this month in the blue beret....

[Zeppelinium]

I'd like to echo two previous comments:

1. Wally was satisified with an Airstream Trailer to his last day
2. Being an Airstreamer is about camping

It seems to me that the politics of club name and whether or not someone is trying to get the SOB motorhome nose under the tent obfuscates the fact that the leadership is interested in flags and berets and rules and hierarchy. If we [the club] were instead focused on camping and rallies and old fashioned shennanigans, 95% of the membership would have more fun (and need I say, enthusiasm?). I mean, I'd shortsheet 2Air, given the slightest opportunity.

Which brings me to my point

(1) WBCCI should concentrate on rallies, boondocking, and camping issues (sound like the 4CU charter to anyone?) and
(2) the VAC ought to concentrate on restoration and showcase rallies.

That's two real simple charters that don't need a ton of rules and are instantly understandable by the common member. If we all followed the Burnstream list, we'd have a pretty good idea of how to attract more and younger members, as one example. The 4CU discussion may be a bit more "elevated", but the objective is the same--more fun, fewer rules, and maybe a little diversity.

It's worth a thought.

Zep
to the barricades!

[Roscinante]

At the risk of offending some and raising a WHOLE bunch of political hoo-hoo I don't want to...

To paraphrase the line from Bill Clinton's campaign, "IT'S THE TRAILER STUPID!"

The WBCCI is about (IMHO):

• Airstream trailers
• Camping in an AS
• Camping with fellow AS owners
• Carrying on the history/traditions (Caravans/Rallys)
• Improving the organization
• Encouraging others to join us

IF we focus on those activities, I THINK we may have an organization of which we all can be proud and supportive.

[Motoman]

We are new members from Southern California, still active in boon-docking, tent camping, hiking, motorcycle touring, mountain climbing, off-roading, etc. We were very apprehensive about joining the WBCCI because of the more ceremonial, formal and sedentary activities we read about. We will withhold judgement on those more traditional WBCCI type rallies until we have attended one, however, the first rallies on our schedule are those by the Sierra Nevada Unit (we joined) and the proposed Four Corners Unit (would make that our second).

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Motoman

We are new members from Southern California, still active in boon-docking, tent camping, hiking, motorcycle touring, mountain climbing, off-roading, etc. We were very apprehensive about joining the WBCCI because of the more ceremonial, formal and sedentary activities we read about. We will withhold judgement on those more traditional WBCCI type rallies until we have attended one, however, the first rallies on our schedule are those by the Sierra Nevada Unit (we joined) and the proposed Four Corners Unit (would make that our second).

Motoman,

Come down to Pechanga from March 7 to 11 and visit the El Camino Real Unit Rally. If you can't make it for the entire rally, drive down on Saturday and say Hi. We will be there from Friday night to Sunday, a 1979 Safari and a 1977 Lincoln Continental.

We are not a ceremonial, formal and sedentary unit. Send me your email address and I will send you the rally description and coupon.

Bill

[2airishuman]

hi motoman...

follow bills suggestion.

wish i was close enough to enjoy his unit!

cheers
2air'

[Communicator]

Thanks for the input on the survey questions.

[Over59]

Originally Posted by Roscinante

Two easy to use online survey software applications are Survey Monkey and Zoomerang. About 100-200 for a year subscription and you can create all kinds of surveys, download the results as an Excel spreadsheet to dice and slice, make graphs, etc.

Extreme sampling bias. Pretty much a waste of time.

