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What was your favorite / least favorite part of MOTD this year?
Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,
You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
A bunch of us PittStop MINIers did the loop from Fontana over the skyway, down the Dragon and back to Fontana. The weather was awsome and the company even better!
This was our first Dragon and we had a good time.
Favorite part: the experience itself.
Least favorite part: Our son puked in the car on the way home Sunday. Fortunately most of it went in Mom's hat. So much for that new car smell.
Kudos to Pitt Stop for the Pinewood Derby. Perfect rainy day event. And yes, Bubbas Rolls were part of the puke package. (You had to be at the derby to get that one.)
Double Kudos to Pamelalala for the kids event. What a hoot.
As for alternate sites, Mini Meet East 2007 was held in Alcoa, TN and went really well. If you haven't attended a Mini Meet, they are equally entertaining. Less focus on driving, more on socializing and fun & games. Three hotels in a group near the highway were the center of activities. Took about 30 minutes to get to 129.
We stayed in Dillsboro Thursday night and it is another potentially good site with more amenities. Did the train Friday morning, shopped, visitied Nantahala Outdoor Center.
I've been reading this thread and wanted to inject a few comments.
To those that want to move this event to a larger city in the area. One of the most appealing bits of MOTD is thats it's like Summer Camp for MINI Kids. We are all out in the woods together having fun visiting each others cabins and just hanging out. This would be lost at a sterile hotel block in a "city". I know I went from cabin to cabin most evenings for different parties that were there. One night I went from a BBQ with about 30 or so folks to a smaller birthday celebration to a camp fire where some played a guitar and sang. All with backdrop of the Smokie Mtns looming large. There is a lot to be said to the getting away from the cell phones and internet access. I think it's one of the things that makes MOTD special.
I've been to AMVIV twice and I'll likely not go back unless it's as in some capacity where I need to be there. I like the people but the atmosphere is not to my liking. Been to MOTD twice and I am already planning for next year.
All in all MOTD is what you make it. If you want to look for fault, it's there. For the most part it's a small group of folks that volunteer their time and effort so the masses have the ability to enjoy a good time. Say what you want but being slightly smaller this year then last was a good thing. I'm not sure how you can get more vendors there. Alta and Custom MINI Shop didn't trek out from the west coast. For them it's a huge commitment of time and resources.
Sure, a few things are not perfect, but thats the way life is, roll with what you have and try to make it better next time. This MOTD was better than the last for me and I expect the next to be even more fun, if thats possible.
I'd like to thank everyone that was there for a great time. I hope to see you all there again next year.
As far as Vendors go...It was great to have the protection from the rain and wind down in the big tent AND the night security guard ("Terry", who was packing a 9mm...I got to know him pretty well and I think it paid off because our stuff was completely safe all 3 nights) that was paid for by NAM to help protect our stuff at night was a MAJOR help. It was so nice to just fold a few things in and zip up the sidewalls of our booth and walk away instead of taking everything down every night and put it all back up the next morning. This year was by far the most relaxing in that respect. Kudos to Mark for making that happen. As our display grows every year, this kind of stuff makes a big difference.
I love to roam around when I get a minute and talk with the other vendors that I only see once a year. I did not have much time this year.... It would be nice to have all the vendors and installers in one area, maybe up at the top or down where the car show was? Would it make sense to put a small to medium sized tent up at the top for vendors and have installers either inside as well (if they want) or have their own space. The tent that Lucky Dog setup last year was pretty nice...maybe 1-3 of those or a large one??
There seems to be the most action up at the top as opposed to down by the car show area, but I am sure if everyone was down there, that's where the action would be....
And who wants MORE vendors? Come on, all you need is Out Motoring, isn't it?
I've posted once already, but I have to chime in again. After spending the past 30 minutes just skimming through the dozens of posts, Mark et al, I know you will, but please let's keep the gripes in perspective, most of them are pretty minor. I like many others prefer to focus on the enjoyment virtually everyone had and all the good ideas I'm reading about- from the charity to the drive in (will the move be "The Italian Job"?!), to more early morning drives, etc.
I see MOTD as just a group of people who love to drive, are passionate about the cars that they drive, and gather a few days once a year to get away from it all to drive our MINI's the way they were designed to be driven. It's that simple to me. I too am counting down to MOTD7!
Another idea I heard, was a convertible top down only drive, since quite a few of us showed up. Weather dependent of course, but maybe we can find a route somewhat out of the woods that would especially suit convertibles.
And count me in the group that left the laptop at home and smiled everytime the blackberry showed no connection. It's called a VACATION.
