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See my other posts, ok? I have an early '03 MC CVT. Given all the CVT problems out there, I'd rather NOT lead a drive....but then, just think of all the MINIs who could tow me back to Fontana....
We've got a CVT too, you can join us in leading a drive next year That way if one konks out, the other can continue, right?
__________________ "Tell me tell me what you're after; I just want to get there faster" Ordered 6/9/2008 :: In Production 6/10/2008 :: Born 6/19/2008 :: Shipped 6/26/2008 :: Arrived at Port: 7/7/2008 :: Delivered 7/18/2008
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We've got a CVT too, you can join us in leading a drive next year That way if one konks out, the other can continue, right?
Hmmmm...the word "konk", followed by "continue" chills me to the bone. I can just see myself watching the happy caravan continuing on and fading into the distance while I am left with my "Konked out Kooper"....
First I'd like to thank those volunteers who I know worked hard and did their best for all of us to have as good an event as possible considering the circumstances of the economy and the past "issues". I don't mind placing a crown on your heads because you deserve it...just let me do the placing of the crowns...you will wear it better.
More specifically, kgdblu, I think you answered one of my concerns about turning the MOTD event into a fund raiser for your individual clubs to donation to charity back home or for that matter using it for whatever you deem appropriate...$5K And Lord knows what other clubs did the same thing. Maybe this is just one thing that has contributed to the unnecessary rising costs of things at the MOTD. I know the vendors have had to shell out more money to have their spaces; Fontana continues to go up and up on their rates for rooms/cabins and their meals. Then lop on the fees NAM charges...I think we are beginning to get the picture.
Here are my suggestions for a better MOTD for 2009:
#1 NAM can take their finger out of it
#2 Fontana give us reasonable group rates or we will go somewhere else
#3 Clubs & volunteers, why not charge enough for your events to cover costs and then encourage donations but consider giving it back to the local governments or charitable organizations. That would create more good will with the public who seem to be growing more unsettled with us coming to their area anyway.
#4 Create a more friendly atmosphere for more vendors and promoters
#5 Ditch the welcome/farewell dinners; keep special events like the chilli cook off, brew swap, the different drives; add show & tells, how-to's.
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.
Here are my suggestions for a better MOTD for 2009:
#1 NAM can take their finger out of it
#2 Fontana give us reasonable group rates or we will go somewhere else
#3 Clubs & volunteers, why not charge enough for your events to cover costs and then encourage donations but consider giving it back to the local governments or charitable organizations. That would create more good will with the public who seem to be growing more unsettled with us coming to their area anyway.
#4 Create a more friendly atmosphere for more vendors and promoters
#5 Ditch the welcome/farewell dinners; keep special events like the chilli cook off, brew swap, the different drives; add show & tells, how-to's.
Maybe a little less is more.
Call
I second Mini2Go with, thank you - this is what we're looking for. My thoughts on your thoughts...
1. I don't necessarily have a problem with that but without some type of central organization I foresee problems. Could I be wrong about that? Absolutely. I wouldn't mind one year with no central backbone just to see what the results would be. If it works then we know we don't need it in the future. If it doesn't then someone has to step up and centralize the organization.
2. That's fine in spirit but really, where else can we go in the area that could accomodate as many of us as Fontana does? Nantahala is the only other place that comes to mind but I can't fathom they'd be cheaper. Do you know of any other places? And I ask that informatively, not trying to goad you.
3. The reason why I intentially raised the rates for charity this year is that people tend to need to be forced to donate. Now that sounds awful but we all make excuses when it comes to that sort of thing. In the end, the price of an event should come down to worth. Is the event worth the "x" dollars they're charging? In my case, yes I think the Brew Swap is worth $15. The price will not be going up next year and hopefully not for many years. If the budget for it goes up then the charity would just get less. I don't think that would happen to any significant effect.
4. I do agree that the Vendors shouldn't have to pay a penny more than what the costs are. So if Fontana wants to charge them X for tables, power, etc. then they pay that much. I don't think Fontana was profiting off of those charges but I could be wrong. I think it was not just last year's negative vibe that contributed to less vendors this year but also the economy.
5. I'm actually a fan of this as well. I think low cost simple dinners are worth the effort. The others not so much.
Matt
__________________ It's black. It's badass. It's Samuel L.
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!
Gee...maybe YOU should be leading a drive, instead of me. I AM NOT WORTHY!!
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.
One thing we did have but were not able to display was a very large map of grounds with all the items of interest highlighted. These were a large vinyl transfer and the boards to mount them were not shipped.
Also there were directional and location signs that got lost in the shuffle and never displayed. Getting these out would have helped matters.
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 would be nice if Fontana could work up our "schedule" (white board info) into their handout one gets upon checking in. Their booklet seemed standardized for the most part, so I'm not seeing that happen. Still, a folded sheet with the most basic of info that people yearn for (and forgot to print/bring with) would be valuable.
It would be nice if Fontana could work up our "schedule" (white board info) into their handout one gets upon checking in. Their booklet seemed standardized for the most part, so I'm not seeing that happen. Still, a folded sheet with the most basic of info that people yearn for (and forgot to print/bring with) would be valuable.
We could certainly print something up, and give it to the front desk, but then the staff would have to remember to hand it out.
Maybe we should just make a shorten version of the pdf mail out, like just the the event info. and put that in the registration packages. Since alot of folks don't stay at Fontana, it would not benifit those folks to put it at the front desk. And if you don't get a registration package, because you are not registered, then you are not participating in any organized events and it doesn't matter.
