Gauging Interest: Moving Forward......

I'd donate to help pay hosting expenses.

 

Evan, you can't post with an outdated car avator

 

Thus the biggest problem of the pavillion (sorry to go off topics) at a diner buy your crap with your own money, ect ect

 

more things off the top of my head...

club membership needs to stay free

voting for club leadership positions cant be just for people that would be paying

there definitely needs to be some open voting on club leadership positions

no one even comments on vinnumber buying and taking over the club?!?!?

 

well first off its 3riK and you win LOL i see where you are coming from.

 

yeah i'm totally game for the la crosse trip.




well maybe

 

This place needs to stay free... It was open as a public forum to the local people and it needs to stay that way... Otherwise we might as well be going back to our old NASIOC forum thread in the Midwest Category (I think this was how it all started)... It was huge then with information and events all in one thread, and this is even bigger and better... Maybe it has gone a little downhill like what Brian had said but this forum needs to be free... I can see the need to have people contribute for updates, fees, maintenance, whatever it may be - but it's been said here, there is no justification to make it an annual fee... If you want to contribute, just paypal or give your contributions to the admins on this site or buy a sticker or sweater...

As far as events go, do it like the Hmong people, when you go to a relative's house for a party, just bring something... Whether it's pop, a helping hand, or just showing up to eat/drink, at least YOU showed up... and you can be a little proud to say that you attended something for the family...

In reality, as long as we all just show up some time or another maybe not together, whether it be here on the forums, at an event, or at Firestone, we can be alittle proud as a local MN Subaru Forum family... and from what I've seen on other forums, not all, there isn't really much to be proud of...

My 2 cents

Man, this thread grew fast....

 

Why am I on the LaCrosse list again? lol.

 

just because I posted in that thread doesn't mean that I was planning on going, lol.

 

+1

I just dont see the need to pay money anually, not now atleast. If you need more donations for hosting and projects like t-shirts, stickers ect. ide be MORE than willing to donate.

 

If this type of arrangement is in place, I'll donate funds. Anywhere there is a pool of money, there is money mismanagement.

 

i agree with the majority, right now the club does not need a donation of $50 per year, especially when we all pay for the meets ourselves, for those that attend.

 

Sorry 'bout that, I didn't mean it specifically toward you or this site. Just my general life observation after having been around the block a few times (also probably tainted by the fact that all we hear in the news is the bad stuff).

Ok, ok dammit I can't stand to see the crying smiley, I'll donate anyway.

 

Couldn't agree more.

Whoever is complaining about lack of events, go make up something to do and do it. I see nothing but potential for doing all sorts of events, but sitting around someones garage doing free work on someone's car is about all I've seen anyone come up with thus far as an "event," and fun as that is sometimes there isn't a point to the site planning such things when clearly the members can do it themselves.

how about racing? plenty of those every summer, yet a paltry amount of club members bother stopping by. there are more NON subaru club members showing up at motorsports events driving subarus than there are members. Anyone who wants to plan something is welcome to do so, but this is a subaru based discussion forum, not a subaru related lifestyle planning area, there is not a club charter stating a mission of constant subaru related events anywhere, its up to the members to make things to do if they choose so.

You guys are members. Make up stuff to do thats fun and we will do what we can to help, but it isn't the site's job to plan tons of events, its up to the members of the site more than the people running the site.

 

word x fourteen

Couldn't agree more.

 

Yah, if the website needs funding, I'll donate.

I try to get to some events when I can, but I'm otherwise too busy for most Firestone nights.

I think a $50 membership fee would be hard on newbs coming into the suby community. Not to mention me wondering where my $50 is actually going.

I don't think Chin is right about there needing to have more technical talk. I wouldn't bother coming here if thats all it was is. 1, this board would be slow as hell if it were all *******s tied up into a knot, only having serious technical discussion. 2, There's just not enough volume and members for that kind of site.

3, I come to socialize with some guys who like Subaru's and maybe learn something, mostly waste time. You actually make friends here by talking and going into "OT" mode. Something that is, most of the time, more important than just talking "shop".

