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Chuck · 10-14-2009, 07:23 AM

In my unit, we'll look at you "aghast" if you DON'T crack open a beer at 4:30.

(its happy hour, afterall. sheesh!).

we got "yelled" at for making too much noise after 11:00 pm at a rally...by someone that was 1/2 mile away.

cammur · 10-14-2009, 10:26 AM

I'm 68. I was 64 when I joined in 2005 (younger than the first poster complaining about old fuddy duddies) and I too felt on the young side. This normally makes me feel out of place but this was such a kind and friendly group of oldsters with fantastic equipment knowledge and stories to tell that we soon fit right in. Sadly, the group is aging on average but it does know it has a problem - it must interest younger people in the organization or it will no longer exist.

Our unit is now gaining younger members, usually recent empty nesters that recently purchasers an Airstreams and want to travel and expand their social network. People with kids won't be attracted to a unit without other families with kids, and unfortunately we have lost that magnet. Ideally maybe 2 or 3 couples with kids might join at one time and form a nucleus to organize events more suitable for families, but that is tough to accomplish.

Since joining WBCCI we have made far more use of our trailer that we were on our own, taking it out on average once monthly. We have met wonderful people in WBCCI and in areas we've visited on several unit caravans and three national caravans, seeing (by Airstream) much of the US, plus western and eastern Canada, including Newfoundland. Some would have done this on their own, but in our case the planning effort would have kept us sitting on our butts with the trailer idle in the driveway.

There are what seem like rigid customs. I get tired of the name tag thing but it certainly helps when you are new to a group and associating with people you may see only every few months or once a year. I would prefer there were no blessings and flag saluting--you have to consider the post-WWII time when the club was formed out of veterans, some still around--but it isn't an issue worth the stir to stop. No booze prohibition here.

I strongly support Airforums but have not been to an Airforums rally - I guess because my needs are met in WBCCI and I don't have that much time left over. I think thoughtful criticism is healthy and this thread so far is that, the problems in WBCCI are well known, it will actually probably take new members to make real progress. But it is an organization worth preserving for the camaraderie, rally opportunities, and abundant availability of adventurous caravans.

Mikethefixit · 10-14-2009, 10:26 AM

2air Welcome Back my friend. Well said. I would have written somethin like that but my blood got ta boilin and I couldnt. SO Thanks.
Robert Cross
I have asked the same question. One member lives near me here in SW Ohio but is a member of a Wisconsin Unit.Now Whats up wiff that???? We have a local unit here but its DEAD. Their website has not been updated since 2006.
Wife and I have attended some Forums Rallys,wiff no stinkin insurance and no 23 rd vice presidents 3times removed and No Paid for entertainment or Catered meals. No Rally fees. WE HAVE HAD A BLAST!
So we have NO reason to waste our money and pay for the campin fees of higher ups who get theirs for free because they are a past VP of something.
OPPS sorry for the rant.
Roger

Chief · 10-14-2009, 10:36 AM

I had a feeling that starting this thread would evoke some strong emotions……that’s why I prefaced it with my comments about trying not to offend, or sway opinions pro or con. I merely wanted to post my personal experience, in an honest and forthright manner. I tried to balance my observations somewhat with both good and bad comments, as well as avoiding naming names (other than the IBT President) or units. It is understandable that folks who have invested time, and money, into an organization will get their panties all wadded up whenever someone makes any negative comments…..maybe I should have been a bit more tactful with my thread title.

It is difficult these days to discuss religion, politics, or WBCCI without someone getting upset…..and, I touched two of those topics. My intent was, not to bash WBCCI, but to post my personal experience. Members can choose to respond, or ignore. Judging from the many private emails that I have received, there have been many similar experiences.

Clearly the WBCCI fills a gap in many folks’ lives. There are members that, for many different reasons, feel that the organization is an extended family. There are others who enjoy the caravans, for the camaraderie as well as the planning being done for them. It works for some…..just not for me.

Someone once said that the greatest insult one can give is to “ignore” a person. There is a lot of truth in that……as well as a lot of truth that can be gleaned from the many postings regarding the WBCCI. If you want to ignore me….that’s fine. But, if you choose to ignore the cyber chorus……you must be prepared for the consequences. For me, it really makes no difference as I no longer have a dog in this hunt.

For the gentleman who thought I might not fit into today’s society……it might be true that the 30 years I spent defending our American way-of-life (society) may have made me a bit jaded……but, I accept it for what it is…..and, would continue to defend your right to express your opinion.

For 2Air…..no badges for you! The naked visual is already giving me nightmares!

For those who have written private emails….thanks….I’m trying to answer each one.

Chief

Mikethefixit · 10-14-2009, 10:47 AM

Thanks Chief
Well Said

Dakota's Dad · 10-14-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief

I had a feeling that starting this thread would evoke some strong emotions

For the gentleman who thought I might not fit into today’s society……it might be true that the 30 years I spent defending our American way-of-life (society) may have made me a bit jaded……but, I accept it for what it is…..and, would continue to defend your right to express your opinion.

Chief

I actually think that so far at least, this thread is doing what you wanted it to, you expressed your opinion, civilly, and others have replied in same.

Didn't see where anybody said you didn't fit in to today's society. I see where a couple people pointed out that due to modern methods of communication, etc, it's much easier to find a group that DOES work for you.

