5 years from now...

maybe we all just need to have a big hug and start over :hsugh:

 

sounds risky, could turn into a huge subaru circle jerk

 

really? :yumyum:

 

are you hitting on me?

 

Stay on target...

 

Hey, a thought... why dont we chat about it all tonight more as well? it seems like a fair amount of us that are posting in here are going to Firestone anyways. just a thought, i think conversations go better in person anyways.

 

i just think we should all get along. and have a positive club.

as far as you, curly.... well, you just play your cards right and we'll see

 

He just needed something else to whine about.

 

again, i have helped plan events and stuff before, i offer myself yet again if needed.

 

I think we have plenty of events that dont involve any drinking what so ever. last year josh hosted a wonderful event in lacrosse where no one that i saw was visibly drunk or even drinking.

another example is the fall fun runs.. from a legal stand point (speeding, taking corners fast, ect.) this is far more dangerous and less deseriable in the eyes of the law then getting trashed in a hotel.

Also i dont think alcohol has ever been a problem at firestone or other public events like car shows.

when a big group of people are put into a hotel or cabins, and are up late at night hanging out.. people are going to furking drink.. get over it.

as far as worrying about people being drunk at track days and ruining our image.. common... seriously that would never happen.

I wouldnt mind having more events where we spend a day together at the track or take a drive. but if were expected to drive to duluth or ORR and stay over night.. drinking is going to be inevitable.


as far as where i would like to see the club in 5 years.. i wish people would quit getting so but hurt about stuff.

 

so Justin do you think this reflects on you or doesnt?? cause that would answer my point on the whole attitudes about the mnsubaru stuff...

either way if it does it sucks for you...

I think both groups are definitely mis-understanding each other...

there is common ground... some need to relax about the drinking antics some need to relax on the having to fry your brains drunk at an event to have fun attitude.. meet in between...

 

As far as track events is concerned, I don't think we need to be holding our own. There are many clubs that would welcome us to their events. There is nothing we can't do at their events that we can do at our own. The challenge has always been the lack of drivers interested in track events. I dont know if its pride, ego's or what, these events that I attend aren't competition or race sanctioned events. The fact that you have an opportunity to go with someone who is more experienced than yourself to me is enough to spark my interest to go. I would like to someday be able to get a group of drivers while I'm still at the peak of my game and still interested and hit some of the most amazing tracks in the midwest. Let the estibilished Car Clubs take the responsiblity of managing these events. We can just participate and enjoy ourselves. Within Northstarbmw they have already seen the abilities of what Subaru can bring on the track, no one disrespects the Subaru at our events, bunch of great people. The way has already been paved all we have to do is show more interest. I have offered rides at our event and no one outside of little circle takes advantage of it. Why?

There is a time for everything and even the most professional, most serious people hide behind their screen names, that is normal, you can be who ever you what than. Its more than how we want others to think of us, its what we want to think of ourselves.

In order to become successful, in order to become one we must except failures, but we cannot let that discourage us from getting to where we want to be. First steps should be small steps and we have done some of that. We must paint a good picture so everyone can see the brighter picture so they too will want to play a role on our team.

Insight-BMW CCA is a national level car club, because they are made up of many regional clubs. NorthstarBMW chapter is comprised of several thousand members. Believe it or not only a few members attend our events on a regular basis. Holiday Dinner +150, DCTC events average 40 members. The people behind the scenes on the board are only a dozen or less. So you can see the ratio of attendance is very very small. But the dont stop doing what they enjoy.

The fact is you're not going to get everyone to come to your events, the only way is to keep doing things, word of mouth is what's going to get more people to want to join, to come back only because they had a great time.

-Cheech

 

maybe a thread section titled.. USELESS BS AND BUTTHURT COOMENTS SECTION... then a disclaimer.. this is for all the other post we have gotten sick of.. if you are offended semi easily don't venture here...

