Strange email.

[Airstream01]

I recieved the following email today, I've copied it in its entirety. I don't really know what to make of it. Is it spam? Legit? Very strange.

For Brian and Angela xxxxx. Virginia Beach , VA

Congratulations on your ownership of an Airstream RV. This is certainly one of the most gratifying experiences that you will ever have. I also see from your membership number (3889) that you have also become members of the Airstream RV Owners Organization. Sincere congratulations for this, too.

The organization can provide many activities and benefits to both of you. My family of three generations has over 100 years of active accumulated membership and I have served in all elected positions (including International President). Therefore, it is my feeling that any questions you may have I should be able to provide answers. Regardless of your work status, age or any other consideration, there are benefits available to you.

Please allow me to provide you information so that you can explore this and allow you the opportunity of determining the possible benefits of being apart of this great organization. Sincerely, Don Shafer, Past International President

The gentleman's email address was Shf7D (at) aol dot com.

Thoughts??

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Airstream01

Very strange.

I'd say so. Someone's got your number.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Sounds like the upper tier is reaching out to you. Airstream RV Owners Association is the name that was voted down but still appears on all official documents right under Wally Byam Caravan Club International.

[Lumatic]

I think the Airstream RV Owners Association world headquarters is in Nigeria.

[Andy R]

What the heck is the Airstream RV Owners Organization? I guess he means the WBCCI? I thought the new name was shot down in the past?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Actually if you look at your most resent Blue Beret(the one with my daughter on the cover) you will see"Airstream RV Owners Association" used often.

[Stefrobrts]

When I was in the WBCCI a few years ago there was a lot of talk about having people assigned to be mentors to new members, to welcome them and show them the ropes in the hopes they could retain more members - since so many join for a year and leave. I would guess that program might be behind this, except not using the proper WBCCI name sure is odd.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Actually if you look at your most resent Blue Beret(the one with my daughter on the cover) you will see"Airstream RV Owners Association" used often.

Methinks it's something they will do for a few years, then say, "Many members have mentioned that it is confusing to have two names, so in order to better reflect the actual activity of the club, we will henceforth be known only as the "Airstream RV Owners Association".

Betcha!

[gail]

I think the email was nice. Maybe there is a don out there who is just trying to be helpful.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by Aage

Methinks it's something they will do for a few years, then say, "Many members have mentioned that it is confusing to have two names, so in order to better reflect the actual activity of the club, we will henceforth be known only as the "Airstream RV Owners Association".

Betcha!

To bad the name change didn't go through, then we wouldn't have had to vote on whether to let in SOB motorhomes as we would have been restricted as "Airstream RV Owners"

[wheel interested]

Originally Posted by Airstream01

I recieved the following email today...


...Please allow me to provide you information so that you can explore this and allow you the opportunity of determining the possible benefits of being apart of this great organization. Sincerely, Don Shafer, Past International President

Thoughts??

Well, if this is as it appeared in your e-mail, Don Shafer should change his letter from 'being apart of the organization' to 'being a part of the organization,' since those meanings are opposite.

Airstream RV Owners Organization...We are ARVOO ! Was that before or after DEVO?

[Airstream01]

Well, I did just join the WBCCI as a Member-at-Large, since I'll be moving soon. Why didn't he just say he was with the WBCCI? I didn't know the Airstream Owners Club or whatever was another name. I may email him back.

[dwightdi]

Don Shafer has made a mistake by not identifying, in his e-mail, the proper name of the club for which he was an International President. He has targeted you by obtaining your e-mail address from some WBCCI source of information, since he uses you valid WBCCI membership number. What he says is valid. WBCCI does offer benefits to its members but it offers the most benefits to the members who have time to enjoy them. Those people are: the newly retired (that is me), people who work in professions that have the summer off, and people who have enough money to travel broadly for long periods of time. People who have limited time off get to enjoy only the local benefits of membership but whose International membership dues are funneled to those who can partake of the international level provided, benefit package.

[robandzoe]

I'm sure I'll get some grief out of this. It appears that Don did in fact send this all in good faith and sincere intentions of welcoming a new member to the WBCCI! And, from a former WBCCI unit President, I welcome you too! Here's my correspondence - I went directly to the source for the best facts.

