Thoughts on raising TLCA dues???

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by KOWBOY

Time to stir thangs up again Folks.
Add a $20 surcharge to ev'ry membership. At each sanctioned event you attend (for the first 4) ... you get $5 back. Attend 4 events ... then there ain't no additional charge to your membership for that year. Don't want to attend events .... just want to read the club magazine .... gonna cost you an extra 20 bucks to support it.

PAR-TI-CI-PA-TION.

Kowboy you may be on to something. I've been thinking about this thread, not just about raising the dues, but increasing TLCA membership numbers. I've been planning on writing an intelligent essay when I get a chance, which hasn't happened - so here goes...

Basically, the theme evolves around face to face participation.

I've come to the conclusion that the Internet is hurting TCLA membership. (thanks a lot Mr. Al Gore) It started with the Win 95, 56K modems and the LCML and has led to broadband, Google and streaming video. In the "old" days cruiserheads needed the TCLA to find each other and to keep in touch. They needed it to advertise and coordinate trail rides or events, share tech info and find cruiser oriented vendors. Now days you don't need TLCA to do all that. All that is available 24/7 for free, anytime, anyplace.

It's a strange dilemma.

The TLCA was/is an association of local cruiser clubs (plus individual members like me.) In the "old" days when a cruiserhead (like me) found the TLCA or a local cruiser club at the neighborhood pizza parlor they would experience a euphoria. Suddenly they would find out they were not alone, they found others with the same problems that had been there and done that. They shared their parts hordes for the benefit of the cruiser lineage.

Now, with broadband Internet, IH8MUD, Pirate4x4, LCML, vendor websites, and Google, cruiserheads don't need the the TLCA.

Its no surprise that many people identify the paper and ink of the Toyota Trails as the best perk of being a TLCA member. I mean, (thankfully) most people haven't figured out how to surf the net for Cruiser Tech while perched on the porcelain throne. Fortunately, the tactual feel of paper and ink hasn't been fully replaced with liquid crystal displays yet.

OK, so I'm depressed now. And, I'm not giving up my DSL.

The TLCA needs to offer something different, ADDED VALUE if you will.

What can this be? Well, I'm thinking it is face to face meetings at events and real life tire kicking. (You think Kowboy is a trip on-line, you should meet this guy face to face!) Making new friends in real life not "virtual" friends with phony screen names. I'm talking about real cruiserheads directly sharing tech info with one another. I'm talking about an experienced cruiserhead standing next to your rig or you next to his. Hey, 640x480 jpegs are great but nothing beats running your fingers over a sweet fillet weld or dimple die punched plate.

In case you haven't noticed just about all the vendors and clubs have their own websites, often with forums, and almost always with pictures, trip reports and tech write-ups. Now days, it's not just the computer geeks who have websites or blogs for trail reports. Let's face it, everything you need is on-line and FREE for everyone and anyone at any time.

The TLCA needs to re-define itself in this brave new world and I think the answer will be going back to its roots. I think TLCA's salvation is dependent on people touching flesh (and no I don't mean spooning Georg), crawling under rigs and looking under hoods.

So... Kowboy you're my hero.

Attend events people. Form a chapter. Have local meetings. Get together, go on a trail run. Help your neighbor install those lockers. Eat some pizza.

Sorry for rambling, looks like the ice is melting in my margarita, gotta go...

Oh yeah, raise the dues all you want, I'm still in.

Cheers,

[JuttyShabango]

Originally Posted by pismojim

Kowboy you may be on to something. I've been thinking about this thread, not just about raising the dues, but increasing TLCA membership numbers. I've been planning on writing an intelligent essay when I get a chance, which hasn't happened - so here goes...

Basically, the theme evolves around face to face participation.

I've come to the conclusion that the Internet is hurting TCLA membership. (thanks a lot Mr. Al Gore) It started with the Win 95, 56K modems and the LCML and has led to broadband, Google and streaming video. In the "old" days cruiserheads needed the TCLA to find each other and to keep in touch. They needed it to advertise and coordinate trail rides or events, share tech info and find cruiser oriented vendors. Now days you don't need TLCA to do all that. All that is available 24/7 for free, anytime, anyplace.

It's a strange dilemma.

The TLCA was/is an association of local cruiser clubs (plus individual members like me.) In the "old" days when a cruiserhead (like me) found the TLCA or a local cruiser club at the neighborhood pizza parlor they would experience a euphoria. Suddenly they would find out they were not alone, they found others with the same problems that had been there and done that. They shared their parts hordes for the benefit of the cruiser lineage.

Now, with broadband Internet, IH8MUD, Pirate4x4, LCML, vendor websites, and Google, cruiserheads don't need the the TLCA.