[2airishuman]

hi artsream...

i like the new name!

my view is thor/stream has no ill will for the club and

i agree that it could be cleaner for them to just start a new club...

i would join right this second!

just as a reminder to those that think the wbcci is some fiercely independent group, blazing ahead without corporate ties.....

the wbcci WAS owned by airstream until 1980 or so when beatrice cut it loose;
before the sale to thor...

all during the 'golden years' wbcci belonged to a/s...
the company has provide support every time the club has been down....

money, peoplepower, technology and so on...money again.

zep...

short sheet me will ya! u gotta get past my 'guard n attack' turkey first!

and regarding that pending unit somewhere in the southwest,
you folks have taken your discussion out and away from the regular membership here..
your exchange of info and ideas is private now...

good luck but i'm not interested if we all can't be involved...

for those interested in any and ALL issues related to the wbcci...

visit here...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286/

and just pick some threads to read or reply into...
lots of info on many wbcci topics.
only 5 pages of threads and no searching needed...
just read 'em and reply.



ok BACK to the purpose of this thread....

to report and exchange ideas about content in this month's BLUE BERET....

it would help if everyone had a copy but i have been trying to put the info into this thread...

and really the blue beret should have an ONLINE EDITION for members and non members...

so everyone can read about the next luncheon, or casket factory tour, or

capetown to cairo caravan!!!!

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

ok back to one focus of this thread,

the list of member suggestions/ideas printed in the december bb

renee has broken them down into 5 general headings…

1. club administration,
2. the bb publication,
3. the international rally,
4. marketing/membership,
5. constitution and by laws.

obviously there will be overlap, as ideas apply in several areas.

for those without the pulp version, I’ll offer up the ideas as printed

here is the list provided under #1…and every few days I’ll add the next list.

1. club administration

-hire an executive director

-develop a management plan

-promote the development of a diversity of new wbcci units

-focus on fun rather than rules

-publish a wbcci email address for members to use for changing their address

-develop clearly stated and understood mission, goals and objectives

-assess strengths and find ways to deliver improved customer services 2 attract and keep members

-clarify overall objectives of wbcci

-catch up to changing demographics and expectations

-structured formality and exclusive practices are less and less relevant 2 today’s members

-shift from an exclusive country club approach to a warm inclusive approach that will have broader appeal and reverse the trend of declining membership

-state the value of membership in today’s terms

-better leverage the club’s critical mass to negotiate group discounts, attract vendors, national speakers, etc.

-develop a change management plan-things are changing and to thrive the club must as well

-develop a vision for the future

-invest in supporting technology

so lets read some comments related to ANY thing from this list…

it looks like they are basically un edited from the original idea/words, which is good,

and i think it will be interesting for the general membership and officers to see some of this laundry printed in clear site...

i like the idea of an executive director, or a professional leadership team that spans several years...

the prez's terms are too short in duration and to much about ceremony and

with those that are unskilled for the task...1 year is 12x too long in office

many of these suggestion speak to and echo, echo, echo the need for a new mission, a new model and a new cast.

i'm also supportive of more diversity and will throw out some ideas on this soon...

cheers
2air’

[Buttercup]

Can I add to that to develop a marketing plan. Right now the BB is about the only marketing tool WBCCI has. Sales of AS's can more directly relate to memberships and vice versa.

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

ok back to one focus of this thread,

the list of member suggestions/ideas printed in the december bb

renee has broken them down into 5 general headings…

1. club administration,
2. the bb publication,
3. the international rally,
4. marketing/membership,
5. constitution and by laws.

obviously there will be overlap, as ideas apply in several areas.

for those without the pulp version, I’ll offer up the ideas as printed

here is the list provided under #1…and every few days I’ll add the next list.

1. club administration

-hire an executive director

-develop a management plan

-promote the development of a diversity of new wbcci units

-focus on fun rather than rules

-publish a wbcci email address for members to use for changing their address

-develop clearly stated and understood mission, goals and objectives

-assess strengths and find ways to deliver improved customer services 2 attract and keep members

-clarify overall objectives of wbcci

-catch up to changing demographics and expectations

-structured formality and exclusive practices are less and less relevant 2 today’s members

-shift from an exclusive country club approach to a warm inclusive approach that will have broader appeal and reverse the trend of declining membership

-state the value of membership in today’s terms

-better leverage the club’s critical mass to negotiate group discounts, attract vendors, national speakers, etc.