R/s,

Rob - Past President - WDCU

Don,

Did you send this? Someone on the air forums is worried it's spam...

And, may I ask why the club is not referred to by it's name.. the WBCCI?

Congratulations on your ownership of an Airstream RV. This is certainly one of the most gratifying experiences that you will ever have. I also see from your membership number (3889) that you have also become members of the Airstream RV Owners Organization. Sincere congratulations for this, too.

The organization can provide many activities and benefits to both of you. My family of three generations has over 100 years of active accumulated membership and I have served in all elected positions (including International President). Therefore, it is my feeling that any questions you may have I should be able to provide answers. Regardless of your work status, age or any other consideration, there are benefits available to you.

Please allow me to provide you information so that you can explore this and allow you the opportunity of determining the possible benefits of being apart of this great organization. Sincerely, Don Shafer, Past International President

R/s,

Rob Baker
Past President, WDCU WBCCI #2820




I must assume that the "Someone on airforms" is in your vicinity. Yes, I signed it and was the author. The name was provided to me from a former International Membership Chairman. It is most certainly NOT spam and was sincere and honest attempt to provide information to new members of our organization. In 46 years of Club Membership it is my experience that most new members are not familiar with the meaning of "WBCCI" so this was not used. The Burns are apparently members of the DC Unit and I find this satisfactory. But at the same time if there is an effort to disallow members the opportunity to get correct and valid answers directly to their concerns, this must be considered as "SPAM". With a wealth of years of experience and understanding the workings of WBCCI from bottom to top, I will continue to be available
to provide my intended offer.

Don Shafer, Past International President.












Don,

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll let them know your intent and desires here. However, I think anyone who buys an Airstream knows what WBCCI is... if they don't.. then they should.. I recall how we voted down the "Airstream Club" name change, but somehow it's made it's way into the Blue Beret and now with some email correspondence, the term WBCCI is never even used... and that concerns me.. Thanks for the quick reply and I'll let them know.. when I saw Don Shafer, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't spam and that you knew about it, in case someone had hacked your email account.

Thanks,

Rob

[Airstream01]

Who is "the Burns" because that is definitely not me and I'm not a member of the DC club. He should have used the WBCCI, then I likely would not have thought it was spam right off the bat.

[robandzoe]

I'm not sure what he's refering too.. apparently you aren't the only one he's emailed.... We have a Burns in our WDCU unit. I agree - if he had only used WBCCI from the start......... good luck whereever you're headed.

[Airstream01]

Also, I did not start this thread to start any trouble. I really thought it was spam and figured you all would know for sure. One of the things I detest about the WBCCI is all the stupid politics--especially over stupid stuff. Not using the WBCCI in a semi official email to a new member boggles my mind and screams of "politics".

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by Airstream01

Also, I did not start this thread to start any trouble. I really thought it was spam and figured you all would know for sure. One of the things I detest about the WBCCI is all the stupid politics--especially over stupid stuff. Not using the WBCCI in a semi official email to a new member boggles my mind and screams of "politics".

In all definitions of the term that email was SPAM. It is yet another clear example of the leadership(or former) not respecting the wishes of the general population of the club. So many hold democracy as a standard, but when it does not come out in their favor they disregard the principle wholesale.

Airstream01, I am a member of the WDCU. Hopefully we will see you around a campfire or with a heaping plate around my breakfast griddle.

We just camp and have fun.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

You are very right Leo. Oh, and a friendly member to member greeting... "welcome to the Airstream RV Owners Association". I didn't want to confuse you by calling it the Wally Byam Caravan Club International.

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

The Burns are apparently members of the DC Unit and I find this satisfactory. But at the same time if there is an effort to disallow members the opportunity to get correct and valid answers directly to their concerns, this must be considered as "SPAM".

I got a chuckle out of the 'and I find this satisfactory' part. Good to have his approval on your unit choice.

I'm a bit confused by the sentence after that. Is he implying that some people are trying to prevent members from getting answers to their questions?

Either way, it was nice of him to reach out to new members, even if it came out a bit awkward. It's a nice gesture.