Thoughts on raising TLCA dues??? - Page 2

MaddBaggins · 07-23-06, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

If I had known I would have checked my couch for the extra coin too. I need to renew soon so I'll be uppin' to 1st class.

I've missed 2 TT's since joining (both address change related), but I just ponied up and got them myself.... so first class probably would have been cheaper......

I think you need to put a disclaimer next to the bulk mailing option informing people of the non-delivery issue and the red ink problem with the bulk option. If people knew that the TLCA was paying to have them as a member at the bulk rate, I bet most would go 1st class.

Yeah, and I had just sent in my renewal a mere handful of days before reading this thread too.

65swb45 · 07-25-06, 12:59 AM

The way I see it Alan, EVERYBODY in TLCA got a LOT of value added this last year in that they've ALREADY recieved FOUR ISSUES of the new and improved TT..... WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY ANYTHING EXTRA FOR IT! Basically, TLCA picked up the tab for everyone on that round! I don't think ANY OTHER RAG out there runs a promo THAT LONG!

Of course, now we've seen what a worthy return on our investment we're getting from TT in its current format, I don't think anyone would consider voting to roll back the TT to one of its previous formats just to save a few bucks on their dues.

P.S. Since nobody else mentioned it on bodreps, I'd also like to point out that about half of our current shortfall is attributable to a large donation we made to the Blue Ribbon Coalition earlier this year. This was something we all voted for, and I would vote for again. If we end up 'trimming' expenses somewhere else along the way and end up running into the black again, I look forward to supporting organizations like that again.

Members need to be reminded that we ARE a non-profit, and the extra money we accumulate from time to time will just end up supporting the cause elsewhere, so when they join and renew with TLCA, they give us the chance to support others as well. When a newsstand rag makes more money, like the oil companies, they just pocket it.

Support the club that supports the sport........til it hurts!

calamaridog · 07-25-06, 04:52 AM

Blue Ribbon Coalition

I'm glad TLCA is involved with land use organizations.

Chef · 07-25-06, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calamaridog

Blue Ribbon Coalition

I'm glad TLCA is involved with land use organizations.

ME TOO! Grem Mumm is our land use chair, and graces Toyota Trails with a column every issue. He's also the head of the BRC...

TexasBadlands · 07-29-06, 08:48 PM

$30 a year is a bit steep as it is. If TLCA charged $50 a year, it would be asta la vista TLCA. I've been a Cruiser owner for years and this will be my first year joining, but if it jumped in price tremendously, I'd just drop it. I don't need TLCA to be a Cruiser head.

Chef · 07-29-06, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

$30 a year is a bit steep as it is. If TLCA charged $50 a year, it would be asta la vista TLCA. I've been a Cruiser owner for years and this will be my first year joining, but if it jumped in price tremendously, I'd just drop it. I don't need TLCA to be a Cruiser head.

$30 *is* cheap compared to other car clubs that put out publications of a quality similar to Toyota Trails. Look at the BMWCCA, BMWMOA, the Military Vehicle Preservation Society, or the Turbodisel Register.

The dues increase we're discussing would be an increase from $27 to $30 for bulk mail delivery, and from $45 to $50 for first class delivery, so there is still a lower price point option.

I notice you have a TLCA number, but I'm unclear if you're a current member, or just considering joining now for the first time?

TexasBadlands · 07-29-06, 09:58 PM

My TLCA number is brand new.

ivanhoe · 07-29-06, 10:25 PM

hi,
i'm a new member and the wife bought the membership as a present. she mentioned of the amount of issues(6) for a yearly subscription was little to others(12) offerings

. the quality of TT warrants the smaller quantity of issues to me

. been canadian, the other issue comes to mind is the lack of events here on canadian soil. getting toyota to discount parts across the board(all toyota car dealerships) would be beneficial to all. the toyota ads in the TT should be good leverage to obtain some bargaining power to our advantage. the small increase on the membership fees is ok by me.

ivanhoe

Mace · 07-29-06, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

$30 a year is a bit steep as it is. If TLCA charged $50 a year, it would be asta la vista TLCA. I've been a Cruiser owner for years and this will be my first year joining, but if it jumped in price tremendously, I'd just drop it. I don't need TLCA to be a Cruiser head.

