I'm back from Hawaii and I have a NEW job!

[Steve1968LS2]

Well on Friday I got the call from Primedia and was offered the job!! So as of now I am the new Technical Editor for Popular Hot Rodding Magazine (may God have mercy on us all ).

The pay they offered actually was not bad and Primedia seems to have an excellent benefits package with 2 weeks vacation the first year and 3 weeks the second year. They also have profit sharing, 401k and great medical and all the standard bells and whistles. While I could make more in my present field there is a LOT of room for advancement at Primedia. Primedia has over 200 magazines (60 of them automotive related) and is a VERY large company. Maybe someday I will have Johnny's job (when he has moved up of course) -- At my current job I reported directly to the owner so there was zero room for advancement. Also, while I love the creative part of my current field the subject matter (office equipment) bores me to tears.

This of course ended my negotiations with Super Chevy to shoot my car for thier cover. Johnny said that if he gets me then he gets my car too! Hell, I would rather be in PHR anyways.

Funny part is that I am not a technical expert on things. I know a little bit about a LOT of things but I am willing to work my ass off to do well there, I figure the first year should be the toughest since I will be learning how they operate. Ed Zinke, the publisher, told me you don't have to an expert on everything and that being a technical editor is more like being a reporter. You don't have to know, you just have to be willing to do the research, interview the right people and know who "knows" the hard-core stuff about your subject.

On my first interview they had me write 4 articles that they needed, on the spot! I was given a computer, a phone and a desk. Johnny had to tweek them a bit but he said they are going to use them. Everyone I met there seemed very supportive and I feel this will be a great team to work with.

Oh, since I took the job I have already been called by Johnny and given assignements. I gave him some ideas and he liked them but thought they may be longer than what he needed so even though I don't "officially" start until the 31st I am already "on the job" working up some ideas.

I feel that Popular Hot Rodding is very much embracing the entire "G-Machine" segment of the hobby so if you guys have any tech articles you would like to see then PM me your ideas. We want to give the people what they want! And who knows better than the people most passionate about G-Machines? I feel PT.com is the heart of this segment and I welcome any and all ideas.

I am also fairly certain that I will be looking into building a more "track friendly" project car. A sort of G-Machine for the masses that be lower on glitz and higher on grit. I still want it to be cool and capable of going to cruise nite, or power tour, but I want it be able to compete as well.

So thanks to all who wished me luck and especially to those who I suspect "put a word in for me" with the powers-that-be. Couldn't have done it without you or without the knowledge I've gained from this site. Also, I know many of you put in for this position and the one part I hated was competing with people I know, even if its just on here. I can tell you that you should not give up since they always have positions opening up at Primedia. In fact I think Terry Cole said he had some openings at Super Chevy, so who knows. And if Johnny reads this then thanks to him for giving me the privilege to do this and the chance to "live the dream".

Oh, and go easy on your critiques of my first few articles :)

Steven Rupp
Technical Editor
Popular Hot Rodding Magazine

(I like the sound of that)

[sunkistcamaro]

THAT’S GREAT!! :cool:
Congratulations and can’t wait to read your articles.
Im going to order my subscription right now!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Congratulations, Steve!! Lots of luck with the new endeavor. I look forward to reading your articles.

[MuscleRodz]

Congrats Steve! I am sure you will do well there. It sounds like a cool job. BTW, how much of your check do we get to be your support staff? :naughty:

Mike

[Bill Howell]

Steve,
Congrats on the news. Now we can say we know someone who is somebody!! Take the opportunity to learn all you can. Remember this is not just a job it is an adventure. Oh yeah, I really hate the fact that you will now "have" to build yourself a "track friendly" car. It must be tough to know you are being "forced" to do that. I do hope that you take the chance giving you as technical editor to stress the need for saftey. How many cars have we seen over the years in mags. that were actually death traps? I know things are changing but it is a shame when people build cars without considering the saftey issues and pay the price down the road. I, like everyone else here look forward to your first article ( how much for a signed copy?).
Good Luck!

