I usually sit around quietly and read posts....kinda like a general outside observer. On rare occasions, I post....VERY RARE OCCASIONS. This is one of those times.

It has been brought to my attention that some have been 'volunteered' for duty at the meet. Maybe I'm just dumb, but I was under the impression that this was supposed to be fun for all. I can appreciate the thought processes and intentions going into this meet, but I would think that 3 people should be consulted BEFORE any new plans/changes/anything is considered 'written in stone'. Those three would be Josh, Liz and James. This is not an ass kissing post, but those three are the driving forces behind this meet. Josh and Liz because of the board, not taking anything away from the other admins and moderators.....and James for, in effect, donating his property to us lunatics so we can have a 'place to play'.

I understand that folks would want this to be as professional as the best shows out there. But keep in mind that this is all for fun and not for profit. If you as a participant choose (or have to) bring your children, dont think that someone else will have activities for them. They are your children and your responsibility. Same thing goes for the swap meet area. Just show up for the meet, have your stuff, and work out a place to display/sell with the owner of the property (James). If you want a "premium spot".....tip the Maitre D (James), but dont expect a whole staff of people to be there busting their asses to make your trip more enjoyable, while in turn making theirs miserable.

It sure seems to me that most of the members and visitors here have a common interest.....Chevy trucks. Does anyone really think that they are that much different from any other member? I didnt think so. Does anyone really think that they are 'owed' anything for attending this event? I didnt think so. While organization is a good thing and somewhat necessary to pull off any event, too much organization turns a good time to just another day at work, and personally, thats not what I'm driving from Florida to Missouri for. I'm showing up to shake the hands of some I feel I already know.....and to shake hands, break bread, and generally have a good time with friends I havent had the opportunity to get to know yet.

That said.....I honestly believe that if we keep Josh, Liz, and/or James in the loop regarding the plans for the event...this thing will go smoothly. Somehow from reading posts and comments in the past, I really dont see where there will be a shortage of willing volunteers to help out with whatever comes up.....be it donations of time, money, or just simply being there for the sake of the board.

too much organization turns a good time to just another day at work, and personally, thats not what I'm driving from Florida to Missouri for.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I know this will ruffle some feathers, but I've had the same thoughts as Torbjorn. I've been on this board for 4 years and I've been to probably a dozen shows, cookouts, and meets with a lot of other board members here. It ALWAYS works out. People will volunteer to help with Arthur's :) (sorry couldn't resist) truck. Also with anything else that is going on. I don't think this needs to be organized as professionally as it is being done. I think it's just unwarranted stress on those that are worried. Anyways, what's professional about most of the crew that's coming anyway :)

I'm sure I have angered someone, but it wouldn't be me if I didn't. It is not my goal to do so just trying to make it fun for everyone.

I'll agree with yall to a point, and point the finger at myself as much as anyone, because I'm a person that likes to be prepared. We need to relax a bit, but on the flipside, all of this organization has created alot of thought and chatter about the meet, and I think that has a lot of people excited about going. To the people trying hard to make this meet a success; Thank you!

Agree also to a point, I am extremely organized, a clean freak, & a lil bit anal
on my planning. (I had my whole year planned, 23 vacation days, by 1/13/07)
And I do appreciate all the hard work that's going into this, however I am on
the opposite side of Huggers fence, I have heard alot of people say that this
meet will make / break their decisions on whether or not they'll attend in the
future. (Other events) I think we all need to be careful about rubbing people
the wrong way. And I am one of those who is on the fence about the event,
however I will be there this time and wouldn't miss it for the world. My hope
is that it goes off without a hitch and is the biggest party of 2007. My $.02

I think that if we all show up prepared, and all have the same goals ( have fun, meet old friends, and make new friends) Then everything will be just fine!!

:agree:

This was not a shot at Mark, some may think it was, he's my bud
so I'd give him a shot in person :lol: I am just as responsible as he
is but in other ways, we all have PUSHED to make this the event
of the year in our own little ways. Ok I'll go away & shut up now.

:gi:

I'm somewhat of a newb and I have no idea what goes on in the Mod. and Admin. world or chat, I just don't have much extra time in the evenings to get on the comp. I also stay out of threads like this for the most part, however, I felt I should add my opinion to this.

I think it's a good idea for a few volunteers to agree to take on some of the tasks ahead of time so there is some sort of organization to this function. I volunteered myself and will be more than willing to do more once I get there, for the greater good of the group if you will. There will be a lot of folks there and everyone wants to have a blast, planning ahead so they don't have to spend their time at the meet working out details that could have been taken care of before hand. With the number of people expected to attend this meet I believe careful planning is necessary. This will be the first time I make a long trip for a function like this and I wouldn't be doing it if the organization wasn't being planned out as well as it is. I don't like going into something like this not knowing what to expect.

As far as the games for the kiddos, I think it's an awesome idea. I fall into the "choosing" to bring my son category. I don't plan to let him out of my sight and in no way, shape, or form expect anyone to keep up with him for me but it would be cool for there to be something just for the kids although I don't expect it.

I hope I haven't offended anyone as these are just my thoughts and opinions. If I have taken something out of context, please disregard what I have said. It's not easy to read what someone is saying when it's in text(makes no sense but you get what I mean right:crazy:). I hope the outcome of the meet is great and everyone has a good time, and I appreciate everything everyone is doing to pull it off. See y'all in July:)

This was not a shot at Mark

Exactly, Mark just wants it to be perfect, but I think is stressing himself out for no reason. Everything will be fine, people will get along and if I'm correct James has a lot of room for us to roam.

Everything will be alright and fall into place. Remember this is a get together to meet and get to know friends. If we just sit around and talk with everyone for the weekend I would say it is a success.

Exactly, that's what pretty much happens to a show that I go to with a lot of board members. This year at Maggie I was there all 3 days and didn't actually walk around and look at the trucks until Sunday. Having too much fun just chatting it up with board members Friday and Sat. It's one of those things where I lose track of time and look down and it's dinner time. I have no doubt that this will be the same. :)

:)