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Old 09-29-2005, 02:20 PM   #21
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Jerry, Jerry

Quote:
Originally Posted by sovereignrwe
1) Who knows what this references?
Is that the Jerry Springer thing?

I like the idea of holding WBCCI sponsored vintage get-togethers, open to all, as a way to attract the younger set that are buying vintage because that's all they can afford right now. Maybe the VAC members of the unit could put these together.
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Old 09-29-2005, 02:39 PM   #22
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Dougjamie did a great job with #1 - can we get your "generation" or decade?

Now who can hit the ball out of the park with an answer to the movie line in #2 (2nd & 3rd hints - the movie spawned 2) a hit song for the band -Yellow & 3) a career for a persistent broadway star)
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Old 09-29-2005, 02:56 PM   #23
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Originally Posted by sovereignrwe
Dougjamie did a great job with #1 - can we get your "generation" or decade?)
I'm 40-something. So I guess I'm outed now (not a 20-30-something). I'm a 30-something at heart though. -J
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Old 09-29-2005, 03:20 PM   #24
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My wife and I are in our early 30's and have 3 kids. Yes, time is a definite issue, between hours spent at work, commuting, organized events and your normal "have to be done" items (chores), people have little extra time nowadays. I know issues that have come up for us in not attending rallies are:

-they have a tendency to be too far to get to after work without arriving after dark (I know this is probably a local thing) thus limiting your time on site (us young folks don't get all that much vacation time to burn

-the bigger rallies need to have their costs pro-rated, if possible, for those of us who cannot attend the whole time to justify the time and expense

-sometimes a less structured outing is appreciated too, a local unit we looked into has catered meals and such (more $), it is nice to just get out, relax and meet people without worrying about having to be at certain areas at certain times for a steady stream of events. Yes, I realize you can opt out at your own descretion, but then you aren't "participating".

-if we are going to take a trip, especially with a vintage rig, a fairground without utilities and facilities just doesn't work

Before I get jump on, I am not complaining, just giving some reasons that have kept us from getting to more events.

Personally, I don't see a need for an area for the younger crowd, todays society is splitting us up into too many groups as it is, the ability to communicate with a large cross section of people here is what makes it so interesting and brings me back daily to see what's going on.
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Old 09-29-2005, 03:27 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sovereignrwe
Now who can hit the ball out of the park with an answer to the movie line in #2 (2nd & 3rd hints - the movie spawned 2) a hit song for the band -Yellow & 3) a career for a persistent broadway star)
well, the correct quote is "Anyone?...Beuller?...."


yet, my answer is invalid, too, as I have recently entered my fifth decade

But as a fairly recent former 30-something....I think what others have said already is true. we're less clubby as a whole these days. Lots of little reasons that combined, have made a big impact. We generally work longer hours, farther away from home, for less money, and our expenses are much higher than previous generations. These are not lifestyle "choices", but pure necessity. By the time I get home at night (way past 7, usually), I'm done. I have no life during the week. I'm too tired to even do my own chores, let alone be involved in anything outside the house. OTOH...I get social interaction here with you fine people, so I have less of a need to go "down to the lodge" to schmooz with "da boyz".

p.s. I, too, thought that the boomer's ended in '62, and "gen x" started in '70, and leaving me in limbo. I can't relate to either group, having neither the finances of the former, nor the hip-ness of the latter.
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Old 09-29-2005, 04:11 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck
p.s. I, too, thought that the boomer's ended in '62, and "gen x" started in '70, and leaving me in limbo. I can't relate to either group, having neither the finances of the former, nor the hip-ness of the latter.
It is generally accepted and documented that the boomer generation ended in 1964 and the Gen-X generation started in 1965. There is an open debate with some boomers that the boomer generation is further sub-divided into two parts; the first part ends in 1958 and the second part begins in 1959. Also, keep in mind, these are definitions that are spawned by television and the media who just love to group people in target markets.
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Old 09-29-2005, 04:28 PM   #27
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Rally efforts

Time. Yes, that's a definite problem. Expenses. Yes, those are issues.

Our Unit has taken some steps in planning rallies that may help the 20 and 30 somethings, as well as those of us who are still working at any age;
1. Schedule rallies to run from Friday through Sunday. That means welcoming members whenever they arrive on Friday. (The older generation had been starting the rallies on Thursday and leaving early Sunday morning after breakfast). We have members that arrive well after dark and dinner. So, at the last rally we had soup, bread and coffee on from 6pm through about 10pm. Whenever members got in and parked, they helped themselves to dinner. The rest of us were hanging out nearby at the campfire. This met with good reviews and members felt really welcomed. Try to stay well into Sunday with group luncheon or picnics or activities. Don't rush off Sunday morning for home.
2. Publish events and schedules for rallies ahead of members arrival; that way we can plan expenses and groceries necessary without wasting time and money. Making things fun and interesting with themes has really helped alot.
3. Safari fields whenever possible; with water and electric. Typically, are less expensive. Safari field for the group can make for an area separate from the rest of the campground where kids have room to play and be observed by the parents at all times.
4. Tent; created a central gathering spot for everyone, so that there are no cliques at individual trailers/mh's. Inclusive, not exclusive gatherings.
5. Activities; try and have outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. so that we are not sitting and eating all the time. Lots of free time and no plans are okay too.
6. Campfires; are a must. Great to relax and trade stories after dinner. Real wind down time.
7. Flexible and less rigid schedules. Meals are later times more typical or our work weeks; We've been trying to push rally meal times out a bit to 8am breakfast and 6pm or later for dinner.
8. Rally Locations; typically are within 1-3 hours of our membership. The average is about a 2 hour drive. (Not bad at the end of a work day.)

