What can be done to make WF better?

[HaleYes]

I know there was a group from NAXJA that showed up and wheeled but "were not part of WF". OK, whatever. Kinda lame in my book but, whatever floats your boat. I thought the whole idea is to support NAXJA and your club. Why one would choose to not do that is beyond me. So.......

What can we do to make everyone "be part of WF" so to speak. The purpose of this is not to start an argument. If there is something we can do to improve WF, I want to hear it. Now, just because a suggestion is made, does not mean that it will happen. I'm open ears here. Keep it civilized as possible here, this is not a pissing match. If it turns into a pissing match, it'll be gone.


Hale

[specdave]

I think it's perfect.

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

Hale,
I think that you and the rest of the guys (and gals) did a GREAT job of putting things together. I wish that I would have had a chance to get around more of the members and put names and faces together. I know at lunch on Saturday that there were the name tags for everyone, but if people would have actually put their name on their tags it would have helped. I know that you said it was mainly so that outsiders would not scrounge up the food, and I understand that. If we would have had name tags that had our name and screen name that would have been beneficial to me. On the flip side of the coin, if I would have got my lazy ass to Saturday nights fire I probably would have been able to meet a lot more of the guys (and gals).

It was a great time and I am looking foward to next years WF as well as other gatherings over the next year. It was good to meet ya and look forward to the next outing-

[HaleYes]

I'm the one that dropped the ball with the name tags. I forgot about them. They were supposed to be given out when Mark had you got your shirts and signed your life away. The idea was to write names on them at that point.....BUT,.....I forgot I had them. We will do name tags next year, with names.

You were missed at the campfire. The sheep scared you off didn't they.:D

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

You were missed at the campfire. The sheep scared you off didn't they.:D

HAHA!! How did you know?? Well, I am not sure it f it was scared or excited ;) I wish I would have just sacked up and come on over, but after we had everything loaded we were ready to crash and roll out early the next morning. Next year wifey and I will roll together and WILL make it to the fire both nights.

[IntrepidXJ]

pay my way?

[mcnamaag]

I think it went great. It was my first time and all but.... I understand the aggravation of non-members getting all the benefits of members. Really no way to stop it. Exept asking for the membership card when they get there. Even then the only thing they would miss would be the dinner and group runs.

[SwissArmyJeep]

Mike, I thought it was a fantastic event.:thumbup:
I wish I could have hung out around the fire a bit longer but I had made some plans that I couldn't back out of for the next morning.
Thanks, for introducing yourself at supper, good to match a mug with the name. Yeah, the name tags would have been good, but I probably wouldn't have remembered them all anyway. I'll be back for the next one for sure, only I'll plan on not having to drive away from the fire and fun !!!

[WI88XJ]

I know there was a group from NAXJA that showed up and wheeled but "were not part of WF". OK, whatever. Kinda lame in my book but, whatever floats your boat. I thought the whole idea is to support NAXJA and your club. Why one would choose to not do that is beyond me. So.......

What can we do to make everyone "be part of WF" so to speak. The purpose of this is not to start an argument. If there is something we can do to improve WF, I want to hear it. Now, just because a suggestion is made, does not mean that it will happen. I'm open ears here. Keep it civilized as possible here, this is not a pissing match. If it turns into a pissing match, it'll be gone.


Hale

Okay, I wasn't going to get into this with 'the cool kids' but I guess I just can't resist the toss of the gauntlet...

I and about 7 others from my local club showed up to run WF since "it's open to members and NON MEMBERS were welcomed. We over slept, as some of us are proned to do and by the time we got some breakfest and made it to the event we could see that the Orange group were already heading down the trail. Okay no big deal we'll just catch up....our mistake #1. First time we catch up a couple in our group got a verbal lesson on the coolness factor of being a NAXJA member and how uncool we were 'cause blah blah blah. My young buddy is a great guy w/lots of patients (sp?) and is very easy going went back and forth w/young Mr. Coolness. Me, I just walked away 'cause at my age I just don't have the let-it-be attitude and it's best that I ignore the kiddy stuff. Fine, no problems. Let a guy in a nice built red rig pass us so he could join up with the real wheelers. He did smile and wave at us and said thanks for letting him by. ( I hope this doesn't cause you to loose face w/the cool kids in the group, Red) so we mosey on trying to stay back since there was a problem w/us (I have a CB too so I heard the remarks). Next time we caught up w/the group...sos. "you need to be NAXJA or blah blah blah" again I just stayed w/my people and played by ourselves. It's amazing how many will actually ignore you or make a snide remark about the membership thingy. And that's how the day went.
Now I'm not whining and I'm not saying 'bad NAXJA' because there are some down home people that I have met through the years that are members of NAXJA and I would hang w/them any day of the week. THESE are the folks that made me red. Not some kid w/his idea of what's cool and what's not.

