Thoughts on raising TLCA dues???

[PScottBx]

The problem with the online version is that TLCA gets zero, nada, zilch to offset your viewing our premier publication online. We pay a lot to produce this work, and the only compensation TLCA gets is from MEMBERSHIP dues and ad sales.

Toyota Trails needs to continue to be a membership perk. It started out as a newsletter and has morphed into a world-class publication, but making it entirely available for free online diminishes both it's quality and our financial ability to produce and distribute it.

If you and others with a similar viewpoint want to read Toyota Trails online without paying your dues to save a few bucks, it will be gone. While "many" periodicals do this, we are not one of "many" periodicals. Toyota Trails is the official publication of the Toyota Land Cruiser Association, it is not a newspaper, portal or generic publication. If we were to offer it entirely online for free, Trails would cease to exist. Do you want that?

Happy cruisin'!

Zepp,

I may not have stated it clearly, but I don't think you got what I was implying. I, in no way, want this to be free. I can promise you that any of the online journals are not free to read. You have to have registered and have paid dues to the journal to have access. The ones that I know of give readers the option to have it mailed or to read it online to save them printing, mailing etc...

Now, this may be too complicated to do and not worth it in the long run, but I was only trying to say that it could possibly save the TLCA a few bucks in the long run. Also, I don't mind the increase for what we get in return. I love the mag. Keep it right next to my thinking chair (aka....toilet). I do consider it a "perk".

Sorry if I misspoke.

Scott

 

[Crruisercharlie]

Dues

Eh, the people with first class postage only make it that much more exciting for those of us cheap bastids who have to wait for their stuff.


30, $35 not so bad. Kick it to $50 and I think you will lose a buncha members..

I know I let my CA4WD go after it went to $40. I'm on SSDI and am trying to live on $752 a month. Makes it hard to participate in anything. I love the mag so much that I'm willing to fork out the $25. I would go $30, but after that.... PS Also the guys at CA4WD don't remind you that your dues are due and dummies like me forget until 5 months after they expired That's another reaon I llke the multiple year signup. ;p ;p

 

[Crruisercharlie]

I have driven and wheeled 4wd Toyota trucks for the past 15 years or so...I had heard of TLCA but had absoultely no idea that a magazine came along with it until I joined. I was reading a thread on pirate if there was a toyota specific magazine available and Chris Geiger replied by saying TT. This was about 2-3 years ago and then I joined b/c of the mag.
moral of the story....I don't think that everyone knows that the mag comes with the subscritpion.

It's probably too late now, but it would have been cool to distribute some free copies at the Tacoma Take Over event at hot springs this weekend. maybe we are?

I know the free issue thing could get out of hand but... I've often wished I could give away issues when I tell people about the club. Wich (sp) also reminds me about the TLCA courtesy cards that are available (??) I had trouble getting mine, but I use them all the time- They're great for parking lots-or as a reminder for people I talk to when I'm out and about.;p ;p

 

[Crruisercharlie]

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,

WOW! Whole lotta thought there. I'm another guy whose never been to a TLCA event. Looked for a toy specific club in 1971 when I bought my first cruiser. Didn't find TLCA until 2-3 years ago. Now I'm almost 60 and income isn't what it used to be. It would be much better for me if event reg. fees were not so high. As for the internet boards, I've "met" a lot of people and found parts and tech info that would never have been available to me otherwise. I agree that "pressing flesh" is a great way go, but it's not always possible. Thanks for letting me . Having said that, anyone in the bishop/mammoth area interested in starting a chapter? Give me a call- 760-872-7194

 

[nuclearlemon]

Now I'm almost 60 and income isn't what it used to be. It would be much better for me if event reg. fees were not so high. QUOTE]

i'm not 60 and it's still hard for me. nice thing is, a lot of people will show up to the event and just run non event trails, that way, you still get to hang with the guys, you just don't wheel with them.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Charlie, just find someone to ride along with, you don't have to drive, or worry about breaking your stuff, or register..... Of course driving is super fun, and half the reason to go!