I can see your need to keep saving, you do own a landrover, the LR dealership must believe they are made from gold

65swb45 · 07-29-06, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

$30 a year is a bit steep as it is. If TLCA charged $50 a year, it would be asta la vista TLCA. I've been a Cruiser owner for years and this will be my first year joining, but if it jumped in price tremendously, I'd just drop it. I don't need TLCA to be a Cruiser head.

Just curious. Have you attended any TLCA events?

TexasBadlands · 07-30-06, 12:43 AM

Nope, never attended. Probably will not ever attend either, unless I stop what I do for a living to be a 'normal' person and work a 9-5 type job again some day. Flocks and flocks of people clogging up trails doesn't make a happy event for me. Several rigs on a trail, sure. Just not loads of people who you don't know, wishing you would 'hurry up' so they could get past you and bash the crap out of their truck etc., or get you to bash yours up to get you through quicker, only to take their own sweet time to make sure their rig isn't dented or scraped on the same obstacle.

In defence of my land rover, it has never had any problem in the 4 years I have owned it, and it is a very nice vehicle. Is it worth what I paid? Is a new 100 series Cruiser worth what they want (more than my rover)? Nope, but people do pay for them.

Mace · 07-30-06, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

Nope, never attended. Probably will not ever attend either, unless I stop what I do for a living to be a 'normal' person and work a 9-5 type job again some day. Flocks and flocks of people clogging up trails doesn't make a happy event for me. Several rigs on a trail, sure. Just not loads of people who you don't know, wishing you would 'hurry up' so they could get past you and bash the crap out of their truck etc., or get you to bash yours up to get you through quicker, only to take their own sweet time to make sure their rig isn't dented or scraped on the same obstacle.

In defence of my land rover, it has never had any problem in the 4 years I have owned it, and it is a very nice vehicle. Is it worth what I paid? Is a new 100 series Cruiser worth what they want (more than my rover)? Nope, but people do pay for them.

Most of the events in TLCA have runs that are perfectly suited for your wheelin. Personaly, I HATE having a bunch of people on a run. 5 to 8 rigs is perfect IMHO. BUt again, a lot of the TLCA runs is the nightlife and comradery..

They are a lot of fun.

BTW, don't mind me on the rovers. I have put way too much time into my fathers D90. IMHO lucas should be shot

PLus the $150 spark plug change still chafs me

You go to any of the Lone Star LC meetings yet?

TexasBadlands · 07-30-06, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

Most of the events in TLCA have runs that are perfectly suited for your wheelin. Personaly, I HATE having a bunch of people on a run. 5 to 8 rigs is perfect IMHO. BUt again, a lot of the TLCA runs is the nightlife and comradery..

They are a lot of fun.

BTW, don't mind me on the rovers. I have put way too much time into my fathers D90. IMHO lucas should be shot

PLus the $150 spark plug change still chafs me

You go to any of the Lone Star LC meetings yet?

Yeah well one day when I have the time, I may actually have time to go to an event. I am reluctant to show up with my new FJ Cruiser as I am sure a name war might ensue. My 40 is in the process of me tearing it apart and restoring it with what little time I have when I get my 'vacations' home. I spend most of the year at sea.

Chef · 07-30-06, 08:01 AM

Bring your FJCruiser, they rock. Toyota for this year has brought crews of FJC's to every tlca event, and they have been very well recieved....

Dragon · 07-30-06, 10:05 PM

I just signed up a couple of days ago. I guess I need to wait for my TLCA number. For the record, if it cost $100 I still would have signed up. Support means "support". Not everyone is able to do it, but for those who can and wish to support the club, by all means raise it.

A suggestion (and forgive me if this is already the way it is or if the powers that be have already dismissed this type of idea).

Have levels of membership that are more than just speed of magazine delivery or location oriented.

Have a $30 sponsorship where you get a badge and the mag
Have a $75 sponsorship where you can give yourself a personalized title under your avatar and get some other trinket.
Have a $200 sponsorship that signs you up for 5 years, you get a custom "Elite" title under your avatar, a hat and a shirt.

....or something like that. Just thinking out loud and I'm a noob, so take it with a grain of salt.

Chef · 07-30-06, 10:26 PM

Dragon: I like those ideas, and will think about them...thanks

Romer · 07-30-06, 10:35 PM

Dragon - $20 to Ih8MUD and buying a silver star will allow you to create a personalized name.