So, my friendly suggestion for any other event, now that you have the facts straight as to 'that group' is when you make the event invite open to all members and non members alike, you actually mean it and you go out of your way to treat the non members w/respect. That's how you get people to join. It took me a while before I would shell out the membership. Not because I'm cheap, I mean I spent about what the membership is at that friggin steakhouse outside of town, it was because everytime I thought "what the heck" I'll sign up some knob would pipe up and make me change my mind.

Well, there goes my lunch time. LOL! Please take this as my opinion and not with any resentment because that is not why I posted this.

Steve

[HaleYes]

I think it went great. It was my first time and all but.... I understand the aggravation of non-members getting all the benefits of members. Really no way to stop it. Exept asking for the membership card when they get there. Even then the only thing they would miss would be the dinner and group runs.

Well, that's really a non-issue. Non members are welcome. It's the show up, not register, and expect to wheel with the WF group. It's the they didn't sign their life away like the rest of the WF group that not good.

If they didnt' want to attend the dinner, say so. We'd have taken that off of the registratinon price. Dont' want a Tshirt? Say so, you won't pay for it. Don't want to eat some kick ass Attica food with the rest of the group? Speak up, you won't have to pay for that.

[BRIANHO13]

I think noobs should have to do the truffle shuffle to get into the campfire......

[HaleYes]

I think noobs should have to do the truffle shuffle to get into the campfire......

Noted.

[IllianaXJ]

If they didnt' want to attend the dinner, say so. We'd have taken that off of the registratinon price. Dont' want a Tshirt? Say so, you won't pay for it. Don't want to eat some kick ass Attica food with the rest of the group? Speak up, you won't have to pay for that.

Maybe next year's signup can include options like that; those that want the full meal deal can do it, and those that want to pick and choose what they pay for can do that also.

Other than that, I think it went well. This was my first WF, but everything seemed to run pretty smooth.

[indyjeepnut]

We had a great time. Next year we are camping and staying for the bon fire.

[WI88XJ]

....on that note about the registration..
Up until the last few days we didn't think we would make it. When we all made our minds up to come we just did. I take blame for not checking the boards about what to do since I've registered at other events at the event so I thought no problem. I am sorry for this mistake.

[bgcntry72]

Some things never change. (think about it)
I didn't pay, but if you give me a total for my wheeling with no t-shirt, no dinner, and no free lunch, I will gladly Paypal the amount.
Maybe I owe Hale for one bite of venison Friday evening?
Regrettably, I may owe JCR for a snack-sized bag of Lays.
I brought my own sandwich for Saturday lunch, and did my own thing Saturday night so as to not be a distraction.
My purpose was to see old friends and wheel my Jeep.
I did that and then some, and pitched in wherever I could to help out.
No scenes, no drama, and no t-shirt.
:greensmok

[HaleYes]

....on that note about the registration..
Up until the last few days we didn't think we would make it. When we all made our minds up to come we just did. I take blame for not checking the boards about what to do since I've registered at other events at the event so I thought no problem. I am sorry for this mistake.

You still could have registed at the Badlands. We really didn't advertise that fact I suppose. That's why I started this thread.

Pre-registration makes it much, much easier for us. We know how many to tell the caterer we need to feed, how many tshirts to order and stuff like that.

See you next year!


Hale

[87manche]

I know there was a group from NAXJA that showed up and wheeled but "were not part of WF". OK, whatever. Kinda lame in my book but, whatever floats your boat. I thought the whole idea is to support NAXJA and your club. Why one would choose to not do that is beyond me. So.......

What can we do to make everyone "be part of WF" so to speak. The purpose of this is not to start an argument. If there is something we can do to improve WF, I want to hear it. Now, just because a suggestion is made, does not mean that it will happen. I'm open ears here. Keep it civilized as possible here, this is not a pissing match. If it turns into a pissing match, it'll be gone.


Hale
that asshole running the raffle could remember the box with all the gift certificates and paperwork.....!!!1

[HaleYes]

No scenes, no drama....
:greensmok

The best part.

It was good to see you Scott.

How about we include a pack of cigarettes next year?

