Comments on: The 4X4 Charter http://4x4fever.com/news/the-4x4-charter/ Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:10:48 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Shayne http://4x4fever.com/news/the-4x4-charter/comment-page-1/#comment-364 Shayne Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:41:05 +0000 http://4x4fever.com/?p=56#comment-364 Robin, thank you for taking the time to respond to this post. We differ in opinion on a number of fronts (particular the finance angle and the fact the pledge is not 4X4 specific), but you did clear up some of the assumptions I made. I don't dare underestimate the work you've put into this so far and as I said many times, the concept of this is so so exciting, just the execution lacks IMO. but I do wish you all the very best of luck and as you've said -- someone had to take the initiative, so kudos for that. Robin, thank you for taking the time to respond to this post. We differ in opinion on a number of fronts (particular the finance angle and the fact the pledge is not 4X4 specific), but you did clear up some of the assumptions I made.

I don’t dare underestimate the work you’ve put into this so far and as I said many times, the concept of this is so so exciting, just the execution lacks IMO.

but I do wish you all the very best of luck and as you’ve said — someone had to take the initiative, so kudos for that.

]]> By: Robin Cole http://4x4fever.com/news/the-4x4-charter/comment-page-1/#comment-363 Robin Cole Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:02:18 +0000 http://4x4fever.com/?p=56#comment-363 With all due respect it’s easy to be critical when not in the direct line of fire. Here in the UK the media portray 4x4s in a very negative light, thanks to the many anti 4x4 groups, creating much stigma and numerous problems for British 4x4 owners. By adopting the Charter it makes it very hard for the anti 4x4 lobby to slate us so much (regardless as to if we are country dwellers or urban users) as we can now be seen as doing something to address the anti lobby and Governments concerns. I'm sorry that you found the website to have a commercial feel, and that we are offering £850 in our free prize draw. But I don't see anyone else taking the time or putting their hand in their own pocket to fund any of this in an attempt to put 4x4 owners in a better light. With regards to the membership fee we think £22 is really good value for what you get - tree, membership card, window stickers, certificate, dedicated phone line and access to our members area which contains numerous offers, advice, forums, free competitions, live chat etc. Not forgetting that any profits are ploughed back to campaign and lobby Government on the behalf of 4x4 owners, in an effort to get our crazy road fund licence fees, purchase tax and fuel duty reduced. Combined with our special offers it is actually possible for a member to claw back their membership fee, for example discounts on insurance or offers on computers, maps, books etc. In addition members can actually earn a few ££ should they wish. Agreed the Charter has 10 basic principles that could apply to any motorist, however how many motorists would pledge and make a financial commitment to it? This is what sets us 4x4 users apart and shows our commitment to being responsible and considerate motorists. In the UK their are numerous places and off road centres that are acceptable locations to try out off roading skills without damaging the countryside that others (for example walkers and horse riders) have access to. None of us here at the Charter drive a BMW X5. All our 4x4s are more than 6 years old and all have had plenty of off road use, in fact one of them is used daily off road. None of us seek fame, we just have a passion for 4x4s and the environment and we wish to carry on enjoying both without the prejudice and stigma. Someone somewhere had to take the initiative, in our case it wasn't someone but some group - we work as a team. Far from failing, we have had good press coverage about our intentions over here, and our membership numbers are growing daily. The 4x4 Charter has been funded by 4x4 owners and is managed by 4x4 owners who give their time free of charge (no one gets a pay packet), so that all 4x4 owners can continue to enjoy their vehicles without being priced off the road or being targets of hate campaigns. To us its ethical and makes a lot of sense. With all due respect it’s easy to be critical when not in the direct line of fire. Here in the UK the media portray 4×4s in a very negative light, thanks to the many anti 4×4 groups, creating much stigma and numerous problems for British 4×4 owners.

By adopting the Charter it makes it very hard for the anti 4×4 lobby to slate us so much (regardless as to if we are country dwellers or urban users) as we can now be seen as doing something to address the anti lobby and Governments concerns.

I’m sorry that you found the website to have a commercial feel, and that we are offering £850 in our free prize draw. But I don’t see anyone else taking the time or putting their hand in their own pocket to fund any of this in an attempt to put 4×4 owners in a better light.

With regards to the membership fee we think £22 is really good value for what you get – tree, membership card, window stickers, certificate, dedicated phone line and access to our members area which contains numerous offers, advice, forums, free competitions, live chat etc. Not forgetting that any profits are ploughed back to campaign and lobby Government on the behalf of 4×4 owners, in an effort to get our crazy road fund licence fees, purchase tax and fuel duty reduced.

Combined with our special offers it is actually possible for a member to claw back their membership fee, for example discounts on insurance or offers on computers, maps, books etc. In addition members can actually earn a few ££ should they wish.

Agreed the Charter has 10 basic principles that could apply to any motorist, however how many motorists would pledge and make a financial commitment to it? This is what sets us 4×4 users apart and shows our commitment to being responsible and considerate motorists.

In the UK their are numerous places and off road centres that are acceptable locations to try out off roading skills without damaging the countryside that others (for example walkers and horse riders) have access to.

None of us here at the Charter drive a BMW X5. All our 4×4s are more than 6 years old and all have had plenty of off road use, in fact one of them is used daily off road.

None of us seek fame, we just have a passion for 4×4s and the environment and we wish to carry on enjoying both without the prejudice and stigma. Someone somewhere had to take the initiative, in our case it wasn’t someone but some group – we work as a team.

Far from failing, we have had good press coverage about our intentions over here, and our membership numbers are growing daily.

The 4×4 Charter has been funded by 4×4 owners and is managed by 4×4 owners who give their time free of charge (no one gets a pay packet), so that all 4×4 owners can continue to enjoy their vehicles without being priced off the road or being targets of hate campaigns.

To us its ethical and makes a lot of sense.

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