Scranton Show

[ARRCCOD]

Just a couple quick questions.

What are your thoughts on the show this past weekend???

Was it up to your expectations????

If there were more people there last year than this year, why was that???

Why didn't you advertise it here??

I was at the show.

ARRCCOD

[Truckerdoc]

Dear AARCCOD,

You asked me several questions about the Highway Interdependence Day, one of which is why didn’t we advertise “here”. I looked at your background information to find where you are from, but it was not listed. Since I don't know where “here” is, I can’t answer that question.

I will, however, give you places and methods of where HIDC was promoted. And these sources are the ones of which I know. Usually, announcements and posters about the HIDC are also in locations of which I have no knowledge.

PRINT MEDIA:

Scranton Times-Tribune – article on Sunday Sept. 3rd.
West Pittson News – article
Blakely News – article
Penn State Worthington article
Electric City – Advertisement for 4 weeks prior to the event (they have widespread coverage)
Listing in the Times-Tribune Calendar and Events every Thursday and Friday for 4 weeks

Truckers News – article - twice
Truckers Connection – article
Road King – article
Driving Force magazine – article

50, 000 placemats were placed in restaurants and diners in Moosic, Old Forge, Dunmore, Scranton, Carbondale and surrounding area, Clarks Summit, Wilkes Barre, places along Rt 80, diners north all the way into Susquahanna County and south to Camp Hill and east to Stroudesburg

3,000 + flyers distributed to people at various events

1,000+ posters distributed to various businesses around NE PA

A banner at one of the entrances to Hwy 81

ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Websites:

Etrucker.com
Jobsearchonline.com
Everytruckjob.com
Rpmfortrucks.com
Topix.net
Gatsonline.com (truckshow in Dallas)
Driveandstayalive.com
Hwyblogs.com
Expediterworld.com
Truckstopusa.com
My two websites.
WYOU calendar of events
WBRE calendar of events
WNEP calendar of events
Channel 13 calendar of events
Lackawanna County.org

WYOU and WNEP had news spots about it on Friday the 9th
Channel 61
A show on XM radio (I had truck drivers call me who heard it)
WAZL 1490 am

Additionally, press releases, PSA’s and announcement of media conferences were sent to following media sources (I don’t know how many of these sources actually ran the articles or the PSA’s) And I made personal phone calls to the large newspapers and radio and television stations.

WCDL 1440
WNAK 730
WARM
WDLC_WSTX
WDNH
WEJL-WEZX
WHGK, WTZN
WKRZ,WILK, WISH
WSUS
WPEL
WVIA
WVOS
WWDL
WYLN
WBHT
WMGS
WBSY
WBHD
WSJR
Eyewatch News 13 (Honesdale)
Fox 56
Local News 13
WBRE
WNEP
WYOU
Fox 40

Abington Journal
Carbondale News
Choconut
Citizens’ Voice
The Post
Forest City News
Hazleton Standard Speaker
Mid-Valley News
The Villager Weekly
Mountaintop Eagle
New Age Examiner
News Eagle
Pike County Courier
Pike County Dispatch
Pocono Record
Press Enterprise
Rocket Courier
River Reporter
Suburban Weekly
Sunday Dispatch
Susquehanna Independent/Transcript
Town & Country Shopper
Wayne Independent
Weekly Almanac

Press releases were also sent to the Allentown and Philadelphia areas, and we actually had visitors from Allentown who received the announcement.

Advertising is the biggest cost of any budget. And this area is actually more expensive than the larger metropolitan areas. I’ll give you a few examples:

A 1” x 2” ad in one of the bigger local newspapers costs approx. $150.00 each time it’s run

A small 2 x 3 ad in the small town papers: $100.00 each

A billboard on Highway 81 runs between $5,000 - $7,500 a month depending on location

A ½ page ad in the weekly entertainment magazines: between $700 - $900.00 for 2 weeks

One week of newspaper inserts for a small geographic area :$300.00

Radio advertising for a week is a minimum of $1,000.00 ,& this price is for the small stations

Banners: $90.00 each for small ones; large banners: starting at $300.00

We are a grass-roots effort where people from various organizations contribute time, services, and in-kind donations. We do not have a Knight-in-Shining Armor Sponsor who kicks in $5,000 - $10,000 each year. If we did, we could have a decent advertising budget. Perhaps your organization would be a sponsor next year.

Committee members personally invited motorcycle clubs, antique clubs, new car/truck dealerships and many others to participate. Some contacts responded that theay were participating in other events on that day. Car and truck dealerships said they didn’t have any employees who wanted to work on the weekends. We can only extend an invitation, we can’t make them accept.

