What have you planned here at MOTD in the past? And the two years I attended MOTD (06 and 07) the dinners were around the same price they were this year.

Nobody is looking for a crown here. But it gets tiresome when people try and make something out to be something that it isn't. The dinners aren't seen as a real money maker for the people putting them together. Yes, this year since the clubs were handling the dinners the night of they got a small portion of the proceeds to help with their club operations. How is that wrong?


Where is your evidence that others take a nice wad of of dough from this event? I charged $15 for the Brew Swap per person. Every penny went to the costs of it (which were low) and to the charity we sponspored ($2,300 from the reg. fees). Where's my wad? The t-shirt sales made $300 profit. Also went to charity.

Monte Carlo night isn't run for a profit either. None of the events are. The only place where you can even begin to make accusations about accountability would be with the general registration. And I'm sorry, no one forced you to get a registration and even if you felt you had to you could have gotten the basic registration at $10. Now, if you sit there and try and tell me it isn't worth $10 to help offset tent costs and coordination then you're just over the top.

No one has to answer to you or anyone as far as where the money goes. If something has a fee to it and where it goes isn't transparent then don't buy it. Period.

 

Fontana has changed ownership. The first year I went '05 (MOTD4) Fontana allowed outside food, they no longer allow that, so the cost of food is and has been getting higher.

Coordination of the events, may seem to have deteriorated, however, it is because the organizers try to fix all the gripes that people have every year.

This year we worked hard to make sure the adventure center lot was open to traffic, because that is what the majority of people said they wanted... and now afterwards, it seems that it's not as big a deal as everyone made it out to be.

I beg to differ, MOTD is a premiere event, ask the vendors if they would even bother coming if it were not!

 

stubborn ain'tcha? Just so determined to belittle the effort and time put into this event, both this year and past years. Sad, really..to be so hell bent on making others feel badly.

FYI, last year was the largest MINI event in the country, period. This year, not so much...economy, gas prices, etc. made it smaller. So be it. It's still one of the largest gathering of MINIs in the country.

As a volunteer this year and in past years, I'm not looking for a "crown". What I am looking for is positive feedback so I know that what I, and others, did was appreciated. Everyone likes a pat on the back every once in a while, especially in the case of something big Like Monte Carlo night. That takes a vast amount of time, effort and money to put on.

As to the "nice wad of dough" you claim that someone made. Do you have proof? I doubt it. If you do, I and others, would love to see it laid out to the last penny. DCMM went through this several years ago when folks claimed we were lining the club's pockets with large sums of money because we ran the event. As it turned out, they were completely wrong, misinformed, and blind to the fact that DCMM donated 5 grand to a local charity. Curious what folks choose to believe, despite hard facts.

If you had problems with the coordination of this year's event, then I suggest you get involved with next years'. I'm sure, with your involvement, it'll go off without a single glitch, right?

The info table had never been done before, so it was a complete guess on my part as to what was needed. That's called "initiative", and I was happy to do it, despite the fact that I didn't get to go on any of the organized drives. I made a commitment, as did others, and I stuck to it...as did others. If that statement makes me selfish and "crown" seeking, so be it. The volunteers worked their butts off as usual for the benefit of the event, and deserve kudos, asked for or not. What they don't need is belittlement for their efforts.

You have a problem with the event? Volunteer next year to make it better, and quit denigrating the effort made for this year. That goes for any and everyone who have complaints.

 

I made my donation to the Graham County LEOs... I had a late-night meal at the Huddle House in Robbinsville and saw a table of 'em having a quick meal during a break. I picked up their tab ($10) and slipped out the door before the waitress could tell 'em... considering it to be an investment in good karma. It must have worked as I made it through the week without any major accidents or tickets!

My favorite parts of the event:
- The roads!!!
- The great MINI people I met there.
- The car show (I think that the focus and scoring issues will get better with time and experience) - great new event
- All the drives!!! I was leading 2 of 'em, so I didn't get to do any others, but there was a HUGE selection this year!
- It was my first Casino Night - very nice event
- The brew swap is so much nicer in the Adventure Center vs. the old registration building.

Honestly, I liked the tent. I was only really there to pick up my Chili dinner, but it looked like it would work nicely to give a new, larger venue.

I'll 'ditto' the comments above about voluenteering for the event, but I've been ranting about that for a long while... For my first 2006, I wrote a post expressing disappointment that no drives were on the schedule a few months before the event. I then realized that I was part of the problem... I hadn't stepped up to run one, so I had no right to complain. I planned the drive for 90+ cars (3 groups of 30 cars each, 30 minutes apart) at my first MOTD when I lived in Texas. There are LOTS of things you can do to make MOTD a better event for everyone... it just takes a bit of time and effort. I can say that I got so much more out of the event because I gave some of my time... It was a great investment.

I liked having an extra day. MOTD 2006 seemed very rushed to me as I always seemed to be running from event to event... too much that I wanted to do. Because I had the extra time, I enjoyed everything a bit more.

The Sunset drive is a great idea for those who want a fun evening drive. When I make it back in 2010, I'll put one on if someone doesn't beat me to it! The Sunrise drive was a great event this year... I can't speak for everyone in the back, but I had a great time!

My only criticism isn't with MOTD organization but with Fontana food services. For the price and simplicity of the dish, I'd expect not to have to wait 45 minutes in line for a piece of fry bread with Chili poured on top. They should be better at this type of thing.

 

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 **** 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.

Sky

 

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 *** 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.

 

That drive to Highlands and back was just awesome! The scenery and the day were perfect and the leader really planned a lot of fun for all! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be returning for whatever drives you plan for next year!

Thanks again!
Jeff [Silk Green/white Cooper]

 

That is something we can address next year. I don't think Joey has had to feed such a large crowd before in a tent. The logistics of carting the food from the Rec. Hall surely put a strain on them. I think overall the crew at Fontana did a great job. Perhaps next year we can suggest a double food line. But as someone else mentions earlier, the more folks Joey puts in the tent, then the less help he has in the restaurant and those of us that eat there will complain.

The tent meals were meant to be flow thru with more of a staggard start, but seemed to really have a huge intial turn out. Again, leasons to learn from 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?)

 

Glad you liked it, Jeff!

I can only make it to MOTD every other year (w/ the long trip to and from Dallas, it chews up too many vacation days to do it every year), but I've done all of the base work on the Highlands and Smoky Mountain drives. It would be very, VERY easy for someone else to take my instructions and run the exact same routes again (Hint, Hint). I'd be happy to do what I can to help, even though I won't be there in '09 to be in the front of the line.

 

Surely you jest...my lil Cooper, leading all those MCSes? Wow...talk about a Granny drive....

 

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.

 

especially since the title of the thread asks for their least favorite things

 

MOTD needs all kinds of drives... Granny drives (also known as Scenic drives or family-friendl) all the way to ultra-spirited!

A MC should be able to keep a pace that is both safe and fun for all Coopers to follow..

 

My MC never had a problem running faster that a whole lot of MCS (s), you shouldn't have a problem!

 

+1 My MCC may not have the speed in the straights, but I don't have many problems keeping up once we get in the twisties.

 

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!!

 

If my little Classic can lead the Heinzelmannchen Run anyone can lead a drive. Come on everyone join the fun.

 

^valid point!

 

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.

 

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)

Glad ya like it!!! and yes, the Jarrett house really stepped up their service this year!!

 

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.

 

Ummm...you're driving a CVT, too?

 

FANTASTIC! Your MC is newer than mine [mine's an '03] and has a different CVT. YOU do the Granny drive!

 

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....