FAQs
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About the 356 Registry
General The 356 Registry was formed in the US and we are licensed as an Official Porsche Club by Porsche AG in the USA. However, we have many members outside the USA because our magazine is the best 356 focused publication on the planet. No, the only "requirement" to join the 356 Registry is that you have an interest in the Porsche 356. It is often extremely advantangeous for prospective owners to join the club as they can learn a lot about what to look for and to look out for during the purchasing process. Buying a 356 is not like going to your local Porsche dealer and selecting something which is a known. There are many unknowns regarding a 50 year old car and getting involved in the club early on in the process will help guarantee an enjoyable experience. Yes, the 356 Registry is a recognized non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Ohio and is tax exempt through the US IRS code 501(c)(7) for Social and Recreational Clubs. The simple answer is the members do, through their democratic election of trustees to represent them. There are currently seven trustees who manage club affairs and these trustees can appoint officers to manage particular areas of club operations per the club By-Laws. The 356 Registry trustees are elected to two year terms by a vote of the membership. This vote happens annually with three trustee postions open in odd years and four trustee postions open in even years. Any member in good standing can nominate someone as a candidate for a trustee position. The timing and mechanism of the trustee election is called out in the club By-Laws. No, trustees and officers of the club do not receive any monetary compensation for their efforts. Of course, anyone doing work for the club does receive out-of-pocket expense reimbursement based on our non-profit status and IRS guidelines. No, the 356 Registry does not have any employees. There are essentially three service contracts which the club manages. These are publishing, membership management and Goodie Store management. These contracts are renewed annually and are open to bids. To inquire or bid on any contract for the 356 Registry, contact any of the trustees listed under About Us/Contacts in the main menu. The club By-Lays are available to all 356 Registry members. Go to About Us/356 Registry By-Laws in the main menu. Usually. Member numbers are kept for up to two years after expiration. To renew, log in to the website (if you forgot your login, click the "Forgot Login?" link), go to Membership>My Subscription Status on the main top menu and click the renew button. If it has been within two years of your expiration, your membership will be renewed with your old member number. If it's been longer than two years, you will be assigned a new member number. Some people are concerned about member numbers. If this is you, do not let your membership lapse and it will not be an issue.How many members are in the Porsche 356 Registry?
The Porsche 356 Registry has over 8,000 members worldwide. How old is the 356 Registry?
The 356 Registry was formed in 1974. What is the relationship of the club to the factory?
What is the relationship of the 356 Registry to the regional 356 clubs?
Is the 356 Registry a US only club?
Do you have to own a 356 to join?
Is the 356 Registry a non-profit organization?
Who runs the 356 Registry?
How are trustees selected?
How are officers (Pres, Vice Pres, Treasurer, etc.) selected?
356 Registry officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. ) are elected on an annual basis by the trustees per the By-Laws. Do trustees or officers receive compensation for their work?
Does the 356 Registry have any employees?
I want to bid on a 356 Registry contract, whom should I contact?
Where can I find the 356 Registry By-Laws?
My membership expired, can I get my old member number when I renew?
356 Registry and Replicas
However, the first sentence in the 356 Registry's Mission Statement is as follows: The mission of the 356 Registry, Inc. is the perpetuation of the vintage (1948-1965) 356 series Porsche. As a corollary we have also included any factory race or special production Porsche or derivatives from the 356 era as being of interest to the membership. What this means is that the 356 Registry always has and always will continue to focus on 356 era vintage Porsche cars (yes, the ones assembled in Zuffenhausen or even Gmund if you are so lucky). Modern replicas are not Porsches nor do they have much in common with a Porsche aside from the outward appearance thanks to the wonders of fiberglass. The Porsche 356 Registry is a factory- sanctioned Porsche Classic Club, dedicated to the history and peculiarities of the early Porsche automobile. Since there are more replica Speedsters and Spyders out there than real ones, allowing replicas into the 356 Registry could quickly dilute the mission, character and culture of the club. It would also violate our By-Laws and jeopardize our relationship with Porsche. There are many existing clubs with active participation opportunities for replica owners and we wish them well. However, the bottom line is that replicas simply have no standing as "Porsches" in this club and never have. As such, they are not permitted at the concours display at 356 Registry Holidays.