[WI88XJ]

You still could have registed at the Badlands. We really didn't advertise that fact I suppose. That's why I started this thread.

Pre-registration makes it much, much easier for us. We know how many to tell the caterer we need to feed, how many tshirts to order and stuff like that.

See you next year!


Hale

Like Scott, we didn't go to the catered event. Hence the steakhouse remark I made. You guys were already heading out to the trail so I didn't think there would be anyone to register with... again my mistake for 'figgerin'.:D

I'm going to get fired if I don't get off this board!!

[HaleYes]

Like Scott, we didn't go to the catered event. Hence the steakhouse remark I made. You guys were already heading out to the trail so I didn't think there would be anyone to register with... again my mistake for 'figgerin'.:D

I'm going to get fired if I don't get off this board!!

Well, if we were heading out, there probably wasn't anyone there to take care of you.


I would agree that we need to take a look at our registration process and fees for next year. Also, we should advertise when to be there time wise. I assumed everyone would be there when the park opened.

[BRIANHO13]

I will say that one thing I was impressed with this year is that people actually got out of the parking lot and wheeled in a decent amount of time vs sitting there and bullshitting for an hour/hours.

[bgcntry72]

I will say that one thing I was impressed with this year is that people actually got out of the parking lot and wheeled in a decent amount of time vs sitting there and bullshitting for an hour/hours.

QFT!!!
:viking:

[IllianaXJ]

Also, we should advertise when to be there time wise. I assumed everyone would be there when the park opened.

It was spread word-of-mouth among those there Friday, but a formal announcement probably would be a good idea for next year.

[HaleYes]

I will say that one thing I was impressed with this year is that people actually got out of the parking lot and wheeled in a decent amount of time vs sitting there and bullshitting for an hour/hours.

You talking about lunch or in the morning? Both?

Just curious.

[BRIANHO13]

both

[87manche]

both
yes, it was definitly more time wheeling, less time BS'ing.

I liked it.

good show Hale!

[GRIMUS99XJ]

there is only a few things that I thought would make it better

First move it closer to tennessee and second have it in a warm place because in case you were not there D@mn it was cold

No really just and announced time for the registration and dinner I was a little confused by it and got a few diffrent answers when asked that is all. I had a great time and hope that I can do it again next year

[Rev Den]

Next year I will have a sign up that reads "PASS TECH HERE FIRST"

and I need a bigger yellow vest.

:D

Rev

[Stuntman Mot]

i registered for wf, paid for the dinner and a shirt, showed up at the park a little after 9am, and didnt see anyone gathered in any particular spot so we just went wheeling, and kinda met some ppl as we went and after we had lunch, remembered that lunch was going to be provided, so we headed over to get a couple of dogs and meet a few folks. since this was my 1st wf, i didnt know what to expect so i was not let down, but i would have liked to have a little more info won where everyone was meeting in the morning before going out. the dinner was great and i enjoyed meeting the ppl that i did, and i am planning on camping out next year.

:idea:the only thing i can think of that would really make it better would be to have it when it is warm outside:looney:

[HaleYes]

As Brian mentioned, we didn't mess around. As soon as everyone was done registering, I gave my little speach and we headed out. I'm not sure what time we headed out but our group was hard to miss in the parking lot. I think we were gone just a little before 10, someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[IntrepidXJ]

:idea:the only thing i can think of that would really make it better would be to have it when it is warm outside:looney:

then it wouldn't be 'winterfest'

[macgyvr]

It wasn't cold or windy enough to have been a real Winterfest event. Thankfully tho, we were able to wheel while we waited for dark to start the traditional and official winterfest campfire (isn't official until at least 6 fire rings).

Seriously, I've been to a bunch of winterfests and the complaints for this one are very low especially compared to some past winterfests...probably more so because I didn't have much to do with planning it...

Sadly the biggest complaint that I have seen is a catch-22... actually got all the rigs on the trail by 10am...thus any late comers didn't know where we were, but as has happened in the past, if we b/s for long time in the parking lot to catch the late comers...much less wheelin is done...

One other thing to add...I think that the previous winners of the frankenspare should've been grandfathered in on the deal for getting your fees and dinner bought by the chapter for next year...because, it was brought back each year without an incentive...because we cared...

Great time, good wheelin. Perfect temps. And we had snow!...on the ground at least...

mac 'the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one' gyvr

[Vlad]

You could rent out redbird for the weekend and the only people there would have to be registered.

[HaleYes]

You could rent out redbird for the weekend and the only people there would have to be registered.

