Snow Problems
Reader: I drive an FJ and love reading your great magazine. I was reading the article "Snow Bashing" (June '08) when I noticed that they were using three tow straps and a snatch block to pull a Jeep back onto the trail, page 84. It appears to me that they have inadvertently made a slingshot out of tow straps. If the link to the Jeep breaks or comes loose, the people in the picture are in the firing line of the slingshot. Please look into this and advise your readers to use caution when selecting pull-point systems using straps.
Philip
WV
Editor: Right, this type of recovery should only be made by seasoned veterans who know the limits of the equipment and make safety the top priority. Thanks for pointing it out!
Ultimate Adventure Blues!
Reader: I'm a longtime reader-and a wanna-be owner! I would love to see a full layout on Patrick Deming's beautiful blue Bronco. Sometimes your mag shows just a glimpse of a great rig. The Bronco should run its own mag.
Love Of The Horse
Editor: Well, horse lover, you make a good point, and we just might do that!
One Upset Reader
Reader: I've subscribed to many a magazine, some good, others not. But not until subscribing to your mag did it come to my attention that you offer an enhanced version for the newsstand. Now I know you gotta be able to afford all the most expensive parts for your sorry splice job of a vehicle (yeah, you, Mr. Pewe) so you can bling for your fan club, but come on! We subscribe to your anemic mag so you can buy stuff you don't even know how to use?! Apparently we're just a bunch of suckers who are dumb (yet dedicated) enough to buy your "magazine" sight unseen. As for your rediculous stipulations regarding the Ultimate Adventure, such as protecting your "marketing value" by having the participants remove any and all stickers, logos, emblems, signs, transfers, insignias, placards, and whatnot-you guys are not only sniffin' RTV again, you must be huffin' the brake cleaner too! Some of my emblems waited patiently for the perfect spot where they now reside. And as for the "lucky reader" who is graciously included in the Ultimate Adventure (and a "representative" of 4WOR, mind you) so lucky that you inform them that they "may get left behind" if youre laggin'. If a reader gets to go, shouldn't you at least offer a coupla bonuses for them (seein's how they're "lucky")? I could go on and on, but I got rocks to bash and mud to blast. I'll close by saying I will not be renewing my subscription anytime soon.(still sore about that "premium" thing).
L. Fox
The Sticks
P.S. If you wanna go rootin' with us out here in the sticks, come on out! But it is mandatory that you display our logos! TWF!
Editor: Wow, I'm really sorry you feel that way. But to answer your letter, may I first remind you that I can't afford to fix my personal Jeep, much less our "sorry splice job of a vehicle". I'll make sure that my hard-working feature editor, Ali Mansour, and shop owner Mel Wade at Off Road Evolution know what you think of their efforts. And "bling"? Come on, do you really think most readers want to see a rat-trap ride on the cover? Other than me and a few like me, I think not. Again, that's what my personal broken pile is for. And yet, I'm still confused about what part I bought that I don't know how to use. Could you be more specific?
Regarding the "enhanced newsstand edition," the price for 12 issues is $71.88 plus tax, and this comes with a special bonus no more than six times a year. On the other hand, if you are a subscriber, yes, you buy the magazine sight-unseen. For a measly buck an issue. If that's too rich for your blood, you can read it online for 50 cents an issue. If you can't risk that, then I'll send you a buck and cancel your subscription for you. I think it's a pretty good deal.
As far as the Ultimate Adventure goes, our "rediculous" rules are the rules. If you don't like them, don't apply. Simple! Now, not all stickers need be removed, only those that clash with a sponsor's stickers. In other words, since Warn is a sponsor, we would prefer not to have a large Ramsey sticker on the vehicle. However, if you choose to run a Ramsey winch, that's fine.
Concerning the participants being a representative of the magazine, yes they are, just as you are a representative of TWF in the Sticks, whatever that means and wherever that is. I hope your group approves of your letter. Your choice, once again. And yes, the participants do get a bonus or two-sometimes free tires, cold beer, food-and some of the best wheeling anywhere. It's not for everybody, but nothing usually is.
And thanks for the invite to go wheeling. I'd genuinely like to do that if I can fit it into the magazine production schedule. I'm sure you could "go on and on," but seeing as you don't want to renew your subscription, I'll say adios and good luck in whatever future magazine you wish to lambaste, and I look forward to your reply, as will our readers.
Point Taken
Readers' Wives?
Reader: Hey, you guys scoffed at the suggestion by John Dowsley (In Box, July '08) but I say why not launch a "readers' wives" section for other wives (like me) who endeavor to stay in the loop about the wheeling lifestyle and lingo. I support my husband's enthusiasm for the sport wholeheartedly but couldn't really tell you the difference between a sway bar and a U-joint. Perhaps the occasional article written by a more astute wife could help me understand the basics so that my passion for wheeling can catch up to that which I have for my husband. How 'bout it, ladies?
Jenny Torres
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Well, ladies, anyone up to the task?