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04-17-2005, 09:36 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Improving WBCCI
Ok, I'm gonna try one last time to post a brand-new thread about improving WBCCI. This is not intended as a bitch session about the organization, but rather as a place to post ideas! (Naturally, it an idea costs less in terms of cash or person-power to implement, the better bet there might be of seeing it some day!)
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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04-17-2005, 09:44 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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By, golly, it actually worked! (I turned cookie control off on our firewall. Wonder if that did it?) Anyway, here's my first suggestion: In the latest Blue Beret, there are "vitas" of folks running for office. The problem is that the vita info doesn't really give any idea on pressing matters of the organization and how these various folks might approach them. Easy fix!
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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04-18-2005, 06:00 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2005 22' International CCD
Buckhorn
, Ontario
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,449
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Okay - since I could not find a thread to jump into I thought this was as good as any...I have a question - which should probably be addressed to the Head Office - but just wanted to know if we are an isolated case or if this is a common problem.
It is April the 18th, and we just received our Blue Beret in today's mail. At first I thought wow does it ever take long to leave Ohio and get here in Ontario CND.
BUT not the case! It was post marked April 12th! and in my books that is a real reasonable time frame for a publication to be delivered.......
However what bothers me is that this is the MARCH issue - is the Head Office usually this far behind in printing and distributing their newsletter????
I have not questioned the previous issues - and the only reason this one comes to mind is the thread that was active several weeks ago on Changes to the International - and all my responses were blind as I had not received the Blue Beret yet.
Anyway - just looking for some input
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04-18-2005, 06:29 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 23
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To say I am disappointed with the quality and content of the Blue Beret would be a gross understatement.
While I may be in the minority, I am certainly not getting my money's worth out of my dues compared to almost every organization I have belonged to.
As such, I will not be renewing my membership next year.
WBCCI#3042
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04-18-2005, 06:46 PM
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#5
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricksre
To say I am disappointed with the quality and content of the Blue Beret would be a gross understatement.
While I may be in the minority, I am certainly not getting my money's worth out of my dues compared to almost every organization I have belonged to.
As such, I will not be renewing my membership next year.
WBCCI#3042
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Rick,
That is one of the things that I dislike about the WBCCI. The club touts The Blue Beret as a value. It is not worth much to me. The membership is for far more than the Blue Beret. It is access to the rallies, caravans, and a whole new way of camping and the new friendships that will develop.
I rarely read my Blue Beret, but I have been a member for over 10 years because of the friends I have made in that time. The club is much like the forum, but in person. I have people I consider dear friends that I only see once or twice a year. The benefits of being a member for me are not something I can put a price on.
Have you taken part in any local unit functions, or gone on any caravans?
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
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1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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04-18-2005, 06:57 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1968 26' Overlander
Wenatchee WA
, Cape Cod
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 871
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Just got our April edition today with our membership application.
__________________
Jim & Kathleen 1968 Overlander - WBCCI #5793
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04-18-2005, 07:04 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
1964 26' Overlander
1977 25' Tradewind
Eastern
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 865
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricksre
To say I am disappointed with the quality and content of the Blue Beret would be a gross understatement.
While I may be in the minority, I am certainly not getting my money's worth out of my dues compared to almost every organization I have belonged to.
As such, I will not be renewing my membership next year.
WBCCI#3042
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Involvement...
The magazine is just a thing, and we can all find faults with a thing.
Nothing is perfect.
The value of the WBCCI is the network. Just like the forums, the people are what matters.
We have gotten more than we can ever give from WBCCI because of the people we have met.
Inorder to make it better we need to get involved, not withdraw.
I can go on adnausium with plattitudes, but in the end it is 'Involvement' that will bring the change.
__________________
Peace
Gary
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04-18-2005, 08:09 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1984 31' Excella
Abernathy
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 865
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I think the youngest member here in the local is about age 65. I have not joined as it is not an active group that I can tell. I know the 65 year old very well.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) has a terriffic publication dedicated to bringing their members information and entertainment about bass fishing and tournaments.
Perhaps if it was the Airstream International Rally Society (A.I.R.S.), they could hire Rich Lhur and buy his Airstream Life publication, make it a monthly for better branding to the general public, and generate more interest in Airstreaming.
Okay, okay, I know Wally Byam invented the Airstream, but how many people would not care if the blue berets got put in the antique museum, and everyone moved on into the 21st Century? Currently there are more Airstream owners that are NOT members than are members of WBCCI.
---just my 2 cents---
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04-18-2005, 08:32 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
North Central Texas
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,003
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet's Husband
Involvement...
