WBCCI An Ordinary Members Opinion

[Frank's Trailer Works]

As many that know me can attest, "ordinary" is not a good description of me. I am actually a fairly active member of my unit. I attend just about every rally my unit has and actively participate in making every rally I go to a better one. I have always lived a life of "leading through action", believing you can talk about things till you turn blue, but to take action is what is needed.

I thought that when my club started a forum of its own, that I should participate in it. I thought that it would be a place for club members to talk about the very serious issues facing our club. No one seems to notice that at one time we were 28,000 strong and today we are somewhere around 6000.

A forum is by definition a place for public discussion and debate. Unfortunately the WBCCI Forum is only a place for positive thought. If anything negative is discussed, the post is either removed for "harsh words" or parts are moved else where to break up the context of the discussion. This tactic makes having a mature discussion impossible. Many very serious club members have attempted to talk about real issues facing our future and they are quickly silenced or the thread is locked out.

The simple request for a mission statement was meet with a bunch of uhms, and wells, but was never provided to those requesting it. The thread for that request has now been locked. So much for discussing things like adults, so much for being transparent to the members of the club.

The super moderator goes by the name of the conquistador that brought down the entire Aztec Empire. I find his choice of user names to be very ironic, for his forum will just lead to further destruction of a great club. He comments on just about every post, but often changing the subject in his post. Kind of like a magician diverts your attention while he is hiding the cards in his sleeve.

I am very grateful that this forum exists so people can talk about things like adults. We might not agree on what is always said, but at least we can speak their mind.

[moosetags]

Very nicely said, Frank, without malice. I think that it is extremely significant that the WBCCI membership has gone from 28,000 to 6,000 in recent times.

Brian

[LI Pets]

Be careful Frank, that post may be interpreted as promoting disharmony in the WBCCI

The real question is what can be done about it, I believe that until the IBT members retire or die off we're SOL.

If you rock the boat they get trolls to file frivious grievences against you,
look what happened to Leo.

Bob T mentioned starting a new club, perhaps...............

[dwightdi]

Save Wally is another excellant forum to use to discuss what needs to be done within WBCCI: to improve the programs (benefits) offered, change the way we pick our leaders, Criteria for picking leaders, change in where we spend our dues money, change our public image and what we can offer to the younger generation who we must sign up as long term members, as that is the only solution that will save the club.

This thread should be contributed to by: Active Club members, Members who have resigned after several years of frustration, and prospective members with ideas of what they would like to see the club offer.

[LI Pets]

Sure Save Wally is great but do you know the owner gets harrased by lawyers to take info down or his ISP will shut him down

so the WBCCI censors that forum where it can,

[dwightdi]

Greg has also threaten this forum and Andy responded by locking down the WBCCI threads. No one is safe from the Spanish Inquisition of Mr. Cortez. The people who threaten to use mad dog lawyers seem to rule the Politically Correct World in the US for now. Most all companies and the people who run them have to respond to financial threats in order to survive. That is the price that must be paid by a society run by politicians that are or previously were lawyers and the court system that caters to them.

[monkeypants]

Couldn't help but post on this one. As someone who should be the demographic that the club would want, I find it a shame that the more I hear, the less I like.
Owning or aspiring to a camper with such a history and cool factor as Airstream should come with it a club with a feeling of pride, not bickering.
I would also think that the Airstream company should have a greater role in promoting the club, looking for feedback from current and potential members. Maybe the dealers could do a better job of supporting membership. How about working with other programs (good sam, etc), to offer discounts.
I'm sure that alot of good people have good ideas to grow this club, but for me, I need more of a reason to participate than the guilt of not wanting to see it go away. Most of you folks are very helpful and patient with newbies like my wife and I, I think that this represents some of the best of what the club should be, not who gets what pin on a beret.

[Mikethefixit]

IMHO I think that all threads and Links to WBCCI should be eliminated from AIRFORUMS. Let them (I refer to those who feed off WBCCI) fall on thier face.At only 6,000 members it ain't far away. Then begin again.Forget the days gone by,you cannot dwell in the past. You have to look to the future and forget that you may have been a unit pres or Vp ,it will not matter ,U are owed NOTHING whatever and move on Startin anew.
I believe I would be up to joining a National Orgainzation that is committed to keeping Airstream alive and Concentrate on camping and having fun rather than mid week meetings that working people cannot attend. Let the old organization DIE and start over,its not to late.