I would like to extend a Great Big HUGE Hug to all of you who have taken the time to post positive comments and constructive criticism. Thank you for expressing appreciation for the hard work of all the volunteers and for helping to put complaints in perspective. I feel so MUCH better now than I did earlier today.
Being virgin's to motd 6 We loved every minute of the whole event from the 8+ hour drive there through to the 10 hour senic drive home. I loved meeting everyone and checking out all the hot mini's I loved the unique license plates and cars and people. I've sat here for a couple days (needs a life I guess) I get really upset at all the negative comments that people are making. And those making them probably didn't have any hand in helping or volunteering in any way. I feel like if you didn't help then SHHHHHHHH. It's like voting if you don't vote then you can't complain. Instead of putting your 2cents in put in some time and see what the others go through, then you can complain. It really grips my arse to hear all this negativity. Do something to change it, if you can do better the you can sit here and read the replies and see how you feel when something you've done didn't go as expected. Get a grip or get a life no one forces anyone to attend these events you knew the cost before going and glitches can be expected. I mean really come on people, it's a vacation a getaway, time to have fun relax and meet people from all over that have the same passion for a great little car. Don't so uptight over the small stuff in a year it won't matter. Reflect on the good times, people, adventures, and cars.
And remember "Don't let your bulldog mouth get your chihuahua butt in trouble.
I understand that NAM is not going to support the Farewell Dinner next year.
Does that include other events? What about the registration for next year?
Seems to me that we had better step back and consider how "formal" we want things to be. Maybe it's time to get back to some of the basics of riding, eating, and comradery.
I hate to say it, but I'm feeling a bit stunned by all the complaining that went on when things weren't going as "they" thought things should go. I felt those people were expecting to be catered to like they were at some spa, or resort. These are the kinds of people who make things worse rather than stepping up to help out. I live by this one thought. I would rather be part of the solution than part of the problem.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Knowing that I would meet people I haven't seen since last year, and that many of my local MINI friends would be there to share the experience made the entire event so meaningful to me.
I did not go there expecting to be handled with kid gloves. At the same time I realize that the VOLUNTEERS made this thing happen. Time and money out of their pocket made it all possible.
I actually was able to help out this year. Doing my small part made me feel part of the value of the whole thing.
My challenge to those who complained...get off your ass and get involved.
Making the MINI community your reason to be there (not you personal agenda of being babied) will make the few days you spent there the most amazing part of your year.
UNCLE MINI WANTS YOU !
Without you it's just another vacation.
__________________ It may kill me, but it will take weeks for the smile to fade!
I understand that NAM is not going to support the Farewell Dinner next year.
Does that include other events? What about the registration for next year?
Stacey of DC Metro MINIs hosted the Farwell dinner this year. And yes Mark is rethinking his role for next year. I do believe that Mark was a little more relaxed this year than in past years, due to more volunteers picking up the slack. Maybe this will encourge him to return for another year. Either way, the Dragon will happen along with registration for next year. We have contigiency plans ready either way.
Personally I don't see any of the preceeding post as complaining or whining. Folks are allowed to vent and complain. Those post only hold as much power as we give them. (wonder if responding to them is kinda like fanning a flame?)
Personally I don't see any of the preceeding post as complaining or whining. Folks are allowed to vent and complain. Those post only hold as much power as we give them. (wonder if responding to them is kinda like fanning a flame?)
especially since the title of the thread asks for their least favorite things
Oh, I could gripe. But the folks who worked the info table with me have heard it already. I filled out a form...
A booth which allows you expend their products on your car to see if you even like them? Ridiculous! (I loved the DP car wash).
I had a great time at MOTD this year. One thing that you pick up once you've been a time or two, is experience. At my first MOTD, 2 years ago, the FW dinner was a really nice event. Last year, it was diminished (IMHO) to a decent buffet line. When we saw that this years' was listed as a walk-through, it wasn't hard to decide what to do. And having a cabin, it only made sense to eat at our leisure, which we did exclusively. For example: we had porterhouse and scallops on Saturday night and still saved enough for at least a few gallons of 93 octane.
And then there are events Not to be missed- they're easy to spot once you've attended, and have been cited repeatedly (congrats). Given a lengthier stay, we'd have taken in at least two more of these, must-attend fellowship opportunities. But the whole event was about fellowship and there were plenty of kindred spirits everywhere one looked. There's been a lot of bickering over the new MINI offerings, but it sure was fun to see the varieties in person and to meet their owners. Everyone sure seemed happy from what I saw. I did catch a cold or some bad pollen by Saturday morning, and my attitude suffered for a short bit. But a nap, a drive and a cook-out did wonders.