Of course we were all disappointed that we did not have the attendance we had last year. We put a lot of work into organizing this day. And we had a lot of good activities. Why more of the public did not come out this year is a question that other event organizers around the area are asking. I know because I talked with them today. Places that have been holding the same annual event for many more than years than we had skeleton turn-outs. They have no idea why people did not participate this year. And they had much larger advertising budgets than we had.

Personally, I think the hurricane disaster had a lot to do with: economically, psychologically and practically. Some drivers who were planning to attend were tied up in the South. Some business that had planned to attend sent their resources to aid the disaster recovery.

I’ve answered your questions as thoroughly as I could. The public who attended have been reporting that they had a great time. As Ghandi once said, we must be the change we wish to see. I know I did my part. [/b]

[ARRCCOD]

When I meant 'HERE' I meant @ truckstopUSA....after looking around I see there was a Topic posted on it....but I didn't see it till today.

When I see all where it was metioned or advertised it must have been a huge disapointment on the turnout. I know I was expecting more people/trucks.

I also review truckshows on another internet board, I won't supply the link unless you ask....don't wanna step on anyones toes.

Your a very brave/foolish for standing under the trailer like that....I work with cranes and rigging all the time....and its very dangerous!

I talked to 'Russ' at the show...perhaps we'll have a chance to meet....though you may not want to if you read the review.

Best of Luck

ARRCCOD Pronounced R-COD

[kenandkaren]

Hi TD.

Man, you put a lot of work into the show. We're sorry we missed it- I'm sure we would have had a blast. But we're gonna do all we can to get to the Teddy Bear thingee in February. It must be disappointing to put so much work into something and have a smaller-than-expected attendance, but don't be discouraged. We appreciate all the wonderful things you do for us drivers.

[Truckerdoc]

Thank you, Ken and Karen

The whole committee was disappointed because we experienced the great turn-out and excitement of last year. And we planned much more for the public this year. Some events we didn't use because the public and drivers weren't there to participate in them.

I'm just glad that I have a business background because it helps me to understand. I know that environmental events can cause market changes, and that is what we all(various event organizers) experienced this past weekend. The market demand to attend festivals and celebrations was greatly reduced, so we all had a smaller market from which to attract people.

Here's a simple example. One of my good friends who is a truck driver and had the greatest time last year had been planning for months to be at the event. He wasn't there because his company got a contract to haul mobile homes into the hurricane devastated areas, and he was gone.

And gas prices are affecting how people are allocating their money. Then there are the psychological effects of depression and the need for security. Almost everyone I have talked with has told me how they start watching the news about the hurricane devastation, and they end up crying and turning off the television. And remember how after 9/11, people just wanted to stay home and be with their loved ones.

This past Saturday, we also collected supplies to send to the hurricane survivors that had been relocated to the Baton Rouge area. The same article that wrote about the Highway Interdependence Day Celebration also included information about our collection of supplies. We were innundated with calls from people concerning contributions to help the survivors. They read the entire article; they knew what was happening about the HIDC, but their heads were into the disaster.

If the reviewer wants to write a bad review, so be it. I also understand the economics of reviewers, and some events have to be sacrificial lambs. So we are one of the lambs this year. Next year, we'll be the lion.

I am very pleased to say that throughout this day, I have received many phone calls and emails from participants telling me what a great time they had.

[Admin]

WE ALL HERE FROM TSUSA ARE SURE THAT YOU DID A GREAT JOB :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Maverick]

Hi "TruckerDoc" :D

I applaud you for everything you do to help our industry.
:clap: :clap: :clap:

I just wish there were alot more like you and alot less half cocked critics! :wacko:

I know myself and my family had a great time at the HIDC!! :cheers:

I admire you and thank you and you are truly the "Queen" :youaremymaster:

P.S. When you get a chance check out your forum on "EW" :ninja:

[ARRCCOD]

Man you guys are really circling the wagons......I just want to know what her thoughts were on the low turnout.

ARRCCOD

[Truckerdoc]

Maverick, "You truly are the Queen statement cracked me up." My friend, Molly who drove the convertible, came up with the idea of me being a modern-day queen. Then Jimmy wanted to be the Court Jester. And then all my kids in the mentoring program wanted to be a part of it, so we had a good time brainstorming and putting it together.

The mentor who took our kids to the HIDC said they had the most wonderful day. It was good for them to have a day of play and not work - like they have done all summer. The girls looked beautiful in their gowns. The little kid who played the Constable is very shy, and he was the only kid who had a speaking part. He was proud of himself for doing it.

So know that in addition to everything else you do, you helped the kids on Saturday.

[Uncle Fester]

Personally, I think the low turnout had to do with several factors ARRCCOD, first of all, perhaps you have heard, there was a MAJOR hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast the week before and during the past week, and all week thereafter people were exposed to scenes of horror, suffering and destruction.
After a major disaster such as this or the terrorist attacks of 9-11, people get a little rattled and tend to stay closer to home, avoiding public events.

