Vintage Vac Vultures and where to feed this habit...

[jdinstl]

On a different thread, I made a nasty, bitter old queen comment about free getting me the opportunity to gaze at a picture of the club prez of the VCCC.

Now please understand, I've a certain sarcasm in my writing/speaking style I use to press points. But it's important to understand that I don't know the Prez. of the VCCC -- he's probably a nice guy trying to do a good job. Since I don't know him, I have to give the benefit of the doubt -- one cannot do that type of job alone -- he or she needs the dedication of others.

Others have spoke up here with words of encouragement and better days ahead, to which I look forward. I'll admit, a lot of what I'm hearing about the political situation in the VCCC has me hesitating joining the organization. This hobby, obsession, fetish, whatever you wish to call it is a source of much enjoyment and gratification for me -- and I don't wish to mar that by joining an organization where betterment of the hobby for all is not foremost.

That, I think, is the singular strength, head and shoulders above all, that Applianceville has shown to vintage white goods. This site takes that attitude literally to the extreme, the by-product being that all interests vintage can find expression here. Be it vintage small kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, Pyrex, dishware, what have you, all can find expression and encouragement here. I consider automaticwasher.org a "must join and bookmark" site for any vintage interest.

That attitude, I hope to find in other sites and organizations, alas I'm afraid that is honestly, unrealistic -- it's a rare group that can bring that to such successful fruition as has the good people of the Imperial and Delux forums.

This discussion had opened on a thread by Robert giving a heads up on actions to be done to maintain server space. I opened this thread in order to give the vacuum concerns a place for expression without detraction from Robert's important message.

Cheers,

John

 

[air-waycharlie]

Server Space and Vacuum Clubs

John,

Yes, I agree that Robert's concern with server space is important and should not be derailed by any means. I think I was/am feeling kind of guilty that some of us vac folk take up so much space and it only started for some of us recently.

I approached Robert about a new website in June at the Wash-In in Omaha and talks have gone on. The leadership of the vac club is not proactive and does not assume the role of leadership with communication. This will change with the election in 2006.

For the record, the vast majority of the vac club are positive, talented people. You have seen several of us here. Probably the more gregarious ones! Next weekend we are having a mini-meet at Fred Nelson's home in Chicago and personally, I can't wait!

When the new website is developed and running, I hope, (and pray), that many of our members will be on bantering away about vacuums and posting pics. You don't see that now on our site because we CAN'T do it. There is no way to download a picture, it is not open to the public so even if somebody finds a thread or link, they can't really maneuver the site until they have a password and user name. It's like a site with sensitive CIA material rather than about vintage and current vacuum cleaners. Crazy.

Once word is out that it is user friendly and you don't have to sign in each time and type in your name, email address, city and state, it will be much more likely to generate traffic.

That said, I hope you will consider joining the club as it will open a window of opportunity for you to meet a terrific group of people that are caring about one and other. Also, you may find a vacuum you want or parts that you need. Based on your postings, I am already hoping to meet you some day face to face. So, hang in there for a while, the best is yet to come!

Charlie

 

[jdinstl]

I'll have to find...

...that elusive Kirby attachment that can suck the nasty, bitter old queen out of me first -- doesn't sound like y'all need another one, that's for sure!

John

 

[air-waycharlie]

Oh come now

John, let's make it royal flush of bitterness! Let me add your name to cauldron.........

 

[petek]

Charlie.. a couple of years ago there was a vac forum that disappeared after all the infighting I'm guessing finally took its toll. The other site WTBV can also be a bit tiresome as well with a few of the regular posters constantly engaged in a never ending sparring match. I mentioned before that I was disappointed when I found the VCCC site and it was basically locked out to non members even for viewing so I wasn't about to buy a pig in a poke. Are the rest of the current VCCC board members all in sync with creating a new more interactive website and any thoughts on how in the H are you going to control some of those that just cannot seem to be civil or are off-putting because they seem to know everything and/or want recompense for their wisdom?

 

[fnelson487]

A New Vacuum Forum

Pete - You addressed your question to Charlie, but I feel that I can answer as well. Charlie, I am sure, will answer and give you his opinion as well. I am a board member of the VCCC as is Jeff Parker. The organization is going through a very slow period for various reasons. Charlie was President of the club and then retired. At my urging he has rejoined the board. We have decided that some revitalization is in order.

Charlie approached Robert in Omaha about helping us out to create a new site modelled after this one. It truly is a brilliant design and will go a long way to solve some of the problems experienced in the past. We hail Robert as well as the wonderful folks we have met here on this forum and it has inspired us to "take another crack" at setting up a forum for vacuum cleaner fans to exchange information, teach new hobbyists and become more of a community.

First of all, let me say that the old Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Forum which ceased to exist a few years ago went a long way to teaching me about vintage vacuums and the people that collect them. Indeed, it did self-destruct due to fighting, bashing and general bad behavior. The major problems were bashing, infighting and arguing over certain types of machines. Yikes!! they're only vacuum cleaners after all!