Our Unit president is organizing next year and has included the "Spring into Camping" rally. I believe this is a rally to prep the trailers and rv's for the season.

I'd also like to see a rally focused on rv repair and maintenance. That was mentioned previously and it is a great idea. We can all use this type of gathering, the 20 and 30 somethings included.

I'd also like to see a rally to help women new to rv'ing learn to hitch up and tow. Many of us have done this from the get go, but I am shocked at how many haven't taken this on. I've been taking off in the mh for all of the 10 years we've had them, (with and without the husband.) There are fewer older generation women towing and more in my generation. I am not sure about those younger, but haven't noticed that the women have been arriving or leaving doing the driving. Hmmm.

Anyway, those are just a few more thoughts about tailoring rallies to help our younger and still working members.
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Old 09-30-2005, 07:52 AM   #28
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Pam,

Sounds like you have a good handle on it, what you described sounded very workable. The itinerary in advance is a great idea, we've gone to campouts and had stuff going on we never knew about or found out too late, making it frustrating. Keep up the good work!
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Old 09-30-2005, 08:20 AM   #29
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Great points Pam!

I agree, having a rough idea of what's going on is a GREAT idea. I just went to the Medicine Bow Antelope Rally in WY which was a wonderful experience seated in tradition. What I didn't know prior to arrival was that EVERY breakfat & dinner was included in the $80/$95 for 5 days Rally fee. I came with a full fridge...no biggie, it just was a added expense & planning effort that I could have done withiout.

We try to list our upcoming rally schedules in the newsletter prior to the rally. Doesn't mean it can't change...but at least it gives folks an idea of what's going on.

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Old 09-30-2005, 08:55 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pam
Our Unit president is organizing next year and has included the "Spring into Camping" rally. I believe this is a rally to prep the trailers and rv's for the season.
Just a clarification on the "spring into camping" event. There was talk already that this rally would include the following activities (details are still being worked on):

1) Prepping your RV for the season
2) Maintenance and repair
3) Hook-up and towing for women

Stay tuned as we get closer to the rally as more details will be published then.
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Old 09-30-2005, 01:46 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yukionna
Just a clarification on the "spring into camping" event. There was talk already that this rally would include the following activities (details are still being worked on):

1) Prepping your RV for the season
2) Maintenance and repair
3) Hook-up and towing for women

Stay tuned as we get closer to the rally as more details will be published then.
Sounds like our Denver Unit's May Maintenance Rally! It's always one of our best attended rallies of the year ~

We also include a:
  • Polishing Demo - to appeal to the vintage enthusiasts
  • Wheel Bearing Packing Demo
  • tongue weighing opportunity
  • and time to share whatever 'projects' folks have been working on
Also, help out the newbies that get their trailers over the off-season.

Good luck!

Shari
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Old 09-30-2005, 02:09 PM   #32
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is there a way to include non a/s owners in the rallies? i know that probably goes against the point of the rallies but maybe by special invitation or something, you invite would be a/s owners to these things. they could either tent camp or visit for the day. the point is to show new people how cool owning an a/s is and how cool/nice the people are. then you hope they buy an airstream, get a membership and come back for more. because of so many distractions today, you have to really reach out there to increase membership and interest and really show people what owning an a/s is all about.

on the other hand, i guess it's hard enough getting current a/s owners involved in rallies, memberships, etc, nevermind someone who doesn't own one.
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Old 09-30-2005, 02:20 PM   #33
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good idea

WBCCI members can invite a guest to a rally twice a year at the "buddy rally", which is intended for non-member, non-airstream owner friends to attend and experience a WBCCI rally.

Our Unit has also been contacted by interested current and future AS owners who don't belong to WBCCI and have invited them to drop in for a visit and meet our members during one of our upcoming rallies. We have actually picked up two new memberships that I know of this year from people who dropped in for a visit.
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Old 09-30-2005, 02:26 PM   #34
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We would welcome visitors who wish to learn more about AS or the club! We've had drop-ins during the day at all the forum rallys we've held. Airstreamers are a pretty friendly groups.
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Old 09-30-2005, 02:46 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pam
I'd also like to see a rally to help women new to rv'ing learn to hitch up and tow. Many of us have done this from the get go, but I am shocked at how many haven't taken this on. I've been taking off in the mh for all of the 10 years we've had them, (with and without the husband.) There are fewer older generation women towing and more in my generation. I am not sure about those younger, but haven't noticed that the women have been arriving or leaving doing the driving. Hmmm.
Pam -- I love this idea. Maybe some renegade rallies for the womenfolk too. You know, for practice among sympathetic souls.
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Old 09-30-2005, 03:31 PM   #36
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Attracting New Members of All Ages.

