S.B.

The quote was

Gidney&Knowlesy

Missed out on an opportunity for a group buy too.......

NOZZER

What i cant understand is people saying the "name is tarnished" so i wont use them. What utter crap, it is new proprietors with new ideas so give them a chance. I DO understand how people must feel who have lost money, i am in business and have been going for 24 years mainy due to customer service satisfaction, but when you are on the edge cashflow wise, you always hope it will turn a corner and therefore still take orders, HOWEVER, it dosn't happen overnight and if the orders could not be fullfilled, then measures or communication should have taken place. Good luck for the future.

Markus

Simon has mentioned that this new venture has been on the boil for a few months, by this he does NOT mean (unless I'm being a bozo) that SS was closing, he means the new venture. The new venture just happens to be using the now available ScoobySport name and domain, and that's it.

SomeDude

:rolleyes

Chins

Well said Nozzer.

There have been too many people posting on here with limited business knowledge. In the past I have owned my owned Limited Business and it damn hard graft and you can live day to day. For some it will work out and other it wont. The chances are that Pete C will have been hurt financially by this event and in other ways.

From what I can see, whilst there is a Scoobysport Limited company, its dormant and nowt is going on. Thats using my access to company info.

Some very big companies have got into major financial difficulties in recent years. The Yanks have Chapter 11 which protects them from the events that Scoobysports is going through (yes I do know its a partnership and not an Inc). Toy R Us, American Airlines and NTL (how many wont use them, even though lots of people got screwed for more than a backbox ?). I also work for an American company now and we took people out for lots of money as well.

Crap happens in business. The stock market would be boring if we knew all companies would prosper - might make making money easier.

Going under is not an easy option. Someone buying the name and investing their own money should also be give the benefit of the doubt. Seems there are a few out to turn the knife on this one. What goes around sometimes comes around.

vixpy1

Forgive me, i don't post very often here but i thought i'd make a couple of comments, Firstly, if i were xtreme scoobys then i'm sorry, i would be gloating, one of my major competitors has gone under, as far as i would be concerned it would be a very good thing!

Now, the contraversal bit, this is all speculation and as is to be taken as such!

The law changed last monday or the monday before so that bankruptees can write off thier debt in as little as three months where as before it was three years. Now say if you have a parntership (I am not talking about a specific one mind you!) and say you have large debts and a business that is not paying enough to pay them off. It would surely be easier to declare bankruptcy, not have to pay off any debts cos you have'nt any money and your house is in your wifes name and in three to six months your in the clear, immune from action by any of your previous creditors. In my mind its not really the honarable thing to do but if i was in that situation (Im not saying anyone is mind you!) i think it would be hard thing not to do!

imlach

Just did a google on this :

http://www.bizhelp24.com/insolvency/...ril-2004.shtml

Funnily enough, the first message posted on Scoobynet announcing the demise of ScoobySport was on 1 April.....

imlach

Interestingly, in the above article, the govt is quoted as saying :

"Why the Change?
The Government comments that “most creditors would run a mile from an individual who had been bankrupt in the past”. The new law will therefore make it easier for the “honest” bankrupt and will give them a chance to rebuild their business and run it successfully after being discharged. Once the bankrupt has been discharged, creditors will no longer be aware of the bankruptcy and will not “run that mile” when the individual seeks credit."

Hmmm.....is it just me, or is it not the case that we continually see on Watchdog type tv programmes calls for laws on tightning up rules on people being able to shut down companies, and starting up others....surely the same applies to bankruptcy - why is it being swept under the carpet and now the govt is making it easier to hide the fact you were once bankrupt...?? WTF?

ex-webby

Hi Guys

Got to be quick as only just arrived at rally hq.. will be able to post more tomorrow hopefully.

A few quick points.

The closure of scoobysport has and had absolutely nothing to do with this venture.

The new ScoobySport (once launched) will have absolutely nothing to do with the old company, this is a completely seperate venture which just happens to be using the same name.

johnfelstead's comments are interesting, and would be very exciting indeed, but are, I'm affraid completely incorrect.

At the time of the large thread on scoobynet (in which we officially posted once - except to remind a few to keep their commercial plugs out of it - all of the other posts were from the community) nothing was even considered in terms of the scoobysport name.

The conspiracy theories are all well and good, but most people will be able to see through all that.

The simple facts (that I am able to say right now) are :

An individual, representing a small team of WRC engineers approached me a few months ago with a fabulous idea which needed funding. I considered it and discussed it with a number of other people who can also offer funding.

We agreed (although some of the papers are not signed, hence the lack of public info right now).

