Thoughts on raising TLCA dues???

[woody]

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

3. Make TLCA.org the defacto home-page and first stop for Cruiser-heads by compiling, summarizing, and otherwise making available every tidbit of on-line cruiser lore available to every member. Forums are awkward and difficult to search, and have terrible archives, and there's too many of them for somone like me to keep up with. Even the LCML archives are difficult to use and have archaic search syntax. This would be a significant resource and value-add for members, and many may join just for this service. The fact that this forum isn't even on a tlca.org address is indicative of how poorly we're doing in this way. There's a ton that a couple of clever developers could do with a small budget other than make the latest coffee mug available for sale.

As a take off on that, TLCA and IH8MUD.com, LLC talked at length about the management time of it's own forum...part of that revolved around my reluctance in "giving up" the existing club participants in the Clubhouse, part of that was their recognition that owning/operating a forum is a chunk of time...plus lots of other stuff...part of the advantage of having an "outside contractor" run the forum is it removes a large portion of the blame/responsibility from TLCA in dealing with trolls, problem users, etc...I suspect a TLCA member would be quite displeased, vocally, if their actions got them banned (right or wrong, perception does wonders)

No reason to reinvent the wheel...however...

http://www.tlcaforum.com will "someday" be it's own....I say that tentatively, because the next major version of vBulletin software is only in discussion stages, but one of the big features that's being discussed is the ability to run one database and one user base for two separate forums...keeping many things linked, yet doing a better job of maintaining the look/feel/URL settings that make them appear independant. Rumor has it that vBulletin 4.0 will have that ability... I know 3.6.0 (released late last week) does not...that version will be installed here in mid-Sept (as a note, most ".x.0" upgrades take about 20 hours of prep work...or more...my plan is a weekend in Sept to get the super secret hidden testing forum software/database up and working, then do the work to the live forum the following weekend)

(how'z that for a hyjack?? - feel free to start a new thread...lol)

If you haven't, check out the new TLCA.org home page...some new kewl feature on there, including updated RSS feeds for TLCAforum.com traffic.... (including, likely, this post...lol)

[JuttyShabango]

Putting TT out for regular sale would be HUGE IMO on getting people interested in the TLCA.

There are 2 mags I look forward too and that's 4wd Toyota Owners Mag and Trails. The rest are crap IMO. Eye Candy at best.

What is needed IMO, is for the TLCA to branch out or Reach Out to other Toyota Owners. We have recently written bylaws for our club's reorganization to include Tacoma's, Minis, Runners, Lexus and used a name "Buckeye Birfield Syndicate" that would appeal to any Toyota Owner with enuff knowledge to recognize what a Birfield is...and identify with it.

The new FJ has brought public attention to our club and a renewed interest by some and totally NEW interest by many who purchase one looking for an affiliation.

But the growth has to come at the grass roots level. Each club should be holding an event at least once per year that would encorage new members to check them out. Cookouts, wrench a thons, truck washes, volunteer work..anything. 30 days from now, our club is having a Crawdad Boil and each member is instructed to bring a potential member with them to "check us out" and hopefully join.

Survival thru the ages is going to take an open mind, dedicated members and a willingness to change. Clubs are almost tribal in their nature and that comes from Face to Face interactions like most have pointed out. Problem is..putting down the key board and getting off your ARSE and doing it and that must start with the individual clubs..even more than the individual members.

Our club's reorganization is attracting new members that don't have FJs...simply because we have reached out to them and worked hard to get them to understand that the TLCA has something to offer them even though they don't have an FJ. TTORA is facing a similiar thing and has opened their doors to more than Tacomas. The TLCA has the rich history behind it giving it the benefit. What hardcore toyota owner hasn't heard about the TLCA? Not many...but many are surprised to hear their's something in the club for them and they dig the ORGANIZATIONAl STRUCTURE...something I haven't seen in any other club.

Solution: Attract new members and target all Toyota Owners.

How: Sell TT on the newstands is a good start. And get the bandwagon rolling at the club level.