-develop a change management plan-things are changing and to thrive the club must as well

-develop a vision for the future

-invest in supporting technology

so lets read some comments related to ANY thing from this list…

it looks like they are basically un edited from the original idea/words, which is good,

and i think it will be interesting for the general membership and officers to see some of this laundry printed in clear site...

i like the idea of an executive director, or a professional leadership team that spans several years...

the prez's terms are too short in duration and to much about ceremony and

with those that are unskilled for the task...1 year is 12x too long in office

many of these suggestion speak to and echo, echo, echo the need for a new mission, a new model and a new cast.

i'm also supportive of more diversity and will throw out some ideas on this soon...

cheers
2air’

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Can I add to that to develop a marketing plan. Right now the BB is about the only marketing tool WBCCI has. Sales of AS's can more directly relate to memberships and vice versa.

agree completely b'cup...

the bb may be the tool and it is very dull

of course members market too and we are very sharp!

and if you note the headings,

#4 has some member ideas of marketing issues...

i'll put those up in a few days...

at this point i'm just dishing out what is in the piece as it was written...

so all can read them wbcci members, or those that care...

and for pieman too

cheer
2air'

[Buttercup]

Oh, I didn't see we were dealing with only #1. I'll keep my eyes open for #4 as we (my wife and I ) do have some very specific thoughts on this topic...

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

-promote the development of a diversity of new wbcci units

I would like to think that the 4CU would be a good example of this.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Oh, I didn't see we were dealing with only #1. I'll keep my eyes open for #4 as we (my wife and I ) do have some very specific thoughts on this topic...

hi b'cup...

while marketing can be a very specific or focused theme...and will be.

administrative issues impact members and marketing, very directly too...

fun, diversity, professional management, new technology, and so on are big...

i tried to join the club 27 years ago
INSPITE of the way it was marketed and inspite of the activites....
i owned an airstream and wanted to be part of wally's gang...

of course silver oval mohos weren't allowed in the club then...ah, karma.

members should be viewed as club customers and share holders,
there is way too much of the 'work up through the ranks' attitude...
everyone that owns an a/s or THINKS they want to own an airstream should be a club customer...

and the talented should run the club...instead of just promoting the 4th vp from 4 years ago...

looks how many folks just shopping a/s get help here and join and buy one...

the current administrative structure may appeal to ex military, anglo, hetero, retired couples, who like standing in line patiently...

but it SCARES most people between 20 and 55, who have or want an airstreams...

and live in a world with different paradigms...

the fun units really have to work the folks from this demographic...

and many promote units that that try to have fun inspite of the wbcci at a national level...

so improving and changing administrative issues is BIG for marketing...

the club needs to be ALL about the 2 big issues zep and jerry have listed...

cheers
2air'

of course if most members or prospective members are happy with how it is done now, it IS there club and they CAN keep it, as is...

comments?

[Buttercup]

the current administrative structure may appeal to ex military, anglo, hetero, retired couples, who like standing in line patiently...

but it SCARES most people between 20 and 55, who have or want an airstreams...

I agree 100%. Changing a name would be meaningless because it would still be the same old lethargic lumbering entity we see today. Marketing for the purpose of attracting new member to the same old club would perhaps provide some temporary increases in membership.
But WBCCI really needs an entire lifestyle change!

[2airishuman]

shame on me for using an age span...

the current admin style, scares folks from all ages...

who want leaders to lead along side or from within...and without ranks.

what has changed is the age of folks buying these things...

the buying age is a much wider span now, and it has grown younger...

the club has got to follow the owners...

new, used, old, young...all of them...

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

"We are operating under the assumption that hearing member feedback, both positive and negative, is very healthy for any organization.
Emphasis is on exchanging constructive ideas for a successful WBCCI.
All such input is welcomed. Emphasis is also on providing a center for accurate information about WBCCI. "

the above is a direct quote, leading into the story on member feedback...

i take them at their word on this until shown otherwise...

the piece also notes that at the wbcci website their is a 'suggestion box' in the forums section....

here....