[colt zantop]

congrats man!!! that rocks!!!!

[touring67]

Congratulations Steve, thats a great way to end a Hawaiiwan vacation! It's good to know that people that actually care about the projects and the cars are the ones writing the articles. It's also really nice to see someone from here go to that kind of position. You should do well, it sounds like a great job. Good luck with the car, the job, and the articles, I'll be sure to read them!

[MrQuick]

congates Steve, having a good year are we?

[parsonsj]

Steve, congrats! It's a dream job you've got there. Good luck to you!

jp

[ProdigyCustoms]

That is fantastic, congratulations!

[TonyL]

Awsome!

Home Team! glad one of our own made it. Keep it real for us Steve.

Congratulations!

[Matt]

Congratulations man, glad to see one of us from PT.com got this dream job.

Keep me in mind if any other spots open up!

-Matt

[OHCbird]

2005 seems to be shaping up very nicely for ya- congrats.

[Piet]

Just awesome! Congrats!...

[pushrod243]

thats great im happy for you!

[TonyHuntimer]

Congratulations Steve! You're the man!

I look forward to reading your stuff. :)

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[Parts Abuser]

Congratulations Steve. Good luck to you!
Vince

[Steve1968LS2]

Congratulations Steve! You're the man!

I look forward to reading your stuff. :)

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

That's only fair since I've been busy reading YOUR stuff.

Know of any good G-Machine books relating to Mopars??

Oh, and thanks for all the Congrats guys I will try and make you proud and represent the site well. :)

[bnickel]

cool deal congrats.

[steemin]

Steve,
Congratulations...
You are fortunate to land a job in a field that is also your passion..
I wish you all the best.
Scott

[camcojb]

Excellent Steve. And your car is still my favorite color! It's great to be doing something for a living that you enjoy. Most people don't get that.

Jody

[trapin]

Kick some ass, Steve.

Oh....and take names too.

[derekf]

Congrats, Steve. Don't forget us little people when you're at the top.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats, Steve. Don't forget us little people when you're at the top.

Even if I make it to the "top" I still want to be one of the "little people" that enjoys spinning a wrench and having fun with the hobby.

And yes, 2005 is starting out just fine!

[68BNUT]

Man congrats!!! Im sure youll still get plenty of wrenchin time now. In the name of HOME WORK hahaha Never looked so good!!!

[JV69z/28]

Steve - All the best to you! It's great to see someone making a living doing something they love. On top of that you are contributing to the best magazine representing our nitch of the hobby out there! Enjoy the ride - Jack

[Team Derry]

Congrats Steve and best wishes on a bright future on your new job! :)

[HOT OHC]

Congrats Steve!! Can't wait to read your articles.

[Richz68]

Steve,




You were lucky enough due to your location as compared to the Primedia facility to actually meet with Johnny for an interview. I really consider myself to be a top-notch interview, but it must be in person, face to face ala "the old fashioned way". I would really like to know what it was that set you apart from the legions of interested people?

Some here have met you, but for those of us that haven't; tell us a little about yourself.

What makes you Steve:

-education
-experience
-talents
-interests/hobbies(other than cars)
-strengths
-weaknesses
-etc.

I really wish that I was able to meet with Johnny one-on-one. The whole "forum/email/telephone interview process" is just a very odd scenario for 99.9% of the potentially interested/qualified candidates.

Anyway I hope you serve us well and most importantly have just as much of a blast working as you have on your days off! Optaining and maintaining that level of enthusiasm on a job is trully one of the primary keys to a sucessful life.....:yeah:


Now all that you need to do is pick out a cool credential holder for all the shows/races that you will be attending :woot:

[DarkBuddha]

My sincerest congratulations... Go live that dream for the rest of us! :icon996:

[Fawkes]

That is so cool!!! Congratulations of the new gig!!!

[Van B]

Congratulations on the new gig. Any special lucky spot I should visit on my trip to Hawaii next month? I would love to come back home and have something cool happen for me like it did for you!!

Will be looking for your material in the mag soon.

