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Posted by greenbarn
- August 29, 2014, 11:35:10 AMWHOA NELLIE!!! I think we all need to take a deep breath here. This whole Drift-in 15 thing is starting to balloon up, and I don't want to see it "de-rail". It's a fun event among friends – this year was my first one, and I'd like to enjoy more. I know some people can't or won't attend, but I'd hate for it to be for the wrong reason. I enjoyed meeting everyone this year, and would like to meet more new faces next year.
The problem with communicating on a forum or email is the lack of personal interaction – voice inflection, tone, etc. Of course we all know this – but sometimes it's easy to forget- and we read something and take it the wrong way. I'M NOT YELLING RIGHT NOW, but it sure looks like it with the caps on, doesn't it? It's hard to tell the mood or intention of the person writing the message.
Ron, after having the privilege of rooming next to you and your lovely wife this Drift-In and getting to know you, I really think that you're a great guy. And Heidi seems like such a sweet person, I can't imagine anyone being rude or disrespectful to her – shame on them, if that was the case.
On the T-shirt design, the dates and weekdays for the event, the white elephant, and the other issues, etc. I've been reading about – I have an opinion on each of those- but I understand I did not volunteer to put the work into planning this event, so I'll have to take it or leave it the way it is.
I just think there have been lots of correspondence that has been taken the wrong way recently – and I don't want to see this cause further problems in the group. I spent a good part of my corporate work career in "go between" positions – I was always stuck between QA and Production, Corporate and Division, R&D and Marketing... I've seen this kind of thing a lot – and I've gotten good at reading between the lines and being able to see when people may mis-understand someone's intentions and then over-react in their reply. There has been a lot of that going on, I think, in this and the VDR thread. My main goal here is not to point fingers anywhere – we are all human and no one is to blame – I would just like to see us all remain friends in the end, and would like to see Drift -In 15 be a huge success.
Posted by Troll
- August 29, 2014, 11:28:11 AMRelax. You have plenty of time to fine tune this complicated event. I have a few thoughts that might mean something, or not. I would consult with Scott Steen, since he created the event, and ask him for ideas..For me, it's all about the "ride". I absolutely love the trip, the scenery, the site seeing and the twistys, when available. It's more about going someplace and seeing something I've never been before. Seeing the people we correspond with and meeting new people is an important part of that whole experience. The food and the prizes, etc. are not important to me. Sure, it's nice to win something, but it's not a be all or end all. On that note, I think it might be nice to consider expanding the show categories. I realize this is a friendly ride in show, but a little wider field of view might be in order. There are just so many variations on the theme that a little wider focus could improve an already good event. Just my thoughts, FWIW. I don't envy you this daunting task. I actually considered putting my hat in the ring for this one, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on it when the time came. Soooo, in closing, keep in mind, you can't please everyone, and each rally should be a unique experience......now take a deep breath, and say OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Posted by 49Reo
- August 29, 2014, 10:46:56 AMI for one say "well done and thank you" to anyone who takes on the responsibility to host this event. From past experience being involved with other organizations, I know what a load it can be; both physically and emotionally. As I will not be helping to get this organized, I cannot and will not have any "opinions". I sincerely hope to make it in 2015, as I have not been able to get to a Drift-In yet. I for one, and I know a lot will agree, am in it for the riding, seeing new country, and meeting others with the same interests.
Good luck, and many thanks to you and your wife for taking on this onerous task.
Just sayin'
Posted by BamaBikerMom
- August 29, 2014, 06:53:00 AMI think DKTime and I will pass on 2015 also... We would have to take extra vacation time to attend due to the dates and we really like to get the most out of our time. And it has been way to much drama and it is still 11 months away... so with that being said.. I wish yall the best of luck and hope you have a good turn out... 
Posted by jmbo
- August 29, 2014, 00:08:14 AMYou know Dancing Bear you are right. It's your show and you run it as you please. As you say "Not all will be happy how this is run, but ultimately it is our (your) responsibility." Sorry to say as much as I'd like to get together with my fellow Drifters I'll pass for this year. Besides I'm at a point n my life where I don't need any more drama. I'm just in it for the fun. Maybe things will settle down a bit for 2016. No hard feelings. Best of luck to you and you wife on the rally.
Posted by Dancing Bear
- August 28, 2014, 23:02:02 PMI most certainly did not jump down your throat.
We are still in the planning stages and you cannot imagine how hard it is to try to make a direction when so many want to go in so many directions.
You will have to decide if you want to attend and I hope you do. I am sorry about your injuries and hope all heals well.
Only you can decide what your plans are, but hope to see you. I do not jump down throats I just say it how I see it. I prefer not to offend, but I know sometimes I lack in diplomacy. The nice thing is no one ever gets anything but the real me. Some like it some don't, but I am who I am and pretend to be nothing different. You are correct we don't know each other, I hope that changes.
Personally I never liked the logo voting so I refused to vote. I think decide and move to the next piece of business.
Dancing Bear
Posted by jmbo
- August 28, 2014, 21:42:34 PMHold on Dancing Bear. Look you don't know me and I don't know you. You are probably a great guy in real life so there is no need to jump down my throat with all sorts of accusations about my challenging your authority. All I did was make a polite reasonable request to reconsider the logo contest. You started this post to solicit comments or complains. Don't shoot me for making a suggestion.