The only "requirement" for membership in the 356 Registry is that you have an interest in the Porsche 356. If you are an owner of a 356 replica, the Porsche 356 Registry invites you to join, but please understand that the club is not about your car but about the one yours is replicating.
Chuck House
356 Registry Magazine
I haven't received my magazine yet, should I be concerned?
All magazines are mailed on the same date, however delivery times can vary substantially. If you are in the United States, delivery varies depending on if you signed up for standard Periodical Class delivery or First Class mail delivery ($15 extra). We ask that all members wait at least 4 business weeks (approx 1 month) before contacting the publishing office for a replacement magazine. Many times members contact us early and a replacement is sent out only to have their normal delivery occur soon afterwards. Obviously this costs the club extra money so please, be patient and if it has not arrived after 4 business weeks, then we would be happy to replace it. Just contact the publishing office by email
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or call 651-342-1524. |
Can I have my magazine forwarded to a winter address?
If you go south in the winter, or make other seasonal moves, you must let us know in advance where to send your magazine. Do not depend on the post offiec to forward your mail, even first class, after a short period of time. Log on to your member profile (click "edit" in the lower left corner of the page) and change your address. You can do this as often as necessary, but remember, we need at least two weeks lead time in advance of these magazine mail dates: Jan 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Nov 1. You may also call (651-342-1524) or email the membership office to make a change. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
My magazine arrived damaged. What should I do?
Magazines damaged in the mail will be replaced at no charge. Please contact the publishing office by email or call 651-342-1524. |
What is the difference between regular and first class mailing for US members?
Periodical ("regular") mail is a dedicated class of mail service specifically and only for magazines. It is relatively inexpensive and usually very efficient. Your magazine is sent via this class of service unless you specify and pay an additional $15 per year for first class delivery, which will on average speed delivery by a week. Outside-of-USA members receive their magazines through a dedicated mail house service which places magazines into the mail streams of each particular country. These magazines do not involve the US Postal Service. |
I moved, how do I get my magazine sent to my new address?
We encourage you to log in to your member profile to make address changes. The post office does not forward mail, even first class periodicals after a short period of time. It is your responsibility to let us know, either by changing your profile address, or by contacting us by email, phone or mail well in advance of your move. See "Contacts/staff" under "About us" in the main menu. |
What is the magazine mailing schedule?
Porsche 356 Registry magazine mails on or around the first day of each odd-numbered month (January, March, May, July, September, November). |
I want to place an ad in the magazine, whom should I contact?
Commercial display advertisers of parts, services and 356 dealers are welcome. We do not accept advertising for non-Porsche related items. Advertising space is limited and not all ad size positions are available. Contact the publishing office at 651-439-0204 or email the editor at
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. Click HERE for a rate card and schedule. |
356 Registry Holiday FAQs
Do I have to be a member to attend a 356 Registry Holiday?
Porsche 356 Registry Holidays are for members only. These events bring together registrants and their cars for several days of enjoyable comradery at an interesting venue, and have been held annually since 1975. We encourage all members to experience a Holiday at least once, although you will find it's hard to stay home again after taking part. |
Can I just "show up" to a 356 Registry Holiday without registering even though I am a member?
We strongly encourage members who would like to take part in a Holiday to register and pay for the event as far in advance as possible. While certain parts of a Holiday are open to the public, key functions such as tech sessions, lunches, dinners, receptions, hospitality suite and awards ceremony are restricted to only those members who have registered. Late registration just before and during the event is not always possible, as Holidays are often sold out in advance. Please remember that our Holidays are organized and put on by volunteer members who work extremely hard to make things run smoothly. Asking them to accomodate unpaid or late arrivals is an undue burden. Even if you are a Porsche 356 Registry member, you must have registered as an attendee and paid the fees to take part in a Holiday. If you "just show up" for the concours you are welcome to observe, just as any member of the public would be, but will not be allowed access to any other parts of the event. |
Why are there two 356 Registry Holidays per year?