Jeff

[Steve1968LS2]

Congratulations on the new gig. Any special lucky spot I should visit on my trip to Hawaii next month? I would love to come back home and have something cool happen for me like it did for you!!

Will be looking for your material in the mag soon.

Jeff

What island are you going to? I got lucky in several spots.. ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

You were lucky enough due to your location as compared to the Primedia facility to actually meet with Johnny for an interview. I really consider myself to be a top-notch interview, but it must be in person, face to face ala "the old fashioned way". I would really like to know what it was that set you apart from the legions of interested people?

Some here have met you, but for those of us that haven't; tell us a little about yourself.

What makes you Steve:

-education
-experience
-talents
-interests/hobbies(other than cars)
-strengths
-weaknesses
-etc.

I really wish that I was able to meet with Johnny one-on-one. The whole "forum/email/telephone interview process" is just a very odd scenario for 99.9% of the potentially interested/qualified candidates.

Anyway I hope you serve us well and most importantly have just as much of a blast working as you have on your days off! Optaining and maintaining that level of enthusiasm on a job is trully one of the primary keys to a sucessful life.....:yeah:

Now all that you need to do is pick out a cool credential holder for all the shows/races that you will be attending :woot:

Hmm.. why does this sound like you want me to re-interview for the job?? ;)

oh well..

-education -- enough to know how to spell vitriolic and not enough to know how to spell superferlous

-experience -- Bought my first project car when I was 15 years old that would have been around 1979 and I've been hooked ever since. I have managed a territory of over 27 states, by myself, for a fortune 100 company. I did this from a home office with zero staff so I guess that makes me a self-starter. I also started at this same company stocking parts so I guess that means I did a good enough job to move up there. After 14 years I was laid off, a bit over 2 years ago. One of my dealerships in the area hired me the next week as their marketing manager. I designed training programs, wrote press releases, designed advertisements and did whatever else needed to be done including swapping a ZZ4 small block into the owners 64 vette. In my spare time I moderate at ls1tech.com, work on cars and hang out here. As for why I was picked that's a question better asked of Johnny since he greenlighted me.

-talents -- A little personal but ok.. I can juggle, I seem to have an ok eye for knowing what looks good on a car, I am personable, fearless on the phone, I am a team player and I make a great lasagna.

-interests/hobbies(other than cars) -- Little bits of many things. I scuba dive, tinker with computers, enjoy overly violent video games, collect die-cast cars, study military history as it relates to the "machines of war", I shoot things likes targets and tin cans, I fish (sal****er), spend time with my wife and dogs, and I read stuff like Stephen King and Tom Clancy.

-strengths -- Team Player that gets it done and when I screw up I own up to it and move on.

-weaknesses -- I try to be a perfectionist in a imperfect world, Until now I failed to find a job I love in exchange for doing a job I found boring but well paying. I hate wearing a tie. I also am having a hard time kicking the habit of spacing twice after a period.

-etc. -- Wow, this could be a lot and I don't really know what your looking for. I could give you names of my two dogs or how many speeding tickets I've gotten but it all seems a bit off-topic.

Again, if you want to know why I got the job over anyone else then ask Johnny. All I did was hose myself off, mangle a tie around my neck and tried to be myself. Well maybe I also put together a 10 pageish portfolio of some stuff I have done and presented it nicely. Maybe it was just good Karma for not killing that rabbit when I was 13 years old and got my first rifle.

Like I said, when the roulette wheel stops on your number do you try and analyze the physics of why you won or do you just take your chips to the cashier?

Well it's late and I'm tired. Tomorrow in NOT a national holiday for us :)

Night all and thanks for the well wishes. I look forward to feedback and ideas about how to make PHR even better.

[Richz68]

Hmm.. why does this sound like you want me to re-interview for the job?? ;)

Not at all..... just excited for you.




Again, if you want to know why I got the job over anyone else then ask Johnny.


Again..... just excited for you and wanted to know what made you Steve. I look forward to reading your stuff !!!:look:



I really think you can learn alot about a person by two tests. How a person reacts to danger or an emergency and directed pressure among strangers.