The concept is to create a research and development company specialising in Imprezas to create top end high spec performance equipment. Equipment in a different league to anything else currently available. Using the WRC procedures and techniques, etc.. all of the contacts, etc, etc, etc. It really is quite exciting.

I really do look forward to the full announcements. Some of the details are spectacular.

I will take a fairly active role in the general management of the company, but will stay well out of the engineering (I can hear the sighs of relief all over the world!! ). May get involved in the development driving if time allows.. but believe me they already have that covered also.

---

Regarding exhausts. Anyone who thinks creating an efficient and performant exhaust system is "not exactly rocket science" (meaning pretty straight forward) has no idea what is involved. There is a whole lot more to in than welding a few pipes together.

The chief engineer in this project only has a high level understanding of the harmonics, etc so gave a system to one of the other engineers (who is currently actually not confirmed for definite) who specialises in this area. He was very impressed indeed.

Anyway... I'm sure there will be plenty of knocking, and plenty of people ready to turn this into a negative thing.. but this is one thing I really don't care about, as the team, results and the equipment will speak themselves.

All the best

Simon

*Sonic*

If the developments etc benefit us as end users (without being too costly ) then it can only be a good thing, and does sound very interesting

Does that mean you will be spending a lot less time running/managing Scoobynet ?

Steve

ex-webby

Hi Steve

No, scoobynet is still factored in to my time in the same way. Generally these things need bursts of highly active input, then it's best to step away and let whatever you've implimented take hold.. then go back in a tweak, etc with more bursts of input. Pretty soon (if you've done your job properly) it doesn't need lots of hands-on time.

The guys that are involved so far are top people, so they don't need their bums wiping.

So far, the main things I've been useful for (and Shaun also) is to discuss the market place. For instance...

I stated from the begining that I would personaly only be willing to be involved if it really IS what it claims to be. The reason, I explained, is that the community is not stupid. If there is any area at all where you're trying to pull the wool over people's eyes, someone will spot it immediately.

I'm pleased to say that I haven't been able to find a single thing that makes me nervous about this aspect.

All the best

Simon

PS. Currently 11 hours ahead of UK time, so will try to answer questions as much as possible. Please try not to go off on one by assuming things that are not confirmed (as appeared to have happened yesterday).

speedking

I agree entirely with this philosophy. </Mr. Spock mode>

However, by that logic the name itself is worthless. In reality the only value to the name is that in the past people have been impressed by the company and this goodwill is carried over to the new proprietors. That is what they have bought.

No matter how illogical, many (myself included) will wait for Scoobysport2 to build its own reputation before committing.

SDB

speedking

You have an absolutely logical and sensible approach to this, and this is what I expect everyone would do. At least I hope so.

All the best

Simon

Gidney&Knowlesy

Jason I registered with the OR's office as an interested party, when/if assets were being sold off. It was their duty to keep me informed as an interested party.

I have sent you an email offline......

Regards

SomeDude

The new venture sounds exiting to be honest, I can surely see the marketplace for such an outlet.

Can I raise 2 questions ?

1) will it be possible to deal with the "conflict of intrest" that will obviously arise in people's minds (being in the management of both the new company and Scoobynet) ?

2) since you bought the name, and want that name to be as "untarnished" as possible, would there be any chance that you would somehow do a gesture of good will to the individual Scooby owners that are losing out on this one ? The PR-value of such a gesture could well be an assett IMHO.

PS: these questions are not asked to offend, and no, I have no outstanding business with Scoobysport1.

ex-webby

Hi SomeDude

Good questions..

1) The conflict of interest issue is an interesting one. I know for sure that I will have no intention of abusing my position in either company, but of course, only I can know that for sure. This means that there will definitely be difficult situations from time to time when people read too much into things (such as now - and I knew this would happen - people assuming that there was a conflict of interest at the time of the "end of an era" thread) but I think we will just have to ride the storm of that kind of thing as and when it arises. The moderators are discussing this very issue now, but I do not see it as causing a true problem as a) ScoobySport will NOT abuse the scoobynet facility b) the moderators will moderate anything to do with scoobysport in exactly the same way as any other c) as can be seen by this thread, we will be more in a position to simply allow negative posts about scoobysport if we wish, as we will know that we're not going to sue scoobynet! Anyway.. we'll work it out.

