Disclaimer: Everything in this post is serious and heartfelt. I wrote it with the intent of generating discussion and fostering productive ideas from everyone. It is also written with respect and sincerity. I'm stating this because I do not want to piss people off or ruffle feathers, and the internet can be a difficult medium in which to convey these thoughts. So, with that, enjoy.
I've been mulling over this thread all weekend. It's a very good thing the questions were asked, and a lot of good points have been brought up in the discussion. I'd like to make a few points of my own and maybe even ask some questions as well.
CanMan said:
Seems to me like there is some tension between members.
I think we need to put all the past drama/bullshit/negativity/comments/dislikings/ect... behind us.
Lets not dwell on things of the past.
Lets move on, continue to have a great time, as a Chapter together.
I really do not believe this is the case, and if it is I must be totally oblivious to it. Disagreement on various issues does not mean there is tension or drama, just that there are varying thoughts on where we as a club should be.
ECKSJAY said:
You guys were cookin' your own stuff, so I didn't want to break your stride.
We were cooking, but only because the restaurant was closed. The runs that have been put together lately have, for the most part, not been open invitation events, and mostly not discussed prior to the pics being posted after the run. These have been small, self contained runs among a few friends, organized over the phone.
We could be doing that without
; to me, part of being in a club like ours is having official events and gettogethers.
Oktoberfest is a notable exception, and look at the turn out to that event; it tells me that people want more of that type of semi-official event.
ECKSJAY said:
Working on something for a formal run. I'm not setting anything up for this time of year, as it's traditionally the 'off season' for a major gathering. I'm working on another n00b run/wheeling clinic that should be a good time.
Good to hear. What ever became of the survival school event you and John were working on? Not trying to stick it to you, but we heard about that for a long time and never saw anything come of it.
ECKSJAY said:
Formal meet and greet? You mean like the one tonight?
Yeah, that was great. Something organized by the Chapter leadership would be fantastic, too. So far we've had two unofficial M&Gs and one unofficial Holiday party that was organized in lieu of the one you had originally promised to put together. Again, not trying to stick it to you, really, but just pointing out that every chapter activity since, and before, NWFest was an unofficial, unsupported, member organized undertaking. I just think most people are looking to you, Scott and Mark to get these type of events going and have not found that to be the case. Maybe it's just that we don't get to see what's going on behind the curtain, but that's why John asked the question.
ECKJAY said:
Planning for NWFest07 is going on right now. I'll have dates within the next two weeks. It'll be out at Liberty. Date will be announced along with the clinic/n00b run and field trip dates.
Sounds good, and I know we're all looking forward to marking the dates on our calenders. Liberty is a good choice, one that was suggested after Eli and I went with the Seattle Jeep Club back in September. The only down side is Eli and I both agreed that we were dustier after one day at Liberty than three at TSF, just for perspective.
ECKSJAY said:
Swag? Plans are to get something going. If you've got something in mind and want to shoot it our way, feel free.
I thought we just did this?
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=903647&highlight=hoodie
Most clubs I'm familiar with do it the other way around, but whatever gets me a NWC hoodie before Summer I'm fine with. Maybe then I can stop wearing my PNWJeep one to
events.
ECKSJAY said:
I think the tension that Eli is talking about is the 'hard time' that folks tend to give for their perception of 'web wheeling.' Keep in mind that there are generally two groups around here: Enthusiasts and wheelers. If wheelers want to encourage more wheeling, perhaps they should change their tactics and be more tolerant of those they want to wheel.
I really don't see this being the way things are, but maybe that because I'm in the 'wheeler' category? :dunno: If you could read my PM inbox (can you...?) you'd see the back channel conversations I have with people who are new to the sport. Overwhelmingly, I would love to see these people out on the trails. Naturally, there are some places better suited to these people (as you and I have discussed, Phil, leading to the first n00bfest last year) and some experience is needed before just driving up the Little Rubicon and seeing what happens.
The little M&Gs we've been having almost every month are a great way for these people you're talking about to meet us and get a feel for the kind of wheeling we do, what to expect, when they can come ride along on one of our trips (seats are almost always open and encouraged to be filled) before joining us with their rigs. Maybe I should articulate this better before our next M&G as to allay the apprehension of the people you're referring to.
ECKSJAY said:
I don't have a problem with someone organizing a difficult run (have done it myself), but waving in peoples' faces that 'I can and you can't' doesn't create much comfort, you know?
Nobody ever waved in any one's face 'minimum requirements' in the way you're talking about. I think you're totally off the mark here. Not only were the requirements relaxed to the point that we had nearly DOUBLE the vehicles that I originally intended, but the offer was made to,
and accepted by several people, to ride along on the day we were going to be hitting the really difficult trails. I think that was made pretty clear to everyone.
I think Jason (Casper) can attest that the last times I've wheeled with him (Evans at the PNW M&G and Walker this weekend) I've been more than happy to come along and spot, pull cable and help push him over obstacles. I'm always willing to do that for anyone who needs the help. I really love wheeling and I love showing other people the joys of being out in nature with your Jeep and your friends.
ECKSJAY said:
This is the North American
XJ Association, let's find a way to associate our diversity.
I agree. I want to build a 2WD race XJ. I'm not sure what "associate our diversity" means, though. Really, what are you talking about?
ECKSJAY said:
This Chapter isn't what the BOD makes of it, it's what the collective NWC makes of it.
Seriously, Phil, this is again not meant as disrespect, an insult, or any kind of dig at you personally, but right now the chapter is ONLY what 'we' make of it. We just want some direction. As John said,
GI-John said:
I'd like to see this chapter move forward, because it seems like it has stagnated. I asked the questions because I haven't heard much (if anything) about upcoming events or even ideas from the leadership about where we are, where we're going, etc. The members of our chapter would like to know about, participate in, and be proud of this chapter. As members we deserve to know these things from our Leadership.
Sorry this has gone on so long, but I honestly care and want, as John said, to see this Chapter move forward and grow both in terms of membership, but also in terms of involvement...not all of it on the internet.
-----Matt-----