Good ideas, I was thinking package deals would help move merchandise as well. Buy a $30 membership and a $45 fleece for $70. Something like that.

or

$40 and you get get a vintage TLCA T-shirt

Dragon · 07-30-06, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

Dragon - $20 to Ih8MUD and buying a silver star will allow you to create a personalized name.

thanks for the info. I know it was that way at TTORA also. I looked at the TLCA for sponsorships, but not IH8MUD. Thanks.

treerootCO · 07-30-06, 10:54 PM

The decline in membership could have been due to the website being out of service for so long. I really wanted to renew my membership and it took a lot of work to get it through. I know my dad got frustrated and didn't sign up for a long time because he thought he was doing something wrong.

Rates go up, I am ok with that. How much was a gallon of gas a few years back?

Clutchee · 07-31-06, 12:09 PM

Well as far as cost going up $3-$5 no issues here at all.

Being involved in the TLCA & the events I have participated in are probably memories that will stick with me the longest. From running a trial with close friends, to the after hours stories that shall stay that way. The TLCA has & is a "family" we may not agree with each others views or politics but on the trail & in the camp ground were all family.

For TEXASBADLANDS......I want you to please feel free to contact me & talk
about the TLCA events...clubs & overall society of the entire gathering.

fj40charles · 07-31-06, 02:06 PM

I belong to www.turbodieselregister.com for my cummins needs. My dues are $38.00 a year. The real benefit I can see is the wealth of information I get from their web site. I save more than $38 each year with the info. I get from the the web site. I do not consider the annual membership cost to be cost prohibitive.

Too bad TLCA does not have something like this. ih8mud and pirate4x4 fills the needs of getting info from the internet. Being able to attend TLCA sanctioned events and getting TLCA discounts from various vendors makes the membership worth it.

Texasbadlands, I'm sorry to hear you have not been to any of the TLCA sanctioned events. IMHO, you're missing out on lots of fun. You'll find that not all events are real crowded as you think and people are generally very nice. Since you're in Texas, I'd recommend you go to the Lone Star Land Cruisers Round Up event in Katemcy, TX. This place is wide open and there are plenty of easy trails if you're worried about body damage.

Too bad so many LC owners are so cheap... They're willing to spend $4.00/day buying coffee at Starbucks, but complain about TLCA membership cost.

TexasBadlands · 07-31-06, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fj40charles

I belong to www.turbodieselregister.com for my cummins needs. My dues are $38.00 a year. The real benefit I can see is the wealth of information I get from their web site. I save more than $38 each year with the info. I get from the the web site. I do not consider the annual membership cost to be cost prohibitive.

Too bad TLCA does not have something like this. ih8mud and pirate4x4 fills the needs of getting info from the internet. Being able to attend TLCA sanctioned events and getting TLCA discounts from various vendors makes the membership worth it.

Texasbadlands, I'm sorry to hear you have not been to any of the TLCA sanctioned events. IMHO, you're missing out on lots of fun. You'll find that not all events are real crowded as you think and people are generally very nice. Since you're in Texas, I'd recommend you go to the Lone Star Land Cruisers Round Up event in Katemcy, TX. This place is wide open and there are plenty of easy trails if you're worried about body damage.

Too bad so many LC owners are so cheap... They're willing to spend $4.00/day buying coffee at Starbucks, but complain about TLCA membership cost.

Land Cruiser owners are not cheap, just thrifty lol...... My FJ 40 never broke, never left me stranded, and I was always rescuing Jeeps. So the LC is a good investment. TLCA is also a good investment from what I can see. I just got my first TT magazine, and I must say I am impressed to say the least - stitched pages, wow. Ok a raise in cost isn't bad, just let it not get out of hand

JuttyShabango · 08-04-06, 08:47 AM

I'd still pony up the coin for membership at 50 bucks per year. I can't see owning a LC without being a member. It would be like eating a peanut butter sammich with no jelly..