The magazine is just a thing, and we can all find faults with a thing.
Nothing is perfect.
The value of the WBCCI is the network. Just like the forums, the people are what matters.
We have gotten more than we can ever give from WBCCI because of the people we have met.
Inorder to make it better we need to get involved, not withdraw.
I can go on adnausium with plattitudes, but in the end it is 'Involvement' that will bring the change.
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I couldn't agree more. Almost all of the people we have met at WBCCI events are capable of being called our friends. We are in our early 50's & have found countless faults with the 'status quo' of the recent regime of WBCCI. BUT, as we've learned, change will only come from within. The current method of officer progression is very heavly weighted in keeping things the same as they are. Another BUT. current directors, including the Haddaway's (my neighbor's at NTAC) are receptive to a 'changing of the guard'. They realize the 'boomers et al' are the future of the 'Airstream' way (I believe WBCCI needs to become an "Airstream" association of somekind) and are open to responsible reccomendations for adaptation.
Just my .02 cents.!
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04-19-2005, 05:23 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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but you do have the big red numbers on it?
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04-19-2005, 06:01 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
North Central Texas
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,003
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ALANSD
but you do have the big red numbers on it?
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I have been in WBCCI for over a year now & I just can't bring myself to stick those #'s on my new trailer's finish. Every time I see one with #'s that don't match the etched shadow of previous ones I cringe & think 'second-hand'. If I want to sell my trailer I don't want that to become an issue. I may put the rear #'s on the window & the front ones on plexiglass over the window rock-guard.
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04-19-2005, 06:27 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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we aren't in the club, but still have those numbers stuck on our MH. I would remove them but I know they will leave a mark if not peel the clearcoat off.
I guess they contribute to the mystique when people are staring at us rollling down the highways.
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04-19-2005, 06:32 AM
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#13
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Still Working
1994 36' Classic 36
North Charleston
, South Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,686
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Status Quo?
I too recognize the benefits of streamlining things within the WBCCI, but being an active member, I also recognize that the majority of the membership is still your grandparents and maybe even your parents. I am forty and my wife is thirty. We are not the youngest in my unit and certainly a minority. Fortunatly, our unit is very diversified and strong because of it. (we are what we make of it).
Being that the majority is seniors from the previous generation, it is easy to see that many of these people are either computer illiterate, or just not as familiar as some of us here on the forum. Some are either on fixed incomes or simply do not see the benefit of purchasing "high end" hardware like PC's, PDA, or Wireless Equipment, (many are full timers that travel). They are spending their dollars on things like , well, traveling the world in an RV. ( I would trade all of my electronic stuff at home and office to be in their shoes)Is that a reason to leave the majority behind? I dont think so.
With that being said, moving to a paperless club would be some what discriminative at this time. The answer; publish both electronic and hardcopy formats of publications, right?
Whoops, by the way, did you know that the staff at Blue Beret and WBCCI is not a very large staff that is working with a minimal budget. They too have to determine the best use of their dollars and who their audience is. If they publish two or more formats, obviously that requires more resources and dollars.
Eventually, our generation will be the majority (due to known circumstances) and having all publications electronically will be the norm.
Did I mention that aside from the International Level and the staff at WBCCI, ALL efforts are voluntary?
Some have indicated here that they are aware that the membership is weak. That in itself is a direct impact to the voluntary support. I volunteer and I honestly feel that it is well worth it. The return, well I guess you would not understand if you have not been there.
It is fair to say that not all people are the type that like to mingle or tend to keep to their selves. But if you are like myself, and you tried the WBCCI on for size, I believe that you too would find that the members of the WBCCI are quite literally like a second family. THAT is what I find so beneficial to being a member of the WBCCI. The 55 dollars for yearly membership? A drop in the bucket and definitly a small donation to the upkeep and support of an infrastructure that was created long ago and has been maintained LONGER THAN ANY OTHER RV CLUB IN THE WORLD!
If you dont try it, you will never understand.
Family values and structure is what I seek in an RV club, just like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or Church.
I too subscribe, applaud, and enjoy Rich Luhr's efforts with the "Airstream Life" magazine. But am I the only one that has noticed that it is a quarterly magazine? (at least at this time). That publication like any other requires many dollars to publish. That magazine is very commercialized and solicits advertizing on a daily basis,which is required to suvive. The Blue Beret is really a glorified newsletter that keeps the membership informed of upcoming events, schedules and a few Airstreaming tidbits. It is not necessarily an advertising venue, (it does have some adverts but they are not the backbone of the magazine as the membership dues pays for the magazine for the most part), Oh yeah, those pesky membership dues.............. that also pay for the International Rally, The IBT meeting and International Officers and Infrastructure.