I'll probably get a lot of flak for this next comment, but I believe MOTD is a lot like High School. You can be a jock, a star student, a cheerleader, or one of the majority who remain nameless. After a year or two, you find your place and don't worry about it. But I hope your MINI has the best days of it's life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by snooter Personally I don't see any of the preceeding post as complaining or whining. Folks are allowed to vent and complain. Those post only hold as much power as we give them. (wonder if responding to them is kinda like fanning a flame?)
especially since the title of the thread asks for their least favorite things
--------
I can handle criticisms that contribute to the pool of information needed to make improvements (especially when they are actually requested) that's not the problem - it's the useless complaints that are just said to be cruel. They come from miserable people who complain about everything and have zero value - these are the type of people you could hand a Million dollars in cash and they would complain that it's not 2 Million!
But alas, as so many kind souls here have pointed out, these people are, thankfully, in the minority. The vast majority of attendees were very happy with the event.
Oh, just to clarify, there has been no "crown hunting" here (we actually prefer diamond necklaces ) - just hurt feelings and disappointment. But, thanks to the overwhelming majority of kind, considerate, appreciative and constructive souls on in our MINI community, that's all gone now - the people I really care about making happy are! YAY!!
Okay, off to polish my volunteer bling, as all of you who work their butts off at MOTD know, it's all for the glory!!
First, I need to see if someone can answer a couple of questions. I think I read in a different thread that Fontana covered half the cost of the tent, $4,000. True? Second, did Fontana donate the trailer that was used for registration? The reason I ask is that we met a couple of the partners that now own Fontana on Saturday evening. We were in the bar at the Lodge to watch the Kentucky Derby and they were there for a few drinks and dinner. They were some of the nicest folks we have ever met. It turns out that one of the businesses that they are involved in is disaster recovery. I noticed that the trailer had something on it about disaster recovery services. They were very interested to hear how we liked our stay and what they could do to get the MINI group to continue coming back. As everyone who has been to Fontana before can see, they are investing a lot of money in improvements.
This was our second MOTD and we enjoyed ourselves more this year than last.
Thanks to Blimey (Paul Penny) for leading the Gatlinburgh run. Great route, the perfect pace for my wife's first trip through the Dragon, great scenery, fun folks, and our return across 441 was really interesting.
Thanks to Pamalalala and all the PitStop MINI folks for all they did including another great Monte Carlo night and thanks to MINIUSA for their support.
Thanks to Snooter for leading the Dillsboro run. If anyone needs pointers on how to serve 40 or 50(?) people a good homestyle sit down dinner with all the fixin's in less than an hour for $15 per person, go talk to the folks at the Jarrett House. Also, if you get to Dillsboro be sure and stop by the General Store's old-time soda fountain - the milkshakes are unbelievable. After lunch we ran into a couple that had been on the Highlands run. They told us about the route they had taken so we went down to Franklin and returned to Fontana on 28. 28 between Franklin and 74 is another awesome road.
We did not register to get the swag or the T-shirt, we registered to support the event. The grill badge was a nice surprise and the flashlight sure did come in handy when the lights went out.
I know I've left out a lot of people who did a lot of work to make this another great event and I apologize for that. On behalf of my wife and I, we would like to thank everyone involved in any way for making our second MOTD better than the first.
First, I need to see if someone can answer a couple of questions. I think I read in a different thread that Fontana covered half the cost of the tent, $4,000. True? Second, did Fontana donate the trailer that was used for registration?
Randy Jordan is one of the owners and he did donate use of the trailer. That was his name and his partners name on the trailer. Fontana did cover part of the cost of the tent (actually is was some funds from Graham county that were given to Fontana)
Quote:
Thanks to Snooter for leading the Dillsboro run. If anyone needs pointers on how to serve 40 or 50(?) people a good homestyle sit down dinner with all the fixin's in less than an hour for $15 per person, go talk to the folks at the Jarrett House.
Glad ya like it!!! and yes, the Jarrett house really stepped up their service this year!!
especially since the title of the thread asks for their least favorite things
^valid point!
__________________ R56 PW/B usta car-R53 RG/S
If it's on the configurator, IT'S NOT A "MOD"!!!
"I'm not advocating violence, I'm just saying it works and I highly suggest using it."- (ask a) Ninja
The trailer was donated and it was greatly appreciated. However, it may not always be available. If they are out doing a job someplace the trailers they have will be with them.
Call: Thanks for the thoughtful, constructive criticism. That is precisely what folks want to see. Whether everyone will agree is another matter entirely, but the sentiment is in the right vein and hugely appreciated, by me at least. I hope that your latest comment opens constructive dialogue that can result in worthwhile advancement rather than simply more defensive backlash.
