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Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2003, 08:45 AM

I'd be interesting in the actual numbers rather than the commentary on what you all think is the state of WBCCI by showing who is still involved with the club in general.

Please vote and if you do have comments, please feel free to post as well.

Eric

wahoonc · 12-27-2003, 10:20 AM

I will post comments...seeing how you invited them

We are not WBCCI members at this time. We are currently reworking a vintage unit. We do plan on joining in the future. We have 4-5 WBCCI units in our area, (some more active than others?) when the time comes we will evaluate the units and our needs and make a decision at that time. We are semi empty nesters, so we are flexible but both still working full time jobs. Retirement is about 12-15 years away

I have watched the WBCCI thread with interest, FWIW Ken Smily's unit is one of the ones in our area. If more units would post schedules and maintain some type of web presence it would be nice, specially if they are looking to recruit the current crop of AS owners. Just a few opinions

Aaron

overlander64 · 12-27-2003, 10:28 AM

I have been a Wisconsin Unit WBCCI member since 1995-96, and have never questioned whether I would renew - - in fact, I have given very great consideration to becoming a Life Member. As a WBCCI member, I have obtained even greater pleasure from my membership by joining Intra-Clubs including the Vintage Airstream Club, Free Wheelers, and the Computer Club.

As one of the younger members of our unit when I first joined (at 35), I never felt out-of-place; and always felt warmly welcomed at every function. I have felt quite fortunate to belong to an active unit with diverse activities; and have maintained my membership in this unit despite having moved nearly 200 miles South of the border to the Quad Cities of Illinois. While I may not attend a great number of Unit functions, I generally am able to attend at least one or two each year as well as the WBCCI International Rally.

Having grown up with friends who were active WBCCI members and the original owner's of my '64 Overlander, there was never a question in my mind whether I would join WBCCI. Initially after purchasing my Overlander, there were no nearby owners/WBCCI members where I lived so I called WBCCI headquarters and made contact with my nearest Unit to process my membership - - and have been a member of that unit ever since.

My first major Rally was the 1998 WBCCI International Rally in Boise, Idaho; and I have only missed the Burlington, Vermont International since 1998. My plans are already in place to be in Lansing, Michigan for 2004 International Rally as well as to participate in one informal caravan and another WBCCI/VAC regional rally. I am employed full-time, but have the advantage of a profession with generous amounts of free time during the summer months.

I have found my WBCCI/VAC dues to be some of the most beneficial funds expended to enhance my enjoyment of both my Airstream and Argosy. There are so many places that I would never have considered traveling on my own; but as a result of caravans or rallys have had some really unexpectedly wonderful experiences. The people whom I have met through the WBCCI/VAC acitivities have become some of my best friends, and I find myself looking forward to each rally/caravan as a way to expand my circle of friends. There is also a certain sense of security traveling with a group in a caravan when you are a Free Wheeler.

I would defnintely encourage every Airstream product owner to at least investigate the possibilities of the WBCCI as well as the Intra-Clubs. While there can be differences among the various local Units; I am convinced that there are numerous options available. There is also always the option of "Member at Large" as an option while investigating the local units. Through my various activities, I have had the opportunity to attend functions hosted by units in Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois - - I have been impressed by the diversity of participation that has been encouraged at each and every one of these activities.

Kevin

smily · 12-27-2003, 11:45 AM

Am I the only one who has noticed that for the most part, people who kock the WBCCI are the ones who either were to judgemental and did not feel at ease in a crowd or in a crowd of people that may be a little older than themselves?

And what really tickles me is the opinions that come fromfolks who have never even tried it

It is understandable that not all people are the same and that is really what makes this world so great. Example being that some folks on this forum have IBM's and some have MACs, some have Fords, some have Chevy's...........

The ironic part is that the WBCCI does not cast judgement on those who do not wish to partcipate, as a matter of fact, they invite EVERY Airstream owner to join, but some of those who do not wish to partcipate certainly can find it within themselves to cast judgement at the WBCCI. And go to great lengths to do so

Again I will say it and I will keep saying it,
Come one Come all and join the WBCCI. There are many Airstreamers just like you that love to hang out with other Airstreamers and people of all walks of life. The WBCCI has the wide open arms and extend an invitation to even the folks that may be loners, younger, unemployed, etc..... just good ol' Airstreamers.

I am glad that someone else has raised a different thread pertaining to the WBCCI, the more exposure the better

Smily

smily · 12-27-2003, 11:49 AM

Hmmm, for some reason, I cannot vote on either poll. can anyone help? It would be nice if the poll had another selection that reads, "No I am not a member at this time but considering it"
Smily

Pahaska · 12-27-2003, 01:01 PM

I have attended every unit rally since joining plus one region rally.

