else was. Unlike other people who've posted here, I don't see this as a victory by anyone except BMW.....if you can call curtailing the positive force of the MINI owners on this forum, and irritating a lot of people, a victory.

Thankfully, the site still stands, no matter what the name. Hopefully, the name change won't make it too hard for new people to find it in the future. Long live the spirit of MCO!

 

>>Name is really catchy...But I think Mark wanted just to boost his tee shirt sales and he made up the whole thing with BMW.

That's a great conspiracy theory

 

Hey! nice looking new font/logo! ... glad the site has the same familiar look and feel to it - but with new added Zing! ... way to go Mark!

... so, the babies at BMW can feel they got their way, and we can continue to Motor (do we still Motor? ... maybe we should be NAMbulating the twisties!) and enjoy our community of fellow NAMbulators in peace ... in the end, it's all about enjoying our cars, improving our cars, and improving our skills: back to the basics at NorthAmericanMotoring!

 

while I am glad this is resolved, I still think anything less than keeping the site https://www.northamericanmotoring.com is less than satisfactory. I don't blame anyone other than BMW. It's things like this that make me ashamed to be a mini owner. Fortunately the comaradary of my fellow MINI owners, as well as the unbelievable handling of our little car helps me to forget a little bit.

 

>>Yeah, congrats Mark.
>>
>>It's a decent name that does capture the focus of the site, at least it's not NAMBLA!

North American Motoring Boy i Love Acceleration

yeah, I guess NAM will have to do.

 

Finally an end !!! A new Start :smile:

 

>>
>>Yep...new shirts, hats, calendars, decals and more coming in time for Christmas. I hope to have more information in the next couple of weeks along with the ability to preorder.
>>
>>Mark


Yea! Toys in time for Christmas!
I can't wait !
BJ

 

Congrats Mark,
I am very happy the ordeal is over. Thanks for all hard work. Shame on the BMW for all this. Josef

 

Aloha,

Great to see that all good things get rewarded!

Congrats Mark!

MINIkahuna!

 

A rose by any other name? The only real problem is that unless you know about the site I wonder if you would find it while looking for info on MINIs. I found it when I typed in MINI Cooper on a search engine and it was very helpful in my decision to buy a MINI. But at least the site is alive and well. By the way I drove my wife's Buick for the first time since I bought the MINI and it was terrible. Used to think that it was a fairly decent handling car LOL. Well Motor On!!
Tenpounds