 

of course those other peoples actions reflect badly on me, but i handle it appropriately rather than beotching about it on the forums and starting a whole big ordeal about how i'm butt hurt about it. sure it sucks for me that my name is all over it and we almost got kicked out of the resort(or at least he almost did) but at the same time i also understand that by holding events like the duluth trip, things like that are going to happen so i just live with it.

not to mention bee flipping her car and OCB driving away with the gas hose.
now think about those two moments, some of you may be so worried about what other people think about those incidents, but as far as i'm concerned in 5-10 years from now we are going to still remember those moments and laugh about them which is what it really is all about...living it up and creating some good memories in life.

i mean, how boring would life be without those crazy memories.


side note - squiggly, i agree with you on all accounts.

 

in fear of getting more points... STFU Alex.... this is exactly what we are talking about... you havent posted crao for a long time now, and the last 2 posts you ahve made are to give a hard time to Chux...

I know Chux is a little more serious on issues then most, but he has more knowledge of subarus in his left teste then you do total...

come back when you can play on an adults level

 

I went there... done that... it was an open ended comment... I wasnt saying it WAS anyone's intention.... or goal... just seems to me that the people who are bitching about the people bithcing about the people drinking are doing more bitching about the peole telling them they should cut back on drinking at events then the people actually bitchin... wow now I am confused...

I was pretty much what one would say was a closet alcoholic... got blind drunk 5-6 nights a week most weeks... I too held down jobs, had toys, etc etc....

unfortunately it reflected on you Justin a little... but that was an individual person, whom isnt all over the net yada yada... this is a club/forum that is out there so the damage would be way worse...

I agree life is made up of fun events in our life, hell even not so fun ones at times, it is what makes life worth living through.... but the reality is we are talking about this forum becoming a club, that is known in the community for good things, is well represented etc etc... Look at those LaCrosse players whom apparantly raped (innocent) that stripper, but now the whole LaCrosse team went under the magnifying glass because of the actions of a few... and they were innocent but the whole team still got dragged through the mud.. that is what people have to realise.. it isnt the drinking issue, its the reputation as a forum trying to become a serious car club...

I believe that we can make a difference within how this forum/club operates... even with everyones personalities and differences.. I mean LAX was perfect.. the same people that don't necessarily get along well on the forum actually didnt beat the snot out of each other on the cruise.. why, cause there weere more people there to hang with.. if you dont get along.. sit elswhere, mingle... that's the point of get togethers.. peole get to know each other and a lot of this crap will die off on its' own...

Also, a lot of members can't make meets adn events.. I live 45mins one way (yeah curly I know I know, but you are single), I have 3 kids, I work form 7am to 5pm, then have to see my kids.. (little more important then standing on a sidewalk), by the time i do have dinner see my kids for a bit jump in the car I get to FS at like 9pm, then stand for an hour to drive home again... I am more tired then if I stayed home... come summer I plan on coming more regularly, but the point is people pissed and moaned about driving to EP to bowl, or to Shakopee when I offered to host events..(not all... jason made the drive a couple of times (still owes me a soda for fixing his DP )) its gonna happen... not everyone can go everywhere all the time....

I think as we get more set events... LAX, ICE RACES, DULUTH, SPRING CRUISES???, etc... then add littler regular meets for hanging out... Minnetonka Meets, eventually my house with Workshop (10 acres to maybe autox on for fun?? ha ha ha... lets move forward.. we can constantly sit here and tear each other down or pick on Chux or Bummpy or even myself... but that is getting us no-where...

I say if you crap in your own bed you sleep in it.... if you go out of your way to be a jerk on this site then be prepared to be beat down online... if you are the same in real life.. then the same theory applies IMO... but we have to get past the fact that 98% of the jerks on here are good people who are having fun and go to far at times, but when you meet them they would go out of there way to help... I have seen Readymixx be the hugest ass on here, but then turn around and offer to drive across town to help the same person out... we all need to step back... relax and work together...

yep this last week of barely whoring this place has opened my eyes...

 

Nate, you are whipped. lol, i kid man. but i do see where you are coming from, but its not like you arent posting and you arent know around the site and still expecting things to conform around you... things change to prevent YOU. (again, kidding, i know the jerk)

I talked with Russ and a few of the other mods again tonight, and i think they can see where i am coming from...and how Joel put it sums it up best, if you didn't know me in person you would really see me as a prick online i am sure. lol, i am really just trying to put some ideas out there, clear the smoke, and start a little ruckus too

 

I have finally spent my time reading this thread. Look forward to a few new things.

