Audi Driver

[DuncS3]

Hi guys,

As some of you may be aware a few of us from here attended an audi-sport.net RR day @ AMD a month or so back. Audi Driver were there to cover the day, and we have just found out that the article in Audi Driver (Jan edition) shows pictures of cars with the registration plate showing, but worst of all they have published a table of owner names, registration number, modifications (to engine) and power outputs.
Now this has really pissed me off as we were never told this would happen. I knew the magazine were covering the day and I asked the journo on the day if he was going to list the power outputs of the cars and he said he didnt know, he was mostly going to cover the day generally.

i could handle seeing my name and maybe something like 'S3' but not registration too. So now all our personal details are splashed in a magazine (that wont be getting my subscription renewal next year) for all and sundry to see.

What do you guys think, bunch of arse or we are complaining with no reason too? The magazine is not published to next week but trade copies are out now. Are they allowed to publish our registrations like that?

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Cobstar]

I think that, without the express permission of each car owner concerned, it was a very dumb thing for Audi Driver to do and totally inappropriate. Did they clear the approach with the organisers of the RR day and have their permission to do this? In which case your beef is with the organisers rather than Audi Driver.

That said, I think technically that by allowing your cars to be photographed and giving out performance data etc, then most of those present will have given implied consent for the magazine to use the information as they wished. However your comments to the photographer should have been acted on and the magazine probably shouldn't have used your details without your permission.

I'm always interested to see what mods people have and what the impact is on power. So I would be interested to read an article that gives this information - suitably anonymised.

[ChrisB]

Audi Driver never make any attempt to conceal reg numbers, and I can't really think of any mag that does. Unfortunately, getting "your name in lights" has the downside that suddenly everyone knows who you are, what you've got and what colour socks you prefer... [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Am I right in thinking that this information may be news to certain organisations, and that might be part of your concern? [img]images/graemlins/sekret.gif[/img]

[johneroberts]

Oh dear now thats silly
As we have seen the outcomings of parading your car on websites, which are patrolled by various organisations, as to keep an eye on things.
Big Brother is watching you
jr

[DuncS3]

I dont have a problem with them saying a so and so chipped S3 got this much power etc, but to list all registrations does not add to the article in any way and to me it is simply incredilous that they even put that in the article. Fair enough a stray photo cannot be helped, but to list....

I have phoned Audi Driver to voice my concern and am awaiting a call back.

I dont think there is any excuse to list a table of registrations of cars - that data is irrelevant and has no journalistic merit.

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[sitas3]

OK got a call from the Journalist who was present at the day and he is very apologetic, accepts that in hindsight, this shouldn't have happened. However he simply states that he received the info from John Robins who organised the event... Read into this what you want. [img]images/graemlins/FIREdevil.gif[/img]

Still not happy but unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it. He's offered to fax across the article to me now so I'll have a look in a mo.

[ChrisB]

I dont think there is any excuse to list a table of registrations of cars - that data is irrelevant and has no journalistic merit.

Yeah, that's going a bit too far - listing model, year, mods and power output would be useful info to would-be modders, but reg numbers.... [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

Perhaps somebody owns shares in a private reg company that advertises? [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[DuncS3]

they even put colour of car

oh well live and learn

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Mog]

Would that be John Robins of AMD who no longer works there.

Mog [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Would that be John Robins of AMD who no longer works there.

aye! [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[johneroberts]

You fear all the wrong things [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Be careful guys
jr

[Thorney]

I think a lesson was learnt here.

From now on ANY rolling road day held at AmD will have all registration details witheld or deleted from ANY publication (and that includes the web) from now on.

[sitas3]

I think a lesson was learnt here.

you're dead right it was. [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

[PhilT]

RS246 have a strict policy of maintaining as much privacy as possible. Any media posted by us will have the registrations removed (Video is not as easy).

Obviously, if you have any issues with anything on the site, the RS246 Crew are always happy to help.

[Jon]

OK got a call from the Journalist who was present at the day and he is very apologetic, accepts that in hindsight, this shouldn't have happened. However he simply states that he received the info from John Robins who organised the event... Read into this what you want. [img]images/graemlins/FIREdevil.gif[/img]

now theres a f*cking suprise, it seems tome that his favourite pass time is dumping people in the S***. Still can't work out how that guys mind works!