...But about those crowns... I absolutely agree with you. However, it seems to me that the intent of those comments is being either misunderstood or misconstrued. The only reasons that I see for some of the comments being made that you are apparently interpreting as crown-seeking are:
Self-defense from the disparaging remarks about the effort put forth.
To help prove the point that anyone can volunteer - not just an elite, select few.
From my perspective, none of the volunteers was chest-thumping or seeking further reward.
...And not to threadjack this any further than it already is, but... WMWNY: a phrase my grandfather used comes to mind: Give a dog a good name and it will be a good dog. I have no clue how many miles you have on your MC but, if it hasn't given you problems thus far, I'd guess that you got one of the better ones - and I'd keep treating it as though it is.
Otherwise, if you really have that little faith in your car, why keep it? Why drive it anywhere? Rather than use some lame excuse, just cowgirl-up and admit that you don't want to lead a drive (for whatever the real reason).
I'd much rather deal with people mature enough to admit their limitations (yet also resolved to improve on them) than ones too cowardly to own up to them or too foolhardy to recognize them in the first place. Furthermore, regarding volunteers in general, none of us want to attend an event put on by begrudging effort or people who aren't truly enthusiastic about doing it. Those attitudes show through and either enhance or diminish the experience for everyone. Of course, I speak from experience.
So if you have some fear about leading a drive that would make you over-stressed or whatever, then please don't. Everyone has their strengths and this may not be yours. That's ok. We already appreciate your efforts in welcoming folks at the Cigar Salon!
I've been following this thread for a few days, just kind of taking in all that others have had to say.
I really enjoyed this year's MOTD I think most especially because of the great new people I had the pleasure of meeting. Kudos especially goes out to those who organized and ran Monte Carlo night and Little Dragons.
The venue for Monte Carlo night was much better because we weren't all so cramped. I liked that there were more tables to choose from and excellent prizes. Even though I didn't walk away with a prize, I still had a wonderful time playing the games and watching my 5 year old step-daughter dance the night away. If anyone walked away from that event feeling cheated, it was because they just weren't trying to have fun!
Little Dragons was also a fantastic event. I am a 2nd grade teacher so
I completely understand the difficult task that was trying to keep that many children entertained and happy. The organizers did an amazing job of keeping the kids moving from station to station and making sure no one was left out. I was especially impressed with the awesome ballon creatures and crowns that were made for the kids. I know that Jaelyn will be talking about all the fun that she had for a long time.
My only criticism is the lack of information about the drives. Maybe I missed it at the information table, but was there any print out about where the day drives would be meeting? I signed up for drives ahead of time and knew enough to print out the welcome packet. However I can see how easily someone attending MOTD for the first time might overlook it. I think it would be helpful even if only a few pages from the welcome packet were printed out and left in packets on the information table, so that people could easily see what events were available.
My only criticism is the lack of information about the drives.
Maybe I missed it at the information table, but was there any print out about where the day drives would be meeting?
I signed up for drives ahead of time and knew enough to print out the welcome packet.
However I can see how easily someone attending MOTD for the first time might overlook it.
I think it would be helpful even if only a few pages from the welcome packet were printed out and left in packets on
the information table, so that people could easily see what events were available.
I am already looking forward to next year!
The packets are a great idea but unfortunately it may generate an additional expense.
I think maybe next year if we have the info. booth again, we could have a 2'x3' posterboard for each day. Listing the events, times, locations etc. Pretty much a larger version of whats in the welcome package. Then folks can see the whole event, day by day, displayed on the wall at one time.
Gee...maybe YOU should be leading a drive, instead of me. I AM NOT WORTHY!!
You're plenty busy with the Cigar Sampling Salon, Jeff. Let others lead drives.
Quote:
Originally Posted by snooter
I think maybe next year if we have the info. booth again, we could have a 2'x3' posterboard for each day. Listing the events, times, locations etc. Pretty much a larger version of whats in the welcome package. Then folks can see the whole event, day by day, displayed on the wall at one time.
I think maybe next year if we have the info. booth again, we could have a 2'x3' posterboard for each day. Listing the events, times, locations etc. Pretty much a larger version of whats in the welcome package. Then folks can see the whole event, day by day, displayed on the wall at one time.
But we had a much bigger whiteboard that had all the info on it, and people still missed it. Heck they also missed the info table!
)
It's called a VACATION.
It may kill me, but it will take weeks for the smile to fade!
) - just hurt feelings and disappointment. But, thanks to the overwhelming majority of kind, considerate, appreciative and constructive souls on in our MINI community, that's all gone now - the people I really care about making happy are! YAY!! 
R56 PW/B usta car-R53 RG/S 
DILLIGAD
Wicked Wanda
Gee...maybe YOU should be leading a drive, instead of me. 
Hybrid Mode