 

Fuji when you say stuff like that it scares me.
I was thinking as well,

Russ, would it be possible to do a big group meet out on a lake or something different, i mean we could do it without posting where or really calling it an event... but would this be possible? Me and Luke(vorgto) were just talking about it during or ice shenanigans

 

Everyone should complain some more... thats what mn subaru is about ha

 

I think urabus is a jerk.









i kid.

 

seriously dude.....if you don't have something to offer, just don't.



some of you may have seen me at Firestone for a bit tonight. talked with the moderators and such. some really good ideas were put out there, and I'm extremely encouraged. some potential to really step this up and turn it into a car club for those of us that bleed Blue & Gold, not just a website. It could be awesome!!!!



an important point that we discussed, is anything with drinking involved needs to not have the MNSubaru name on it. fine, have the Deer Lodge, or Grimmspeed, or whatever Ice Event, but if someone shows up there, and finds one person underage with alcohol in their hand, and someone says it's a MNSubaru event, we're sunk. period. that will completely ruin any of our chances to ever host an event of any size. same goes for the Duluth trip, etc.

there's nothing to be argued there. it's not a matter of opinion. it's simple fact. if sometime in the future, we go and inquire about getting an insurance policy so we can host a real, legal, racing event. they're going to just laugh at us.

 

ha ha BUTT HURT at least that made me laugh seems like to many people moving in diffrent directions on this site. If you wanna accomplish something sometimes you have to give in even though you think your right, to make a group work.

 

Oh nevermind.

 

i'm confused on your logic? why is mnsubaru sunk? to me it seems like rich's parents are sunk and mnsubaru would get off scott free.

however, having mnsubaru not connected to 2 of its 3 biggest events seems just weird to me but i can guarantee that you wont have a problem with either rich or i dropping mnsubaru name from our events...its been discussed many a time before. however, its not that simple. when the club starts getting money in(if everyone sees the light and understands we need to be more than a website and start getting some positive cash flow) do these 2 big events get no funding because mnsubaru doesnt want their name on it?

2nd part is rhetorical.

 

Basically, Chux is saying we don't want the MNSubaru name on anything illegal. If we ever want to have an event be insured we need to get away from having our name attached to underage drinking, drinking and driving, all illegal activity, anything with the word "RACE" in the title.

 

Rich's parents would be very much screwed as well. but the club would not get off scott free.


beyond that......what Shibbs said

 

If/when we get to the point where we have money to start providing more funding to events, we simply can't provide money to events where things like underage drinking and drinking and driving are taking place, it's not gonna happen. We just can't open up the club to that kind of liability.

 

So is this thread going to go anywhere? lol, seriously.....

This issue comes up every single year I've been here (and I've been here since almost the beginning) and nothing ever comes of it -- even after having big meetings and whatever.

But then again I don't really give a crap about "official" stuff. As long as the site is around and I have a place to bs and exchange info/ideas with some locals, I'm cool.

The amount of retarded bickering over topics that don't even matter is quite amusing. No wonder nothing ever gets done, hahaha.

 

these 2 events don't get club money now anyways so I don't see why it is an issue. Its a system under which everyone pays their own way to go to duluth, started by friends who hang out on this board.

I can see giving rich a little money for plowing the course etc but its not adding up to a large cash outlay. We would like to become an organization that has everything you want, elected officers, bylaws, transparent finances so I don't see why its worth belaboring these points.

what is it you want to do with cash that you see the club potentially making? I'd really like to know, thats what the thread is for.

 

tom i agree, for some reason i thought this one might actually go somewhere..maybe i should have known better and just stayed out.

so joel, you are telling me that if i wanted to have an mnsubaru sponsored big cookout on barker island during the duluth trip, you guys wouldnt do it because later that night people are drinking in the hotel?

of course they havent got club money yet because there isnt any club money really to fund these. i've definitely had ideas(like the cookout) that i wished there would have been money for.


bowling nights, offset karting event costs, food at car shows, a huge club banner so when we have events we can display like at car craft or something like srt4 guys do, more cool tshirts for the different events we have, paintball events, renting different park shelters out for smaller gatherings, etc etc the more free or almost free events the club can give the members the better because this is one of the ways we will keep our club growing.

imo anyone that is against making the club money is against growing the club. making money to do more things is just part of growing. not talking about you specifically zak..just in general.

