How do we make our club a better club | FerrariChat

How do we make our club a better club

Discussion in 'Australia' started by F40LMGTC, Oct 13, 2005.

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  1. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    because of all the skuttlebutt that has taken place on some other sections of F-chat.(probably by me), I'd like to ask the question, "how do we make the Ferrari Club, a better car club, that everyone wants to come along and enjoy"

    Okay I'll start:- "some people should try to drop their ego's"
    and more.................
    problems as I see them.............there is a perception that part of this club is a "355/360" run club. In the past, some owners of older cars have felt left out because they don't own a 355 or a 360. In fact there are NOW breakfast/lunch runs, that are for older cars only, like the VIC carburettor
    run , which happens about 4 times a year. (last one I went to, I took the F40.....sorry guys, next time I'll bring the 512BB).
    SO, how can we make the owners of older cars, feel welcome on normal breakfast/lunch runs, and get them to come along?
    This is a good starting point for discussion as it also goes as a problem for track days. No one brings older cars to track days........well not often.

    And this isn't a forum to s**t can me
     
  2. 348CH

    348CH Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2004
    774
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    The Reverend Dr.
    answer PPs email to the committee list and tell him I should come along... and I'll give you some suggestions on Wednsday :)
     
  3. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    All Ferrari members are allowed to come along. You don't need PP's permission.
    But you have to be a member.
     
  4. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    Calder track day, plenty of smiles, lots of different cars, great atmosphere. Certainly seems to be heading in the right direction, at least on a local level to me.
     
  5. scud

    scud F1 World Champ

    Oct 2, 2004
    11,803
    dudes that can buy a CS and then come and play with me on the track...it's very lonely out there you know
     
  6. moretti

    moretti Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 1, 2003
    59,757
    Australia
    Full Name:
    John
    if you work this one out Gil you can be the next PM of Aus because I think that would be a hell of a lot easier.

    We have so many good people in the club (AHG, Gerry, Milly,Ray, etc) I find it hard to believe we can't get someone who is acceptable to most of the members.

    I still think my proposal of the national president being the state president that is hosting the FNR for that year is a good idea as it focuses the efforts of the entire club on the state where everyone is heading that year so that it will be as successfl as possible. All the states have input of their needs and the state hosting it is aware of what it will take to get most of them there.

    The state presidents should be asking what it is that the members need to get to make it to the national meet and feed this back to the national president for that year.

    Trackdays are about enjoyment, or they are for me at least, so dispensing with the FTD (unpopular to do this I know) altogether or everyone getting a trophy (if that's the thing that makes you happy) . The hotshoes will be unhappy with this but everyone knows who the really good drivers are so does a trophy say any less about them or are they just feeding their egos ?

    What would be the chances of getting a forum going on the FCA website for MEMBERS ONLY ? Not to be secretive or elitist, but to promote interaction between club members on a more regular basis than the club outings or FNR meetings, that way we get to know each other a little better and have more understanding and forgiveness when we know each other better.

    This all sounds like political correctness but if you know PP, 360C, Stephens and a few others I have been conversing with for a few years now you have a better understanding of them that goes a long way towards tolerance and friendship.

    If we use the technology to promote positive feelings rather than negative grumblings the overall well being of the club will improve.........or am I being optomistic ? I doubt it, I like PP, doesn't mean I approve of everything he does but for the important things I know his heart is in the right place, those that don't talk to him can only go by heresay and we know what that leads to
     
  7. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    I'm very sorry I missed Calder, because it looked like the sort of track day, that was enjoyed by everyone, not just those who own 360's. And let me point out to you, that I, do not have a hidden agenda in being involved in this Ferrari chat site, I have been approached over the years by many people to stand for VIC and NAT presidents and I have NO interest at all, because it's too time consuming and a thankless job, and the BIG one," you can't please everybody".
     
  8. 348CH

    348CH Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2004
    774
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    The Reverend Dr.
    Oh, I did that for NSW... then got ****-canned for that too...
     
  9. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    Chill Gil, wasn't implying any agenda's, I'm on your side, no need to come out swinging!!! :D
    P.S. What's happening with the PI private hire??
     
  10. 365GTC/4

    365GTC/4 F1 Rookie

    Apr 7, 2005
    2,530
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    John
    Gil
    I have been on 2 Vic Carby runs and despite it raining both times, I had a great time. Everyone I have met seem very friendly and actually interested in the cars themselves, not image. I plan to go on the next breakfast run in a few weeks so I guess I will then know whether the general runs are enjoyable or not. I know nothing of the club politics, nor am I interested in it. I belong to car clubs to meet people with similar interests ie cars, sport, girls, travel etc etc, and trade stories and information. So far the Carby runs have been exactly that. I guess this does not address your question of "how to improve the club?" and really I can't give you any good advise due to lack of understanding of the current state of the club. However any club will disintergrate if cliques form. Every member needs to have a reason to be in the club, and feeling accepted and welcome is a good start.
    John
     
  11. 348CH

    348CH Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2004
    774
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    The Reverend Dr.
    Wow, I wasn't allowed (actually refused to allow me) to attend the committee meeting when TF was prez...