I missed out on this year's rally due to an injury. I had hope to go to the 2015 rally if all mends well. I have to admit based on what I see the jury is still out on that until I know more of what you have planned.
Posted by Dancing Bear
- August 28, 2014, 20:52:30 PMThank you for your concern (s).
Heidi and I were told this was our choice how to run this. I understand the logo thing is a big deal to some people, but appears not to the majority. I said if you want to present a logo it would be considered.
The thing is Heidi and I have to lay out the money up front and since it is our money up front we need to control our costs, not allow our money to be spent by others. The more on the logo the more the cost of the shirts up front and to each person who buys the shirt. The cost will be passed along to the people who want a shirt. There are people on fixed incomes, such as Heidi and me that need to be concerned about paying out.
If you want to submit a logo, we never said you could not, but as far as having a lot of people involved in how we spend our money, NO WAY!
I know there are others on a fixed income that will have problems paying for the white elephant gift exchange that has been proposed. Heidi and I understand that, our finances need to be watched too and if we have people voting in an exceptional logo that drives the prices of the shirts up you will not appreciate that either.
Not all will be happy how this is run, but ultimately it is our responsibility. All we ask is that you come and enjoy for a minimal cost and a maximum pleasure.
Ron (Dancing Bear)
Posted by jmbo
- August 28, 2014, 00:17:06 AMSince you set up a post for concerns let me offer mine.
As I and others noted on the Delphi blog, I agree with those who wish to continue the logo contest tradition. It gives members a chance to be involved and feel they are part of the planning of the event.. It help build up interest and enthusiasm months prior to the event. It also takes some to the risk off the shoulders of whoever designs the shirts since the final design is "member sanctioned" I wish you would reconsider dropping the contest from next year's program.
I am not sure why you feel the need to eliminate this tradition but I wish you would please reconsider.
Posted by Dancing Bear
- August 27, 2014, 21:59:59 PMWhether there has or has not been comments or complaints made between members so far or not, I want to address this now. My email is mstillalive@yahoo.com
My cell number is 574-207-3829
If there are comments or complaints anyone would like to present I will handle on a 1 on 1 basis. Please DO NOT contact Heidi on face book about negative comments or ANY complaints.
I am not sure if what I have heard is just a few, who did not stand up and take on the responsibility of hosting this, or a few who like drama and maybe nothing to it at all. Heidi and I are a long way from traditionalists, neither of us are new to planning large events, we do not know everything but we do know too many hands in the pot makes for an EXTREMELY confusing time.
We are breaking for recent traditions with this Drift - In, however all were glad we said we would do it. All we ask is please allow us to do some things differently.
That does not mean your opinions do not matter, it simply means we will listen to your opinions and decide what will be best for hosting the best 2015 Drift - In we can host.
There are things in the works we will not discuss now, but after our revisit to the area in October 2014 we will have a better handle on some of the things that are going on.
Teri Conrad has agreed to handle the raffle the way she wants it done.
Our British friends are frustrated that July is the event. We are aware June was not a good time for some people so Heidi and I decided after hearing what all had to say when we volunteered to host we were not going to be able to and would not try to make it a perfect world.
If anyone has concerns, instead of allowing them to fester among you, let's get them out in the open, that is the only way they can be addressed and resolved.
As far as traditions are concerned, there will still be some, some will be eliminated this Drift - In. Heidi and I are grown up people and can make some pretty large decisions, with all in mind.
You trusted us to host this, please continue to trust us. We have received so many likes on both the forums, this one and Delphi plus on face book.
Our goal is for all to enjoy and to not get so many people involved that we as hosts lose control and your trust you have given us.
You have my email and my number. I do not mean to offend anyone. If you are offended in any way I apologize, but I take my role in this very seriously and will continue to do so.
As far as the logo for this year if you want to submit a logo that is up to you, that does not mean there will be an official vote on the logo or how the shirts should be done or look. This is another tradition that may be changed this year, official voting for logo and/or shirts. Please note the shirts WILL NOT be black this year.
We were told had we had to decide how we wanted to handle Drift - In 2015, Heidi and I have no problem taking that literally.
We have no doubt that all that attend will enjoy whether you have come to every one of them or this is your first time.
There will be more posts and we will continue to work on this all thru the year.
Your support is very important to Heidi and Me.
I am well aware some people will like me and some will not like me. The point is neither side will ever have to wonder who I am and where I am coming from. Wouldn't you rather have it that way instead of wondering about me or if you should turn your back on me? I come straight up. I will not apologize for who I am. I respect all until they prove I should not. I am not a tough guy, just who I am.
Thank you to all and look forward to seeing all friends old and new in Pikeville, Kentucky July 20 - 24 2015 for some good old down in Southeast Kentucky fun. You know how Heidi (Dimples) enjoys laughing.
In closing I want to give the applause to Chief for all his efforts, dedication and diligence for making 2014 Drift - In a WONDERFUL and enjoyable time.
Heidi and I hope to do the follow up justice.
Ron (Dancing Bear) and Heidi (Dimples)