 

sounds like a good idea to me. Its just that the entire trip organization/plan doesn't have to be under the auspices of MNsubaru. It can be the MNsubaru bbq day, and who cares what anyone else does afterwards, thats up to them. At least thats the way I see it.

the problem with some of these ideas are that they are relatively expensive and enjy hsitorically low member turnout due to either cost/people not wanting to wake up early mornings/lack of ownership of people within the club for really wanting to carry through with things.

To be honest I think the things most people are interested in are drag racing and sitting and talking about their cars. To that effect I have proposed setting a date at rock falls this summer and providing food/shelter/assistance for and MNsubaru group. I would also like to have an organized car show (a la volksport) at rallyfest this year and I'm going to do as much as possible to hep these things happen. I am not a car show guy, I am not a drag race guy, but I am definitely willing to put in my full support to whatever it is people want to do.

IMO the second we start asking people to pay things is when a whole lot of arguing is going to break out all over the place, even if our finances are completely transparent. It will happen some day I am sure, but many of the members might not like the idea as much as you.

 

It hasn't even beek a week since this thread was started, it's too soon to say there's no progress. We're just gathering input and ideas now. Given the limited amount of time any of us can devote to the site, progress may seem slow, be we do want to make progress. The plan it to come up with some specific items to work on for the next year. Also, there's been a bunch of great ideas, but we're not going to be able to implement them all.

As far as sponsoring events, what I'm saying is there needs to be some level of standards for the event that will be met for the club to be able to help pay for things. BBQ? Fine. BBQ with alcohol and no one keeping track of who's drinking, etc? Not good. I'm not trying to judge what's happened at some past events, but just looking at what has actually happened, there are things that we as a club cannot be associated with.

But, we have some work (become llc or non-profit?) to do before we get to the point where we collect any dues and have this money in the first place.

 

i hear ya...as long as it isnt just a blanket statement for the whole event then i'm fine with it. i do understand why you want it that way, i would just be annoyed if at the time of the barbecue we couldnt get it sponsored by mnsubaru because later that night we were drinking.

 

So yeah as an example, in the Duluth trip case, MNSubaru could help pay for a big bbq during the day, but MNSubaru would not be making a group reservation at the hotel for that night. Then it's pretty much just like the La Crosse cruise, the MNSubaru event is the BBQ, after that, people are on their own.

And just to clarify, adults drinking is fine. Underage drinking or drinking and driving, that's a problem. And no I can't prove any of that has ever happened, but some of the comments I've read on this forum have _implied_ that has happened in the past.

 

not if its giving in to the immaturity and stupidity....

also the issue with collecting money and paying for events etc... the arguments will start when some people go to an event and others dont cause they aren't interested, then ask why is the money I paid being used for an event I can't reap the reward from?? yada yada... and bowling events etc... people can pay their own damn way IMO... I think club funding should be used for things like Justin has suggested and others, buying food for BBQ's or renting a shelter at an event etc... something that is a blanket use... as soon as you start throwing money one way or another then people will bicker... but hey.. what's new...

as far as Paying Rich to plow etc, that's a nice jesture, but hey if you are hosting an event then charging people then doesnt that money cover some of that... I mean think about 50 people paying $40 a night ($80 / we) wouldn't that cover 1/2 a tank of gas and 2 hours of his time ...... again giving him a slush payment for that is cool, but.....

Zak I think you are heading in the right direction... and if any business's like Grimmspeed or any others (non really on here) want to co-sponsor or whatever then they can throw $$$$ at an event to show their product.. or advertise...?? ONCE WE ARE BIG ENOUGH... at the moment like what Justin did at the LAX and donate some prizes or raffle some of when he does.. good fund-raiser.. heck if you have a chance to win a GS up-pipe for $2 ticket, then that would be awesome... heck even $5 then 30 people pay.. thats $150 raised... and someone gets happy... end my case...

it is way to early to start criticizing this effort... if you are then you aren't a help and should just shut up...

there should be a formal meeting CENTRAL... for current active members / lurkers / newbies to get together... have some pizza & have an agenda for the night... if people shoot of the mouth, tell them to quiet down or leave...

this club doesn't have to be all agreed... or on the exact same page, but let's start to get at least reading the same book, then work on picking the same chapter to be on...