Roberts design is brilliant in that it segregates the conversations into three major areas and within those areas to specific topic threads. So if a certain party wants to scream about how great Dyson is (does that happen??) he or she can and it is limited to one area and within certain threads. That way, if you don't want to be a party to such converations, or even view it, you can skip it.

As a board member, I have offered to serve as Webmaster. I would expect decent behavior and respect for other posters. If a member gets, totally out of hand, they are warned and then banned from the site. End of story. As you can tell, I am not exactly a prude, but I do expect good manners and following the golden rule.

I think it is going to take a little doing to get this going, and, if necessary, will provide funding to make it happen. It truly believe that a good vacuum forum, well run, can serve its constituents and provide as much fun and community as this one does. (Curtsies to Robert).

Jeff, Charlie, Terry, I and others are thrilled that we have found some new people with the same interest who we can share with in a fun and nice way. Stay tuned. . . .

 

[air-waycharlie]

WTBV

Pete,

I used to post on the WTBV but there are a few folk that dominate that site and dissect everything on current vacuum cleaners to the point that I would rather watch paint dry.

As you probably know, there is a person who thinks Dysons are going to save the world and then there is his constant critic. I got sick of watching those two and the handful of other know-it-alls so I just stopped going there. I find it bit on the boring side.

As to getting the Board members in sync, we have Fred, Jeff and myself already laying the groundwork. The Membership Chair and Treasurer will not be an issue. The current President may be out voted by the majority of the Board if there if there is resistance. He is a lame duck President so it really doesn't matter. One of the people interested in the position, (to be elected next year), in fully in tune with the other Board members.

Now about monitoring the site, as Fred mentioned, he is willing to be the webmaster and I long ago volunteered to assist him. Between the two of us, as long as we know how to monitor and delete, we should be able to keep things under control. Fred is home much more than I am as I work for an airline and am away for days at a time. When I am home, I can give Fred a break. Plus, we may have to create a position within the club to be webmaster as time goes on or outsource to a paid monitor with rules in plain English.

Fred and I think our members will "get back onboard" when they see effective leadership that motivates. When they see how easy the site will be to use, know it open to all, not fear having their heads bitten off by not obeying 1 of the 100 rules of posting by the current webmaster, we think all will go well. There may be some hard feelings at times over some things but that is life.

The main reason our site is like a, "morgue", is that believe it or not, they are afraid of the webmaster. Several people posted some things about items on ebay and some other things with opinions differing with webmaster and they were literally, bitch slapped on the forum verbally. Makes for a real friendly site!

Bewteen Fred and I, I hope we have filled in some of the gaps about the VCCC, the Board and the forum.

Charlie

 

[petek]

Well it certainly sounds promising, can't wait to see it actually. BTW are there many Canucks in the club. I noticed there's one in Saskatchewan.. darn if I didn't drive right by there a few times not knowing there was something of a vac museum.

 

[westytoploader]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd chime in here as well and give my opinion. I used to post on the Ivacuumcleaners.com forum, and it was interesting but since you typed your name in on the post, there were many "fakes" that came in and abused the board. Quite sad, really.

I've checked WTBV out and you're right Charlie, it's just boring technical information (what is the RPM on the Dyson's "digital" motor and such...), and the majority of them are Dyson-obsessed to boot. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that those are modern cleaners...when we deal with anything vintage on here and have a technical discussion it is always interesting!

How was the layout of the VCCC's discussion forum? I've seen other works by the Webmaster there (who shall remain nameless) and while they're not at all the worst Web designs I've seen, you can look at ANY website and you'll know he designed it! I guess that's a "trademark" of sorts...who knows? Robert is very talented when it comes to Web design (and restoring machines), and I can't wait to see how this new site will turn out! Fred and Charlie will both make excellent Webmasters as well!

--Austin

 

[hoover1060]

my 2 cents

I give the old vac web forum credit, if it were not for that, I would have never found the club, my friend Tom in North Canton, John in Sydney, or the Freds and Charlie. It was a fun place...at times. Other times it was downright ugly.

One bad apple can spoil it for everyone, however in that forum's case it was two very unkind people.

I am always amazed at how people who have so much in common can be so unkind to one another....

I've looked at WTBV here and there, and its the same old crap being shuffled back and forth by the same two old biddies. YAWN!! I gotta feel for poor Sir James. If he only knew how much two old bags were turning people off to his machines because they argue so damn much.
Its narrow-mindedness. Be it washers, vacuums, dishwashers, whatever, we all have our favorites and not so favorites. Knowing other collectors with other tastes gives all of us a chance to learn and grow. Some feel everyone should think just like them, and for those that do think differently, they attack them.
Sad, very sad.

As group owner and moderator of the Yahoo Group Hooverland 08808 for the last 5 years, I've only had minor issues here and there, and only had to delete one person. Its my hope that a new site for the VCCC will be the same.
LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

 

[tlee618]

I too am very thankful for the old vacuum forum. It was when I discovered that site that I met some really great friends. For that I will always be grateful for it!! I am really excited about the changes that will be forthcoming with the vacuum club and will be more than happy to help with it in any way that I can. I just hope that all our good friends from Applianceville will join us there. I know that I have no plans to EVER leave Applianceville!! I think that the crossover from each club will only make each one better!! Terry

 

[jdinstl]

Wow......