Its no surprise that many people identify the paper and ink of the Toyota Trails as the best perk of being a TLCA member. I mean, (thankfully) most people haven't figured out how to surf the net for Cruiser Tech while perched on the porcelain throne. Fortunately, the tactual feel of paper and ink hasn't been fully replaced with liquid crystal displays yet.

OK, so I'm depressed now. And, I'm not giving up my DSL.

The TLCA needs to offer something different, ADDED VALUE if you will.

What can this be? Well, I'm thinking it is face to face meetings at events and real life tire kicking. (You think Kowboy is a trip on-line, you should meet this guy face to face!) Making new friends in real life not "virtual" friends with phony screen names. I'm talking about real cruiserheads directly sharing tech info with one another. I'm talking about an experienced cruiserhead standing next to your rig or you next to his. Hey, 640x480 jpegs are great but nothing beats running your fingers over a sweet fillet weld or dimple die punched plate.

In case you haven't noticed just about all the vendors and clubs have their own websites, often with forums, and almost always with pictures, trip reports and tech write-ups. Now days, it's not just the computer geeks who have websites or blogs for trail reports. Let's face it, everything you need is on-line and FREE for everyone and anyone at any time.

The TLCA needs to re-define itself in this brave new world and I think the answer will be going back to its roots. I think TLCA's salvation is dependent on people touching flesh (and no I don't mean spooning Georg), crawling under rigs and looking under hoods.

So... Kowboy you're my hero.

Attend events people. Form a chapter. Have local meetings. Get together, go on a trail run. Help your neighbor install those lockers. Eat some pizza.

Sorry for rambling, looks like the ice is melting in my margarita, gotta go...

Oh yeah, raise the dues all you want, I'm still in.

Cheers,

I like what your saying and the Internet has had a similiar impact on people in general forming less and less meaningful relationships and more virtual ones.

The net has made people lazy and attracted alot of posers with the same access to the same materials some work very hard to contribute to the public while contributing little in return themselves.

Hopefully, sooner than later, people will remember the value of big get togethers with extended family types and start getting motivated to act and put down the keyboard and only pick it up when they have something to contribute to the world.

If it weren't for the net, I would never know more than my own ventures and my World would be a smaller place. Seeing pics and knowing what people are doing in real time is invaluable and motivating.

[KOWBOY]

Originally Posted by pismojim

Sorry for rambling ...

That ain't ramblin' sir ... By Gawd, that's pure WISDOM.

Well done Brother Jim.

Originally Posted by pismojim

Oh yeah, raise the dues all you want, I'm still in.

If'n we was to DOUBLE the dues .... and lose half our members ....

My cypherin' says we got the same amount of money and only people left that really WANT to be in this here club.

I propose that'd be a good thang.

Then again ... what the hell do I know??

Carry on.

[Land Schmoozer]

There seems to be some concern by the BOD folks that posting this so that everyone and anyone could see it is maybe not a great idea... other off-road groups, other 4x4 magazines, and green groups don't need to see what we are doing... but we would like the members to see...

if it was in each TT would that work?

we could do a "members only" web section too... but then passwords and changing them becouse an issue...

we will keep working on it...

thanks!

[Kaderabek]

Right on, Jim.

What if TLCA membership included entry into an event with TLCA rebating the value to the host club?

Jim, the MSVP position is open. Interested?

TJK

[TUFFTORQ]

What about an annual income/expense financial report mailer to membership?

Originally Posted by cmc

There seems to be some concern by the BOD folks that posting this so that everyone and anyone could see it is maybe not a great idea... other off-road groups, other 4x4 magazines, and green groups don't need to see what we are doing... but we would like the members to see...

if it was in each TT would that work?

we could do a "members only" web section too... but then passwords and changing them becouse an issue...

we will keep working on it...

thanks!

[tarbe]

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

I am reluctant to show up with my new FJ Cruiser as I am sure a name war might ensue.

Hijack:

We have 8 FJCs in the Texas Land Cruiser Club of Houston (TLCC-H).

You would fit right in. Our next meeting will be a week from today (Aug 12th) at Matagorda beach. Not too far from San Antonio.

Go over to our website and check out the thread on the Matagorda meeting for directions, etc.


Back on subject: I agree that a $3 - $5 increase should not cause folks to flee. I believe mandatory 1st class at $50/year for all members would.

[Hulk]

I think the Internet caused TLCA to grow massively in the 90s. We went from 300 at the beginning of the decade to 3000 by the end. At that time, people used the web to discover TCLA, and they signed up in herds.

In this new decade, with the advent of forums, the Internet provides technical information and more in a more timely manner than you'll get from a 6x/year publication. I love Toyota Trails, but it's not the only reason I'm a member. Those of us who are connected to TLCA will remain as long as the cost isn't prohibitive. An extra $5? No problem.