I realize this may be oversimplified response and I'm a noob (since 2005) but have known about the TLCA for years and just sharing a perception..

Mark

[Kaderabek]

Hire me and my staff full time, give us sufficient seed money and I can put Toyota Trails on the newsstand.

TJK

[KOWBOY]

My turn to be blunt Folks.

[Editorial note: The following comments and beliefs represent the thoughts of a single, simple-minded individual and NOT those of the TLCA BOD as a whole. ]

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

I understand Chef's proposal, but it's an overly simplified and wrong solution to a much larger problem. Flat membership and budget shortfalls are not caused by membership dues being too low. They're caused by a lack of meaning of the TLCA to the average Cruiser-head.

I'm thinkin' we need to be jackin' up the dues ... alot more than Chef wants to. Flat membership ain't the problem ... hell, I think we got too many members right now. Too many Folks that ain't goin' to events. Any member that attends events has got a meanin' for TLCA.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

Pismo Jim's ideas cut to the core of being a Cruiser head, but I am afraid they dont' really help the TLCA renew it's meaningfulness to a Cruiser head in a wired world. I truly beleive that the essence of this hobby, and the friendships surrounding it, are the person to person interactions. But the internet facilitates this, and getting together does not build TLCA membership, and the internet does more to get people together than the TLCA.

I disagree that the internet facilitates genuine person to person interactions ... it's a damn-poor substitue for sittin' 'round a campfire drinkin' a few beers. Internet datin' services have proven this pretty well. You think you got yourself a relationship .... until you actually meet 'em and find out you actually can't get along worth a fawk.

And gettin' together sure as hell has built The White Trash up ...

I don't believe TLCA was ever meant to be an internet club ... it was formed and built on Folks gettin' together .... in person.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

An organization dependant on face to face meetings will always limit membership numbers for simple geographic reasons. Furthermore, you don't need to be a TLCA member to go to the majority of Land Cruiser events, so why do you need to join? We won't be checking membership cards at our local run next weekend, or on Labour day, or in October, or December... Someone has already said that the onset of the Internet is why the TLCA is as big as it is today. It's not because of the local face to face events. The Internet helps people get together. The TLCA does not.

That's why we have Chapters ... to have face to face meetin's in geographic areas.

TLCA sanctioned events .... according to the SOPs ... require TLCA membership ... that's why you need to join. Club runs are great .... but they ain't the TLCA sanctioned events which make TLCA special.

The internet has done nothin' but water down TLCA with members that don't participate in events. Maybe somebody needs to start up a seperate Toyota Internet Club for these Folks ... so we can return TLCA to an event-based club.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

Here's THE question. Why do we need the TLCA anymore? What reason is there for joining? Why does the TLCA need more members? Is it merely for cash to continue to support the Trails? Or do we need a large user base to support our advocacy efforts? As near as I can tell, there are only 2 reasons to join the TLCA, and only one that anyone knows about...

1) The Trails
2) Event Insurance

Just to go 'head and beat the damn dead horse one more time ...

TLCA EVENTS

... and no .... we don't need no more non-active members.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

The vast majority of our club in Calgary has never been to a TLCA event.. even our own TLCA Sanctioned event... the River Shiver. $225 for a weekend of wheeling is a bit too stiff for some of our local members. The majority have no intention of ever travelling more than a 2 hours to an event, let alone the minimum of 20 hours it takes to get to the next closest TLCA event to Calgary.

So, essentially, TLCA membership equals a Trails Subscription

Damn shame sir ... your Folks are missin' the boat.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

I offer three options for the survival of the TLCA ...

And I offer ONE.

TLCA is not an internet club ...

TLCA is not a magazine club ...

TLCA is an EVENT club.

Jack the dues thru the friggin' roof to weed out the non-participatin' wanna-be's and make attendance at a minimum of one TLCA-sanctioned event per year mandatory.

... and as I stated in post #9 ...

Let the chips fall where they may.