Some people can't handle/don't like internet forums and the "OT" type environment. It's here if you want it, but its also fairly easy to avoid(sometimes). I don't see this as a just learn how to wire an ECU and then forget about the person who helped you, type of site.



If you want to remain faceless and just a bunch of scribbled text in a db somewhere, stick to NASIOC or other forums.

If you want to meet some cool peeps. Learn about some other crap and maybe make a friend or two. Stick around here and participate in random discussions. You'll get much more out of it than, which BOV should I buy?:yumyum:

 

Well guys

I'm one of the old guys here (and by that I mean 50yrs old) I don't do much with the club. I show up when I can and it's great to see the cars and the folks behind them. I think it's great to see everyone involved in cars and having someplace to get together. I've been in a few clubs around here and still in acouple but not active. I think 50.00 is to much, I think 30.00 is a better figure. If you look at costs for the board and to sell stuff, oh dont forget the discounts that Morries gives consider all of it. I pay my dues at MSRA and thats 25.00 but you get a monthly flyer that list the stuff for sale, pictures of the crusies and pages of ads from local vendors. I know it's a lot of work for some people thou to get it all together. A couple cars shows in the summer and charge people 5.00 to enter their cars and have it open to evryone or just the club and do some classes. I may be able to get you deals on some trophys.

As for the events whoever is setting them up tell the people they need 50.00 or whatever the price for the food in advance and that will get you a rough idea on who is really going to show. The people that come after a cut off date will be on thier own for food or whatever. You cant say you didnt warn them.

The times I have showed up over the past couple years I have met some great guys and seen some really nice cars and I like seeing what you guys have done to them. It's great to keep the sport up. I have no problem paying something to keep the board going, it's a great resource.

Dont want to rock the boat any and this is just my 2cents.


John

 

^ that would work, but as soon as you start charging for firestone im outta here

 

The paypal account one can throw duckets into at their leisure is a great idea. I'd donate something.


I'll also agree that events are tough. For someone like me thats makes the bulk of their income on the weekends, attending events ccan be a serious challenge. I really want to go on the lacross cruize, but my opportunity cost gets real high real quick. The ice race was a $400 weekend for me.


Personally, I'd like to see more random BBQ's and such. I can think of a great place for one here in shaktown. THe nice thing about a BBQ is everyone is responsible for bringing their gub/whatnot. I don't even want to think about trying to organise a caterer for a large group, especially when the actual #'s are wishy washy.

 

OK....I was going to stay quiet, but many have read too far into my post. Was it a little harsh? Yes. Did I say I wanted to leave? No. Did I comment on the OT 'crap'? Yes. Did I say everything should be technical? No. Do I really care what a few overly critical people think of me? No. If you want to be my friend, am I gonna be yours? Probably... (little bit of humor there)

What I was trying to get at with the 'OT' comment is that it is unbelievable (in all fairness, this is not limited to this site) how many threads go into the garbage with people posting nonsense. There have been many cases where a informational thread turns to crap, then I find out later that I missed something because I chose not to follow it anymore.

I have no problem supporting the site, but I am here for the site, not social events outside it. As I stated, I have no problem with people using the site to set up events, but requiring people to pay to be members of the site implies that some entity owns it....

Zak, adds a point that I missed...there are other events that people don't attend. Why not try to piggyback on established events? (I realize some of that already happens). As many know, my focus has been AutoX and HPDE/Time Trials (not so much of tis lately, but it is back in the plans) and if people want to attend those events, great! I will be there to help people get up to speed (hehe, pun intended) and share my knowledge.

I don't find it interesting to go to a picnic that I know 1-2 people at. That is not the same for many of you and that is your choice, but don't force it on me.

Anyway...

 

My whole point wasn't just targeted for you. It was in general. I just disagree

 

on another note, it is sad that since not being able to get on here everyday all day I have realised there is life outside of this forum.... yes yes Sacrilidge I know, but regardless whether this forum dies or flies, I would rather be involved with a CLUB that has more organisation, direction and events... people are pissy about $1 a week.... aint that bad if it helps to grow a forum we all USE freely....