 

ok since i just read this thread today for the first time. I would like to comment on some things.

This is a public site, and people can feel free to lurk if they want to. It miay be creepy but its life. Since this is a public forum we should be careful about the sort of information that we post. if you havent posted any personal information then you have nothing to worry about.

+1 The actual elections must be done in person. I think that in this first election people should have to make an effort to be there in person for a couple reasons. first it shows deidication, that they are willing to put forth extra effort for the club. secondly it will give people a chance to meet the canidates. Meeting someone in person can give important insight into how you judge them as a person.

Not to pick on you Bee, but this is the attitude which holds us back. There are lots of people on here who are willing to "help" plan event but VERY few who actually step up and do it. We need to work on getting over this hurdle and get more members to plan events, even if they are small. having 3 people meet up at mcdonalds for lunch is better than nothing.

From what I remember (correct me if I am wrong) the original idea behind the discount was to entice more people to come to the dealerships to get parts instead of going elsewhere. I can see what you are saying that proof of membership is important, however should this discount only be left to paying members? It kind of seems to be contradicting the original point of getting higher traffic. If I was not able to get the discount I would probably never go to the dealerships for parts. I can find stuff elsewhere be it junkyards, parts stores (napa/autozone/checker/ect..), online ( alot of online places offer better prices than our discount provide).

The fireworks in the rooms is only a minimal thing because this was at Rich's parents resort, and we are granted leeway. Hypothetically think what if this sort of behavior happened at a normal hotel. we would be kick out and never allowed back ever. Sure it is alright to have fun and whatever but a little bit of control needs to be exercised.

I do not agree with this. The problem with the using club money for dyno days is that only a limited number of people can participate. I am sure not everyone would be happy if money they donated went to an (expensive) event that only 10 or so people can benefit from. Some events just have to be pay your own way.

I dont think that a few thread about people partying in the cabon will keep people from joining. it is other things which will do that. The level of maturity in the OT (it over flows into other thread) is kinda low. if someone is scanning the site to see if they want to join the forum (or the club for that matter since the forum is representative of the club) and sees pictures of goatse or a bunch or innappropriate stuff they will be turned away. We know that we are all friends and its just for fun but they dont. as a public site, everything we post is visible to everyone else and as such can be used to form opinions about us as a club and as people. If other clubs are interested in us and they see some bad stuff, it is likely they will feel that we as a club are not serious.

sadly +1. Everything that we do as a group is reflective of the club. If were are to be LLC or whatever, and are going to take this quasi seriously we cannot put the clubs name on event which will generate trouble. The club needs to watch out for itself, so it straight up cannot be affiliated with events which contain illegal activity (under age drinking, drunk driving, ect...)

All the more reason to have members be more careful about what they post. as a public site anyone can read this stuff. talking about illegal activities on this forum will reflect poorly on mnsubaru. If a cop is reading the site and sees someone say that they were doing doughnuts at 100mph in a school zone they will assume (even unconsciously) that that behavior is to be expected from other members.

+1 the rules are posted. I recommends everyone reads them. if/when the rules get strictly enforced again there should be NO complaining.

Even if its in OT it has to be work safe and comply with the rules.

just curious do Rich's parents know what will happen if they get caught having an event like this at their resort? Or what the consequences are if the DNR shows up and desides to enforce some rules. (DUIs/Reckless/Speeding/ect... can all be gotten on the ice). Also getting caught with no insurance while running a timed race event will make for HUGE issues in the future.

It is a nice gesture but Rich has upped the cost of the ice race every year, specifically to compensate for the use of equipment and gas. He stated this in this years Ice race thread.

 

I hit the character limit in the last post. so here is the rest of it.


Now back on topic. In 5 years I see the club having become more established in the motor sports community. right now we have alot of members involved in all sorts of different types of motor sports. We have connections in AutoX/RallyX/Track/Rally/Ice and other events. I hope that we will realize these connections for what they are worth and that members will more apt to reach out to try these different aspects. This has the potential to put to rest all of the people who comment on stuff "rallyx sucks" or "autox is for losers" get out there and try new things.