Thank you ... and I assure you my opinions are not meant to upset anybody or directed at any specific individual.

There just my opinions. Simple enuff.

[woooody]

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

I understand Chef's proposal, but it's an overly simplified and wrong solution to a much larger problem. Flat membership and budget shortfalls are not caused by membership dues being too low. They're caused by a lack of meaning of the TLCA to the average Cruiser-head.

You know what they say -- there's lies, fricking lies, and statistics. I don't think membership is flat, so much as it is that our members don't renew enough. We have a lot of turnover. The real question is why are we losing so many people. It's unfortunate that you think that TLCA lacks meaning.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

Pismo Jim's ideas cut to the core of being a Cruiser head, but I am afraid they dont' really help the TLCA renew it's meaningfulness to a Cruiser head in a wired world. I truly beleive that the essence of this hobby, and the friendships surrounding it, are the person to person interactions. But the internet facilitates this, and getting together does not build TLCA membership, and the internet does more to get people together than the TLCA.

I think Kowboy addressed this best -- Internet is not FACE to FACE. It's a virtual meeting. Reality is usually better.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

An organization dependant on face to face meetings will always limit membership numbers for simple geographic reasons. Furthermore, you don't need to be a TLCA member to go to the majority of Land Cruiser events, so why do you need to join?

That's simply not true. You must be a member to attend santcioned and sponsored runs. If it's a hosted or sanctioned event, it's for TLCA members only. IF it's a limited event, it's only for that Chapter's members which should be TLCA members.

Obviously, enforcement is up to the hosting club.

From the SOP's

EVENTS DESCRIPTION

1. Hosted Event: The Rubithon is an annual event hosted by TLCA and co-hosted by Association Chapters. The event serves two purposes: to provide family type entertainment and to raise funds for TLCA's General Fund. Chapters that co-host the event shall receive a percentage of the proceeds.
2. Sanctioned Event: An event hosted by a Chapter in which TLCA members participate in a trail ride type event. The event serves to raise funds for the chapter's general fund. Chapters that host a sanctioned event agree to give TLCA a percentage of the net proceeds.
3. Open Event: A trail ride type event hosted by a Chapter which is not TLCA Member or vehicle specific. The event serves to raise funds for the chapter's general fund. Chapters that host an open event agree to give TLCA a percentage of the net proceeds.
4. Rally Event: An event hosted by a Chapter in which TLCA members participate in a non-trail ride type event. This event may be a swap meet, truck show, etc. The event serves to raise funds for the chapter's general fund. Chapters that host a rally event agree to give TLCA a percentage of the net proceeds.
5. Restricted Event: An event hosted by a Chapter in which TLCA Members participate in a trail ride type event where the vehicle type is restricted to specific models. The event serves to raise funds for the chapter's general fund. Chapters that host a restricted event agree to give TLCA a percentage of the net proceeds.
6. Limited Event: An event hosted by a Chapter in which chapter members and friends participate in a trail ride type event. This is not a paid event; its purpose is to provide access to TLCA insurance for special chapter events.

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

We won't be checking membership cards at our local run next weekend, or on Labour day, or in October, or December... Someone has already said that the onset of the Internet is why the TLCA is as big as it is today. It's not because of the local face to face events. The Internet helps people get together. The TLCA does not.

Wow -- Peter... I'm really confused here. Maybe you've forgotten how we've all been brought together. A big part of it was Gary Bjork's LCML. Ya know who funds LCML? birfield.com and tlca.org I would say that TLCA has done a LOT to bring people together

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

4. OK, there is always the fourth option, which is do nothing. In my opinion, this is what a 'price increase' essentially is. It makes the TLCA a bit more elitist, a bit less accessable, and a bit less meaningful, and will hasten the inevitable conclusion that this is heading towards. As nice as the Trails is while sitting on throne, it offers nothing that cannot be found elsewhere right here on 'mud.... pictures, stories, advice, opinions, and even an international and very specific special interest appeal such as Diesel and even JDM RHD import trucks! But 'mud does it in real time, for free, and with many of the same personalities that you find in Trails.