Second of all, during the previous week, gasoline was at an all time high of over $3.00 per gallon. If you drive an SUV for example, you might want to stay closer to the house and not attend public events.

Third, we held the show a little earlier in the month and during this past week, many kids were returning to school and some famalies might have spend disposable income on their Labor Day weekend leaving them a little short this week.
Also, as the show was held on a Saturday, you must remember that many people still have to work on Saturday.

Finally, regarding your little aside about:
though you may not want to if you read the review.
Many people remember such actors as Marlen Brando, Humphery Bogart and Charlie Chaplin, but no one can ever seem to remember the name of ANYONE who ever wrote a review of thier work.
You would do well to avoid placing more weight or importance to your "review" than it warrants because it will probably be just as forgettable.

[ARRCCOD]

I'm surprised that you all thought things went so well that you not interest in an outside opinion. Its nice when your the host and everything is about you and the world is wonderful. Unfortunately that was not the case for those that participated and attended. Maybe in world of the little tent up front everything was fine....but it wasn't that way in the trenches.

I know everyone like to quote their heroes....I can to...If you don't learn from your mistakes your domed to relive them. If you think attendance was the only thing wrong at the show you should take off your blinders and find out what the outsiders think.

I was not a sponsor or connected to the show in anyway wouldn't you like to know what the REAL people thought?????

I write a review to tell those that have never been to a particular show before what to expect.......there is no financial gain....or ulterior motive.

Critisizim will make for a better show.......blind patronizing will help no one. My opinion has no weight.....only with those who know me.

I thought possibly I could provoke some thought on this issue. Apparently you all thought the fuel and the hurricane was what was wrong with the show. Not from where I parked my truck.

ARRCCOD

P.S. If you want to find out what happened....asked the people who attended the 1st year and not the second......don't ask your friends...you'll only get the polite answer not the correct one.

[StorminNormanJR]

Well Arrccod,

You're right, posting links to other sites on these boards is not permitted. However, it was quite easy to track down the website you speak of where you're the "self-proclaimed" reviewer of Truck Shows.

I would like to take this opportunity to correct your misconception that this was a truck show. This was the second year you attended. You know very well it was NOT a truck show. The truck competition was one of the events that would give the public an opportunity to form a new appreciation for all the beautiful trucks on the highway.

The main purpose and focus of this celebration was to stir a spirit of caring and involvement so that everyone can see themselves as part of the highway community and take an active part in creating safe travel that benefits everyone.

I've read your review and its very obvious that this is a case of sour grapes because you didn't get the attention you were hoping for and your truck didn't win. You're right, next time stick to your Ren and Stempy dolls. At least the kids would have voted for you. :D

I guess I am now in posession of the truth serum you spoke of. ;)

I think your profile over there says it all. Occupation: Aggitator. Interests: None

[Truckerdoc]

Hey Codman,

I have a couple of quick questions for you.

1) Why did you bother asking my opinion about attendance if you had already made up your mind?

2) What did you personally do to help promote the event?

In response to your other comment, the only reason we organized the 2nd Highway Interdependence Day was because of the people's response to the first one. People I didn't even know would stop me on the street to tell me how much they enjoyed it. People working in stores told their co-workers how great it was, and got their co-workers excited about it. And I didn't even know these people. n They were not my friends.

On the other hand, how many of us have gone to a movie that a reviewer gave high ratings only to be tortured with 2 hours of inane drivel. Or how many of us have gone to a restaurant that got rave reviews only to be totally dissappointed. Meanwhile hundreds of good movies and restaurants receive no recognition or thumbs down. And you want us to believe that there is no political or economic purpose of what you do?

If you gave every event a positive rating, who would hire you?

[ARRCCOD]

First of all your mistaken......I did not attend the 1st year....I attempted but arrived the wrong day.

Second I attend many "shows" and never win...don't mistake innocent bantering among friends than anything else than what it is.

Third I did promote the show on the board I post at.....look in the upcoming shows forum.

I did call the number given.....and asked about the "truck show' part....granted I was given a vague answer...I should have known better.....my fault.

I was aware of other activities.....but it did say truck show.....which I thought meant truck show.

I realize this is your sandbox and there will be piling on....the fact that there was only maybe 5 other participants that weren't sponsors....I doubt any will chime in.

I came here to find facts.......not to be white washed by the status quo.... I've yet to see any positive replies from any one that was actually there....that didn't have a financial or promotional gain......maybe cause no one was.

And again what was the reason for standing under the trailer?????

I am but a small fish in a large sea....I did not try to hide my review....rules prevent me from linking....I'mot looking for a audience at the site where I post....other wise I would have posted the link by 'accident'. The review I gave was nothing more or less than what I seen.

