Type 3 List: last post, first post

[Greg Merritt]

To everyone on the Type 3 List!

The Type3 list started in the fall of 1996 -- a few months shy of thirty *years* ago! I believe it was a spinoff of John Sroka's VINTAGVW list, so that we could focus on specifics of the Type 3.

The current host that's been running the discussion group software / service "under the hood" is discontinuing this service in a couple of weeks. The Type 3 List has had several different homes over the last thirty (!!) years, so it's been a while since we've had a change like this.

I have consulted with a number of long-time listees (including Jim Adney, Keith Park and John Jaranson, among others) regarding our transition and continuity. We're moving the discussion over to the Google Groups.

So what's happening now?

* I've put the current Type 3 List into moderation mode, so that incoming messages will not automatically get distributed

* I've exported the membership roster, and will shortly invite all members to the new Google Group

* Once your membership is active, you'll be able to continue the discussion by posting to the new Type 3 List address: type...@googlegroups.com

Going forward, you can continue to participate completely via your email, and you can always check in on the discussion at https://groups.google.com/g/type3list/ -- but you must be a member to post. You can also manage your membership via that page.

Note than advantage of the Google Groups home from the list is that we will be able to more easily have the group managed by several people, rather than just "some guy" (me). We're finalizing who those folks will be (probably 3 to 5 names most will recognize), but these will be folks who can step in if folks aren't "playing nice" on the list, if someone has difficulty with membership or posting, and so on.

And I'd like to take a moment to recognize that when the Type 3 List started in 1996 as an offshoot of John Sroka's VINTAGVW list, the "youngest" Type 3's were only about 23 years old! And now, for most Type 3's ever built, this list has been around for most of those cars' lifetimes. And now the oldest Type 3's are about 65 years old. Here's a link to that virst post in October of 1996:

https://listarchive.vwtype3.org/archives/1996/october/msg00000.html

Over the last couple of weeks, I wrapped up a project to build out and publish the most-complete archive I have of list posts from October 1996 through June of this year (2026):

https://listarchive.vwtype3.org/

Previously this just went up to about 2006 or so, but it is now much more complete. Over the weeks ahead, the big search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.) should index this renewed and comprehensive archive. New posts going forward will be available in the Type 3 List's new Google Groups home.

Thanks for your understanding, everyone! There may be a few hiccups, but we feel that in balance, this is currently the best solution to keep the discussion going forward.

Thanks!

-Greg

[adclow]

Reiterating the previous thanks for maintaining this list for so long! Been a member for what - 20 years now? I don't post much, but I do read. Got rid of my Type 3's long ago, but still kept my website up and am slowly trying to piece together the engine on the '71 Super my son and I bought a few years ago! Cheers, everyone!

[Mark Fuhriman]

I have enjoyed the Type 3 List since about 1997. I appreciate Greg's dedication, the good advice, and fun stories that are shared here. 

Gratefully,

- Mark