I would personally like to see the TLCA do some of options 1, 2, and 3. I'd pay more for that.

Tough love, I am sure, but the TLCA needs some radical changes. Increased dues are not the solution to flat memberhsip and budget shortfalls.

Peter Straub

I know you're serious with this Peter, and I know our Canadian Cruiserheads have always felt slighted by the States, but this is very troubling to me. It seems like you've given up on TLCA. There are many resources that you've provided to LCML, and TLCA, and there are friends and info that you have because of LCML and TLCA. Sure, there's a chance that you would have met Mark Whatley in Alaska, or Mudrak in Sonoma, or Henry C in all the places you've run into him. But to say that TLCA is no longer viable? geez. I'm sorry you have that opinion.

I think you might have missed some of our work with BRC, or Rubithon's donation to FOTR and Del Albright. Maybe we need to play that horn a lot louder. The message isn't getting through.

[TUFFTORQ]

What is the goal for TLCA as an organization? I was under the impression TLCA wanted to grow the organization through new membership and renewals with general membership and associate members. Have we lost focus? Are the dues being increased to better support and fund Toyota Trails, advertising, promotions, BRC, and other land use issues?

If it's through events with active members who participate as Kowboy mentioned above, are individual chapter's going to saddle up and initiate sanctioned runs and events in their neck of the woods? If this were the case, think of the renewals that Tony & Cindy had at the Rubithon and PMC swap meet. If every chapter participated and got involved, think of the potential for growth and overall funding. Why not have each chapter either host or partner up and assist another chapter with an event to generate funds and new membership to benefit the chapter(s) and/or TLCA?

Jacking the rates up through the roof and requiring atleast one run for all members regardless, just may be the final chapter in TLCA.

The bigger question is what does membership want or expect from TLCA?

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by KOWBOY

TLCA is not an internet club ...

TLCA is not a magazine club ...

TLCA is an EVENT club.

Jack the dues thru the friggin' roof to weed out the non-participatin' wanna-be's and make attendance at a minimum of one TLCA-sanctioned event per year mandatory.

I respectfully disagree my friend. TLCA is all three. It is a club of Toyota 4x4 enthusiasts, whether by internet, by dead tree or by wheeling and wrenching together in person.

Jack up the dues through the roof and I QUIT. And so will most of membership. Say goodbye to Toyota Trails. Say goodbye to TLCA.org. And say goodbye to sanctioned events, because most of them will be gone too. Hard to attend one when they no longer exist...

Mud will still be here...oh, that's right, that's internet :-O

Toyota Owners mag will still be here...oh, that's right, that's a magazine :-O

How will I find out about a big event?

Sure ain't gonna be sittin' around the campfire. That's what it was when TLCA was 300 members. I'll find out through the internet and reading about it on dead trees. And if I couldn't make it because I had to work, I'll read about it...on the internet and on dead trees.

There's a heck of a lot more to TLCA than wheeling at events.

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by Behemoth60

Here's THE question. Why do we need the TLCA anymore? What reason is there for joining? Why does the TLCA need more members? Is it merely for cash to continue to support the Trails? Or do we need a large user base to support our advocacy efforts?

So what is the reason for joining?

If I had a nickel for everytime time I've been asked that question...

Wooody, the most I glean from your post is:

our work with BRC, or Rubithon's donation to FOTR and Del Albright.

Do you really think that is going to get people excited about joining TLCA? It be more efficient to simply join and/or donate directly to BRC or FOTR?

It seems to be a pretty weak reply to "Why join?" Seriously brother, I suspect you can articulate a better sales pitch. (I'll give you a possible one below...)

Originally Posted by Kowboy

TLCA is not an internet club ...

TLCA is not a magazine club ...

TLCA is an EVENT club.

Jack the dues thru the friggin' roof to weed out the non-participatin' wanna-be's and make attendance at a minimum of one TLCA-sanctioned event per year mandatory.

