[CR]Masi Project

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

From: "Jim Cunningham" <cyclartist@home.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 00:24:32 -0700
Subject: [CR]Masi Project

Certainly, a simple who-built-Masis-when time line and a where-are-they-now list can be reconstructed and would probably answer most questions typically raised on the list. This is a worthy endeavor that should be posted on the CR site.

As to more detailed investigation of the Masi/Confente/Medici "tree"; I'd be quite interested in any interview text or documents that come to light. I will participate and share my documents with any creditable independent investigator. I will attempt to include any interesting material in my book.

So far, my book contains no fiction except a brief scene from Mario's youth which serves to give the reader an introduction to his background and personality. I am telling the story in the form of a novel, because even I am not interested in the story in documentary form. I cannot imagine a large audience that would be.

Obviously, if there are to be interviews, these need to be taken by someone objective and impartial. Russ Howe comes to mind, as he has already interviewed some of the people involved and done a fine job on the Confente story as published in Bike Trader. I have been in touch with him and will ask if he would consider doing this.

So much, perhaps too much, has already been written. What questions really remain? It seems a list of questions should be prepared before interviewing. Who prepares the questions? As the passions on the list have shown, there are still some strong differences of opinion. Will our investigator draw conclusions and will opposing parties accept those conclusions?

What level of proof will be required to determine that a statement is fact? For example, I have transcripts of a legal deposition under oath and signed documents which prove certain players in this little drama were deceptive. I'll share these things if asked by an appropriate investigator, but who will take responsibility for the consequences?

I have approximately 2,000 documents relevant to Confente, I'm sure there are many more covering Masi and Medici. Will someone travel here and spend a couple of days reviewing them? How much detail do we need? Some of the business deals and maneuvering might be interesting, but how much is documented and how will apparent conflicts be resolved? I know from writing a book just about Mario, that this is a massive undertaking, I have hundreds of hours in the project to date. Will someone do this justice, or will we just spread more gossip?

Jim Cunningham
CyclArtist
Vista, CA