 

[TUFFTORQ]

Although I'm usually up there for the opener and a few other times a year from So Cal, I for one would like to wheel the Bishop and surrounding areas. Any interest in gathering a bunch of cruiserheads for a trail run? Maybe suggest a new thread on this board.

Mark

WOW! Whole lotta thought there. I'm another guy whose never been to a TLCA event. Looked for a toy specific club in 1971 when I bought my first cruiser. Didn't find TLCA until 2-3 years ago. Now I'm almost 60 and income isn't what it used to be. It would be much better for me if event reg. fees were not so high. As for the internet boards, I've "met" a lot of people and found parts and tech info that would never have been available to me otherwise. I agree that "pressing flesh" is a great way go, but it's not always possible. Thanks for letting me . Having said that, anyone in the bishop/mammoth area interested in starting a chapter? Give me a call- 760-872-7194

 

[65swb45]

Bump. An interesting time capsule to go back and re-read, especially since there's a rumor that the BOD is talking about another dues increase.

 

[Chef]

Because a dues increase every 7 years is unconscionable ?

 

[brew8]

I thought it was an interesting read as well, I wonder where the membership numbers are now??? Same level as 06??? There not published in trails anymore.

 

[Green Lantern]

From Jenn in October...

Total Members - 2701
Online Members - 19
Associate - 18
Chapter - 793
Individual - 1871

To keep Trails in print, we need more members or higher rates, or both. Times are tough and expenses continue to rise. Most folks prefer a print magazine so TLCA is trying to keep Trails in print.
Hope that helps,
Nick

 

[SAS]

I thought it was an interesting read as well, I wonder where the membership numbers are now??? Same level as 06??? There not published in trails anymore.

Au contrere, Mon frere! See page 1 of the November/December 2013 edition (Toyota Trails) and its on the right side column under the b/w picture of the Land Cruisers in Patagonia (courtesy Coen Wubbels & Karin-Marijke Vis).

 

[Rzeppa]

Because a dues increase every 7 years is unconscionable ?

Rising Sun has not increased our dues since I joined in 1999. Not only are we perfectly solvent, but do not use any Cruise Moab money on the club, that all gets donated to Land Use.

The reason TLCA has financial issues is primarily due to low membership. The business model needs membership around 3,500 to 4,000 to thrive.

 

[Chef]

The biggest membership benefit, and, biggest cost TLCA has is:
Toyota Trails.
Rising Sun is a fine club, but, they don't maintain an equivilant publication.

I don't know the numbers, but, the cost increase of printing and distributing Toyota Trails has gone up since 1999. At some point that cost has to get passed back to membership, if the quality of the magazine is to stay the same.

 

[Mace]

Question, is the TLCA still doing well with new members and not holding on to older members or has that changed?

 

[65swb45]

Because a dues increase every 7 years is unconscionable ?

As Tony Twiddy would say, you are dos tepees Alan. Two tents! A discussion is obvious warranted, and I thought reviving this old thread was an appropriate medium for starting it. Nothing more.

I happen to agree with you that the time IS appropriate to raise the dues.

In the general sense, I believe the economy is better than it was 7 years ago. The fallout from the dot.bomb and the subprime meltdown has pretty much played out, and people are a little more 'comfortable then they have been. I have witnessed this firsthand in the growth of my business.

In a more related sense, all print media have struggled with the shift to the Internet, and those determined to stay 'in the game' have by and large raised their rates in a calculated risk that, as Neil Young put it, 'it is better to burn out than to fade away.' My local paper struggled for years to 'hold the line' but has now doubled their rates. As all pundits would agree, only time will tell.

The 'business' model for the TLCA is not likely to change…ever. There will always be a loyal core of 700 members, give or take, supplemented by the ever increasing revolving door of ex-members, who now number about 20,000. To the extent that the car culture will continue to provide new prospects for whom the TLCA is a novelty, you can bank on a number close to what we have now to 'carry' the organization financially from year to year. So if our marque requires more money to keep the prospects coming, raise the dues. It's purely a business decision.

