Bob Thompson - no apology

[Gkiesel]

I'm with Dave on this one. All clubs are what you make of them. For me the WBCCI has been great. Maybe I'm just fortunate to have a great unit. Yeah, there gettin older, so am I, some members drop out each year. But I've never felt any of this stuff that goes on at the international level. I send in my coupon,show up, drink beer with friends of all ages. and enjoy life for the weekend. See you down the road, George.

[StingrayL82]

Chuck,

I was given a membership to the DVNJ Chapter as a "gift" for dropping too much money on the refurbishestoration (yeah, figure that one out) of our Sovereign. I went to the the Turkey Rally in '05 and had never been to a single WBCCI event before in my life. Sherri had just died, and the kids and I needed a distraction, so we went.

Again, no offense to the older folks, but I think I was the only person under 55 there (I was 32 at the time), so I had noone to relate to, and there were very few kids there the same age as my children...grandkids that had been dropped off with Grandma and Grandpa.

When it came time for the meeting, I was told that I had to attend, since it coincided with dinner. The meeting was about as boring as could be, and that clued me in that this wasn't what I had thought it was going to be. I can do without rules, when I'm camping, unless it's the courtesy rules, i.e., keep your animal on a leash, clean up their poo, don't make loud noise after 1000, etc...

The International Rally in Salem cemented my belief that the WBCCI was not for me. The idea that changing an organization's name, which had been in existence for decades, would make it better and increase membership was, is and ever shall be (to me) preposterous, and the manner in which that meeting was conducted was ludicrous.

I cannot, and will not in good conscience, pay dues to an organization that misuses those funds and tells me what I can and cannot do in said organization. Kudos to all the Chapters who do their own thing and disregard the Blue Book, but ask yourselves this: If you joined the Club, aren't you expected to abide by their rules? If I don't agree with the rules, I leave...I don't need to belong to a club to enjoy myself and drink a toast to the genius who invented my rig.

Good luck overthrowing the regime, so you can change those crappy rules...just like RedSHED said in not so many words, seems like the Good Ole Boys are cemented in their places, trading out amongst themselves every so often.

So what's the point to being in the club then? If you are out doing your thing with your friends in your Airstreams together, why in the heck are you in the WBCCI???? If you can't change their rules, and not for lack of trying, without getting sanctioned, censured or even thrown out, then leave and have fun with your friends and family without the rules.

I, for one, wear a beret everyday and it's crappy. It doesn't keep the sun out of your eyes, when it rains it smells like a sheep and it makes look like a Frenchman....great.....just what I wanted.

Chuck, I truly didn't mean to get you ruffled, and I apologize if I did. I am just relaying my experiences. If it seems like I've been rambling, I probably am....I've been up since 0400 and working an extra shift for another soldier, sorry.

[Ed Emerick]

So here I sit at the 2009 International Rally in Madison WI...................

HAVING A BLAST (again, #10 now)

This is what the club is about, nice grass site, great weather, good people, and a meeting to go to when I want to.


Couple of notes on the International, the seminars that they have set are some of the best I have seen in some time, those that set those up, they did a great job!

The VAC parking as always is great, 60 + coaches here and it great to see old WBCCI vintage members ( and non vintage as well!)

Most of all NO ONE has tried to shove politics down my throat this week.


Just a good time with good people.


Get out and pull your trailer, that's what the club is about.

[Chuck]

Its not "you"; its this notion that keeps getting repeated that wbcci membership "requires" that you do un-fun things with un-fun people. It just ain't so.
Whoever decided to hold a meeting over dinner at a rally...well...might as well just send an engraved invitation to everyone to just quit. Thats just..."extremely misguided".
But that doesn't make the whole wbcci like that. And the international...well, what it projects about the club is about as far away from reality as you can possibly get. It probably does more to steer people away, than to draw them in, which is a sad commentary indeed. But yeah, it almost did that to me, as it was my first direct exposure to the club, too. It was only by chance that I found the NEU, and learned that it is absolutely n o t h i n g like that.
The wbcci is not the army; nobody here can tell you what kind of hat to wear. period.

and "10-00"?? you've got to be kidding, right? at 10, we're just getting started. Usually its the campground owner that has to come over and tell us, "you people are having way to much fun. please quiet down".