Pam --there is sure way of attracting new members of all ages. It's doubtful however this plan will ever come into being. It's this simple, include one year's membership with the purchase of a new AS. No one has more to gain from a club that carries the name AS than the factory themselves. Harley Davidson does that very thing with their club, HOG, or "Harley Owners Group". New member come in with every new purchase. After a year some find it fun, enjoy being a member and renew, others find it not to their liking and drop out. Bottom line there is always new member being introduced to the organization and the membership continues to increase some every year. You would think if any organization would be exclusive it would be HOG but quite to the contrary. With few exceptions "outsiders", brand or otherwise are always welcome to Hog events. I've seen a lot of harleys purchased simply because of that friendly attitude and enclusivess. Airstreams are very much like Harleys in the same way. You can't be around a bounch of them very long before the "bug" gets you! You would think the Factory Folks would be interested enough to do something like this. While those members I have met have without exception been friendly and encourage membership I find the WBCC in general to be just the opposite. Unless you "become one of us you can't read our magazine unless someone gives you an out dated copy, can't get some info from "our" website unless you're one of us"etc. In the last 2 years we have purchased 2 new AS's. A 16' CCD bambi and a 25' classic.
You can do the math $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and they still want more for a membership into their dying club. Give me a BREAK!!!!! Pieman
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Old 09-30-2005, 03:59 PM   #37
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They did offer a free membership with purchase of any airstream, new or used, as recently as a few years ago. I got in on the last year of the deal. There are several discussions on this forum of why they discontinued the program, but I think it was because they couldn't retain enough of the new trial members.
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Old 09-30-2005, 07:24 PM   #38
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Quote:
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You would think the Factory Folks would be interested enough to do something like this. While those members I have met have without exception been friendly and encourage membership I find the WBCC in general to be just the opposite. Unless you "become one of us you can't read our magazine unless someone gives you an out dated copy, can't get some info from "our" website unless you're one of us"etc. In the last 2 years we have purchased 2 new AS's. A 16' CCD bambi and a 25' classic.
You can do the math $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and they still want more for a membership into their dying club. Give me a BREAK!!!!! Pieman
I'm relatively new to Airstreaming so far as it goes, but I've gotten the impression that Airstream Co. and WBCCI are more at odds than they are in cahoots. The members of the club are Airstream enthusiasts. The Airstream Co., like any company, is only interested in selling and the club and company only come together in that they are both about Airstreams. Here's a quote from Douglas Keister's book "Silver Palaces": "In this author's 2003 interview with Tim Champ, the head of marketing at Airstream, Champ stated, 'We are looking to break out of our reputation that Airstreams are just for old people. Unfortunately our most visible and vocal customers are members of the WBCCI [Wally Byam Caravan Club International]. They are perceived as a bunch of ex-military guys and frankly they don't contribute much to our bottom line. And the Vintage Airstream folks, well, they don't do anything for us either. At this point we don't need the publicity; everyone knows who we are. We need sales. We want to appeal to the hip twenty-year-olds. Once we get them started with Airstream, we think they will continue buying them."

I don't know a lot of "hip twenty-year-olds" who can afford a new Airstream. And those that are buying vintage trailers because that's the best they can afford, are not the people Airstream has any use for. WBCCI on the other hand is interested in new Airstream owners as well as vintage owners, but they might be hurting themselves by not allowing Airstream Basecamp owners into the club. That may be the foot up into Airstream ownership for many younger potential members. Based on the above quote from Airstream, I wouldn't look for Airstream Co. to be offering a one-year membership to WBCCI with the purchase of a new Airstream.
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Old 09-30-2005, 08:13 PM   #39
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Wow, I'm really shocked by that quote. If that's accurate, that really changes how I thought AS felt about the WBCCI. Seems like that's a pretty poor attitude. Buy our products, use them, enjoy them, tout them to your friends, but you are of no use to us.

If he thinks everyone already knows who Airstream is, he should come to open house day at a rally and see how many people ask "Do they still make these?" Average joe on the street still doesn't realize there's a factory cranking out brand new Airstreams. I get that question everytime we go camping.
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Old 09-30-2005, 11:01 PM   #40
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I think I see a marketing job opening up with the philosophy in effect that Tim Champ employs. Seems that people in those positions that do and say stupid things get shuffled out quickly. If not, we'll see Airstream suffer.

I would think that since it is a nostalgic brand, a piece of history, if you will, that their business vision would bring them closer together to form an alliance to keep a good thing going. They couldn't go wrong with the strength in numbers theory.

Considering that most people are cutting way back on their expenditures (except the luckly small percentage), and avoiding things that involve travel with their "big" vehicles, they should be brainstorming how to keep people in the RV market, and keep them in their showrooms and on their membership lists.

People like that can get jobs...but here I am!
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