Was I wrong to think it was a truck show.....maybe......a vechile to promote safety between cars and trucks...... possibly.......or was it just a huge promotion for the talk show host......which is fine....just don't fool me that its a truck show.

Like I said...this is your sandbox I'm not going to win.....but not even a question on what I thought was wrong.....or what could be fixed?????

Seems you didn't have any interest anyway.

I thought you were the Truck Haven Diva...now a trucker disagrees....and all the cronies jump in......guess I'll have to wait till next year to become a Knight of the Road.

Oh yeah......you didn't tell me what part of the review I got wrong?????

ARRCCOD

[Truckerdoc]

Codman,

You know not of which you speak. Don't project your mindset and motivations into me.

I spearhead the the Highway Interdependence Day because I believe in it. Some of us actually have true beliefs and integrity. The members of the organizing commitee know that they are NOT going to make money. But they believe in the concept. Last year, the HIDC cost me over $2,200.00 of my own money. Am I proud of how I spent my hard-earned money. YES.

When I see the head of a small child with the biggest grin in the world on his or her face because he/she is getting a truck ride for the first time, it's worth it. When the child in a wheel chair gets a truck ride he never thought he would have, it's worth it. When truck drivers come up to me and say that being there restored their faith in truck drivers because they met so many goods one, it's worth it. When families brag about the bicycle licenses their children got, it's worth it. When mothers tell me their children had a ball visiting the trucks, it's worth it. When a young man tells me that he never knew truck drivers could be so funny, it's worth it. When people learn about blind spots, it's worth it. When I see families working together and having fun on scavenger hunt, it's worth it.

But you won't know of these things. You have chosen a different path- one of a subterfuge and negativity.

When you called and spoke to me, you were not open and truthful. I told you that the HIDC is not like anything else you know. The truck competition was for the public, not for the drivers' egos. I told you that we are not allowed to cook our own food because we are required to use the stadium concession.

You try to compare the HIDC with a truck show. BUT YOU CAN'T. IT'S NOT A TRUCK SHOW. The problem you're having is that you can't compare the HIDC to anything because we are one of a kind.

There's another world out there, Codman. And some of us walk in it. And we find a lot of laughter, joy, meaningfulness and comraderie in this world. Maybe you ought to abandon all those hang ups you have had since childhood and join us. You might find that there is actually something bigger than you in the universe. And you just might find friendship.

[StorminNormanJR]

Let me start off by saying that I am one of the people who attended the Celebration who was not a sponsor or a participant. Nor was I there for financial or promotional gain.

You say you came here to find facts ?

Let me educate you with a few facts:

KnightTime, Inc. is a NON-PROFIT corporation whose purpose is to promote and enhance the quality of life, health, safety and economics of truck drivers through research, media, public dialogue and events.

So before you make statements claiming it might have been a huge promotion for a talk show host get your FACTS straight.

Guess what ? All the cronies you refer to here are truckers, family members of truckers, and friends of truckers, or didn't you notice that. There were 18 trucks entered into the competition that day. Believe it or not it's a no-brainer to figure out which truck was yours. 17 of those trucks were brought there that day by people willing to put their trucks on display to help educate the general public. The small entry fee they paid was a donation to the non-profit corporation. When was the last time you paid only $15 to enter your truck in a full scale Truck Show (which is something that you're trying to make this out to be) ?. Not once was this Celebration advertised as a "Truck Show". There was only mention that there would be a Peoples Choice Truck Competition as one of the many events scheduled that day. However, in your interview you scoffed at the mere idea of the public being able to judge trucks.

As far as this being her "sandbox" you're wrong again! Dr. Youngblood VOLUNTEERS her time here to interact with truckers and non-truckers alike and has offered guidance to many of these members. Most of us appreciate the advice, guidance, and giving of her FREE time to help others. If by calling us cronies you mean friends of hers, then YES that's the first thing you've managed to get right.

It's obvious that your ego has blurred the whole concept of what life, friends, and the Celebration that day were all about. In my opinion, you've got a long road to travel before you could even be considered worthy of the title, Knight of the Road. As you stated in your review; you'd be better off sitting in your garage looking at yourself and your truck in a mirror. Maybe if you look hard and long enough in that mirror you'll finally see that what really needs to be improved is your attitude.

Since I still posess that vial of that truth serum you refer to - maybe you'd like me to come over to your sandbox and share the TRUTH. Heck, I might even write a review about YOU and YOUR REVIEW in order to enlighten some of the readers in your sandbox that you have misinformed. You know, just a favor to help you improve your reviews. :harhar:

[ARRCCOD]

Dr......I didn't know we were getting so friendly that you wanted to call me Codman????