[rgesch]

Originally Posted by RedSHED

True enough ... except the dues. We pay money for dues, and increasingly it seems that the leadership are using dues money to enjoy perquisites not consistent with a corporation shelling off members and spitting up red ink. The candidates are selected by the EC, the media is controlled by the EC. Can you get a new idea or candidate in there? Not easily. Do we need new blood and new ideas in there? Desperately.

...and in a lot of units you MUST be present (attend the business meeting) in order to cast your vote. This is a problem for some folks, especially when important issues come up; Name Change, SOB MoHo, ect.

Not a big issue for me, but the club has lost members over it.

...and gee, I wish I were at International right now!

[62overlander]

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

So here I sit at the 2009 International Rally in Madison WI...................

HAVING A BLAST (again, #10 now)

This is what the club is about, nice grass site, great weather, good people, and a meeting to go to when I want to.


Couple of notes on the International, the seminars that they have set are some of the best I have seen in some time, those that set those up, they did a great job!

The VAC parking as always is great, 60 + coaches here and it great to see old WBCCI vintage members ( and non vintage as well!)

Most of all NO ONE has tried to shove politics down my throat this week.


Just a good time with good people.


Get out and pull your trailer, that's what the club is about.

Unfortunately Ed, I was not parked the grass nor was my entire unit. There was however plenty of space for 13 non vintage units to be parked on the grass. I found the seminars very boring. Did you manage to attend one of the daily Skymed seminars? They were fantastic. We left three days early and are finally having a good time. I had been told that there was a huge division within the club, but finally saw it first hand. Glad you were able to have a great time. I just look forward to getting back to my unit and going camping again. I did enjoy meeting you and wish we could have spent more time together, but we were far away from the rest of the group. To be honest with you, the entire International experience has turned me off to the entire club. I came with an open mind and was sorely disappointed. When I voiced my unhappiness with being separated from the rest of the VAC I was told "oh well, that's how it goes" and the VAC's new president told me "If you are unhappy, that is your problem not mine." If your president is not batting for you what do you have? Sorry Ed to wreck your fun, but I traveled a long way, recruited a bunch of people to come along and we were slighted. There is no other way to view it. I hope the west coast VACers enjoy their club. They can have it.

[byamcaravanner]

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

So here I sit at the 2009 International Rally in Madison WI................... HAVING A BLAST (again, #10 now)

Ed, this was #1 for me and we did have a blast, but it was in spite of the activities of the Club and the VAC. I have to say, this was the most pathetic Airstream event we have attended… certainly not worth the $415 we paid to attend.

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

So here I sit at the 2009 International Rally in Madison WI................... This is what the club is about, nice grass site, great weather, good people, and a meeting to go to when I want to.

Ed, this comment is a bit disingenuous… of the nearly 900 trailers on site, only 60 +/- were on the grass. We were told on Friday that all but a few Vintage units would be located on grass, which was welcome news after our trek to Madison in 90 degree plus temperatures. We were all shocked on Saturday when with only 20 trailers on the grass we were directed onto the pavement. When we raised our concerns with the VAC officers it was like looking at those three monkeys… HERE NO EVIL - SEE NO EVIL – SPEAK NO EVIL. The soon to be installed VAC President Scott Scheuermann, said to us “If you are not happy, it’s not my fault.” Thanks for your great leadership Scott. Even the grass site was tainted by a homeless squatter “tenting” along the fence of the facility. It was not comforting to be warned by a parker as we first stepped out of our vehicles to keep the kids away from this area located only 100 yards from our trailer. Several days later, the police came by and rousted the guy out.

I will agree with you in one respect… we did meet a lot of great people.

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

Couple of notes on the International, the seminars that they have set are some of the best I have seen in some time, those that set those up, they did a great job!

It was certainly great to hear PeeWee speak, but listening to Herb quickly reading off Fred’s notes on the ’62 Calif/Ohio differences was less than inspiring.

What I missed was any onsite activities for the kids… I’ve seen more outdoor fun for the kids at a 40 trailer WDCU rally. Sure they had some crafts, but no sprinklers or rock-walls or the sort big-time stuff one would expect at a big-time event like this. No wonder the Teen Queen is defunct. Other than catching up with old friends... the most fun our kids had at the rally site was dodging cars on their bikes.