The club hopes to offer the Holiday experience to as many members as geographically possible, thus an "East Coast" and "West Coast" event each year. at different times. We strive to find locations that provide scenery, historical significance, comfortable lodging and good driving roads for our 356s. At that we have been quite successful, owing to the hard work of the Holiday organizers over the last 35 years. Please note that the "coast" terms are very flexible, and a Holiday may take place anywhere in North America. |
Who organizes a 356 Registry Holiday?
Holidays are organized by members just like you: individuals and groups who are motivated to help other members, show off their corner of the world and have a good time in the process. Feedback from our past organizers shows a lot of satisfaction from putting on a Holiday. If you are interested in helping or starting the process to host a Holiday in your area, contact any trustee. |
I am interested in hosting a 356 Registry Holiday, what are my next steps?
If you would like to get involved in hosting a Holiday, contact any trustee. A Holiday "cookbook" is available, giving step-by-step instructions and advice for laying the groundwork. There are many former Holiday orgnanizers who are availabel to give advice and help create a proposal. |
Website Related FAQs
Website General FAQs
Why do members communicate with each other through the website using real names instead of aliases?
We prefer that your register on the site using your real name as your username. This is so that when you post on 356Talk your real name is visible, promoting a more friendly, personal environment for online discussions. If you do not wish to use your real name as your username, an alternative is to set up your Member Profile so that a "signature" containing your name is automatically added to your posts. Do do that, first be sure you are logged in to the website. Click the "Membership" link at the upper right of any page. Click "My Profile Page". On your Profile page click "Edit", then click "Update Your Profile", then click the "356Talk Settings" tab. In the "356Talk Signature" box, type in your name and anything else you want to show, such as the type of 356 you have for example. When you are finished making changes, click the "Update" button at the bottom of the page. Thank you for your cooperation. |
Do I have to be a member to post on 356Talk or place an ad in the online classifieds?
You must register on the website to post on 356Talk or post an ad in the Classifieds section. You do not have to be a 356 Registry member. Before your first post, please read carefully the 356Talk rules and/or the Classifieds rules, you can find links to them in the menus at the top of the page. There are moderators that enforce the rules (unlike on some car sites, where almost anything goes) so it is your responsibility to be familiar with the rules. |
Privacy FAQs No it is not. Also, when another member uses an "email" link on the site to contact you, they are sending the email "blind", meaning they do not see your email address. They will only see your address when you respond to their email via the email software on your computer. Note: there is no "PM" or private message function on this website or on 356Talk. No they cannot. Also, when another member uses an "email" link on the site to contact you, they are sending the email "blind", meaning they do not see your email address. They will only see your address when you respond to their email via the email software on your computer. Note: there is no "PM" or private message function on this website or on 356Talk.Is my member information public on the internet?
I want to block other members from seeing my name, how do I do this?
The 356 Registry encourages open, honest and courteous discussions in the 356Talk Forums. Using pseudonyms to conceal indenties does not contribute to such discussions, and is discouraged.I don't want members to be able to send me email, how do I block them?
Note that there is no "PM" or private message function on this website.Can the public or members see my email address?
Does the 356 Registry share my membership information with anyone?
356Talk FAQs
Where are the 356Talk FAQs?
| Please see the FAQ section in 356Talk here. |
Classifieds FAQs
What happened to my Ad? I can't find it.
All ads are automatically removed after they have been up for 30 days. So if your item has not sold after 30 days, you will need to create a new ad for it if you want to continue to advertise it in the Classifieds. If you have entered some text in the Classifieds "search" box and hit "enter" or "return" on your keyboard, only ads containing the entered text will be listed. If your are trying to find one of your ads and you can't find it, check to make sure there is no text in the Classifieds "search" box. |
How do I delete or update/edit my Ad?