[TexasBadlands]

Originally Posted by tarbe

Hijack:

We have 8 FJCs in the Texas Land Cruiser Club of Houston (TLCC-H).

You would fit right in. Our next meeting will be a week from today (Aug 12th) at Matagorda beach. Not too far from San Antonio.

Go over to our website and check out the thread on the Matagorda meeting for directions, etc.


Back on subject: I agree that a $3 - $5 increase should not cause folks to flee. I believe mandatory 1st class at $50/year for all members would.

Thanks for the offer. However I will be flying out to the ship on the 11th for 6 weeks of fun in the sun so that kind of kills that. There is a big Land Rover beach party my wife wanted to go to as well in September, but I will be gone for that too. Working really has its drawbacks often times.

[Green Lantern]

Uh... just my observation.

We know we got 3600 members, more or less. We know that 300-500 of them show up at events. What we don't know is how many of them track this bulletin board, or Birfield.com or Pirate4X4. Counting hits as members doesn't work. I get phone calls every month from folks that tell me they don't even own a computer.

TLCA spent some money for a demographic survey years ago, but I never heard anything conclusive from it. I haven't seen it either.

In conclusion, we got a bunch of volunteers doing their dead level best to keep existing members and attract new ones. I applaud everyone that has taken the time to post something here. YOU are the active segment of TLCA.

I would love to raise the dues to $50 per year and send Toyota Trails First Class because it would solve a lot of our missing issue problems and lapsed memberships. You've all noticed the better binding and colorful pictures in Toyota Trails? We need that extra $5 from everyone to pay for it. The increase in TLCA dues is nothing compared to the increase in a cup of coffee or a gallon of gas. My two cents.

Happy Trails! N

[Kaderabek]

Good point, Nick. We're paying $3.20/gallon over here to fuel up the OPEC Poster Child.

TJK

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Oh just raise them already! I'm going to renew this month, and if they haven't been raised I'm going to throw in some extra $ just because I know what's going on.

If they go up, some people will not renew, if they don't go up TT will keep having to run into the red.....

Jump on it boys and girls!!!

[hatfieldcb]

Originally Posted by Green Lantern

I would love to raise the dues to $50 per year and send Toyota Trails First Class because it would solve a lot of our missing issue problems and lapsed memberships. You've all noticed the better binding and colorful pictures in Toyota Trails? We need that extra $5 from everyone to pay for it. The increase in TLCA dues is nothing compared to the increase in a cup of coffee or a gallon of gas. My two cents.

Happy Trails! N

Maybe we should just do this. We might lose a few folks, but not too many, I'll bet. Especially if we explain the move. Heck, it costs us $50 per year for Rising Sun membership and we don't get anything like Toyota Trails for our money. Now we do get membership in the Colorado Asociation and United as part of our dues. And access to the "members" forum on the RS website.

[Hulk]

Originally Posted by hatfieldcb

And access to the "members" forum on the RS website.

Just as long as we're clear on this: managing 40 Rising Sun members for a "members only" section is a lot easier than managing 3600 TLCA members for such a thing. Ahem, cough cough.

[hatfieldcb]

Originally Posted by Hulk

Just as long as we're clear on this: managing 40 Rising Sun members for a "members only" section is a lot easier than managing 3600 TLCA members for such a thing. Ahem, cough cough.

My point is that $50 TLCA dues and a switch to first class postage shouldn't kill anybody. A few people might drop off, but I'll bet not many.

[Chef]

Casey: P&L in the magazine is good: it goes to the members who care about it...

Pismojim: interesting and valid points, thanks for voicing them...But! As President, I get to say "don't just point out a problem, help us find as solution!"...
I think things like the PMC swap meet, and the Rising Sun Rally in September are great ideas for non-wheeling events that more members could participate in. TornadoAlley, my home chapter, had a float trip this weekend. Rising Sun does some neat "maintenance Parties."

But, these are things that "just your chapter mates" are coming too. Chapter affiliated members comprise a small portion of TLCA members...what sort of non-wheeling events can we come up with to draw these folks more into the fold, and get them participating in face to face activities???

[TUFFTORQ]

Exactly! Not everyone that is a member has a desire to wheel or attend events for whatever reason. Is there an event near or relatively close to each chapter? As a member in Southern California, there are two; Rubithon and Surf-n-Turf. Unfortunately, I can't get a hall pass or funds to attend anything else anyway. If perhaps more chapters or regions (southern and northern/eastern and western) would get together for safety picnics, swap meets, and other non-wheeling events such as fund raisers or vendor sponsored clean up get togethers, think of the "outside passerby's" and interest of TOYOTA owners checking out the chapters affiliated with TLCA. Could be wrong but, It would promote membership and individual club participation together.