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

Get out and pull your trailer, that's what the club is about.

I totally agree… we have had great fun using our trailer (and a borrowed one) over the last two years. What I am curious about is… why doesn't the International create an event that reflects that kind of fun?

For my money, the International was a bust! Luckily, we had many events outside the International planned for the folks we invited... this made for happy times and great memories.

[robandzoe]

Steve,

Your response to Ed's post was right on. Ed, you must have just left Happy Hour where you had a few too many for your post is not totally accurate... maybe you posted it after the pavement (totally discontent) row departed. Not to burst your bubble, but you are not speaking for all.

This was one of the most lame rallies I've been to in quite a while. Even though I had all the expectations of an International - it was still a let down.

For me, the let down started when I pulled up into the VAC rhendevous where I saw Scott walking across to meet us... I pulled up and said hey Scott. He looked at me, asked "Who are you?" and then when I said my name, he said I wasn't even on his list (even though I'd been collaborating via email and was bringing 9 vintage with me).... I was interested to see how I was going to be received after recently resigning as VAC 2nd VP. I resigned because I knew I would not be able to meet the expectations of 1st VP out at Gillette (not attending) and also because the VAC bylaws were not followed when the 2nd VP resigned last year... but that's another story....

Upon convoying over and parading into (why we did not parade downtown is beyond me (I did upon leaving)) the VAC parking area, while somewhat fun - it was a let down for no one in the city got to experience the awe of 66 vintage rigs on the road. Then we were parked... parked on the pavement (we were told Friday night by the VAC Pres that we'd be in grass) with my entire VINTAGE representation of the WDCU... I still was trying to make lemonade with the lemons served.

It was hard and it was hard for many... after the long trip and $$$ ... there were many VERY discontent members (the VAC will be lucky to get them back)...

VAC Happy Hours were the worst I've ever seen regarding the spread... many people but only about 7-8 bowls of pretzels.... the only good one I saw was when the Region President's brought over some food and cake along when Leo gave his leftovers from his Unit President's alternate dinner.

The kids made the best of it all as they usually do... luckily we were not far from Drag N Wagon who was near the grass as well so they could get out of the traffic to play.

It was a pleasure to finally meet people and put faces to names at least.

The International Rally on the WBCCI surpassed my expectations while the VAC portion really let me down - there was a very wide GRASS / Pavement divide created (perception is everything)... especially with all the new rigs parked in the grass amongst the Vintage units while the vintage pavement area had old ones... it was too bad that so many were promised one thing and given something else.

I'd say maybe next time, but I know many of my unit won't be back - a shame, especially where the WDCU has many VAC members. Many will not even be renewing their VAC membership due to the let down... including myself - I'll stay WBCCI but not VAC for now..... it's really wierd hearing me say that as it's 180 out from my past feelings... maybe I should have listened to my unit elders and just stayed home...

[StingrayL82]

Hey Rob,

Maybe you should get together with Peter and make a Military Unit, and show the IBT, VAC and all of the other malfunctioning parts of this sinking juggernaut, how to do it correctly! I'm joking, of course.....sort of. I'm guessing you're a Full Bird by now, right? I pinned E-7 this past April. By the way, I'm still grateful to you for coming along with me to get propane at the WalMart, at CBR '06....good conversation.

If ever there were a Military Unit, even if it wasn't sanctioned by the WBCCI (who needs them anyway?), I'd join, and I'm sure that other folks would too.

Approach it this way....a unit open to all Airstreamers, as long as they followed the decorum set by the leadership....holy crap, sounds like Wally!!!!!

V/R,

[Mikethefixit]

Rob
Sorry U had a bad experience,with so many miles traveled and $$$ spent. I have been just sitting back and watching and with my experience with the local Unit president and the comments she made about what they paid at the National in BOZEMAN last yr I decieded never to join if my dues money was being used to fund catered dinners for higherups and free camping. Its not the "down in the trenches "members I have a problem with, you know last yr at Milan there were a bunch of club members there and all were wonderful, its that better than thu attuitude of local presidents and those who aspire to be in the politics of the club that I have a problem with. I dont think Wally would approve of how the club is being run and run down.
Just my opinion from the sidelines.
Hope to see you in Milan this yr
Roger

[Ed Emerick]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Steve,

Your response to Ed's post was right on. Ed, you must have just left Happy Hour where you had a few too many for your post is not totally accurate... maybe you posted it after the pavement (totally discontent) row departed. Not to burst your bubble, but you are not speaking for all.