I was not truthful?.....I don't remember lying to you....you told me no grilling....I complied.

I remember you saying about the truck competition.....and saying...I never been to anything like it.......I thought you were being coy....and I interpreted it wrong......my fault.

Ahhhh Mr Stormin Normin,

Just because it Non-profit I didn't realize I had to lower my standards.

It also doesn't make you Hollier than thou.

Its nice the Doc does charity work and good for her.

I do charity work also but I don't have any cronies crowing at my donations....I'd rather be discreet.

You think I have a grudge against the Dr....I've never met her....I don't listen to her show.....I don't know her....there would be no reason for me to have a grudge against her.

You mentioned my ego....as if its a bad thing....of course I have an ego....thats why I drive a show quality truck and not a ragtag truck as others do.

Of course you could tell my truck from the others.....it was properly prepared!

You say there was 18 trucks in the show that really wasn't a show. Well maybe 5 of them were not brought by the sponsors. You make it sound like a bad thing that I brought my truck and showed it.....I thought that was the thing you were promoting.

If the whole thing is not a truck show then no offense should be taken by the review.

The question you should be pondering is not whether my review was good or bad.....but why (according to staff I talked to) you had around a 100 trucks there the 1st year.......only 18 the 2nd year....and only 5 of them weren't sponsor related.

I'll give you 20% for the fuel and Latrina.....but 80% didn't come back.....Hmmmmmm.

Do you think the "Event" was well organized?????

If your saying that the "EVENT" was a success because of the words charity and Non-profit so be it.

Yes I made a statement that the public are not good judges at trucks shows, though in my opinion is OK as an extra award or trophy. There is a reason the public doesn't judge at dog shows....the cute on wins every time.

The fact that some just showed up with a quick wash job and others with polished a wax trucks makes me think you don't know the difference. There was time and effort spent by a few to bring some nice trucks to the show....oh thats right...... event.

As far as the facts
Transport for Christ Show Lenbanon, PA Free..... 150 trucks....there was a $5 charge for a great BBQ afterwords.

Spencer's Truck Show Williamsport, PA.......75 trucks....$15

Carlisle Truck Show Carlisle, PA.......125 truck......$50 entry fee....$70 goody bag to participant.

The Buck Truck Show Lancaster, PA.......115 trucks......$20 fee

So get off your high horse thinking we got something for nothing.

If you want to come over to where I post and review me....your more than welcome to.

All opinions are welcome there even dissenting ones.

ARRCCOD

[StorminNormanJR]

Arrccod, you claim you came here to find facts and that is what I educated you with.

I can tell these injections of truth serum are causing you pain and discomfort. However, if by supplying you with the facts that you asked for makes you think I am Holier than Thou - or riding on a high horse, then your perception is even more warped than I thought it was. WHINE, WHINE, WHINE

I do charity work also but I don't have any cronies crowing at my donations....I'd rather be discreet.

The reason I brought to your attention that KnightTime is a non-profit organization is because of the sarcastic claims YOU flipantly made. It was brought up to enlighten YOU. YOU are the one, because of your lack of knowledge, who tried to turn the whole celebration into something it was not and bill it as a truck show/publicity event. Isn't that right ??

I truly think you did not come here and expect to get the response you did. However, now that you have been enlightened with the FACTS it's perfectly clear to everyone by your last post that you're the one who's sitting on that high horse looking down your nose.

It's obvious your lack of tact, respect and your condescending attitude have come through for everyone to see.

It's a small world, isn't it BILL ?? ;)

[ARRCCOD]

Ok this is the end.

I was hoping of possibly of an exchange of ideas.

Instead I got Stonewalling and Denial.

Of course I asked questions I knew the answer to....I was checking to see how honest your answers were.

Sit back in your most comfortable chair.....pour a nice Jack Daniel's.....straight up......put on your rosy colored glasses....life is good.

I will not respond anymore.

You shot the messenger.

Better Luck on you next endeavor!

ARRCCOD

[Uncle Truck]

I could not attend the Celebration as I was doing a run for hurricane relief, yet was very sorry I couldn't make it. I'm sure many others were in the same situation with their WORK trucks running some very important loads over the weekend. In other words some of us "Ragtags" had some work to do other than waxing and polishing, there were a LOT of us in the relief areas.

If I could have attended, I understand the spirit of the Knights of the Road and that the event is not meant as something to be criticized, regardless of turnout. Mr Acccod or whoever he is looks to be someone who is upset because his black Peterbilt/KW/whatever Ego-powered machine didn't get the attention he so painstakingly sought after by bringing it to the celebration. He was probably just there as a PA local looking for another show trophy for his mantle. Tough luck wax cowboy, you can live with one loss so stop your bawling :crying: I have owned many show quality cars, and brought them to events. Some I won at, some I didn't. But no matter what, every event I went to, be it based on the contest or something else I had a good time at just for the sake of being there and talking and interacting with others at these events regarless if there were 10 people or 10,000. Is that something that is too hard for Cod to get a grasp of? I guess so.