Awesome Mag
Great Staff
Vendors that care and want to help
Organized Runs
This Message forum for the Clubs
The Trail Advocacy
History
Swag

It goes on and on

07-25-06, 12:59 AM	#32
65swb45 elder statesman Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: so cal, going 45 TLCA# 1086 Posts: 6,803	The way I see it Alan, EVERYBODY in TLCA got a LOT of value added this last year in that they've ALREADY recieved FOUR ISSUES of the new and improved TT..... WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY ANYTHING EXTRA FOR IT! Basically, TLCA picked up the tab for everyone on that round! I don't think ANY OTHER RAG out there runs a promo THAT LONG! Of course, now we've seen what a worthy return on our investment we're getting from TT in its current format, I don't think anyone would consider voting to roll back the TT to one of its previous formats just to save a few bucks on their dues. P.S. Since nobody else mentioned it on bodreps, I'd also like to point out that about half of our current shortfall is attributable to a large donation we made to the Blue Ribbon Coalition earlier this year. This was something we all voted for, and I would vote for again. If we end up 'trimming' expenses somewhere else along the way and end up running into the black again, I look forward to supporting organizations like that again. Members need to be reminded that we ARE a non-profit, and the extra money we accumulate from time to time will just end up supporting the cause elsewhere, so when they join and renew with TLCA, they give us the chance to support others as well. When a newsstand rag makes more money, like the oil companies, they just pocket it. Support the club that supports the sport........til it hurts! __________________ A carbureted man in a fuel injected world. 65SWB45, 64LWB45, 68FJ40,72V840, 76HJ45[going],84FJ60[gone], 76K5, 73Sub454, 89Sub7.4[gone], 97Sub5.7 TLCA delegate, Trail Crew-LAC TLCA, The White Trash of the Elwood Chapter my website: http://www.marksoffroad.net

07-25-06, 04:52 AM	#33
calamaridog IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cuyamaca, CA and Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,572	Blue Ribbon Coalition I'm glad TLCA is involved with land use organizations. __________________ 2000 UZJ100 - OME - sold Currently looking for the right FJ60 TLCA #14734 Calamaridog

07-29-06, 08:48 PM	#35
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	$30 a year is a bit steep as it is. If TLCA charged $50 a year, it would be asta la vista TLCA. I've been a Cruiser owner for years and this will be my first year joining, but if it jumped in price tremendously, I'd just drop it. I don't need TLCA to be a Cruiser head. __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.

07-29-06, 09:58 PM	#37
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	My TLCA number is brand new. __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.

07-30-06, 12:43 AM	#41
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	Nope, never attended. Probably will not ever attend either, unless I stop what I do for a living to be a 'normal' person and work a 9-5 type job again some day. Flocks and flocks of people clogging up trails doesn't make a happy event for me. Several rigs on a trail, sure. Just not loads of people who you don't know, wishing you would 'hurry up' so they could get past you and bash the crap out of their truck etc., or get you to bash yours up to get you through quicker, only to take their own sweet time to make sure their rig isn't dented or scraped on the same obstacle. In defence of my land rover, it has never had any problem in the 4 years I have owned it, and it is a very nice vehicle. Is it worth what I paid? Is a new 100 series Cruiser worth what they want (more than my rover)? Nope, but people do pay for them. __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.


	TLCA HOME : BOARD & BYLAWS : EVENTS: MERCHANDISE : BUSINESSES : PHOTO GALLERY : CLASSIFIEDS HISTORY : TOYOTA TRAILS : MEMBERSHIP : CLUBS : MISSING VEHICLES : LAND USE : CHAT : LINKS

07-29-06, 10:25 PM	#38
ivanhoe IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: north bay, ontario TLCA# 15543 Posts: 146	hi, i'm a new member and the wife bought the membership as a present. she mentioned of the amount of issues(6) for a yearly subscription was little to others(12) offerings . the quality of TT warrants the smaller quantity of issues to me . been canadian, the other issue comes to mind is the lack of events here on canadian soil. getting toyota to discount parts across the board(all toyota car dealerships) would be beneficial to all. the toyota ads in the TT should be good leverage to obtain some bargaining power to our advantage. the small increase on the membership fees is ok by me. ivanhoe

07-30-06, 08:01 AM	#44
Chef IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 TLCA# 6235 TLCA Prez Posts: 1,693	Bring your FJCruiser, they rock. Toyota for this year has brought crews of FJC's to every tlca event, and they have been very well recieved.... __________________ My tailight is kewler than yours... Visit www.tlca.org! TLCA Member 6235/TLCA Prez TornadoAlleyCruisers,Lone Star Cruisers

07-30-06, 10:05 PM	#45
Dragon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern Illinois TLCA# 16444 Posts: 142	I just signed up a couple of days ago. I guess I need to wait for my TLCA number. For the record, if it cost $100 I still would have signed up. Support means "support". Not everyone is able to do it, but for those who can and wish to support the club, by all means raise it. A suggestion (and forgive me if this is already the way it is or if the powers that be have already dismissed this type of idea). Have levels of membership that are more than just speed of magazine delivery or location oriented. Have a $30 sponsorship where you get a badge and the mag Have a $75 sponsorship where you can give yourself a personalized title under your avatar and get some other trinket. Have a $200 sponsorship that signs you up for 5 years, you get a custom "Elite" title under your avatar, a hat and a shirt. ....or something like that. Just thinking out loud and I'm a noob, so take it with a grain of salt.