Perhaps for a different event. Winterfest is going to be in Attica.
I'll admit that I really wanted to go to FlatNasty agian. However, after speaking with "my people" this past weekend, I have changed my opinion. WF will be in Attica as long as I am MWC President.


Hale

[BRIANHO13]

WF will be in Attica as long as I am MWC President.
Hale

You aren't so bad after all......

[bgcntry72]

Perhaps for a different event. Winterfest is going to be in Attica.
I'll admit that I really wanted to go to FlatNasty agian. However, after speaking with "my people" this past weekend, I have changed my opinion. WF will be in Attica as long as I am MWC President.


Hale

Finally someone gets it.
I have been preaching this gospel for years, only to be bashed for it.
Those who have been there all along know you can have another event somewhere else and call it Winterfest, but it ain't the same.
I wheeled Attica in March the last 2 years, just not with this club.
History ain't portable.

[BOB]

Finally someone gets it.
I have been preaching this gospel for years, only to be bashed for it.
Those who have been there all along know you can have another event somewhere else and call it Winterfest, but it ain't the same.
I wheeled Attica in March the last 2 years, just not with this club.
History ain't portable.

I've heard the same comment around the campfire.
We have the rest of the year to try out other off road parks.

my suggestion for a better WF..
make Scott "Sargeant of Arms
all complaints got to through the "SOA" :firedevil

BOB

[LineXKevin]

Times and Places..... the Who, What, Where,and When.... I was very happy with how this event ran .. but I did have to be a bit pro-active finding out some info... Rev did do a good job of finding me for vechical check in. And I was directed to the group I needed to run in but I could of just as easy got into a group that my jeep was not ready for. And as I'm looking at all the Jeeps for 30 min I forgot to check in ( truth is I had no idea I had to )... maybe having someone at the gate to funnel folks to the right spot and Jeep check in ... payment or at least signed in ...

What I really liked with running with the NAXJA group was that as I left with the group I understood that the leaders of my group would NOT leave me lost or broke down on the trail and would teach on what and how to 4 wheel with a XJ/MJ new members would just be plain taken care of ... If your going to run with a group like this I think its VERY important that members and NON-members sign in,

[BOB]

maybe once a member pays and registers, they are given a choice of EASY (green) MEDIUM (orange) or DIFFICULT (pink) trails. The member makes that decision and is then given the trail leaders name and then that trail leader acts as a Big Brother to the member answering all questions via public forum or Private messages. I believe this would also help the trail leader with evaluating what abilities of each individual vehicle ahead of time. Maybe even find a better suited trail for the member. True noobs would benefit most from this.

BOB

[Comanchedude]

This was my third winter fest; well make that second “official”
(Last year I went to Bloosefest) :)
I agree with previous posts we should have nametags with both screen & real names also a program sent out via email or posted so people can print out,this would have all the scheduled times and places to meet the trail types and recommended rig equipment for each trail, also CB channels to contact trial leaders if you arrive late also maybe?
I also like the idea posted about tier participation fees. It may seem petty but some folks are really strapped for cash and if they can save some cash well that’s cool.

[LBEXJ]

My opinion is that we should be polite to non-registered participants and welcome them if they fall in line on the trail. Besides the event being a fund raising event, it is also there to encourage membership and participation with the Chapter. I am sure that those who are made to feel welcome will make it a point to return, and hopefully support the chapter.

That being said, I do feel it is only fair to our sponsors that only registered participants be allowed the "perks" of the event. These include the lunch, dinner, and raffle.

I have always felt a published "general" agenda would be a benefit. This would give everyone a heads up when and where things are going to happen.

Thanks Mike, and the rest of the Planning Committe, for yet another great Winterfest!

Les

[Bloose]

WF will be in Attica as long as I am MWC President.


Hale

:clap:

I saw nothing glaringly wrong. A little more communication on times and places would be nice but otherwise it was all good. I am sooooo glad that WF has returned to its rightful place. Fun times, fun people, couldn't expect much more.

B

[Jeepguy91]

With this being my first WF i thought everything went good. The only thing i could see is posting up a time schedule for when we are all suppose to meet for wheeling and everything. Other than that it was a great time for me.

[87manche]

maybe once a member pays and registers, they are given a choice of EASY (green) MEDIUM (orange) or DIFFICULT (pink) trails. The member makes that decision and is then given the trail leaders name and then that trail leader acts as a Big Brother to the member answering all questions via public forum or Private messages. I believe this would also help the trail leader with evaluating what abilities of each individual vehicle ahead of time. Maybe even find a better suited trail for the member. True noobs would benefit most from this.