2) This is a very difficult one. Behind the scenes a LOT of deals have been done in order to do as much as possible. For instance, we formulated agreements with a number of the creditors to withdraw their claim on the debts of scoobysport by stating that we will give them business once we are up and running. This has absolutely no benefit to us at all, but does indeed benefit the creditors as the debts are now reduced. This is not going to make anyone rich, but it all helps. We just felt that we might as well do as much good as possible for everyone whilst we were in that position.
We have also paid over the odds for the name, as a) we're not trying to make a killing and get rich overnight, and b) we know it will pay for itself in time anyway.
Regarding PR value. I agree this could look good, but to be honest, all these things are shortlived.. it gives you a little bit of goodwill at the beginning, but then vanishes, and it's all down to what you actually deliver.
So.. if we do something, it will be simply for the right reasons, rather than a PR stunt. I would be open to suggestions.

All the best

Simon

mythix

Having read this thread, no one seems to care about anyone except Pete. Other people worked there who lost their jobs. I'm happy to report that they have found a new home in Romford and serviced my car yesterday.

johnfelstead

It was a good theory though. LOL

With the WRC cutting back on staff levels for the engineers in current teams and the loss of teams like Hyundai from the championship, plus the windup of the Rally programs by Subaru and Mitsubishi in the USA (staffed by a large UK based team of engineers) there are a lot of rally based technicians losing their jobs right now. I am sure there are plenty of rally people out there wanting a job.

Should be interesting to see what level of cost these products are pitched at, it isnt going to be for mr average Subaru owner based on the associated costs if you are starting from scratch and not using already developed technology that is patented by companies such as Prodrive.

the return of the simon de banke username. Watching the use of webmaster and simon de banke should be fun.

Flat Four Impreza Club

Dont want to say anything. Just reading

ex-webby

mythix

That's not strictly true. A number of people have commented on the staff at scoobysport.

Thank you very much for letting us know they're up and running, that's good news.

All the best

Simon

ex-webby

john

LOL

It was indeed a good theory, and to be completely honest with you.. After reading your post I thought "to be honest, that's exactly what I'd think also"

I would actually be interested in producing an ATD package if prodrive were willing to do a deal on it, but our system is based more on the way it works in WRC cars.

When they get something up and running, I'd actually be interested in you having a play with it, and will suggest it at the time - assuming you'd be up for it - I know I can't wait.

Anyway.. this is bordering on commercial advertising and you know what them moderators can be like!!

Seriously.. I'll stick to the actual subject matter until the relevant banner ads, etc have been sorted out.

All the best

Simon

SomeDude

Simon, good to hear you want to consider the second suggestion. It's not for me to speak up for the people who got a rough deal as I'm not involved in any way, so perhaps it's better that they put something forward ? Gestures can go from a free sticker ( ), gadgets, to a reduction in price on their first purchase or service, but again, it's better when the parties involved would speak up.

Of course, best thing as many have stated is to follow the legal options they have today, credit card companies, etc., that is a given, but for those who stay in the cold after all that it might be worth while thinking about what they would consider a "nice gesture"

I hear what you say about "short-lived", but I'm not sure I totally agree on it. Rumours are ugly things, and even though you can't always avoid them, if there's an easy way to show good will it's worth the effort IMHO.

ex-webby

OK

I'm heading off for the evening ("day" uk time) with the next 10 mins or so..
So if there are any quick questions, etc let me know otherwise I'll log on again tomorrow morning, which will be around 8:00pm tonight for you.

Cheers

Simon

ex-webby

SomeDude

I think another aspect to consider is that I do not want to associate this new company with the debts of problems of the old company. It is possible, that by this action people will see the new company as being, in some way, responsible for these debts. In many ways I wonder whether it would have just been better to call it "Joe Bloggs Performance".. Then none of this would even be discussed. But I do see the point.

Cheers

Simon

mythix

Serves me right for skip reading!!!

johnfelstead

of course i would be interested in trying something new and giving feedback on that, car handling is what really interests me most as you know. If things do work out and new products come on the market that make a real diference to how the cars perform that can only be a good thing for Subaru enthusiasts.

Subaru have just built a test centre at the 'ring, should be open very soon. I met the japanese test driver on the new Spec C whilst there this weekend, the new car has some interesting tweeks to its chassis spec.

TonyFlow

just looking forward to improving dccd on my Type R!!!! Get the company up and running QUICKLY!!!!!!

rozzer

A question to ask is are there any criminal offences that need to be answered?

sammyh

iTrader: (1)

I have spoken to Simon and he asked me post this on his behalf as he is away from his Pc at the moment.

In response to rozzers post, please be clear that we are discussing a completly new company in this thread that just happens to be using the Scoobysport name.

Any criminal offences that need to be answered will be done by the old company.