    Unless you make an exception, I guess I won't be coming along then - back to rsvp.com.au then

    But I'll pass the ideas on to PP anyway...
     
  12. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    The answer would be to join the club again. Why don't you and help us out.
    We need help, because PP is now on the committee
     
  13. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    Thanks for that John. I have great passion for my cars AND the club and I have seen the club disintegrate over the years. Phil C talks about going to america and everybody made him feel welcome. Well that's how it should be here. Go back 20 years and you had people like Ron Davis as pres and he really made you feel welcome. Even BJ and Dee were great at making you feel welcome. They would go out of their way to make you feel at home. IT ISN"T like that anymore. BUT it should be and it can be.
     
  14. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    I think that this is one of the reasons for starting the carbi runs. Go back to the old days, when we had camaraderie between all members
     
  15. Aircon

    Aircon Ten Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Jun 23, 2003
    100,524
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    Peter
    I have to say that I don't notice any elitism with the members in Victoria. I know there are issues at the state/national level, but I don't know what they are.

    I find it hard to believe that the reason why we don't get older cars coming to events is due to any sort of elitism or feeling left out. Remember, Strauss actively calls people and asks them to come along. Something that Tracey will be doing again in the future. That in itself should get the numbers up again.
     
  16. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    Well, maybe that's it. Maybe we have to ring around to get the people to go to out events. But I've got to tell you, I don't think the Prancing Horse days at our track days, did any good for anybody. You know, the days when the had the prancing horse circus arrive at the track. Trucks, people running around with laptops etc. etc. etc. etc. etc., etc.
     
  17. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    I'm not swinging at anybody. PI, yeah I'm working on it.
     
  18. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    Gil
    The facts are that a number of active track day members have race cars, thus necessitating a transporter a crew. They should not be be left in the cold either.
     
  19. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    Work harder!! :D
     
  20. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    Yeah, I know and I'm one of them because the LM comes on a truck. But i have had a lot of conversations with guys, mainly with older cars, and they feel intimidated by all "THE GOINGS ON". And this discussion is really about getting more members to track days. So what do we do, to get more members with Ferrari's at track days. The social aspect seems to have gone. A lot of members used to come to track days for half track day and half social day.
     
  21. stephens

    stephens F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Feb 13, 2004
    4,647
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Stephen S
    Which is exactly what Calder was. Maybe the timing can go, there are plenty of other opportunities to go to other club "sprint" events. It is the track time afforded at the FCA day that makes it so special IMO.
     
  22. F40LMGTC

    F40LMGTC Formula 3

    Mar 15, 2005
    2,457
    AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    GIL MATTHEWS
    Well, this is good..................bring it on
     
  23. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ

    Oct 22, 2004
    24,033
    Coolum Beach AUSTRALIA
    Full Name:
    Karen H.
    I think you've hit the nail on the head...

    As I've mentioned before, we (Qld) don't seem to have any of the problems that beset some other States and the national level. When I joined 3 years ago I (as an OHOS owner :)) was made very welcome by everyone from committee to long time members and owners of machinery that I had only ever dreamed of being close to.

    I don't think the problem is with the fundamental framework of the club, just some 'personalities'. We just have to make sure the dills get moved out and people with the club's real interests at heart are in the top places. As with politics, the people clamouring for a place are often not the best. So if you (that's a general, not personal) think you can do better, put your hand up! It is NOT the committee's responsibility to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Any club is only as good as its members - if the members are arguing and dysfunctional, the committee and club will be as well.

    I would like a forum within the members website so all this can be discussed by all the members who bother to get involved.

    Moretti's suggestion re the pres has some merit I think... Which brings me to a sidebar - why so little support for Perth this year? Looks like I'm the Qld 'team', NSW and SA are represented by the pres contenders alone and the balance are home players and Vics...What gives?
     
  24. moretti

    moretti Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 1, 2003
    59,757
    Australia
    Full Name:
    John
    well Kerrari, as far as I know only Brendan, Leona and you are going.

    I have let JM down as I was very keen earlier in the year and he even sent me a personal copy via email so I could be the first, I love these rallies, well organised, great people and heaps of fun, but I haven't replaced my GT4 yet and I wouldn't want to go without having a car.

    I'm sure you will do well again , didn't you clean up the ladies section in Sadelaide ?

    good luck

    isle bee bark !!! (for Tassie)
     
  25. 348CH

    348CH Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2004
    774
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    The Reverend Dr.
    I'd love to help, but I won't pay for the priviledge. So that's my offer... I don't want the politics, I don't have a car to drive, I do all my driving as an instructor so the track days etc don't appeal (unless you want an instructor), but I love Ferraris, know my ****, truly want the club to do well and can pretty much guarantee I know some ways that will get attendance up, membership up, and *****ing down (okay that last one could be hard)...
     

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