Question about Blogging my Experience of Inheriting a large car collection.

[Guest lunaperro]

I suppose many people already know about my father, Norm Miller's recent passing. This is his daughter Donna.

I have been thinking about chronicling the experience of what it is like to be the heir of a large collection like this. I would like it to be something that would pay tribute to my dad by giving some history about his car collecting passion, but also show the human side and chronicle the lessons learned. I also believe that sharing this story is therapeutic.

Trouble is, I don't know how to start a blog. I see that there is that option on this site, but is a venue that I could use, sort of like a diary?

[alsancle]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You could try this:

www.blogger.com

which is a free blogging service.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Donna, first of all our condolences. I know that you still have things to resolve as I did talk to Mary B. A blog would be good but you also could run a monthly series in Speedster our monthly email blast or do a story for our magazine. It depends on your talent as a writer and the time you want to devote to doing this. Norm was a true car guy and I am sure he is missed by many.

[Guest lunaperro]

Would it be disrespectful?

[keiser31]

Would it be disrespectful?

No, I think it would be informative, not disrespectful.

[MCHinson]

lunaperro,

First, Sorry for your loss. Second, Welcome to the AACA Discussion Forum.

While not quite a blog, but you could easily post what you want to say right here on the AACA Discussion Forum. That would allow you to post what you want to say, and come back later and post again in the same discussion. It would serve the same purpose of a blog, with the added benefit (or maybe detriment) that others could also comment on your posts here. You could take a look Unimogjohn's long running Avanti Discussion at this link to get an idea of how this would work in the Discussion Forum format.

http://forums.aaca.org/f190/avanti-r2-1963-refresh-269244.html

[sambarn]

Donna,

I experienced the same situation when my fathr died and I began to continue in the hobby without him. I would love to hear your experiences and knowing that car guys are communal in nature, I imagine your father would proud of your efforts and would love that you chose to share these experiences. Have you considered blogging in the "Our restoration/current projects" segment of the forum. you would be able to share as well as recieving feedback from others if you feel stuck. I personally would love to read about your time with the cars and if you have the experience I had, the way you find your father in the cars and the hobby. Please let us know what you decide.

[Guest lunaperro]

Thanks for your input everybody.

I have some ideas in my head, and hope to get some pictures together with stories soon.

Donna

[Marty Roth]

Hi Donna,

First, our condolences on Norm's passing.

When Dale and I bought his 1952 Kaiser Manhattan, he decided to drive it from Iowa to Metairie, LA and to deliver it personally. I agreed to cover his (and a nephew, I believe) trip expenses and return flight. That way he could then cross the Mississippi River and visit with his (former) in-laws.

He had barely left Iowa, and got caught in an Ice Storm on the Interstate. I believe they spent an additional three days caught in the storm, living, eating, and smoking cigars in the car. The aroma of the cigars lingered until Dale urged me to have the entire interior restored.

The 1952 Kaiser was a great-driving car and we enjoyed it for several years. We later passed it along to a collector in Mina, Arkansas whom we met at the Petit Jean Mountain Swap Meet which is held each year during the week leading up to Fathers' Day. The meet is hosted by MOTAA, the Mid-America Old Time Auto Association.

We would enjoy reading of your experiences, and ecourage your writing as your time and thoughs permit.

[Guest lunaperro]

I remember that! Dad went with my Cousin, Miles. Miles is from Westwego, La and had never been up north in the winter time. He was anxious to see "real' snow, and boy, did he get his wish. I heard they were stuck for sometime. I didn't know about the cigars, but that is hilarious!

Thanks so much for sharing this story.

Donna

[1937hd45]

Sorry to read about your loss. Could you or someone on this Forum please explain what a BLOG is and how it differs from posting a reply like the one I'm typing now? I'm 61, too old to understand Facebook, and have no need to see what I'm told gets posted there.

[MCHinson]

1937hd45,

Let me see if I can explain it in terms that will make sense...

Essentially on the discussion Forum we have a dialogue, where different people can type a conversation back and forth.

Typically a blog is a Monologue, where the blog author can tell what they want to tell in writing but no one else has access to reply.

[1937hd45]

That's it? I feel as let down as that kid in the Christmas Story with the Little Orphan Annie decoder ring. Someone will take the time to write a letter or book and stick it floating around on the internet? How in the world would someone find it, why would they want to? (General question, not directed at the OP)

[CarlLaFong]

Sorry to read about your loss. Could you or someone on this Forum please explain what a BLOG is and how it differs from posting a reply like the one I'm typing now? I'm 61, too old to understand Facebook, and have no need to see what I'm told gets posted there.

Blog is short for web log. This is mine

Carl La Fong...Boy Genius™

It's nothing more than a diary. People can find it through Google searches or, as I usually do, by direct link. Mine is open to all and comments can be posted. I will admit that few people actually look at mine, since it's focus is rather narrow. I started it to show the world (well, maybe a few people) what I'm doing and why. This could all be posted on a website, such as this, but since the blog is mine, there are no constraints. I can say and post whatever I like without fear of censorship. I'm the moderator. Mine happens to be about as controversial as a church pot luck social, but that's my choice. Also, nothing is off topic. If I want to share my experiences with restoring an antique car or a recipe for pumpkin pie, I can. I like blogs

[Guest lunaperro]

Carl, I just checked out your blog. It's cute, and very funny too!

[1937hd45]

Never seen or read a blog, sounds a lot like the long family history of the year Christmas cards two people send us every year.

[Guest lunaperro]

Yeah, I really don't want to do that. I can barely read my mail as it is, and the long family history Christmas Cards, well, lets just say I try to read them, but often don't finish.

Some blogs are better than others. The ones I like have lots of pictures.

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Perhaps you can just start a thread here, as you did this one, with a title of My inheritance, or some such. Talk and add pictures. We will come. We will read. We will comment. Promise.

Ben

[earl e rizer]

Yeah, I really don't want to do that. I can barely read my mail as it is, and the long family history Christmas Cards, well, lets just say I try to read them, but often don't finish.

Some blogs are better than others. The ones I like have lots of pictures.

Please start with posting some pictures. Make a few comments on the subject and why it was special enough for your father to own it. I think you will find this an easy way to start a thread. Then if you enjoy it, and the comments from members here you could start a blog.

I don't think you will find a more encouraging audience then right here!

[Guest danceswithpumps]

Hi, Lunaperra.

I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I lost my Dad a year ago next month and understand the bitter sweet feelings you are probably experiencing with all of those memories of your Dad. There aren't very many hours during the day but what I don't see something or do something that brings back memories of my Dad or an event we shared as we farmed together some 35 years not counting my 18 childhood years at home.

In my opinion, I really think a forum is nicer than a blog as I enjoy others' input such as Marty Roth sharing their experience with your Dad and loved hearing your reaction to it. I know I enjoy hearing experiences others have had with my Dad.

Like someone mentioned, I'm 64 and don't do any blogging but do enjoy these forums.

Thank you for sharing memories of your Dad, although I never had the pleasure of meeting him.

Rod

Edited February 21, 2012 by danceswithpumps (see edit history)

[Guest Nancy DeWitt]

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum has a blog through blogspot: Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. It features restoration updates, Alaska motoring history, profiles on our cars and other news. Like many blogs, it IS set up so that readers can leave comments.

Sorry about your loss, Donna. I'd love to see you do a blog, as it would give you more flexibility with your writing and photos.