BTW: You passed ! :3rd:

[StRacerDuke]

Congratulations Steve!
I look forward to reading your articles. When it comes to writing, everyone always has their own style. I'm sure your going to be a great addition to the team!

[David Sloan]

Congrats Steve !!!
Wish you the best of luck in your new Job !!!

[Martin71RS]

Congrats Steve!!!

[JayBird]

Congratulations Steve.

[Rick Dorion]

What a great ending. Congrats!

[BADVELLE]

Congrats! Follow the dream and don't forget the little people!

[jannes_z-28]

That's just great Steve, I had the feeling you would get it.

It is nice that one if us is there, I will belooking forward to you first magazine even though I have to wait another month for it to arrive over here.

BTW you must plan a European tour and see what we have going over here.

Good Luck.

Jan

[MarkM66]

Congrats Steve! I'm sure you deserved it.

Check you pm's, ;) .

[rob07002]

Steve, Congrats!!!! Envy doesn't even cover it..... I wish all the best of luck....One suggestion for your first article would be a sort of shoot out of the various aftermarket Camaro subframes. There was a good thread on this very subject not too long ago. I think many on this board would welcome the results...

All the best,
Rob

[Piet]

-education -- enough to know how to spell vitriolic and not enough to know how to spell superferlous

-talents -- I juggle.....and I make a great lasagna.

Under strengths... you forgot a good sense of humor.


-I look forward to feedback and ideas about how to make PHR even better.

Gee..... Where will you go to find a bunch of Opinionated Guys who will give unsolicitated feedback? Hmmmm..... :seizure:

Again,

Congrats

[Steve Chryssos]

Good job Steve!!
Welcome to the wonderful world of automotive publishing. See you at MPMC.

[Conekiller13]

Congrats Steve,

Does this mean everyone here gets a feature on thier car as they get finished?

[Rybar]

Congrats Steve on the postition, it's going to be great to have an "insider" on the board here for comments and suggestions.

Also, can't wait to see your car on the cover of PHR!!

Hey, don't forget about us Canadians above the border! There are quite a few enthusiasts here as well.

Good Luck!

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

Congrats ...maybe Now Ya Can Get Us All In The Front Cover

[Steve1968LS2]

Good job Steve!!
Welcome to the wonderful world of automotive publishing. See you at MPMC.

One of my "test" assignments was to write up a blurb about the shrifter. Also, we will be doing an install article on it as well.

Did you get Johnny a high-res pic for the article?

See ya around.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats Steve,

Does this mean everyone here gets a feature on thier car as they get finished?

As you can see by Johnny's post PHR is always looking for real G-Machines. And while I don't handle features I am sure I can make suggestions. :)

And yes, a sense of humor is vital in life...

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, Congrats!!!! Envy doesn't even cover it..... I wish all the best of luck....One suggestion for your first article would be a sort of shoot out of the various aftermarket Camaro subframes. There was a good thread on this very subject not too long ago. I think many on this board would welcome the results...

All the best,
Rob

I agree Rob, that would be a great idea. The only problems is that it would be very involved and I wonder how many of the frame makers would be willing to "put it on the line"? I was thinking testing a modified stock frame (Guldstrand) against some of the aftermarket units. I was reading the thread and people had some good ideas.

Also a pro-con comparison between rear susupensions (modified leaf, 3 link, 4 link, truckarm, etc) would be interesting.

Note to everyone: Please feel free to email, PM or post up any things you would like to see. This could either be discussions of theory or actual installs and/or tests.

Thanks again to everyone for the "congrats". It's nice to know I have you guys behind me. :)

[zbugger]

Congrats Steve. I would have tried, but my luck has not been all that good for me lately. Things just went nuts, so I don't think you had to worry about any competition. I can't wait to see your first work. I hope you have fun there. I am officially jealous. Then again, looking at your car, I already was......

