The Annoying Audience

The Manila International Auto Show just finished its 2012 run last month. And while the organizers are already busy preparing for next year’s show, there are still a couple of motor shows perhaps worth looking forward to this year. However, whatever the car show, whoever the organizer, one thing is for certain: people will flock to it. A car show is certainly a calling for enthusiasts to see the latest and greatest that the automotive industry has to offer. Yet it can also bring out the worst in some people. Here’s a list of the kinds of people who I find personally annoying in a car show.

1. People who steal

You’d be surprised at how many things are stolen during a car show. From the typical pickpocket to swiping cameras and laptops off tables, there are thugs who will just get stuff that’s not theirs. But you’ll be surprised that some go further: stealing items like gearshift knobs, valve stem caps, and the like. Therefore don’t be surprised that carmakers go out of their way to take off anything in their cars that can be stolen before putting them out on the stands. In the end, these thieves don’t just steal from the cars itself, it can make the entire event feel cheap.

2. People who let their children run loose

Everyone wants to share their love of cars to their kids, but letting them run around, climb into stranger’s cars and often scratch their paint is not good parenting. Also, when the car’s owner returns your kid and explains what they did wrong, don’t whine and say, “Don’t tell me how to raise my kid.”

3. People who whine about cars they don’t own/can’t afford

Just because you can’t afford something you see decked out at a car show, it doesn’t give you the right to rant about how “lame it looks”, especially when it’s in the earshot of the owner. He’ll just get how jealous you are. Get over it and just move on.

4. People who do poser moves

Car shows are sometimes a testosterone-filled event. However, please practice self-restraint and safety and stop trying to do poser moves like burnouts or engine revving. Not only will it annoy the hell out of show goers, but it may get you kicked out of the show as well.

5. People who inconsiderately use cameras

With more and more people buying and bringing big camera setups to car shows, it’s important for shooters to remember not to be inconsiderate. Don’t knock into people, get it way too close to cars when it clearly makes the owner uncomfortable, or interrupt other people’s shots. Be aware that there are people around you, so don’t just stare through the viewfinder the entire time.

I’m pretty sure I’ve just grazed the surface here and there are probably more sorts of annoying people at car shows. However, armed with this knowledge, perhaps you can be a more courteous show visitor. The organizers have labored hard to create a truly world-class event. Perhaps, we can return the favor and become world-class show goers as well.

As you read this, Neil Pagulayan aka Neil Almighty of 99.5 RT and I am embarking on a unique adventure race called the Jollibee Drive Thru Cross-Country Challenge. It’s sort of like The Amazing Race but with lots of Jollibee visits and us driving the wheels out of a Ford Fiesta Sport Plus. The race will end next week, so wish us luck! If you want to follow our exploits, you can check out our twitter page: Uly (@carguideph) and Neil (@neilonradio).