07-30-06, 10:26 PM	#46
Chef IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 TLCA# 6235 TLCA Prez Posts: 1,693	Dragon: I like those ideas, and will think about them...thanks __________________ My tailight is kewler than yours... Visit www.tlca.org! TLCA Member 6235/TLCA Prez TornadoAlleyCruisers,Lone Star Cruisers

07-30-06, 10:35 PM	#47
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,533	Dragon - $20 to Ih8MUD and buying a silver star will allow you to create a personalized name. Good ideas, I was thinking package deals would help move merchandise as well. Buy a $30 membership and a $45 fleece for $70. Something like that. or $40 and you get get a vintage TLCA T-shirt __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

07-30-06, 10:54 PM	#49
treerootCO Where are my keys?! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wheat Ridge CO TLCA# 14133 Posts: 2,593	The decline in membership could have been due to the website being out of service for so long. I really wanted to renew my membership and it took a lot of work to get it through. I know my dad got frustrated and didn't sign up for a long time because he thought he was doing something wrong. Rates go up, I am ok with that. How much was a gallon of gas a few years back? __________________ aka Mike D.----->Bio Page "Its better to be thought a fool rather than to speak up and remove all doubt." - Lincoln Workin' on pimpin' the 80... www.root45.com www.risingsun4x4club.org TLCA #14133

07-31-06, 12:09 PM	#50
Clutchee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TN TLCA# 13383 Posts: 1,966	Well as far as cost going up $3-$5 no issues here at all. Being involved in the TLCA & the events I have participated in are probably memories that will stick with me the longest. From running a trial with close friends, to the after hours stories that shall stay that way. The TLCA has & is a "family" we may not agree with each others views or politics but on the trail & in the camp ground were all family. For TEXASBADLANDS......I want you to please feel free to contact me & talk about the TLCA events...clubs & overall society of the entire gathering. __________________ You can't fix Stupid ---CottonLand Cruisers----- ---White Trash of the Elwood Chapter---- ---STLCA---- ------------------------------------------------ We've been this close to death before, we were just too drunk to know it Guess the price of being sobers being scared out of your mind -Drive by Truckers- -----------------------------------------------

07-31-06, 02:06 PM	#51
fj40charles IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,136	I belong to www.turbodieselregister.com for my cummins needs. My dues are $38.00 a year. The real benefit I can see is the wealth of information I get from their web site. I save more than $38 each year with the info. I get from the the web site. I do not consider the annual membership cost to be cost prohibitive. Too bad TLCA does not have something like this. ih8mud and pirate4x4 fills the needs of getting info from the internet. Being able to attend TLCA sanctioned events and getting TLCA discounts from various vendors makes the membership worth it. Texasbadlands, I'm sorry to hear you have not been to any of the TLCA sanctioned events. IMHO, you're missing out on lots of fun. You'll find that not all events are real crowded as you think and people are generally very nice. Since you're in Texas, I'd recommend you go to the Lone Star Land Cruisers Round Up event in Katemcy, TX. This place is wide open and there are plenty of easy trails if you're worried about body damage. Too bad so many LC owners are so cheap... They're willing to spend $4.00/day buying coffee at Starbucks, but complain about TLCA membership cost. __________________ 69 FJ40 with some minor mods... 2000 Cummins powered Dodge with some power enhancements. DO NOT SUPPORT TRAIL GEAR!!!!! bad ethics = bad business! http://www.paypalsucks.com

08-04-06, 08:47 AM	#53
JuttyShabango Checkers R Wreckers Join Date: May 2005 TLCA# 15080 Posts: 1,379	I'd still pony up the coin for membership at 50 bucks per year. I can't see owning a LC without being a member. It would be like eating a peanut butter sammich with no jelly.. Awesome Mag Great Staff Vendors that care and want to help Organized Runs This Message forum for the Clubs The Trail Advocacy History Swag It goes on and on __________________ TLCA Web Master