[David Pozzi]

Steve, Congratulations.
I'd let my subscription to PHR lapse quite a fiew years ago, but got on board again when they started the Mark Steilow features. I really like the direction they are taking these days.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, Congratulations.
I'd let my subscription to PHR lapse quite a fiew years ago, but got on board again when they started the Mark Steilow features. I really like the direction they are taking these days.

Thanks

And I plan on hitting you up eventually about ideas I have for a medium budget track/street car. Something that could actually compete yet still be "ok" to take to cruise night and stuff.

I think PHR needs to continue to tackle affordable options for people that want cool cars that they can actully drive.

[MangeMD]

Sweet. Congrats!

[justanova]

I think PHR needs to continue to tackle affordable options for people that want cool cars that they can actully drive.

i agree with that, mega dollar cars are way cool to see and are a great source for ideas, but there are a lot of us that like affordable/usable stuff too.

btw congrats on the new job. looking forward to seeing your work

[gen3bu]

TECH ARTICLE IDEA:

do a direct comparison on the dyno, track, street, etc to prove if long or short connecting rods are better/worse and why. either building multiple identicle engines orr swapping the rods/pistons in the same engine with no other changes. i would like to see this in a sbc and/or ls1 engine family.

for decades the roundy pounders swear by long rods (smokey yunick) and lately jon kasse claims that short rods are better (PHR FEB '05 pg. 52).

why the sudden change?
which one makes more peak/avg hp?
more peak/avg troque?
more mpg?
more durability?
and why?

just my .02.

good luck and congrats!

[67Sally]

This is fantastic to hear Steve. Congradulations on the new job!

[USAZR1]

Congratulations,Steve. We're all very proud of you.

[JohnUlaszek]

Steve,
Congrats on the position. From reading your posts its obvious you have a very natural writing style that I envy, I think you will go far and have a great time.

I had the good fortune of hooking up with GM Hi-Tech Performance about a year and six free-lance articles ago, and I can guarantee you are in for a difficult, time consuming, and thrilling ride.

The rest of you who applied should consider supplying PHR/Primedia free-lance work. There are tremendous benefits to free-lance writing and it will either get your foot in the door for a full time gig or let you rest easy knowing it's not right for you.

Steve, I won't wish you luck, I think you know by now that you make your luck. I look forward to your work and maybe trading tips or lies.

John Ulaszek

[Larry Callahan]

Steven, way to go on the new job! That's soooo cool! I'm jealous.:crying: Seriously, what a way to make a living. In a field that you love. I should be so lucky some day.

Looks like I'll see you for sure at SEMA '05

Congrats.

[gmachinz]

That's awesome! You deserve it, Steve! Man, what kind of "expenses" will you be given each month? LOL Now I know two people in the biz-Jeff Smith and now you! Good luck-you da man!! -Jabin

[67LS1T56]

I read but dont write aloot here you may not know me but I like to congat. you.
You got the dream job.

[Charley Lillard]

Congrats...Now Larry gets your first month's pay , right ?

[David Pozzi]

Thanks

And I plan on hitting you up eventually about ideas I have for a medium budget track/street car. Something that could actually compete yet still be "ok" to take to cruise night and stuff.

I think PHR needs to continue to tackle affordable options for people that want cool cars that they can actully drive.

Steve,
Sounds like a great idea!
I'd recomend visiting some open track days and checking out the cars there. We have some running here at Laguna Seca and those guys are having a ball!
Early last year CarlC and Craig Boone had a great time running nose to tail at the Hotchkis/Baer track day at Button Willow, - up until Craig blew his engine...

Tip: Don't use a stock oil pan on a track car!


:drive2:

[birdman3r]

Along with everyone else, congrats on your new-found reason to get up in the morning! It is wonderful to actually enjoy the things you have to do anyway.

I also saw, in your re-interview, that you scuba dive. Did you dive while you were in Hawaii? If so, can you recommend any particular spots? I am some time out from going myself so I have some flexibility in my planning, so any island is fair game.

[Chuck Byram]

Congratulations Steve!
What a great opportunity!
Best,
Chuck

[Craigon69]

... I feel PT.com is the heart of this segment and I welcome any and all ideas....


