By what criteria do you pick the Internet hot rod of the month? While I'm sure Wally Is a nice guy and keeps his '99 Cavalier clean and shiny, you be hard pressed to find a worse pick. First, being bone stock, it's not a Hot Rod because it hasn't been hotrodded, (modified from original condition to improve some aspect of performance). Choosing this car has insulted everyone who does spend the time, effort and money to modify their cars, and the manufacturers of the parts they use. Ya, that would be almost all your readers and advertisers. And for playmate of the month, Rosie O'Donnell!
Dump the Group 44 GT6, the Sunbeam Tiger, the Bezerkly, and show up at the Mitty with a bone stock '99 Cavalier and see how much interest that generates!
Smitty
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May 11, 2009 12:05 p.m. LocostSmitty New Reader
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May 11, 2009 1:14 p.m. Tom Heath Production Editor
Wally's car has a certain cult following. It's probably due to the humor-packed description, but also because Wally is a really nice guy.
His not-so-hot hot rod was selected for comedic effect.
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May 11, 2009 1:24 p.m. Tim Baxter Online Editor
It's definitely a crowd favorite, for whatever inexplicable reason, and can boast more comments than anything else in Readers' Rides -- although I notice the Group44 Jag has tied it now.
I suspect Wally is horrified to see people voting it up, too.
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May 11, 2009 5:23 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
Yeah, Wally has a following. And sometimes it's not the amount of work put into a car, but the person behind the wheel.
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May 12, 2009 9:36 a.m. Wally UltraDork
I was as shocked as anyone to see that. I was on the train with a fresh box of Lorna Doones and saw that picture. I cringed as I thought of the phones ringing off the hook with cancelations and the angry letters pouring in. I was afraid that most of the responses would be like Smitty's. I appreciate His kind words about me, and my car, although it's not as shiny as it looks in pictures and it is not bone stock, having had they exhaust hangers replaced by Home Depot hose clamps. I was flattered that it was chosen and despite all the angry phone calls and letters that poured in, and probably a firing or two I am pleased to announce some good came from it. I picked up a copy to send to my 10th grade english teacher. She said nothing I'd write would ever be read beyond a men's room wall. I had the page enlarged for her 80 something year old eyes and sent to her retirement home.
I was flattered, but I hope the next editor of the IHROTM section uses better judgement.
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May 13, 2009 6:32 a.m. z31maniac Dork
LocostSmitty wrote:
By what criteria do you pick the Internet hot rod of the month? While I'm sure Wally Is a nice guy and keeps his '99 Cavalier clean and shiny, you be hard pressed to find a worse pick. First, being bone stock, it's not a Hot Rod because it hasn't been hotrodded, (modified from original condition to improve some aspect of performance). Choosing this car has insulted everyone who does spend the time, effort and money to modify their cars, and the manufacturers of the parts they use. Ya, that would be almost all your readers and advertisers. And for playmate of the month, Rosie O'Donnell! Dump the Group 44 GT6, the Sunbeam Tiger, the Bezerkly, and show up at the Mitty with a bone stock '99 Cavalier and see how much interest that generates!
SmittyYou seem to lack the necessary sense of humor to get the full enjoyment out of this crowd.
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May 13, 2009 11:06 a.m. Keith UberDork
He does have a point. The choice of Wally's car in the magazine was a bit of an in-joke. I enjoyed it, but I can see how someone who's not a forum regular might not.
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May 13, 2009 12:18 p.m. Kramer Reader
Wally wrote: I was flattered, but I hope the next editor of the IHROTM section uses better judgement.
Wally, don't be so hard on yourself. Your car is perfectly suitable for IHROTM for, say, the March issue.
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May 19, 2009 8:33 a.m. Matt B New Reader
I had a good chuckle when came across it in the issue. I also thought, "man, there must be really slim pickin's!" hehe
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May 19, 2009 8:37 a.m. RossD Reader
+1 ^, I went back and re-read his online description just for fun.
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May 23, 2009 12:17 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
Don't worry, next issue's car is a bit more modified.
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May 23, 2009 2:53 p.m. Trans_Maro Reader
Next month it'll have a red "R" sticker.
Shawn