In fact this very forum is one of those places, and many here have pointed out that they thought a forum rally might be a good fit for you..

One in Elizabethtown KY this very weekend. Come visit, go to a great concert. I will bring some 17yo Bourbon and we will have a sip or three and tell war stories.. We will not be attending with our AS, because we are in Kansas right now, but hope to get home in time to sit a spell with some members from here..

Chief · 10-14-2009, 11:13 AM

DD,

Thanks for the invite......grew up in E. Tenn, so sipping anything other than JD is blasphemy!

The comment that you missed was in post #13, and is as follows:

"But it's not just the WBCCI -- maybe society in general, and rallies in particular, ain't for the Chief."

I mentioned in my original posting that we have attended three forum rallies, and will be back at Topsail for Canopener in January. Forum rallies are a blast.....try one, you'll like it!

Chief

mwells4654 · 10-14-2009, 11:21 AM

Is there any chance of a rally somewhere around Southeastern Oklahoma anytime in the near future LOL.

Airstream01 · 10-14-2009, 11:44 AM

Well, I joined the WBCCI because if it was good enough for Wally, its good enough for me. Granted, the way the WBCCI is these days, I think ole Wally is rolling over in his grave. I suppose I did it for traditions sake. And for the sweet red numbers. Just makes it look like an airstream.

rollingbubel · 10-14-2009, 12:42 PM

I bought an airstream because I always wanted one. I love the forum for its wealth of AS knowledge and help. I look forward to knocking back mulitple units of adult beverages at future forum rally's. I don't doubt that many local units are fun. However it sounds like a lot of pomp and feathers at some of these things. For my money I need to camp where my kids can be loud, and I can relax with a cold beer. The rest of my time I spend in a stressfull work environment. Off time should be without politics and too many guidelines.

Gene · 10-14-2009, 01:11 PM

Most of my friends are 55-80 and most of them are not like the people Chief described. Not all of us Viejos are fuddy-duddies, but it seems the fuddy-duddies control a lot of the WBCCI international government and many of the units. It's obvious the WBCCI will either crash and burn as younger or more vital people are driven off and the oldtimers die off, or be so diminished it will limp along with a few vital units. WBCCI's reputation is so damaged by now, it will be hard to resurrect it.

I keep reading how some people are trying to change things, but not sure that is happening. I keep reading to go to a good unit like the FCU, WDCU or that group on LI. If it were possible to join one of those units and not join the WBBCI, that'd be great, but it's not possible.

Chief, if we were there at that rally with you, at least we could have had fun together, burned our name tags and drank beer in front of the no drinking sign—as the old saying goes, I've gotten thrown out of better places. Actually, we would probably have just left and never looked back.

Gene

Merle & Jim · 10-14-2009, 01:19 PM

HowieE, We are in Eastern PA.(from NJ) and are looking for a WBCCI group to share a beer with. Is the WDC unit in NJ? Merlelwat

Mike Leary · 10-14-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Chief, if we were there at that rally with you, at least we could have had fun together, burned our name tags and drank beer in front of the no drinking sign—as the old saying goes, I've gotten thrown out of better places. Actually, we would probably have just left and never looked back.

I would have joined you.

Foil-warped · 10-14-2009, 01:49 PM

Chief, you have just burst our bubble, because we have plans to attend a buddy rally this weekend at the same location, I believe, since we are from the Pensacola area. We recently purchased our A/S and were looking forward to meeting other local owners. We also are non-religious,"young" sixty-somethings and we were encouraged by this campsite's location near a casino. Ha! The funny thing is, we had a Winnebago before the A/S and we went to exactly one meeting of the local Winnebago club and found the exact situation you described. We had hoped the A/S groups were a little "hipper" because the A/S itself is. Maybe if you join and my husband and I join, we can start to relax things a bit. Even the Winnebago group was looking for "new blood".

xrvr · 10-14-2009, 02:10 PM

Let's see, to go to a forum rally one must have a few beers, make lots of noise and talk about older people. Not my cup of tea. If I ever do get another AS I'd have to think hard and long about going to a forum rally. Drinking ,disturbing others, and gossiping, yea that's what my life is about. not. zz

Mike Leary · 10-14-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Let's see, to go to a forum rally one must have a few beers, make lots of noise and talk about older people. Not my cup of tea. If I ever do get another AS I'd have to think hard and long about going to a forum rally. Drinking ,disturbing others, and gossiping, yea that's what my life is about. not. zz

Yup, those people are party animals, sometimes they'll pull out with the wrong TV and trailer, and the wrong wife!

Gene · 10-14-2009, 02:27 PM

If I gossip about older people I don't have too many to gossip about since I am an "older people" and most people are younger than me (they all have ipods and listen to weird "music").

Gene

summerkid · 10-14-2009, 02:53 PM

Just wanted to express heartfelt gratitude at being labeled a "gentleman" for the first time in my life.

things is lookin up.

Chief · 10-14-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

If I gossip about older people I don't have too many to gossip about since I am an "older people" and most people are younger than me (they all have ipods and listen to weird "music").

Gene

Now Gene, I happen to know that both of us have much younger wives......you think that they don't gossip about us???

Jenn has an ipod built into her iphone.....didn't want it at first, but now you can't pry it out of her hand.

Summerkid: Everyone is a gentleman, until they prove otherwise.

Chief