Congrats! …And since you mentioned "idea's" above..:) How about a handling comparison of several after market Camaro sub frames, also including a stock one with the Guldstrand mod! I've already add to my Visa balance with Chassisworks, but I'm still interested how they all stack up to each other. Humm…who could possibly be a non-partisan co-writer/consultant for such an article?…Letters DP come to mind ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats! …And since you mentioned "idea's" above..:) How about a handling comparison of several after market Camaro sub frames, also including a stock one with the Guldstrand mod! I've already add to my Visa balance with Chassisworks, but I'm still interested how they all stack up to each other. Humm…who could possibly be a non-partisan co-writer/consultant for such an article?…Letters DP come to mind ;)

See page 3, 12th post down :)

Yea, that DP guy comes to mind alot lately.. ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

Along with everyone else, congrats on your new-found reason to get up in the morning! It is wonderful to actually enjoy the things you have to do anyway.

I also saw, in your re-interview, that you scuba dive. Did you dive while you were in Hawaii? If so, can you recommend any particular spots? I am some time out from going myself so I have some flexibility in my planning, so any island is fair game.

My wife isn't certified yet so it's been a little over a year since I've gone. But, there is tons of great diving in HI. Hell, we had a great time snorkling since most of the good reef action is in shallow water.

And its warm!!

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
Sounds like a great idea!
I'd recomend visiting some open track days and checking out the cars there. We have some running here at Laguna Seca and those guys are having a ball!
Early last year CarlC and Craig Boone had a great time running nose to tail at the Hotchkis/Baer track day at Button Willow, - up until Craig blew his engine...

Tip: Don't use a stock oil pan on a track car!

:drive2:

I have hit the some of the ones at buttonwillow but I need to get to some more of them. Whats a good site for rules on car set-up for the different classes?

Good tip.. I imagine that oil starvation is a bad thing at high rpm.. or low rpm for that matter.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats...Now Larry gets your first month's pay , right ?

They are going to pay me for doing this???? Johnny just said I get a free subscription and a PHR bumper sticker. ;)

[Tiger]

I have six weeks of holiday, but I'd much rather have your job.

Congrats!!!

André

[ViperBlue68]

Steve,

Congrats!! :cheers: and goodluck with the new adventure! :cheers:

[Scott Parkhurst]

Steve-

Congrats on getting my old job. I wish you the best of luck in continuing the legacy of a long line of past PHR Tech Editors..

The first PHR Tech Editor was Barney Navarro. I hope you know who he is...!! LOL

When did PHR get bumper stickers? heh heh

See ya at MPMC...

Scott Parkhurst
Editor
Street Thunder Magazine
www.streetmachineclub.com

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve-

Congrats on getting my old job. I wish you the best of luck in continuing the legacy of a long line of past PHR Tech Editors..

The first PHR Tech Editor was Barney Navarro. I hope you know who he is...!! LOL

When did PHR get bumper stickers? heh heh

See ya at MPMC...

Scott Parkhurst
Editor
Street Thunder Magazine
www.streetmachineclub.com

Thanks for the congrats! You should PM me about all the good gossip and drama in the office, assuming there is any. ;)

I thought Barney was a big purple dinosaur?? (note: that was a joke)

So your Editor over at STM now huh? I look forward to meeting you someday and I hope that I can continue the fine tradition at PHR. Feel free to email me critiques, I might even read them. heh heh

Steven Rupp
Technical Editor
Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
[email protected]

[Steve1968LS2]

And in other news...

I quit the other day from my current job. Today the owner offered me more $$, a nicer office and more vacation. Since he is a car guy (has a 64 vette) he understood when I declined and understood that this job is about more than $$ or perks. Oh well it was a nice offer and gave me a feeling that I have done good here. Leaving a job you like full of people that are like family is the toughest part of this but I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life.

To all those who have shown me support I want to thank you. My wife read through this entire thread and she came away saying "that's a fine group of people you have there". On that I would have to agree.