..

Sorry to hear that your time was not as good as mine, or for that matter the bunch of others I spoke with....................

The Post I made was right on and sober. You make of it (the rally) what you are able to.

Sorry to hear that you were on pavement, I been there and done that, still not a real bad deal in my eyes.


Just like I tell my kids, I'm not here to entertain you, go find fun..............

And one other point, manage your manager.

Scott will do fine as the VAC President

As I stated, it was a good rally, and other than Sky Med Seminars there were a bunch of others that were good, shall I list them? No you know what they were or you needed to READ the program.


West Cost VAC????? Man us Midwesterners had a blast too, Hey DC we gathered 6 new members in the WI Unit ( 3 not from WI) we know how to show people we have a good time too.

Sorry you guys had such a bad time but I still stand by my first post..........

[Shacksman]

Ed, you must have a vision problem if you can't see that there is a great division in the VAC. I can see that there is never a mention of the vintage rallies in the East. There is never any support or encouragement for anyone trying to promote the vintage rallies in Region 2 or 1. Never a mention in the Vintage section of the Blue Beret.
This Internatioal just showed that for some reason any Vintage from the East are outcast. Don't be suprised if a new camping club springs up among the outcast.
I for one travelled with the WDCU caravan and turned East when they left for Madison.
I'v been there before, not again.

[rideair]

Rob, Frank,

Real sorry to hear the time you guys had, along with some others was not the best to say the least. I've done three Internationals VT, MO and GA, carried the flag in two of them . Will I ever do another one? I doubt it, but not ruling it out. As for parking vintage or non-vintage, it depends on ones mind set. There are those who feel because they are "vintage" they are in someways cool, better, more fun, or how ever you want to put it, than the other members of the WBCCI. Those that feel that way, are in my opinion, worst than the big wigs on "Gold Row". While in Perry, GA I meet nicer folks in the general parking, than I did in the vintage area. Maybe it was just me or the group that happen to be there that year, that I do not know, nor will ever figure out.

I understand and agree it's up to everyone to make there own fun, but with anything else, we look to those hosting the "party" to help put on the show and to help make the time spent as much fun as they can, wither it means hosting a field-trip, helping to get things for kids to do, providing door prizes, etc... As the host, it's your turn in the barrel, your job.

I do think for many members in the WDCU that go to other events like a Region, Special Event or International Rally they think, they will somehow have the same about of fun and creativity that many of the WDCU and East Coast VAC Rallies have had over the past. In case you don't know, this is not true!

As one of the "unit elders" that tried, I will not say "I told you so, but, I told you so". For some, we must find out the hard way(FRANK) but I know both of you guys had your heart in the right place wanting to represent the WDCU the best you could and for that "I THANK YOU VERY MUCH". I heard you did a great job holdong the flag and would love for someone to post a picture of it.

Maybe next year, you guys will hang back and party with the "East Coast Vintage Rally 2010"

I understand Wayne and Linda put on a great show. Wayne has now passed the "toilet brush" back to MaryKim, Virginia and I for 2010.

I will start working on the dates, place, etc...over the next couple of months so eveything will be nailed down by the end of the year for those that have to put in for vacation at the first of the year, for the year.

Again, THANKS for you guys supporting the WDCU at International, next time, listen to your elders!!

[drag'nwagon]

I have never really been one for that kind of politics, but I have to say that it is THICK! I am blessed by being able to turn a blind eye and have fun anyway or, as some would put it..."make lemonade". I am all about lemonade I really love the stuff, but the disrespect, the long look down the nose that I got from some of the VAC higher ups and brown nosing that the wanna"BEs" dish out is sad. I really think that some of these people need professional help so that some day with proper therapy they may be able to go camping and have fun again and perhaps enjoy a cool glass of lemonade. They may even invite some people thay don't know to a cmap fire or a discussion.
All that being said I may go again, I don't really know yet. I will however continue my membership until I get heartburn from it because it was this club and this "intra-club" that earned me and my family some really great friendships and fun times. I was excited to see old friends and meet new old friends for the first time.

More later on the vintage judging.