And, TLCA is not a land use or polictical advocacy club.

TLCA is a car club. Make that a die hard, to the bone, cruiserhead club. Members are required to own a 4WD Toyota, maybe that's not enough.

So jack 'em up, only accept dues in cash, face to face, at events. It could work, 3 digit membership numbers, fanatic cruiserheads - I'll be there with ya Kowboy.

OK, Ross here's that reason:

Join TLCA and you can debate these issues (and hey, even talk Cruiser Tech), sitting around the campsite, with such personalities as Kowboy, Behemonth60, Woooody, etc.

Of course that would mean PAR-TIC-I-PA-TION at events.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

If this is the case, think of the renewals that Tony & Cindy had with PMC through the Rubithon and swap meet.

Me too.

It doesn't get any more TLCA than that.

Members MUST attend meetings or events. Must be present to WIN.

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

What is the goal for TLCA as an organization? I was under the impression TLCA wanted to grow the organization through new membership and renewals with general membership and associate members. Have we lost focus? Are the dues being increased to better support and fund Toyota Trails, advertising, promotions, BRC, and other land use issues?

If it's through events with active members who participate as Kowboy mentioned above, are individual chapter's going to saddle up and initiate sanctioned runs and events in their neck of the woods? If this were the case, think of the renewals that Tony & Cindy had at the Rubithon and PMC swap meet. If every chapter participated and got involved, think of the potential for growth and overall funding. Why not have each chapter either host or partner up and assist another chapter with an event to generate funds and new membership to benefit the chapter(s) and/or TLCA?

The bigger question is what does membership want or expect from TLCA?

TUFFTORQ: Let me reiterate my position. As TLCA Individual Representative, I have NEVER had any individual contact me and ask me to raise their TLCA dues. And I am 100% sure, if I asked any of them "Would you like to pay more for what you are already getting", the answers would split between they wouldn't mind, and no they wouldn't. I am DEAD SET AGAINST raising dues. When GM wasn't selling as many cars, did they raise their prices?

I have seen our budget for the many years I've been on the board. We're not hurting too bad, and in fact if we had a little over 300 new members we'd be over 4000 members and ahead of budget. There is no RATIONAL reason to raise dues. The logical business strategy is to simply increase membership a bit, along with some more merchandise sales. 10% membership increase is VERY achievable. My fellow Rising Sun members and I intend to beat Tony and Cindy's number at the Rising Sun Rally weekend after next. All we need is a few more folks workin' it like they did and there is no need to raise dues whatsoever.

Apologize for not answering your questions directly; it's late and I wanted to make a point that others in this thread are missing. Your's seemed the best post to reply to with your question about why we are considering raising dues. I'll get back to specific answers to your questions tomorrow...

Disclaimer: I am only one member of the BOD, and some others on the BOD have different views. I wanted my argument against raising dues out here in public; we've been around and around this within the BOD.

Happy cruisin'!

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by Rzeppa

I respectfully disagree my friend. TLCA is all three. It is a club of Toyota 4x4 enthusiasts, whether by internet, by dead tree or by wheeling and wrenching together in person.

Jack up the dues through the roof and I QUIT. And so will most of membership. Say goodbye to Toyota Trails. Say goodbye to TLCA.org. And say goodbye to sanctioned events, because most of them will be gone too. Hard to attend one when they no longer exist...

Jeff, I'm not sure you disagree. First, you've confirmed Peter's point about the two reasons, 1) Trails 2) Insurance. Set those aside for a second and consider "why join". I think you're another one (like Wooody) to articulate a good answer. I just haven't heard it yet.

Even if you QUIT, you'll still hear about events (albeit non-sanctioned uninsured events) on the Internet. You'll donate to BRC. You'll have 4WD Toyota mag to read. The info on TLCA.org will be found or hosted elsewhere.

So what will you be missing?

Hint: I suspect it envolves "wheeling and wrenching together in person".

P.S. Jeff, good point on your reason against raises dues. It seems like there are two threads going on at once here. Still, what will you be offering the new recruits at the RS Rally?