I attend the monthly luncheons and arrive 30 minutes early so that I can converse with more than just the folks that eat near me.

I volunteered to do a web page for the unit in my own web space. This helped the unit win the Superior Unit Award for the year.

I have accepted the task as webmaster of the region web pages next year.

I am a trustee of my unit.

I (along with my wife) have co-hosted a rally.

smily · 12-27-2003, 02:04 PM

You are the man John!
That is a fine Website and huge congrats on the award. I am envious.

If that is not evidence that the WBCCI is evolving on all fronts,
I dont know what is.
Imagine just a short time ago, the WBCCI did not have any webpages and the only way to get any info about repairing or upgrading your AS was through the "web" of the Airstream owners club known as the WBCCI.

Before there was a World Wide Web and cheap long distance rates, Airstream owners were getting together with other Airstremers the good old fashion way, camping together.
You could not sit down and type in "Airstream" and get the bevy of info available on the WWW. You had to go and meet other Airstreamers at WBCCI rallies and the greatest thing was, you were looking forward to it.

Just think of the info available from the long time members of the WBCCI compared to a 4000 members on this forum. Last I checked the WBCCI had over 14,000 members.
Like the Website that John masters, there is over 300 years of membership alone in their unit.

Smily

Pahaska · 12-27-2003, 02:18 PM

Forgot to say:

I taught at the Region 9 Computer Rally in 2003 and will do so again in 2004.

Moonshot · 12-27-2003, 03:06 PM

I voted as not a current member, but considering it.

My wife and I joined the WBCCI back in 1995 and felt a little out of place. Like Kevin we were in our mid thirties while everyone else was a lot older. We let our membership lapse after that first initial year, because we felt that although we were warmly welcomed we had other interests than what our chapter had in mind. As much as I like to feast on homemade goods I don't want to make a weekend of it. The chapter members flew flags off their a-frame while we joked that maybe we should fly a jolly roger off ours!

We have precious few days each year for camping and wish to make the most of them.

Our ideal chapter? One that would plan a canoeing excursion one month, a bicycling excursion another month and a hiking excursion another month. Also, there would be plenty of kids for our kids to play with. Is this too much to ask?

We have considered joining again. We plan to visit with several chapters nearby. If no chapter meets our interests I'm not sure we'll join or we may join as members-at-large.

Scott

Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2003, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by smily

The ironic part is that the WBCCI does not cast judgement on those who do not wish to partcipate, as a matter of fact, they invite EVERY Airstream owner to join, but some of those who do not wish to partcipate certainly can find it within themselves to cast judgement at the WBCCI. And go to great lengths to do so
Smily

I agree here, but let's also be fair here....when you do attend, if you don't fit the mold judgement is passed fairly frequently like a $20 bill in a port of call by (sorry in advance) the bluehairs....

Anyway, the poll is what it is, it's not scientific or really all that big of a deal. Just looking for honest feedback. As I said in the other poll, my limited exposure to WBCCI was not all that positve. I read here that there were many like me around the country. I will fully agree that Ken's unit and the surrounding areas to it are in good shape, still the basic question still remains to the forum with these two polls....is it good and do folks feel they are really getting something out of it.

Heck if the majority feel it is, I am happy, I may not agree with the overall state of the union per say, but I am interesting in some basic numbers, not just an us vs. them type of discussion as there is no them since we all all us (Airstreamers)....

There are no wrong answers in these polls.

Eric

jalewis · 12-27-2003, 06:30 PM

Eric,

The wife and I are new 'Streamers and WBCCI members. We purchased our unit used on Labor Day (03) and had been looking for quite a while (reference my previous posts). We had a friend from many years ago (WWII fighter pilot) who had an AS and had nothing but praise for it. When we started looking for TT's, we looked at a LOT of SOB's. Then, we chanced upon the local AS Park at Mystic Cove Springs, where we were met warmly, and invited to join in even before we had purchased a unit. After touring their units, we were convinced to buy an AS, as well as participating in their activities. What a great experience it has been; meeting new friends, with so much in common, and joing the WBCCI going to rallies. We look forward to each months event, and have a number of caravans planned. Yes, we are retired, like most of the members, but there are several younger, working couples in our unit (#029). Belonging to and being active in our unit has helped us relax more and have more enjoyment in our retirement years. We have been members for a short time, so don't have any strong opinons either way regarding the WBCCI, except to say that we think the WBCCI is a worthwhile group and seems to want to work to benefit the entire AS community.