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

IMHO I think that all threads and Links to WBCCI should be eliminated from AIRFORUMS. Let them (I refer to those who feed off WBCCI) fall on thier face.

If we removed all that content what would that say about our long standing practice of allowing posts and opinions to stand so long as they are civil and respectful? We've worked really hard to keep this venue open. You could however, use our ignore system to avoid having to read threads and posts on this topic

I believe I would be up to joining a National Orgainzation that is committed to keeping Airstream alive and Concentrate on camping and having fun rather than mid week meetings that working people cannot attend. ...

As AIR # 22336, you have already joined such a group just without the structure. No meetings here.....

[Fyrzowt]

Janet,
Great minds run in pairs
My thoughts exactly prior to reading your post. Why would we censor one site while complaining about censorship at another.

[byamcaravanner]

Originally Posted by monkeypants

I need more of a reason to participate than the guilt of not wanting to see it go away.

Monkeypants,

Luckily you live in New Jersey which makes you pretty darn close to some really great WBCCI events. Look at the 2010 Washington DC unit calendar. Come to the Cherry Blossom rally or the Wally Byam Birthday Bash... you will see some of the best the club has to offer.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by Janet

You could however, use our ignore system to avoid having to read threads and posts on this topic

As AIR # 22336, you have already joined such a group just without the structure. No meetings here.....

If he did that he would have nothing to comment on. But a very good suggestion none the less.

[wheel interested]

Originally Posted by Janet

As AIR # 22336, you have already joined such a group just without the structure. No meetings here.....

That's right Rog, we be forum buds and forum ralliers already!!!Let 'em go and figure out their way... To each their own. Everybody has their own choices to make and really shouldn't have to be condoned by others. As my DH says, live and let live. We'll still have fun over here Michigan/Ohio way, right?

Brad and I wish we were close enough to pop over to the WDCU events. Sounds like great times. I am thinking Region 4 has really fallen off in new recruits and activites on the whole...Roger has had a really poor WBCCI experience and I can't blame him for feeling as he does.

[Andy R]

People often misinterpret feedback as unjust criticism. Often you just have to stop, listen and find solutions. Unfortunately the machine that's been put in place is very rigid and seems to lack the flexibility needed to adjust. That explains why the forum management is so strict. If they were smart they would read this thread and start allowing more freedom to members to express their opinions. Instead they are probably filing grievances against you, lol.

I applaud all the passionate members who want to see the club evolve into a more modern organization. I wish them luck. In the meantime, I can assure you we are listening and will be releasing some new features to help Airstream owners connect and have fun camping.,

[Mikethefixit]

Andy
I don't think this group is too ridged. The mods here pretty much let me speak my mind.Janet has always been here for me if I have a technical problem,and that's as it should be. I don't mean to be degrading to any one person althought I have been called names in some PM's. Its the way that the WBCCI is run. I as an outsider can clearly see why the national is in trouble. The whole thing is about money and power and I don't hve enough of either to make a difference.
There are great people who make up WBCCI, its a shame that those who pour their heart and soul into it are being taken.
Yes Carol we have always had fun.

[wxbuoy]