Maybe this self-proclaimed show critic will have better luck at the next TRUCK SHOW, and find somewhere else to make his meaningless points because his tanks are doing nothing but leaking fuel here and his stacks spewing a lot of BLACK SMOKE that is taking more of the shine from his chrome :toughcrowd:



-UT-

[Uncle Fester]

You know, when I read your initial post, I actually thought that you were an industry writer or something, turns out you're just somone who has an ax to grind.

Let me explain this in such a way so you can take it to your friends back in the short school bus and hopefully, they will understand sooner than you.

A truck show in the classic sense is about the "me", "Look at MY truck, ain't it pretty"

The Highway Interdependence day celebration is focused on the "WE" and the "show" is simply a part of the larger picture.

Coming from someone who didn't even show up on the right day last year, your "review" is taken with the correct amount of salt as I would any other simpelton who didn't like the fact that, 1)The spectators were given the choice of which truck they liked and wanted to win and 2)You had to pay for something to eat, same as everyone else and 3) You didn't win.
Maybe your "large car" isn't so special afterall?

Insofar as your vicious critisizim about Sonny Arron, you recalled him as the "guy in leather pants doing karoke", what makes his act any different from Joey Holiday who does the EXACT SAME THING?
Joey Holiday doesn't have a band backing him up and I am sure if Sonny found the sponsors that Joey has, he'd have a show truck just as cool.
I bought one of Sonny's CD's and truth be told, I wish I'd have bought a few others because I happen to enjoy his singing. The CD quite as polished as those that come from Sony Music, but I actually think that's part of the appeal.
Sonny and his wife, Christina are two of the nicest people I've ever been lucky enough to meet and if trying to realize his dreams is something you would hold against him, that demonstrates a small-minded, ignoble and petty state of mind.

Your comments about the legal disclaimers being posted on every vehicle also shows that you have painfully little understanding of how letigious our society has become and the lesson will only be driven home on the day when a process server arrives with some official looking papers naming you as the "Defendant".
You know, there's an old saying that "Chrome doesn't get you home", but failing to protect yourself from legal exposure will allow a lawyer to take your home and all your chrome-leaving you with nothing more than the company truck that you disparage.

As far as people being "under the rigging", I didn't see it myself, but giving you the benifit of the doubt I would have to agree that wasn't very wise-I didn't go anywhere near that rig and only shot it through a zoom lens for just that reason.

Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard were on-hand to meet the public, talk to people and since two of them just got back from Iraq, they took the time to tell others about the good things that our troops are doing there instead of the doomsday reporting that the major media reports on every day.

You also failed to mention the rescue and extrication drill where two cars were chopped to pieces by the local rescue squad-always very cool to watch, you failed to mention the games and activities we had to keep kids occupied nor did you mention the over 60,000 pounds of disaster relief supplies that we were able to assemble and then transport ot the victims of Hurrican Katrina and the $245.00 we raised for the University of Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association to assist their efforts to save and care for the companion animals that were abandoned, lost and injured as a result of this storm.
But hey, it was just supposed to be a truck show, right?

You also "forgot" to mention the truck rides that were free for all which is something that many truck shows don't offer-I guess that's because this particular event is more inclusive than the self-aggrandizing shows that attract others.

However, your comments have given me a few ideas:
Perhaps next year, we could also have a "Truckers cook-off" and allow people such as yourself who want to bring a grill to show their stuff.

I also think that next year we might try to have the local air-ambulance/medivac at the show, but this is problamatic as if they get a call, they will have to leave and helicopter downwash in a gravel parking lot can be downright painful.

Here's an idea for you:
Why don't YOU put together a show yourself with no staff, few sources of funding, charge a minnescule entry fee and no admission fee to the public?
I would also be very careful on the name-calling, your right of free speech does not protect or indemnify you against things like liable and slander- by making inflammatory statements in a public forum, you are skating on dangerously thin ice from a legal standpoint.
Remember, lawyers to defend yourself aren't free.

Look ARRCCOD, here's the bottom line:
You seem to easily find fault with things that don't meet the standards of your own expectations. Not only is that self-centered, it's pretty ignorant in my opinion.

I'm sorry that you weren't satisfied, but the kids that got to ride in a semi-truck, many for the first time in their lives seemed to enjoy it, they also enjoyed the free games and scavenger hunt.
Couldn't you find everything on the list?
The public who attended and got to see some interesting things without having to pay for parking, then for admission and treated their kids to a free snow-cone seemed to enjoy the time they spent there.
Maybe you should get use to the fact that it wasn't all about you and yours isn't the standard by which all things are to be judged.