You can update/edit or delete your Classifieds ads by logging in to the website and going to the Classifieds and click "My Ads". A list of your posted ads will be shown. Just below each one are the links "Update" and "Delete". Click "Update" to edit your ad. Click "Delete" to...well, I think you get the picture. |
Can I ‘Bump’ my Ad?
No. This is a 'non-bumping' board and the software will not automatically move your ad to the top if you make a change in your original ad. This was designed that way to give all equal time and reasonably same visibility and duration of an ad. Please do not attempt to circumvent this by deleting your old ad and republishing it as a new ad. If observed or reported that you have done so it will be deleted by the moderator with no warning. An ad drops off at 30 days. Please update your original posted ad if you decide to edit or add/delete information, change a price, or add/delete a picture. Remember to delete your ad if the item is sold. |
How can I be notified when new Ads are posted?
In each Classifieds category view, i.e. 356 Cars or 356 Parts/Accessories, there is an RSS button in the upper right. Clicking this will subscribe you to an RSS feed which transmits Ads from this category directly to your web browser's RSS reader. For more information about RSS feeds, click here. |
How do I report an inappropriate Ad?
On the Classifieds main page and on each Category main page there is a link below the ads - "Report Ad". Click this link to report an inappropriate ad. You will need to specify the Ad Category and Title in your email to the Classifieds Moderator. Inappropriate ads are those which clearly violate the Classifieds rules or which are obviously offensive or spam. Please use this feature judiciously and do not abuse it as sending reports creates work for our volunteers. |
How do I post a new Ad?
To make a post to the Classifieds: First log in to the website Please review the Classifieds rules at http://porsche356registry.org/classifieds.html?page=show_rules Now click the "Classifieds" link at the top of the page Click "New Ad" in the middle of the page. If you do not see the link, you are not logged in. Select a category from the "Category" dropdown list Now you are on the page where you enter the information about the item you are selling. You need to select either "For Sale" or "Wanted" You also need to select either "Private Party" or "Vendor" Then enter an "Ad Title" and enter text describing your item in the large white box. Below that you must enter a "Location" and a "Price" (for "wanted" ads just enter "0" for price) Including photos in your ad is also optional. You can upload images or pictures in JPEG/PNG/GIf format with a maximum of 2.5 Megabytes. The Ad system will automatically create thumbnail(s) of the image(s) or picture(s) you upload. To add a photo, click the first "Browse" button. Find the photo file on your computer and select it. Exactly how you do that depends on what type of computer operating system you have. You must finish by clicking "Submit" to post your ad. |
How do I add photos to my new Ad?
Adding photos to your ad is very easy. At the bottom of the Ad submittal page is a section where you may add up to 6 photos. Go to the first which says "Picture 1" and click the "Browse" button. This will open a browser window on your PC (OK, these instructions are for those with PCs. You Mac guys already know how to upload photos). In this browser widow you should go to the directory on your computer where your photo is located and select the photo and click "Open" on the browser widow. You will then see the path to your photo in the "Picture 1" spot. Add additional photos as needed and when your are finished, click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. |
How do I view only my Ads?
To view only your own Ads you must first login to the Registry website. Then click the "My Ads" link from the Classifieds section of the website or the "Classified Ads" tab from your Member Profile page. This will show a list of Ads currently belonging to you. Note that each Ad will have an "Update" and "Delete" link so that you can either edit one of your ads (change the text, add a photo) or delete one of your ads. |
How do I add photos to an Ad of mine that is currently running?
