General Information Handbook

hudsontech
hudsontech Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
As many of you are aware, I have, over the years, put together a rather length book called General Information Handbook for Hudson Built Cars. I have offered this for sale for many years and response has been fairly positive.



I have reached that point in my life where, at the age of 72, I know that in not to many more years I'm no longer going to be interested in keeping the research for this book going and updating, etc. Like my web site I really wouldn't like to see this book disappear when it's my turn to take that last journey that we all will take sooner or later.



I have done much soul searching about putting the book on my web site. It's not something I take lightly - there is, in my mind an ethical question. Is it fair to those who have bought a copy of my book to offer it up for free on my web site.



There are, however, some positives at work here. A few are:

1) Those that have purchased it in the past would have access to the changes and updates that have been made over the years;

2) It would be available to a wider range of Hudson owners and researchers;

3) It would remain available later on down the line.



As for my web site - I am currently working with Aaron Cooper to attach my site to the HET club web site. This will insure it stays around for a long while and, in the process of moving it there is far more information on it now than there was on my freewebs site (you can check out what's there @ www.hetclub.org/burr - at the moment it's a list, but the files can be opened by clicking on them.



So if I put the handbook on-line it, like the web site, will be available as long as there is a club web site.



I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this.



Thank you.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

www.hetclub.org/burr

Comments

  • Sarah Young
    Sarah Young Senior Contributor
    Although I'm an avid internet user and website hostess, there's still there's still those times when you want something in your hand. There are also many people who still avoid the internet like the plague. In the Servicing section of my website, viewers will notice that much of it is based on a Jet Manual, but I've updated sections to include repairs outlined in Technical Bulletins, clearer photos of particular parts, odd things that were never covered in a manual (like restoring headliner bows), and current day replacement and repair. Those things make it nice to have a website to service as a companion to a "hard copy," because how many of us have their lap top sitting on their tool chest when they're wrenching? Not me.



    So, although I purchased a GIH from you a while back, I would not feel badly if you choose to make it freely available on the internet, because I personally think there's some value to having a "hard copy."



    The club store already offers reproduction manuals, etc. Perhaps in time you would consider providing your General Information Handbook as a club store item? Members could choose to purchase it as a c.d. or book though the club store, it could be printed up like they do the manuals. Or you could even do it as digital downloads, where once you complete your purchase, you're given the download link to download it as a pdf. The pdf they're downloading would be the most current one you offer. People who've previously purchased the GIH, can be provided access to update when new versions are available.



    Just some food for thought.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Having also just recently purchased your CD I agree with Hot Rod Mama. The internet is great and like a big library. Sometimes I want to own the resource and not have to remember where I bookmarked the link.



    One other advantage to posting your information freely is that more people may feel like adding to it with their own collection of literature.
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