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!!
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?

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