WBCCI Forum -

from looking at the printed list and comparing it to some of the suggestions IN the box...

looks like the input is getting through to club leaders....

for anyone here who wants to make a specific suggest to the wbcci, join their public forums section and post!

not as much traffic as here 4 sure but at least a post will be noticed!

in a subtle yet definite way we are moving them to do more business online,
have more member interactions online and ultimately this is good...

correct?

2air'

carol, eye c u r reading...what do u think of the listed items in post 30/31?

[wheel interested]

Originally Posted by rideair

From what I understand, the higher ups are working with "THOR/Airstream" to see if it would be possible to badge another THOR motorhome with the "Airstream" name. This will become a problem, in the WBCCI bylaws, the product must be "manufactured" by "Airstream". You may find someone wanting to change the by-laws to include any product with the "Airstream Badge". This little change would allow them to continue to buy MH's and still be in the WBCCI.

Originally Posted by wheel in

I see the need and can't think of any other way around letting members to continue to live out their golden WBCCI years in comfort and security. They have tended the club for us to inherit and need some provision.

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Am I to understand that you think one can't be comfortable and secure in a traditional Airstream trailer ????? ----- pieman

No, not at all. I think Airstream trailers are very comfortable and very secure. I should have included an explanation for my comment. Sorry. I forget other people don't know what I am thinking.

Many of the current Airstream motorhome owners previously owned trailers. I have wondered what motivates them to switch. I was thinking that some change because as they grow older, hitching and unhitching or even handling a long rig may become too difficult for them, or perhaps they become apprehensive of their abilities, or maybe they think that someday they may just have to leave in a hurry in a medical emergency. It may even be something they have been planning for years that they would progress to one day. So I was supposing that anyone that might fall into that category, might feel more comfortable and more secure (in themselves) in driving a motorhome.

If there is anyone that fits this profile then without an Airstream motorhome they would be forced out of their regular member status, after possibly serving many years, perhaps having to give up what has become their way of life or their plan for retirement.

That was the perceived need I was referring to. And/or I was also referencing the comfort and security one experiences and the validation of belonging to their beloved club and continuing the experience and patterns known to them.

[rgesch]

Ditto-survey's conducting research IS a tricky business and to obtain value from the data collected your methodology has to be the rights one.

Conducting the survey was a positive move that said yes we want to hear what you have to say, and showed promise BUT the results were not as valuable because to the methods used right down to the very basics of research.

Again like Paul I spend my worklife dealing with research and making decisions based on the results BUT first like Paul I am also schooled to evauluated the methodology and quality of the work before we act.

This is prbably why people are still under the impression people want the name changed. That was a complete mess.

[Communicator]

Thanks to 2air for getting a discussion going on the member feedback topics.

Be sure to also post feedback on the club's official website suggestion box at WBCCI.org and to continue to email suggestions to the WBCCI Communications Liaison. (address in the Blue Beret)

Contact your Region President with feedback since they are the ones who sit on the IBT and who vote. (along with the International officers) This is very important. If you don't know how to reach them, email the Communications Liaison, state your Region and your email will be forwarded.

Members who can attend the Mid-Winter IBT or the IBT meeting held just before the International Rally (both in Perry, GA) will have the opportunity to SPEAK IN PERSON to issues that will be coming before the IBT. Just show up at the IBT seminar (actually a members' forum where all IBT reports are presented and members get the chance to speak to them). This is usually held on a day before the IBT meetings in both January and June.

Another report that will come up at the Mid-Winter IBT is that of the club's use of the Internet. This topic was assigned to the PR Chair by WBCCI President as a result of input from members through the Communications Liaison. In fact, hat's off to Buttercup whose suggestion was the initial stimulus for a look into how the club uses the Internet.

Hope to see lots of you at Perry, GA in January and for the International Rally.

Renee Ettline
WBCCI Communications Liaison