The Dyson Dynasty issue sounds pretty bad -- and frankly, stupid, because EVERYONE knows it's Kirby that is going to save the world. Maybe I should go ahead and join, it is so sad to see people so misguided as to think anything but a Kirby is worthy of praise. Frankly, it's sacreligious, right up there with the worship of idols and object to take any attention away from a Kirby.

Yeah, right, LOL! I love 'em coz they're the first vintage machine I ever restored, they look so wonderful and nice when cleaned up, so on and so forth. Is it better than someone else's lovingly restored Electrolux, Air-Way Sanitizor, Hoover, Eureka, or such? Nope. Not even. No way shape or form. It just is the brand I bonded to that gave expression to my interest in things vintage, and something I could collect and tinker with.

Charlie and all, my email address is in my profile -- please, please, let me know when you've been installed and are rolling out your action plan. Only then will I join -- and I will join. But I'm still in newbie status with this hobby. Also, I'm in the process of undergoing a major shift in my life. I'm currently on short-term disability, and when cleared for return to work -- there will be no work to return to. Those details are still being worked out.

To put it simply, I must carefully control the negative inputs in my life that must be present, and reject firmly and forcefully the introduction of any new potential for negative input. I will have plenty in the process of restoring lost income as it is. I am so serious about this issue, I have resigned from the board of an organization for which I have served many years and made many friendships in order to sever a line of negative input -- our meetings are free-for-all shouting matches. I declined nomination for the Presidency, the nomination being done with the support of many for my plan to do the same as you are proposing to do with the vacuum club. Any other point in my life, I would have looked forward to the opportunity -- at this point in my life, it's a lot of work I'm not willing to take on along with what else I must do. So I laud and support your efforts to turn things around in your organization.

Will I depart Applianceville when that occurs? Nope. Two resources are better than one -- it was Applianceville who provided a lot of support and information for me, enriching my enjoyment even further. It was Chris (christfr/st. louis) who kept nudging me to find a niche in vintage items to tackle and try. At this point in my life, that gift from Applianceville and Chris brings a lot of positive and good feeling in my life, and I gaurd it very closely.

Cheers,

John

 

[tolivac]

I find it fascinating about the vacuum information now on this website-even more so than the "Whats the Best Vacuum Cleaner"or VCCC.Whats with the "secrecy" on the VCCC site-what good is it if members can't use it or the public cannot see it-can't recruit members that way.Too much of a "Good-Ole Boys" club.The hunting-shooting club out here is like that-shooting is another hobby for me.On the WTBV site they are still bickering about Dyson versus Hoover-at time think they will take it to the mat.And--whats funny-Super performers like Kirby and Royal are hardly mentioned.I have two Dysons and My Kirbys or Classic Royals will outclean the Dysons anytime.-and probably outlast them.I am anxoius to see the new VCCC website.Should be interesting.

 

[hoover1060]

Its been the topic of discussion for a while now about opening the VCCC site up, something I am in favor of, however the last thing I want to see is that forum become another "buy a Dyson" forum.
As a whole, the VCCC is a wonderful group of people, fun, kind, generous, and a joy to be around. I always have a blast with Charlie and Fred Nelson, if you've never heard Fred's laugher, you are truly missing something!
Its my hope that a new site for the VCCC will bring vacuum collectors together from around the globe. We all have so much to share with and learn from one another!
We'll leave WTBV for the two old bags who only know how to catfight.

 

[tolivac]

I wonder if on the new VCCC site if they should limit the subjects on it to vintage machines and vintage style machines only-that would keep out the Dyson pushers.I would like to hear Freds Laughing-have a "Soundbite" of it??If not someone should record him.

 

[hoover1060]

Fred's laughter...

fills a room
is not annoying or grating
is contagious
brings a smile to all who hear it, its the sound of someone having fun!

 

[westytoploader]

I can vouch for that, I heard it while using the Hoover Model 29 at the Convention!

 

[fnelson487]

You Are Too Kind Guys

Jeff and Austin - I inherited that laugh honestly from my Mom. They used to say that you could tell she was in a crowded movie theatre without seeing her just by that laugh. What you probably observed Austin was my observation of Charlie with the 29 upside down, in Greg's kitchen, explaining to the crowd of the superiority of the all new curved helix brush roll on the 29 in 1952, the overall design by Henry Dreyfuss. I remember leaning over to Roger Lequea and saying "He could sell snow to an Eskimo in January" "Really Nanook, this snow is far superior to the stuff you find outside your igloo!" LOL

 

[fnelson487]

BTW

My prior post was in no way meant to diminish that 29! Actually it came out in 1950, I believe. A visual stunning beauty (beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder) and an incredibly good cleaner. This was approaching the pinnacle of quality from the Hoover Company. The 29 holds a special place in many collectors hearts.