Thanks,

[Tencup]

Thought I would put my 2 cents in. The reason I joined TLCA some 7-8 years ago was two fold. I wanted the magazine and I wanted to participate in TLCA events. The fact that some vendors offer discouts to TLCA members was a plus. Another factor for me is that by being a TLCA memebr it gives me a connection to a great bunch of people and cruiserheads. I consider $25.00 reasonable and have no problem with a dues increase.
One area you might consider to make the membership more valuable is obtaining more discounts for TLCA memebrs especially for parts purchasing. At a 10% discount 250.00 worth of parts purchases in a year pays for the membership. Thanks for listening.

[JasonH]

Originally Posted by Tencup

One area you might consider to make the membership more valuable is obtaining more discounts for TLCA memebrs especially for parts purchasing. At a 10% discount 250.00 worth of parts purchases in a year pays for the membership. Thanks for listening.

That was my original point. If you're just looking to increase membership numbers I think this is a great way to get people in the door. Someone who is unfamiliar with TLCA could probably care less about Trails or events simply because they know nothing about them.
Use cost savings as the bait - everybody likes to save money. Then reel them in with the fun stuff.
Toyota dealer discounts are a great benefit. But I doubt we'll get Toyota corporate to recognize us. You have to convince your local dealer. We've got some local dealers that offer pretty good parts discounts. There's also a brand new dealership being built in my town. When it's done I'm heading over in the 40 with a stack of Trails I have saved up to talk to the parts manager and see what I can get negotiated.

[TRT2]

These are all very valid points raised by everyone. Kudos to all who have responded with sincere ideas. It is also encouraging to see open discussion and acceptance (if not agreement) of other ideas and viewpoints expressed.

Reading everyone's input and replies, made me realize how many of you are such good friends and how lucky I am to have met each of you personally at one time or another.

For me, that has been the largest benefit of my TLCA membership.

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

What is the goal for TLCA as an organization?

From the bylaws:

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND AIMS

1. TLCA shall be non-profit in character.
2. Bring together and promote the interest of four wheeling.
3. Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser.
4. Protecting as well as enjoying our country's natural resources.
5. Support local, state or area associations.
6. Educate our members and the public on land use and rights issues, responsible off highway behavior and the environment.

Ostensibly, these are the goals that are articulated in writing. IMO, numbers two and three are of the greatest interest to members and prospective members.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

I was under the impression TLCA wanted to grow the organization through new membership and renewals with general membership and associate members.

That is a goal I fully support, and is implicitely part of my job as an IR.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

Have we lost focus?

IMHO, yes to some degree.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

Are the dues being increased to better support and fund Toyota Trails, advertising, promotions, BRC, and other land use issues?

No; the debate to raise dues has come around from time to time within the BOD over the years, kind of like the 2F vs. V8 threads come and go periodically. In this latest debate, it seems to me the catylist was that when our YTD P/L through May was distributed to the BOD, things didn't look as good as they have in the past and the "raise dues" discussion was started again, against a backdrop of years of struggling to get back to the 4000 membership mark.

Last year, we spent some money on some things we hadn't tried before, to try to boost membership. The particulars are detailed in the Trail Leader columns over the last year and a half. They didn't work. Another thing we voted up was to add more pages to Toyota Trails. This has cost extra money to print. We've had a number of issues this year with extra pages, I'm not sure who's noticed, but we've been getting an even better quality magazine through the first part of this year. We had a disruption in merchandise sales at the end of last year and beginning of this year, and merchandise sales are still not up to where they have been historically.

I will report that we are not in trouble financially...yet. The BOD is trying to do the responsible thing and make sure we stay out of trouble. Even with lower membership numbers and lower merchandise sales and margins, we are still in much better shape than we were at various times in the past, such as the beginning of 2001. Other members of the BOD believe that we need to raise dues to make sure we don't get in trouble. Among the arguments are that we haven't kept up with general inflation since the last dues increase over a decade ago, and on top of that, members are getting more for their money with a vastly better Toyota Trails and far more events than then. Those are valid arguments.