HNY and 73, Jim
WBCCI #5652

Pahaska · 12-27-2003, 06:39 PM

Maybe we just have an unusually open-minded unit, but I don't see our "bluehairs" failing to welcome anyone regardless of whether they outwardly fit the WBCCI "mold".

For instance, we have a wild-looking long-haired motorcyclist batchelor Vietnam vet that has attended our last four rallys and several recent luncheons. He arrives at luncheons on the Harley in a tie-dyed T-shirt, haie flying in the wind. At our Xmas rally, he made a hand-drawn card for everyone who attended. He attends and has renewed his membership although I'm sure his finances are tight. He has commented to me several times about his early misgivings about being accepted and how well people have accepted him.

I have seen the unit equally welcome unmarried couples (in one case, the lady has been different every rally). Never have I heard an unkind remark from anyone although I have to admit that there was some merriment over accidentally calling the "lady of the month" by the previous lady's name.

Tin Hut · 12-27-2003, 08:08 PM

My family and I joined a the region 9 North Texas unit a few months back. With two kids we were on the young side and were accepted by the generally older group. I've enjoyed each event attended and my kids get doted on. It is great to see the tolerance displayed by some older Texans to the diversity in the club. I'm impressed so far with the quality of the people in the group.

Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2003, 08:15 PM

Some great feedback. I see the ones that post ususally have the postive comments and the ones that have other comments seem to just vote. So far it appears it is almost even money which is where about I had expected.

Eric

smily · 12-27-2003, 08:17 PM

Something is wrong wth your viewer. It is not even close.
What are the numbers as you see it?

smily · 12-27-2003, 08:20 PM

At this moment, half of the polled are members.

27 percent simply said they are not members. Fair to say that these folks are neutral. and less than 10 percent are less than neutral.

come on man, face the music.

Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2003, 08:32 PM

Cute Ken. I too know that there are several different ways to look at the info, but I don't look at it the same as you do if you also take the other poll into consideration.

At this point I think 50/50 is about fair right now.

Keep in mind I have no benefit to see that it goes 60/40, 70/30 or even 80/20 in favor of the disgruntled folks. I don't get any kick out of seeing folks walk. Remember I too have an Airstream and like hanging with folks informally. If there is one thing that I have realized owning an Airstream is that it's a tight family of folks. Regardless of feelings or leanings on subject matter. I'd also like to point out that the majority of the folks that also posted comments voted yes. Most of the others, just voted which is really what I was looking for, not a bunch of comments (but welcoming any comments should someone care to).

I think personally before I gave either side a pat on the back, I'd like to let the thread evolve a bit more before making an firm judgement either way.

Eric

smily · 12-27-2003, 08:36 PM

I too am looking forward to seeing the thread run its course. But as far as a cummulative between both polls, it is even a stronger case for the WBCCI. The other poll is even more heavy on the WBCCI membership and their satisfaction.

Smily

Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2003, 08:47 PM

Ken,

You are entitled to your opinion, but as the facts clearly indicate, it's a about a 50/50 mix right now as I see it. I hope as the thread is allowed to grow that perhaps we'll hit a mix that reflects your viewpoint, but if it doesn't, you'll have to accept that life outside South Carolina is different.

I will say that I am a bit disappointed and not very comfortable with some of what has been said on and off forum among the various current WBCCI threads. I surely hope that this WBCCI thing is not becoming personal for some folks.

I am not trying to sway public opinion, I don't need to. I like many are just looking for answers.

Eric

smily · 12-28-2003, 06:47 AM

Maybe you are looking in the wrong places. Maybe you should look right within yourself. You have repeatedly conveyed what it is that you do not like about the WBCCI.

I like several others have provided valid advice to make it what you would like to see. It is very simple, quit complaining and become active in the evolution.

This mind set is not exclusive to WBCCI, the great thing about America is that we are a democracy, if you dont like the way things are, you CAN change it. But you cannot sit back and wait for others to do it for you.

Even in politics, people that sit in the back of the room and yell are eventually ignored. But the ones who move to the front of the crowd and maybe even as far as the podium, are listened to and they will rewarded with a following. The following may even be a minority but a following never the less, a group of people that have the same interest.

As in Faith and churches, nobody dictates to us what religion we are to believe in and we, on our own accord, decide which if any church we will attend and faith we will believe in.

It is our own decision and we are the ones who pave our own roads. Some are happy to pay taxes and just travel the roads. These are usually the people who complain that the road is not in good shape. The ones who want good roads, attend community meetings and forums. A perfect example is the parking of RV's in communities. There are folks on this very forum that are dissatisfied with C&R's. They have taken an active role in getting the community to change or see things their way. The ones who speak about it here on the forum are listened to and respected because they are ACTIVE in the evolution.

Get involved and move to the front of the room.
Smily