You will find that Rich Luhr will be in attendance at as many WBCCI events that he can too enjoy the people and atmosphere. Oh and advertise his publication too....... Hmm, fancy that, advertising a non WBCCI Airstream magazine at a WBCCI event that was funded by annual WBCCI membership dues................
Smily
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04-19-2005, 07:49 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2005 34' Classic
N Smithfield
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 884
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WBCCI worthy of every penny
What WBCCI means to us is the bigger picture, not the $55. It means meeting new friends with similar interest, and justing having a good time. If you take a look at what goes on in New England here you'll see what I mean. The upcoming event at The Seaside Rally and Rockin to Woodstock Rally , you can see the fun we had and how large our next event is becoming with a local rally. Our numbers are growing here through word of mouth. We have 12 forum members attending the next event, which is a lot. Total tt number attending is confirmed 28 which is large for a local event.
In a nut shell, this is what WBCCI means to us.
Gail
__________________
Titu & Gail
2005 34' Classic-Mercury (Goddess of Travel)
2016 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD Diesel
BRN-2905
NEAC of Region 1
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04-19-2005, 07:57 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2010 27' FB Classic
Cape Cod
, USA
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 531
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smily
The Blue Beret is really a glorified newsletter that keeps the membership informed of upcoming events, schedules and a few Airstreaming tidbits. It is not necessarily an advertising venue, (it does have some adverts but they are not the backbone of the magazine as the membership dues pays for the magazine for the most part), Oh yeah, those pesky membership dues.............. that also pay for the International Rally, The IBT meeting and International Officers and Infrastructure.Smily
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Thank you Ken,
I feel the publication does what it's supposed to: It keeps its members informed, it doesn't waste money on flashy high gloss color print and paper, and tries to bring a large group together through a common interest. If they spent big $$$ on a slick publication I'd be concerned about who was making the decisions but they don't, they spend their funds wisely and frugally IMHO.
As for Airstream Life, it's a nice flashy magazine that certainly looks nice on the coffe table but come on it's $8 an issue . Are we getting our moneys worth with that???? Have I gotten so much out of reading it that its $32 yearly cost of subscription is invaluable? We are deciding that now with our subscription up for renewal. Have I gotten my $55 out of my WBCCI yearly dues and do I find it invaluable? YES, YES, YES I knew it was right for me the first weekend rally we went to a month after we bought our AS. I commend all of the people who work so hard planning, and running those events.
__________________
Whatever you are be a good one....'Abraham Lincoln'
WBCCI #9204, Region 1, 1st VP NEU
TAC #MA-4
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04-19-2005, 07:51 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Hope folks don't mind, but could we return to the main thrust of the thread? That's to make positive suggestions for improvement of the association!
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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04-20-2005, 06:04 PM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2000 31' Land Yacht
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 497
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How about adding phone numbers and e-mail addresses to the directory so that we can easily contact other members? Most of the younger members (under 65) are computer literate and don't often use snail mail, except for birthday cards and bills. Snail mail is just too slow if you want any information.
I like the idea of having the magazine and directory electronically so it can be searched. I assume that they are both generated on a computer. It shouldn't be much additional work to have it available electronically.
Jim Mickle, 6980, Editor for Metro Detroit for past 4 1/2 years
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04-20-2005, 06:11 PM
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#18
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7751
1975 25' Tradewind
Huntington Beach
, California
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
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Hey all...
Hi I'm new here. I'm also new to Airstreams and just purchased a beautiful 1975 Tradewind LY. What does membership to WBCCI get you and how much does it cost?
Thanks!
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04-20-2005, 06:19 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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I sure agree with adding email addresses! I'd also like to see email and web addresses (where available) for the WBCCI discount parks.
Actually, I'm working on just that project for myself. It's slow going -- and also discovered that I made a Big Boo-Boo when copying from Word into a database. (Bill Gates strikes again; details upon request.) IFFF I can ever get it finished, I guess I could make it available to other folks, too, with the appropriate provisos (i.e., not responsible for errors, blah, blah, blah).
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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04-20-2005, 07:15 PM
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#20
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Cartoon Character
2004 34' Classic
On The Road
, U.S.A.
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 885
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eubank
I sure agree with adding email addresses!
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Count me out. The last thing I need is my email address being published. That's just another invitation for more spam.
__________________
Porky
TrailerGypsies.com
WBCCI #3405 — Escapees #80360
I live the life I love and I love the life I live.
-- Willie Dixon
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