First make sure you are logged in to the website (logn boxes are on the left side of the homepage, enter your username and password and click the "Login" button). Go to the Classifieds and click "My Ads" Now you will see the basic information about your ad in a row across the page. If you have more than one ad, you will see all your ads on this page. Click the "Update" associated with the ad you want to change. Now you are on a page where you can edit your ad. Scroll down the page to this text: "You can upload images or pictures in JPEG/PNG/GIf format with a maximum of 2.5 Megabytes. The Ad system will automatically create thumbnail(s) of the image(s) or picture(s) you upload." Click the "Browse" button to the right of the box labeled "Picture 1". A window will open up that shows the files on your computers hard drive. The appearance of this window, and how it works, depends on your computer operating system (Windows or Mac, version number, etc.). This window should be familiar to you. Use it to find the photo file you want to show in your ad, then select the file with the window controls in the usual way. The window should then close. Now the file name of your photo should be shown in the box labeled "Picture 1". Now click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page. |
How do I search for an Ad?
To search ads for a specific word, go to the Ad category you wish to search and type in the key word you want to search for in the search box. Use the advanced search link to do more complicated searches. If you want to search all ads across categories, click the "All Ads" link and then perform your search. |
Do I have to be logged in to contact the Ad owner?
| Yes. You must be logged in to the site in order to view the Ad's contact information. |
Can I also view my Ads from my Member Profile?
Yes, when you are on your Member Profile page you can simply go to the "Ads" tab and it will show all your current Ads. |
Are commercial Ads from vendors allowed in the classifieds?
| Yes, provided the ad is for a specific item. The classifieds is not open for general vendor advertisement. All vendor ads (an ad which is affiliated in any way with a commercial business, whether selling or buying), must be posted in the Vendors category. Posting for vendors is currently free and we encourage it. Please do not cross post your ad, i.e. post it in another category in addition to the Vendors category. |
Can I post an Ad for something I have listed on eBay or Craigslist, etc.?
| Yes, you may post ads which are also on another site, whether it be eBay, Craigslist, etc., however they must be placed in the Linked Ads category. Please do not cross post your ad, i.e. post it in another category in addition to the Linked Ads category. |
Can people see my email if I post an Ad?
Your email address is not visible to anyone, although anyone who is logged in can send you a blind email. |
"Wanted" ads show up when I search the Classifieds but I only want to see "For Sale" ads in my search results
Use the "Advanced Search" feature so that you can also specify "For Sale" ads only. Click the "Advanced Search" link. Note that on the "Advanced Search" page there is a dropdown menu labeled "For Sale/Wanted?" Select "For Sale". In the "Ad Title" box enter the words you want to search for (you cannot search for words in the ad description text, only in the title text) Now click "Submit" to do your search. No "wanted" ads will show up in the search results. You may also use the "Sort by" box on the right and sort on "ForSale/Wanted". This will segregate the ads in the list, i.e "Wanted" ads followed by "For Sale" ads. |
How do I use the "Advanced Search" function?
| The "Advanced Search" function allows you to be more specific about your search. You can limit your search to a certain ad category, search for a sellers name, search only "For Sale" ads, etc. Give it a try. |
Can I post the same Ad in more than one category?
No, you cannot post duplicate ads for the same item in more than one category. Choose the category that best fits your item and post your ad in that category. |
I cannot post an ad using Internet Explorer Version 9
If you have a problem posting a Classifieds ad (you fill out the "new ad" form and click "Submit" but nothing happens) and you are using the Windows Internet Explorer version 9 browser, it appears that IE V9 is not compatible with the Classifieds software we are using. Thanks to Chris Pogue for figuring this out. He says "IE9 has a non backward compatibility issue (typical of Microsoft software) with AJAX form controls". Solutions: 1) Click the “broken page” icon which puts IE9 in compatibility mode (it doesn’t revert back to IE8). See the screen capture shown here . Then try posting your ad again. 2) Alternatively, you can download the free Google Chrome browser at http://www.google.com/chrome or the free Firefox browser at http://www.mozilla.com/ Both of those browsers work fine with all aspects of the Registry website including the Classifieds, and they offer better security than MS IE. |
Member Car Gallery FAQs
What's the difference between the Member Car Gallery and the Photo Gallery?
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How do I add my car to the gallery?
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How do I search for member cars?
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How do I rate and comment an entry?
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How do I store a favorite 356?