What is more, if according to you we are "doomed to repeat history" how can you make such an statement when you couldn't even show up on the right day last year?

A map and a calander would be helpful, but judging by your attitude you wouldn't own one unless someone gave those to you, too.

Sheryl Youngblood did most of the work putting this show together herself and given the fact that she is a P.H.D. in industrial psycology, shen doesn't really need the extra workload. Never the less, she has dedicated her time, effort and her own money to promote the work and efforts of drivers everywhere.

I'd take one of her kind over ten of you any day. The problem is, there are far too many with your attitude and too few people like Sheryl.


NOTE: This message was cross-posted on AACCOD's message board.

[StorminNormanJR]

You got the truth and the facts. It's a shame you still can't seem to remove those blinders and accept it.

That's right Bill, we shot the messenger. That's exactly what happens to people that call themselves messengers, when in fact they are just ill informed "self-proclaimed" critics. Your credibility and your character are full of holes. From your posts, it looks like you've done a great job of burying yourself already. In fact, let me take this opportunity to throw but one more shovel full of dirt of your grave.

I want everyone to see what you said just a few weeks ago when you wrote a suggestion on how to make truck shows better. It just proves how you came here with an ulterior motive and how you speak with forked tongue.

I propose a precentage of the registration fee be donated to charity either a local or national. There are many needy charities looking for money. This would also help the industry image (look what it has done for motorcycles) and your truck and the show may get local and national attention which is what we're all looking for anyway. Then win or lose you can feel good that you helped.


Again, it's obvious that you don't practice what you preach "O Holier Than Thou" one. You only talk the talk. It's too bad you couldn't listen to your own words and accept the fact that your truck LOST but at the same time feel good about helping. No, you had to look down your nose at all those other truckers and the public that attended. Like I said, "Sour Grapes" !

As the "self-appointed truck show critic" it might be wise for you to heed the words of Uncle Fester. "Be very careful on the name-calling, your right of free speech does not protect or indemnify you against things like liable and slander- by making inflammatory statements in a public forum, you are skating on dangerously thin ice from a legal standpoint".

I am going to be very interested in hearing and seeing what the Sponsors have to say and what legal action they might decide to take against you when they read that you have called them "WHORES". I have taken the liberty of making sure they all get to see what you had to say.

See ya around Bill ! :bye:

[Maverick]

:D Thank you all very much for setting the record straight for that self righteous, self centered, self proclaimed "Truck Show" critic that decided he would come over here and attempt to bad mouth this years "Highway Interdependence Day Celebration."

He tried to claim that he only wanted to initiate an exchange of ideas as to why the celebration was, in his opinion, a miserable excuse for a "Truck Show" because he didn't know what it was really all about and because he didn't even come close to winning the publics choice of the best chrome, best paint job, best interior, best rigged rig, or the coolest truck. Waaaa, Waaaa :crying:

He failed to mention any of the cool stuff that was there to do and see. He just whined, complained, and criticized because we had a low turnout this year and no one was impressed with his truck.

I am of the opinion that there is always room for improvement and I know that next years event will be even bigger and better! I must say that after reading his posts and his review it was very clear to me that he lacks the intelligence, the tact, or the skills needed to accomplish much of anything other than polishing his truck, therein polishing his over inflated ego, and to criticize the efforts and hard work of people that spend their time and money to benefit others.

Well, I've already spent too much time writing about this person as you all have done a wonderful job of attempting to enlighten him of the truth and facts.
Even if your efforts weren't able to be absorbed by such a selfish, selfcentered, egomaniac, at least you all did a wonderful job of chasing him out of our kingdom and hence back to where other poor souls may have to deal with his unjustified feelings of self worth and self importance.

I knew from the beginning that he would never be allowed to come here and pretend to be a wise and qualified messenger just trying to help us educate ourselves on why he thought this years HIDC was short of his expectations.

I also knew from the very beginning that he would be no match for those Knights that are quick to stand up, defend, and speak out against anyone that would attempt to criticize one of our most revered. His uneducated assumtions and inflamatory verbage was met with swift and decisive rebuttal!

So I say thanks again to members here and to the "Knights of the Road" for slaying the dragon from another land, even if he wasn't that much of a challenge. :clap: :cheers: :ninja: :chase:

[Truckerdoc]

Thank you, Sir Galahad, and all the other Knights. You made a very point about Knights standing up for what is right. The whole event is about truckdrivers helping the public gain a better understanding of them and highway safety. We even pay out of our pockets to do this. How can anyone have a problem with that?

I guess the Codman expected us all to prostrate ourselves before his words of non-wisdom, such as his friend to whom he keeps alluding did. But some of us actually think and reason.