Mokeypants…. I couldn’t agree more! We have only had our Airstream 2 weeks and We are finding that one of the major draws to owning an airstream (beside a cool quality trailer) was the instant bond supposedly with other airstream owners. Granted I didn’t go trolling the forums prior to buying it (maybe I should have), but I can’t believe the politics involved with the WBCCI and others. Who knows what is right. All I know is that there is discord in a group of people that should be having fun.
I don’t know anyone on this forum other than by posts I have read and the VAP. I have to go back to what PeeWee has said before, “Just have fun”. I agree, there has to be some order, there has to be mutual respect and there has to be camaraderie. I looked forward to meeting people that have been doing this for 40 years. Experience is a great teacher if you are listening, a cruel master if you are experiencing.
I never even heard of Mr. Byam, until I started seriously looking into getting an Airstream. I have heard enough about him to know I would like to learn more. I also don’t understand the issues with the National events. Haven’t we learned tolerance? So what if there is pomp and circumstance. So what if someone says grace. I mean, it never bothered me. We have become a nation of individuals, unwilling and unable to put up with others differences that we disagree with. Granted I like a nice adult beverage as much as the next guy, but if I am with a group of those who don’t partake, than I will abstain.
Sorry, this got a little off topic.
I am not just talking to be heard, here is my solution. If everyone is concerned with having fresh blood in the WBCCI, then maybe those members of the WBCCI should make that a priority. They could have someone on the board that has less than 2 years in the organization. This way they always have a fresh point of view. Maybe we as a group could just accept our difference and look to the common good/goal. A group of Airstream owners (not like minded, what fun would that be!) who are joined in a common experience: owning an airstream and having fun! Nothing more, nothing less!
The problem too many times with younger members like myself is we think we know it all. Maybe we do, maybe we don’t.
This post is in no way meaning any disrespect to the original poster, 62overlander, just my thoughts to continue the discussion. Frank, your points seem valid. I understand your frustration. But I also believe that no one can be silenced in America, as you have pointed out by using this forum! The membership has gone from 28,000 to 6,000. After the brief introduction I have had, it probably won’t go to 6,001. But on the other hand it probably will. What’s an Airstream without the cool red numbers! My point is that if it is going to succeed than it will, if not it won’t. However the local clubs will always be there! I look forward to trailering (SP?) to the Baltimore/Washington area to join you for a rally and pancakes!
Like Shackleton, Byam was faced with a mission, to promote his product and the success of the caravan. I am sure he never forgot those 2 points, as I am sure he never forgot to raise his glass in thanks and good cheer! We keep forgetting the true rarity of great leaders. We forget the principles that they stood for; Success of the mission, and the people carrying out that mission. Everything else is just fluff.
In the end we shouldn’t be upset with those current leaders who don’t live up to the likes of Wally Byam. That is a pretty tall request. If the current WBCCI fails, than it fails. I am sure there will always be an airstream organization, just as I am sure my airstream will be around for another 50 years!
In the end I think I am going to go out and get some random numbers and put them on the front of my trailer. Now the only question is what color? Maybe green, that will keep everyone guessing and us laughing. Which is the point of having a trailer…to have fun! (thanks PeeWee for the insight!)

[Ed Emerick]

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

Andy
I don't think this group is too ridged. The mods here pretty much let me speak my mind.Janet has always been here for me if I have a technical problem,and that's as it should be. I don't mean to be degrading to any one person althought I have been called names in some PM's. Its the way that the WBCCI is run. I as an outsider can clearly see why the national is in trouble. The whole thing is about money and power and I don't hve enough of either to make a difference.
There are great people who make up WBCCI, its a shame that those who pour their heart and soul into it are being taken.
Yes Carol we have always had fun.

Again spoke from someone who has NEVER been a part of the club.

Outsiders such as yourself don't have a clue. Us that are in the middle of it have the real understanding. I don't feel "taken" and I just paid my dues for 2010, come join us, the WI Unit as other progressive Units continue to grow!. BTW, we just had event this weekend and added ANOTHER member, I guess it goes to show there is light at the end of the tunnel Roger!

[Ed Emerick]

Originally Posted by Ed Emerick

Again spoke from someone who has NEVER been a part of the club.

BTW, we just had event this weekend and added ANOTHER member, I guess it goes to show there is light at the end of the tunnel Roger!

Oh ya thats 23 yes 23 new members this year that do enjoy us!!!!!

[Roadrunner]

Like Dave and Felicia we have just purchased our first Airstream. I have been following the discourse on the forum regarding the WBCCI. Should we join...shouldn't we join. In the end, we will only get out of it what we put into it. Last week I met a great couple from Punxsutawney, PA who belong to the WDCU. They were very encouraging and I can't wait to get out and camp with other Airstreamers. Whether right or wrong...looks like there will be 6002 members...we joined!

[SilverRanger]

Welcome aboard, Roadrunner! Hope to meet you soon at a WDCU rally.