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Photo Gallery FAQs
What's the difference between the Member Car Gallery and the Photo Gallery?
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What is the Navagation Tree?
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How do I search for Images?
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How do I add or delete images?
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Can I create my own category to store my images?
Yes. |
What is "The Wall"?
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What is Cooliris?
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How do I rate and comment an image?
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How do I store a favorite image?
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Can I also view my uploaded photos from my Member Profile?
Yes |
How do I report an inappropriate image?
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Event Calendar FAQs
How can I view events by year/month.week, etc.?
At the top of the main Event Calendar page are icons labeled; "See by year", "See by month", "See by week", "See Today". Click the icon for the event view you wish to see. |
How can I add an event?
In the "News & Events" menu at the top of the page, click the "Event Calendar" link. That will take you to the main Event Calendar page. Scroll down to the bottom of that page and click "Add an Event". A new window will open titled "Edit Event". Enter the event information in that window (be sure and scroll down within that window to see all the fields) and when you are finished click the "Save" button at the upper right. |
How can I look for certain types of events?
On the main Events Calendar page, select a choice from the list of links on the left side of the page; "356 Registry Event", "356 Intl Event", "PCA Event", "Vintage Races", or "Misc Car Event". |
How can I report an inappropriate event?
Send an email to the Event Calendar Moderator Roy Lock
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VIN Database FAQs
How do I enter data in the Registry Database?
Only 356 Registry members can access the Registry Database. On the main Chassis/Engine Database page, click the link "Update an Existing Record in the Database" and follow the instructions on the subsequent pages. |
Who can change data in the database?
| Only the administrator can change data. This is why when someone "updates" a record, it doesn't actually change the existing record but creates a new record based on the existing information. This information can then be amended prior to finalizing the "update". The reason for restricting this is to prevent unauthorized changes, and to create a "paper trail" of records on a car. If it was a free-for-all, someone could change existing information to hide something shady in the car's history, for example. |
Who collects the data?
Data is collected through those interesed in establishing records in the database, such as Bill Block who has devoted a great deal of time to chassis information gathering. Another source is Eric Cherneff's website www.356a.com: anything added by the public to that database will also eventually get added to the Registry database. |
What is the connection between the 356 Registry Database and 356a.com?
The 356 Registry has had informal chassis records but Eric Cherneff helped put them in electronic form. He created 356a.com more than 10 years ago and subsequently gave the database, and pages that make the online database work, to the 356 Registry. He also provids support (along with some others) to maintain the database and associated pages. Information that is put into 356a.com is shared with the 356 Registry. This sharing is ONE-WAY. If you put info into the 356 Registry database, it is NOT shared with any other websites. |
Who do you contact if there is something to correct or remove from the database?
Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for questions or issues regarding the 356 Registry VIN Database. |
Do you have to show all the information about your car?
| Participation is strictly voluntary. If you want to submit just a chassis number and let the world know it is alive and well, or that you scrapped it 10 years ago, feel free. We encourage your name and contact information so that other enthusiasts can get in touch with you, but provide what you're comfortable with. Lots of people provide data "for information only" with no contact info. That's fine. |
Is it just for cars or can engines and transmissions be entered?
The database is not just for complete cars! If you have just an engine or a transmission you can enter just their numbers without an associated chassis number. We want engine and transmission entries so that people looking for a particular engine or trans number can find them. Of course if you don't enter your contact information then the people looking for your engine or trans won't be able to contact you! |
Are there errors in the database?
| Yes, lots. If you see them, please let This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it know. Include the nature of the error and the correction. If there is a car that is reported "stolen", and you tell us it is not stolen, and you are a different person from the person who reported it stolen, we might be asking a few more questions. If you tell us you don't own chassis number 11112, but you do own 111121, that will be an easy fix. This database belongs to the members of the Registry; please help to improve it. |
Archives FAQs
What are the Archives?
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How do I search past 356 Registry magazine issues?
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How do I search past 356Talk email archives?
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