Moving on, we need to use this same Knight comraderie to roust other malefic individuals and practices (politicians and others who work against the good of drivers) from our midst.

"When people who live by a code of chivalry come together, they form a knighthood and have tremendous power to do good in our world."

I would rather go into battle anyday with 12 commited men and women than 1,000 irresolute individuals.

[Uncle Truck]

Even after reading Our Cod's own writeup at his said community, it held nothing at all- certainly nothing for him other than some of his buddies referring to one of us Knights as a "girlie man," which unfortunately as a member of your own community happens time to time.. not a problem.. We can take it, at least we don't hide behind a red Peterbilt logo shothered with wax.

I ask Our Cod to make the same effort to attend the celebration as he did the first year- miss it. Cod, it obviously is not the thing for you. Stick to your mirrors and your own perceived self image- that perception is your best friend, even if the people in your own community like you or not.:)

-UT-

[Uncle Truck]

A little investigation by me revealed that Arrcood’s critiques are posted to one of the absolute worst rated trucking websites to exist on the internet (PM me for proof) and for being in existence for almost six years the editor of this site should consider his site’s rating to be appalling. With his first post here on this thread at TSU I was under the impression Arrccod was a credited professional critic of trucking events- he is nothing of the such.

This rating of the said site editor is no doubt due to the quality of the people who post to his forums. Issues brought before these people in a civilized manner will likely result in the person bringing up the issues being openly called derogatory names, followed by a rash of redneck style high-five’s from its few other active members who join in the pack of flannel. This thread was not stopped here at TSU, and Arrccod was given every opportunity to present his case and defend it. The same favor was not returned at the site where Arrccod posted his critique, the thread was locked by the editor as IMHO Arrcood and his friends were swiftly embarrassing themselves, and presented no formidable challenge to any of the Knights of the Road I know.

-UT-

[The Kid]

I thought we put up a good fight. The thread was locked because of the bashing of the site and of certain people who were not invloved. Also because it was a distraction from what the site was really about. You wouldn't under stand. Swiftly embarrassing themselves.......yeah we had about the easiest questions there could be. Why was there low attendence. You guys answered with the comment that all on the site were stupid and that we hated charities and that we also support a bad man. I'll be at the show next year. Some of us from the other site and the Knights of the road can talk this out like men.

Oh you know his name is Bill. Well mine is Chris, Norman. So now you can call me Chris all the time and think your a big shot.

[saddletramp]

To Trucker Doc and all supporters of the show,
I am over here on the other side of the country and I would have loved to attended the celebration. It sounded like a good time and gave alot of non trucker folks a chance to see what our industry is all about.
Years ago we would have local "shows" to let the people have a look at the trucks they see on the road every day up close and a chance to talk and interact with drivers. Some of the trucks were of show quality but many were the work horses they see every day, like delivery vehicles and concrete mixers, dump trucks and even some of the small trucks from UPS, the Post office, and the dairy companies. Mixed in with some good food that local vendors brought in plus some music from local groups and it was a good time for all. We did many of these events back in the early 70's and I sometimes wish we could get the interest to do them again.
But unfortunalty, the attitude of many has changed over the years and it is hard to get the public to understand at times that we are good folks who enjoy what we do and really want to interact with the public in a good way and share our industry with them. Too many times the only interaction they have with a truck is when one is blowing by them on the freeway or setting about a foot off their back bumper.
Events like the ones The Doc helps to put together is what the industry needs to build that trust back with the very people we serve every day.
Thanks for hearing me out! :)

[Truckerdoc]

I'm happy to hear that there were events that used to reach out to the public because that makes it easier to do them again. It's my committee's dream to have the Interdependence Day Celebration in cities all over the country. Maybe you could get something started again on the West coast. A truck driver called me over a month ago because he had read about the Highway Interdependence Day. He was moving back to Alabama and wanted to get a Celebration going out there next year. He has the contacts and physical location to make it happen.

Our committee works hard to bring all kinds of trucks and vehicles into the event. For example, this year we had the little waste disposal truck that can be steered from both sides because we knew the kids would love it. And we asked the waste disposal company to bring in a walking floor trailer because both things are neat thing to see.

I ran into a woman this past Wednesday who took her two daughters to the Highway Interdependence Day Celebration. Before the event, she was kind of concerned about the younger daughter's ability to be entertained throughout the day. She said her kids had a great time at the celebration. They made new friends and were filmed by tv cameras as they whacked a car. They loved seeing and doing everything. The youngest one fell asleep during the ride home, and when she woke up, her first words, can we go back to the stadium and see the trucks?

I have a friend in the trucking industry that says I'm doing like beach erosion in reverse: one grain of sand at a time, we're restoring the status of truck drivers.