If you believe in something your money will be proof... and besides I think it would be more of a free to post still but maybe have a Members Only section.. have seen it on many other more organised and successful sites...

Besides..a s far as I understand it it isnt about making this a pay to play forum but to allow this forum to step into a NEW chapter beyond 'Firestone' and stuff and have actual club events / meetings... that are run and attended with maturity and safety....

And others say businesses should advertise on here... well I dont kind but I can tell you then any services I offer will be like a dealer... 10-20% the NORMAL shop price... not my usual half prie deals... so who does that hurt more... the business or the forum members.... also then if a business has to pay to advertise then NO-ONE else should be able to earn money off their services on the site or through the site... that is the joy of paying for that right.. sounds fair to me...!!! just a thought...

I for one am excited to get back home form my holiday, but again Firestone doesnt beckon me, neither does the asian restuarant or Drunken install nights... (great if you are into that sort of stuff), but I want to see a CLUb that grows from this great Forum... not a forum that people think is a car club.... BIG DIFFERENCE between the 2 words and their meanings...

Josh, great to see your enthusiasm but somehow it may be wasted on many on this site... we can talk with some others when I get home and settled back in and see what other things we can do to see a Club evolve in Minnesota....

 

I would love to jump in and have my say after being involved in many successful clubs. But, I haven't been a member here 6 weeks yet so lets just consider this post a subscription to this thread.

 

you read everything i said the wrong way. i'm done explaining myself. the only thing i'll say in response to you is that i AM happy with the new mods. i am talking about voting for everything pres, treasurer, admins, etc if we go that route.

oh...and stated earlier this particular forum IS the "club".

 

edit...

 

I just wanted to say alot of people on this forums has taken the responsibility to make it the mnsubaru we see it today. I have no idea how much time they have put in, or out of pocket cost or personal time spent so we can communicate here. Since I have joined I have learned a few things and have made new friends. The best part is having a helping hand locally to assist me when I'm between a rock and a hard place. I have benefited from everyones experience and input along with the discounts estiblished.

As far as the subject is concern, I personally dont have an issue donating a few bucks. As I already do with other forums or clubs that I'm associated with, regardless of how much activity I may have with them, the benefits are there. Perhaps a little support and motivation may take us a long way.

And I want to appoligize to the staff who is in charge of maintaining our forum for neglicting my responsibilities and thank you for your continued efforts, looking forward to many more years with the forum or club how ever you look at it.

 

I, for one, love the club as it is. it is, first and foremost, a resource for information. and occasionally members arrange events, all of which, you pay your own way.

I don't understand what the extra money would allow that we don't already have.

sure, it would be cool to have our own insurance policy etc. so we could HOST motorsports events, but there are tons of events like this already in existence, let's just make a GROUP effort to attend.

 

I have to say that I would be willing to pay a few bucks to see this forum move forward, but like a number have pointed out theres a long way to go before I'd feel comfortable about what I was paying for.

I do have to say that today was one of the first times that I felt good about being part of this club. In an effort to experience a stage 2 STi, badbennyb allowed me to take his car out for a spin. Did we know each other prior to this event...by screenname only. But as a fellow club member, he was willing to help out a guy that has had very little modding experience and was just looking for some validation that stage 2 is worth it...on a sidenote, it is

Not that I haven't gotten a lot out of useful information, a little technical assistance (Nate) and a few deals here and there...but I've also been flamed a few times as well (some warranted, but others definately not). I don't need that shiz...I can call up a friend and have him call me out as a total d-bag.

 

I keep hearing this phrase....'move forward'.....what the heck does that mean? WHAT do you have in mind that would require a membership fee?

 

"Move Forward" -> this was merely a weak attempt to quote the original thread subject. I'm merely stating that I'd be willing to "pay to play" if that was what was asked of me, and I saw good reason to do so. But, in the second part of my opening statement I poorly expains that I don't see reason to do so today, backing up what I've essentially summarized from a good hours worth of reading.