As you know, my personal opinions are different, and were aired at length when Kowboy was steering the ship.

 

[brew8]

Au contrere, Mon frere! See page 1 of the November/December 2013 edition (Toyota Trails) and its on the right side column under the b/w picture of the Land Cruisers in Patagonia (courtesy Coen Wubbels & Karin-Marijke Vis).

Sorry, should have used a question mark instead of a period, so, I actually went home and looked, my bad. Larry

 

[paflytyer]

I've gotten nothing but positive feedback about a dues increase. Not to say everyone is excited about it, but everyone understands it's part of the cost to do business. No one has indicated that they would let their membership lapse because of it. I don't think we'll find anyone who doesn't enjoy getting TT in the mail.

It's an interesting read to go through this thread and see the same issues continue to surface time and time again. I'm fortunate enough to have folks like Jeff Zepp and Ige to answer to my questions and school me on the history of TLCA. I seek out Jeff's opinion and knowledge often when it comes to TLCA issues for our Club. I still maintain that TLCA membership numbers will only increase through a true grassroots effort. Here is an excerpt from an email conversation that I sent on the BODREPS listserve. I think it holds true and is our best chance and increasing our overall numbers.

To put it in context, the question was asked about how many 100 Series owners did I think could/would be TLCA members. In this case, I was speaking about all 100 Series owners being potential TLCA members but really this applies to any and every eligible Toyota. Get out there and make a new friend.

Potentially, every 100 Series owner who you pass on the street, in the parking lot, on a trail, or posts on MUD could and should be viewed as a TLCA member. This happens through grassroots efforts from all of us. Whether you drive an all original 40 or a super built 80, if you truly care about the TLCA and want to see it succeed, than walk over and say "hello". That's how it works.

Taken directly from our own TLCA website:

Starting the Toyota Land Cruiser Association club was not easy. Bob and the other members placed ads in the local newspapers exclaiming their next meeting location and encouraging other Land Cruiser owners to join them. Bob met future member George Rice by stopping at George’s house after driving by and seeing George working on his Cruiser. Each of them owning a Land Cruiser was reason enough to warrant an introduction and henceforth a friendship. Bob and George were to become close friends and instrumental in the success of the fledgling association.

My 100 says "Land Cruiser" right on the back of it. Say hello, you might make a new friend. That's how this whole thing got started.

Stan Wright
Rising Sun TLCA Delegate

 

[woooody]

Stan

I don't think anyone disagrees on the idea of 100 series owners being our next source of new members. As was also discussed, we need to look to new methods to reach those potential members. I think the ideas that you generated such as Twitter and Facebook are good ones. We just need to find someone to "champion" it.

Thanks!

 

[woooody]

Question, is the TLCA still doing well with new members and not holding on to older members or has that changed?

I don't have an answer for this year, and it will take the renewals for 2014 to determine that one way or the other. At the beginning of the year, that was true.

Our membership numbers have dropped month to month, however, I believe that we have a core group of long time members, and we will always have members that will only be members while they own their Toyota 4WD. With many of the newer vehicles on a 3 - 5 year ownership cycle, we will always lose members and gain newer ones. I think our local clubs see the same cycles.

I would rather build our budget around 2700 members and focus on improving the experience for our members rather than budgeting for 3300 and then sweating out getting new members and renewing members. That's why I feel moving it to $35 makes the most sense. We could also choose to leave 1st class membership at $45 as an incentive for people to choose that and reduce frustrations over lost magazines.

This year, we are so tight on funds that we weren't comfortable investing in putting limited edition merchandise in the store for fear we would be stuck with it, even though Matt did a great job research items and developing a budget with a profit potential of $5000 - $7000.

If we do increase to $35, we can restore 8 pages of "web exclusive" content back to the published magazine. We can then select one of the published articles to be featured on TLCA.org as a way to introduce potential members to TLCA. If we only increase to $33, we will only be able to maintain what we are currently providing. My feeling is that if we are increasing the cost to the member we should provide some additional benefit(s).

Thanks!