So Cal Land Cruisers and So Cal 80's just adopted a trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Super easy access trail with friendly campgrounds. I could probably drive my company car through 80% of the road. Owner's with relatively stock rigs are thrilled because they don't want the carnage or difficult challenging obstacles. Yet they are digging the friendly family oriented enviroment in the outdoors volunteering to help keep our trails open. This promotes positive TLCA affiliation and great land stewardship! Trail Crew L.A. County TLCA is still searching for a trail with the same goals in mind; just a little more of a challenge.

Mark

Originally Posted by Chef

Casey: P&L in the magazine is good: it goes to the members who care about it...

Pismojim: interesting and valid points, thanks for voicing them...But! As President, I get to say "don't just point out a problem, help us find as solution!"...
I think things like the PMC swap meet, and the Rising Sun Rally in September are great ideas for non-wheeling events that more members could participate in. TornadoAlley, my home chapter, had a float trip this weekend. Rising Sun does some neat "maintenance Parties."

But, these are things that "just your chapter mates" are coming too. Chapter affiliated members comprise a small portion of TLCA members...what sort of non-wheeling events can we come up with to draw these folks more into the fold, and get them participating in face to face activities???

[65swb45]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

Right on, Jim.

What if TLCA membership included entry into an event with TLCA rebating the value to the host club?

Jim, the MSVP position is open. Interested?

TJK

Todd, I suggested something similar several months ago. My idea was to have every NEW membership include a 50% off coupon good for their first event. Yes, it would lower that club's eventual donation to TLCA, but the I think that the opportunities for more bonding and strengthening the sense of community would go a lot farther in slowing down the perennial revolving door.

I also like Kowboy's idea A LOT! And on those terms. Bump $20 and rebate $5 per event. Strengthen the community.

I like what PismoJim said a lot too, but my personal take is a little bit different. I got back into the LC community big time BECAUSE of the Internet. Chatting online with Georg, Butch, Mace, tornadoalley, Owyhee Jackass and the other Pirate regulars two and a half years ago is exactly what made me start signing up for events again.

Poor analogy, but the best one I could come up with for the moment: the Internet was like a sampler platter, the TLCA events are the WHOLE BUFFET! Talking with all you guys on the net just made me more interested to make the trek [nobody would deny 1300 miles in a 40 year old rig IS A TREK] and meet ya all! I know dhondagod and landcruiserjunky have experienced this too. So, at least from my perspective, the Internet can cut both ways.

Yes I do see the tendency of the Internet to make it easier to be a voyeur than a participant. I see this every time I ask a question on a bbs that gets a lot of hits but few responses. So the thing of it is to work harder on participation, like Kowboy said. Make everyone a stakeholder somehow. But it's got to start with a sense of community that is unique to TLCA. THE place we have to do that is at events. Every trip write-up that I do, whether it is posted or published, is intended to remind the readers that these fun and colorful events are not just for the rock buggies, but for the EVERYMANS out there with street-driven SUA rigs like mine.

We in the marketing committe are working on a new flyer to promote TLCA, and I have put some ideas out there along these lines to be included in the new flyer.

[TUFFTORQ]

Hmmm...Sense of community that is unique to TLCA needs to start in your own backyard before an event or two throughout the year is scheduled where everyone can participate ie. clubs, vendors, hard core, newbie stockers etc.

I agree, I have made alot of friends and shared alot of laughs, usually at my expense since being a member. But it was the local chapter's that encouraged me to wheel and get involved through participation. Doubtful that I would be a member today without their respectable friendships and knowledge.

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by 65swb45

THE place we have to do that is at events.

I had a couple former band-mates over for a jam this evening. The Drummer is also a fellow Rising Sun member and TLCA member. He wheels a 3rd gen runner. After we were done playing, we chatted about various trail runs, gigs and shared experiences. He's only been to one TLCA event in the 5+ years he's been a TLCA and Rising Sun member - Cruise Moab. He loved it, but with little kids at home and a busy work schedule, he has to pick and choose when he can take time off for fun time, and how to spend it.

I shared with him my view on the TLCA community, and events in particular. You come for the wheelin', but leave with the lifelong friendships. He agreed with me, and I could see the understanding in his eyes.

I am looking forward to lots and lots of new TLCA members from the Rising Sun Rally, from the new friendships formed. I am going to man a TLCA booth and pimp TLCL in my best Cindy Twiddy imitation :-)

Cindy, will you send me that sign you had around your neck?

[Hulk]

Originally Posted by hatfieldcb

My point is that $50 TLCA dues and a switch to first class postage shouldn't kill anybody. A few people might drop off, but I'll bet not many.

I think that $50 would cross the threshold for many people. Land Cruiser owners are frugal people. Most of us (and I include myself in this) are quite satified to save the $15/year and wait an extra 10 days for our copies of Trails to arrive.