Hmmmm...the word "konk", followed by "continue" chills me to the bone. I can just see myself watching the happy caravan continuing on and fading into the distance while I am left with my "Konked out Kooper"....
LOL, Jeff, I lead a drive in my classic on Thursday and it konked (some dummy left the lights on ). My poor followers had to give me a push so I could lead them on. And then I forgot about the immobilizer so they had to push me again.
FYI for others - An event guide is usually something that gets left behind in the room, in a car, etc. They are generally to large to carry around all the time for quick reference. The last couple of years for MME the hosting club has developed a pocket guide, a single sheet with the basics that can be folded and carried in the pocket. It won't help with last minute changes but gives a good quick view of the important info that can easily be kept on your person.
LOL, Jeff, I lead a drive in my classic on Thursday and it konked (some dummy left the lights on ). My poor followers had to give me a push so I could lead them on. And then I forgot about the immobilizer so they had to push me again.
FYI for others - An event guide is usually something that gets left behind in the room, in a car, etc. They are generally to large to carry around all the time for quick reference. The last couple of years for MME the hosting club has developed a pocket guide, a single sheet with the basics that can be folded and carried in the pocket. It won't help with last minute changes but gives a good quick view of the important info that can easily be kept on your person.
Well there is the schedule on the name tags, and with the exception of a couple time mistakes, it was very accurate. We would just have to add start locations for drives, and locations for other events. It could be small print at the top, with a area map on the bottom.
If you think of what you can get on an 8 1/2 by 11 paper that can be folded an put in a pocket versus what will fit on a registration tag, you can see alot more can be added. Unless you want really big ID tags. Plus it can be run a bit later than the laminated, prepared tags, if needed.
If you think of what you can get on an 8 1/2 by 11 paper that can be folded an put in a pocket versus what will fit on a registration tag, you can see alot more can be added. Unless you want really big ID tags. Plus it can be run a bit later than the laminated, prepared tags, if needed.
I agree, but now you have 2 things people will forget to grab from their room/cabin vs. 1.
Simple is better. The name tags were rather large, and all the important info would fit, small print for sure, but IMHO less items to forget the better. (of course there were people who forgot their badges for dinner )
I agree, but now you have 2 things people will forget to grab from their room/cabin vs. 1.
Simple is better. The name tags were rather large, and all the important info would fit, small print for sure, but IMHO less items to forget the better. (of course there were people who forgot their badges for dinner )
Different things work for different people and no single thing works for all. Some won't even wear a lanyard but will move a piece of paper from pocket to pocket daily. I'm not sure you could put a usable map showing meeting places for drives on a reasonably sized registration tag (get your glasses out, granny), but you could on 8 1/2 by 11. The pocket guide has been a source of compliments and gratitude at MME for the last couple of years. Just offering info that has worked for me and others in the past.
I saw we go with a micro chip like they do at my dogs vet. We can chip each person with a paid registration. Then have multiple scanning stations through out Fontana. Then you just scan yourself in (kinda like the price scanners at the end of the walmart isle). It will then print you out what is your next event and even directions on how to get there.
Only downside is the your registration fee might go up a tab and require financing
Regarding event info, etc: I think that whomever handles the registration/online presence really should leverage itself better with communication via email in the months prior to MOTD. There were a few emails this year, but it could be utilized more and better. Communication, like voting, should be done early and often! Maybe there is an opt-in mailing list for general interest, but any MOTD registrant is automatically added to the list. Of course, that is the beauty of utilizing NAM - the members are already accessible without any additional effort on their part. A communication schedule should be laid out in advance and any changes should definitely be communicated as they occur. I would consider lending assistance to this type of initiative.
Quote:
Originally Posted by welshmenwillnotyield
Gee...maybe YOU should be leading a drive, instead of me. I AM NOT WORTHY!!
WTF? Did I sound self-righteous? I guess if my not standing idly by while lame excuses for not volunteering are bandied about is self-righteous, then so be it. You said you wouldn't lead a drive because of your car and I simply called BS. Having owned a CVT for 3 years, I know the car is plenty capable. But I never said you should or you shouldn't do it - just don't do it if you don't want to and let it stand at that.
Since others who may consider volunteering are likely watching the thread, I used the opportunity to point out an underlying issue of the nature of volunteering: do it because YOU want to not because someone else wants you to (which might also entail admitting your own foibles) because it makes a difference for everyone. (I will add to that however, that one shouldn't be too quick to discount themselves or the amount of enjoyment you can get from volunteering!)
I also thanked you for your other efforts as I completely agree with Clo that we don't need the same people volunteering to do more things, we simply need more people volunteering.
Okay, this will probably mean I am volunteering it, but howbout a MOTD "radio station"? This automated setup would broadcast on an unused FM channel (like the drive-in movie last year) throughout the day giving general information as well as late-breaking changes in a continuous loop. Things like where to find the info and registration areas, scheduled events for the day, special announcements, etc. I have a little transmitter that is strong enough to cover most of Fontana, and connecting this to a laptop to record and play the announcements is pretty easy. Would this be a benefit? Every car has a radio, as do many of the cabins.
Just a thought.
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That way if one konks out, the other can continue, right? 
I hope that your latest comment opens constructive dialogue that can result in worthwhile advancement rather than simply more defensive backlash. 
We already appreciate your efforts in welcoming folks at the Cigar Salon! 
It's black. It's badass. It's Samuel L.
Gee...maybe YOU should be leading a drive, instead of me. 
). My poor followers had to give me a push so I could lead them on. And then I forgot about the immobilizer so they had to push me again. 