I for see the forums being less of a drama subject. There are alot of rules which are kind of lax. the swear filter is being bypassed, inappropriate things are being posted and the mods cannot keep up with it all. I think the rules are going to have to be revised and the most important part FOLLOWED. The forums are supposed to be family/work friendly. I hope in 5 years we have achieved and can maintain this status.

In 5 years I would also like to see the club headed in a more definite direction. This will require alot of hard decisions to be made. All of the more reason to establish a proper leadership and voting system. This will not be an easy process, but from what I have read alot of people are very enthused by this and are willing to help.

This site has always been a great source of information. there are alot of knowledgeable people on here. people who could tell you how to dissect a 5eat transmission over the web. This knowledge base is a huge drawing point to many people on here, especially people who are new to Subarus. For this reason I would like to see in 5 years (it is possible to see this change tomorrow) that people are more helpful. If someone has a relatively newbie question, either answer it or politely direct them to the answer. No more of this flaming stuff, opinions are fine but support them with fact. if in the future someone asks about getting an intake for their wrx. "dont just say intakes suck, n00b". explain yourself and be kind to other members. something like: "the stock air box on a wrx is good to flow air up to around 300hp, you might want to focus you efforts elsewhere, might i suggest a downpipe".

Finally, we will have alot more events. they dont have to be huge 40+ people events but just more stuff that gets organized. Also I hope that people are more open towards welcoming new remembers. I know this has been an issue in the past. everyone is new at some point and being helpful and curtious to these new members will go along way in building the club and community. This goes double for events.

I have been working on this post for a LONG time. I think that I have touched on the points I wanted to.

 

and with that you have also touched on me.. er touched me.. er... good post!!!

 

my biggest concern with dues, is that for someone not in the cities (where most of the members and events are) like myself, I'm not going to take advantage of many of the things that happen.

only things I see dues coming in truly handy, are for a) an insurance policy that allows us to host track events, this is an extremely long way down the road, and b) hosting the site.

IMO, everything else should be a pay as you go thing. just the fact that we're going as a group means that things will be cheaper. but I'm not going to be able to participate in almost everything you listed there Justin. and as such, am going to be more than a bit hesitant to pay for it.

if you want to have a BBQ. make it a potluck. it doesn't take much to stop at a Cub and pick up a tub of potato salad, or package of brats. someone brings a grill. and bam.....sweet event!

but, I do want to see a couple banners made and brought out to existing events.




The current club costs (and pretty much anything we're going to do in the next few years....although that could and hopefully will change inside of 5) could all be supported by donations and t-shirt and sticker profits. when we have any events, have a box on one of the mod's cars, and anyone who'd like to support the site can drop some $$ in there. or paypal it.

but if I'm told that if I don't pay my $10, I can't go to any events (of which I could probably only make it to a couple anyway) and I can't get the morries discount (which, in all reality, doesn't save me almost anything), I'm not paying.

But if rich tacks on a few extra dollars to the cabin fee at the ice races (like he did...) to pay for his costs to host it, I'm going (in fact, I'll pay the few bucks just to come up for the day).

if someone wants to host a karting event (I know with the handraiser issues, Russ is probably not going to put his time and effort on the line anymore to organize it himself, but he's done it, and can get you the info on how to host your own), and I can go, give me a dollar amount, and I'm there.




The point I'm trying to get at, is that while having events that are free to attend will draw some new people. but then saying they have to pay for stuff they won't be able to take advantage of, is going to push them away just as fast. it's important that if dues become necessary, it's for something 99% of us (or more) can take advantage of.

 

....plus, the tshirts(I dished out $100 of my own cash for supplies, which I was happy to do,
and I'm not complaining, I'm getting remburst) and the food wasn't free either.

It would be nice to have a banner or something at the races.
stuff like that.

 

On the morries discount side, i dont wanna see anyone paying money to use the discount, other then a card with your S/N on it (3 bucks max) there are tons of people that come in and tell me they are on mnsubaru, tell me their screen name and they have zero posts, or is a made up screen name, i dont figure that out till after they are gone, but it happens, thats why we need the card, but anymore then a couple bucks for the card is unacceptable the discount is there to help you guys out.

 

let me know what I owe you, i thought i was caught up.