But, if you look at the budget versus actual, it's easy to see that we don't have to raise dues to get back where we want to be financially. We only need about 300-400 more members and we're right on track and the whole debate becomes moot. With better merchandise sales, we don't even need that many.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

If it's through events with active members who participate as Kowboy mentioned above, are individual chapter's going to saddle up and initiate sanctioned runs and events in their neck of the woods? If this were the case, think of the renewals that Tony & Cindy had at the Rubithon and PMC swap meet. If every chapter participated and got involved, think of the potential for growth and overall funding. Why not have each chapter either host or partner up and assist another chapter with an event to generate funds and new membership to benefit the chapter(s) and/or TLCA?

I can certainly say that Rising Sun is trying to do our part. As many of you know, we have one of the biggest events every year with Cruise Moab, and this year we are adding a second event, the Rising Sun Rally. There will be about a half dozen of us manning a TLCA sign-up booth all day, and we're going to try to best the Rubithon count by a bunch!

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

Jacking the rates up through the roof and requiring atleast one run for all members regardless, just may be the final chapter in TLCA.

I totally agree with that, see my reply to Kowboy.

Originally Posted by TUFFTORQ

The bigger question is what does membership want or expect from TLCA?

That question has been around as long as I've been in TLCA. The answer (IMHO) is that there are many diverse members and many different things members want and/or expect from their TLCA membership. As anyone in a leadership position knows, you simply can't please everyone all the time, the best you can do is try to please as many as possible as much of the time as you can.

Happy cruisin'!

[MaddBaggins]

I think making event attendance mandatory at least once a year would be a wrong turn for the TLCA. If there were more events in more states that might be possible for most to attend, but I just don't see nearly 4000 people making at least one event every single year. I have been a member for 2 years now and am looking forward to attending my first event this fall. Circumstances in life have prevented me from going to any before now. Does that mean I'm not a member? Not everyone lives in the place the event takes place, for some there is a lot of travel involved in going to even the nearest event. For me thats a good 10 hour drive so I can attend the GGG this year, the nearest event to me. For those that believe attendance should be mandatory, I think thats more like what a LOCAL club should be, not an international club.
My .02 on that subject

[wesintl]

My .02 is raise it to $30 even. A couple of dollars is no big deal and it's an even number.

My .02 on merchandise is it sucks. I don't own any t shirts because the logo is on the front. I hate tshirts like that and I'm under the impression most other people do too. I don't mind a little logo on the front but the big ass TLCA logo on my chest is ghetto. The main page sucks too... http://www.costore.com/TLCA/welcome.asp. Matt's page is much better. I think it's time to go back to having someone run merchandise not a store. At a time when we had the big Capital Land Cruiser swap meets you could buy TLCA merchandise. That's not the case any longer and I believe that hurts sales too. At a TLCA Event you should be able to buy TLCA merchandise.

I think there are more things we can offer online as part of a benefit to members and I think Matt has done a great job with the website so far. It only encourages members to find out what's going on and the REAL fun that happens as a part of owners coming together.

Honestly I think if you look at other car clubs online we offer about the same, charge about the same and offer at least the same but probably more.

[FULLonNEWBIE]

I will jump in here with a thought. I bought the new FJ in June and joined TLCA. Still haven't been out on the trails yet for various reason. But I end up spend the majority of my internet time on FJcruiserforums.com. Its not that I don't like it here, its that over there I have learned so much about the cruiser cause everyone there is in the same boat I am in. just a huge knowledge base all over the country.

But if memberships are the issue and it sounds like they are, perhaps someone could become a little more active on that site. there is tremendous potential for growth with the new cruiser out. Grab the new people and bring them into the fold. A whole lot of folks are probably looking for locals to get out with.

Just my two cents

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Members: 4,694
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Posts: 137,721
Top Poster: Percy (2,751)

cost to join $0, just sayin'