BOB I like this idea. I think that for WF@ Flatnasty it was on the pre registration page.

I think we could even go so far as to put recommended gear on the pre reg page.

Easy: Stock to 31's
Medium: 31's to 33's locker recommended

and so on and so forth.

[IntrepidXJ]

My opinion is that we should be polite to non-registered participants and welcome them if they fall in line on the trail. Besides the event being a fund raising event, it is also there to encourage membership and participation with the Chapter. I am sure that those who are made to feel welcome will make it a point to return, and hopefully support the chapter.


don't forget, our organization has a little insurance policy and we need to have signed waivers for everyone in an official event group. need to make sure we follow those rules.

[HaleYes]

don't forget, our organization has a little insurance policy and we need to have signed waivers for everyone in an official event group. need to make sure we follow those rules.

Correct!

I attempted to explain that in a friendly manner to the group that was there.

[87manche]

Correct!

I attempted to explain that in a friendly manner to the group that was there.
you handled that matter as well as it could have been.
so long as you sign the waiver you get to ride.
Don't sign, don't ride.

[mcnamaag]

X2 If they cant understand that without a temper tantrum then......:wave1:

[WI88XJ]

Correct!

I attempted to explain that in a friendly manner to the group that was there.

We understood what you were trying to say. That's why we went on our own way after it was obvious that there was a problem w/us.

[WI88XJ]

X2 If they cant understand that without a temper tantrum then......:wave1:

Temper tantrum? What thread are you following? No body had a temper tantrum. I tried to explain the sequent of events through some miscomunicating. I thought that was established about 2 pages ago....numerous others came on here and said the same thing.

I don't post much so I'm not good w/the smiley things...maybe that's it. If I had some time to figure how to add a smiley to this edit I would :o)

Cool!! I did it!

[WB9YZU]

you handled that matter as well as it could have been.
so long as you sign the waiver you get to ride.
Don't sign, don't ride.

Open Park = Everyone rides as long as they sign the Badlands waiver.

As far as NAXJAs event insurance, it doen't cover any of you personally, just the Organization. If you, by an act of personal negligence mess up somebodys junk or life, you could be personally held financially responsible. Luckily, most folks are pretty cool about these things and just take it as part of the game.

An Open Park also means you have the responsiblilty to share the trail with other park users.

I'm not sure if you want to go as far as put a big sign on the last Jeep that states "Stay back 1000ft, Private trail Run in Progress" :rolleyes:

Next year, just rent the Park, or work out a deal with management so that everyone also signs your waivers also.

But that's just my 2 cents. Hale and I have PM'd back and forth about this, and I don't see an issue. What has passed has passed, and it's time to move on.

Ron

P.S. Steve, you need to relax ;)

[WI88XJ]

Why, Ron, I am the epitome of calmness. :angel:

[LBEXJ]

Yes ... Thank you Ron for explaining the "open park" issue. I'll also add that this very issue has been cover in at least one other thread involving other club events, with the same conclusion.

IMHO, the "signed waiver" does not prevent litigation anyway, even against the organization. And if an issue went that far, win or lose, the cost is going to make only the lawyers the winners in the end.

Les

BTW: If anyone is "really" concerned about liability, why do we allow drinking at the campfire, which we advertise and encourage everyone to attend. And don't tell me this "is not part of the event" according to "doyle".

[Lawn Cher']

I'd like to see a fresh face handle the registration next year... the guy you had this year was a jerk.

[LBEXJ]

I'd like to see a fresh face handle the registration next year... the guy you had this year was a jerk.

I thought he/she was kinda sweet! ;)

Les

[mcnamaag]

Temper tantrum? What thread are you following? No body had a temper tantrum. I tried to explain the sequent of events through some miscomunicating. I thought that was established about 2 pages ago....numerous others came on here and said the same thing.

I don't post much so I'm not good w/the smiley things...maybe that's it. If I had some time to figure how to add a smiley to this edit I would :o)

Cool!! I did it!

I was just razzin you man. cool. :cheers:

[WI88XJ]

I was just razzin you man. cool. :cheers:
:doh: I walked into that one, didn't I...?

You're a 'waskel (my best Elmer Fudd voice)

[mcnamaag]

No more than anyone else. :D Some times its good to break up all the seriousness(sp?) Kinda keep emotion levels at bay.:roflmao: