Lotus 7 Club - is it worth it?
Discussion
sjmmarsh said:
kenny.R400 said:
So what would need to happen for the ex members on here to join up again?
What would make you pick up the phone and renew?
Great question Kenny! Let's take this thread in a more constructive direction. What would it take to get any ex-members reading this to join up again?What would make you pick up the phone and renew?
Steve
Edited by sjmmarsh on Monday 29th December 20:44
PhilipRJ said:
I would rejoin if ...
The monthly paper pamphlet ... was online, not paper ... and was dynamic, not monthly
This would reduce the cost
Open the Forum to all
Get closer to Caterham Cars
Area meets were open to all
Should be easy to provide an online copy. I like my 'paper pamphlet'The monthly paper pamphlet ... was online, not paper ... and was dynamic, not monthly
This would reduce the cost
Open the Forum to all
Get closer to Caterham Cars
Area meets were open to all
Forum no different to FOC, PCGB, LCUK, MGCC....none of them open to non-members
Club is closer to CC than perhaps you are aware
Area meets I've been to don't check membership cards at the door. Which area has insisted that for you?
so, aside from the forum, I think we can welcome you back into the fold.
Eta..I see you're in Essex. I can categorically assure you that we have NEVER prevented a non-club member from attending our meetings. Please come along to The Hare and you'll be assured of a warm welcome.
Edited by rubystone on Monday 29th December 21:42
Yes, it should be easy to provide an online copy. But there isn't one.
Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:19
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:22
PhilipRJ said:
Yes, it should be easy to provide an online copy. But there isn't one.
Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
PhilipOpen Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:19
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:22
Follow this linky http://www.carrotland.co.uk/about-us To me these guys are the embodiment of what the club is about, some regions are more active than others.
I have been a member then not a member and am again a member, the point is a club is what the members make it Carrott land organised the 50 years of the 7 celebration the team (club members) did a cracking job of putting the weekend together.
Arnie Webb along with a small team of volunteers did a a great job in organising Le-Mans trips which eventually stopped.
I have been to meets when not a member and welcomed as I have a Caterham
PhilipRJ said:
Yes, it should be easy to provide an online copy. But there isn't one.
Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Hi Philip,Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:19
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:22
Hopefully I can help with a few items:
Low Flying online - It is planned to release an online version in the not too distant future. However, it won't really result in reduced costs as there is still considerable demand for the paper version, and producing a smaller print run will not make much difference to the costs of producing the magazine.
The forum is open to view by non-members, but as it is a Club members forum it's not unreasonable to expect only members to be able to post on it, as the examples cited above (but I realise you may have a different opinion).
The Club is enjoying a good relationship with Caterham Cars, whilst remaining an independent owners/enthusiasts club (ie not controlled by the manufacturer). It's not a secret at all, but naturally Club members will be more informed of collaboration then non-members.
Off the top of my head, this year CC supported the Club by:
- providing free admission for Club members in their sevens to the F1 driver test day at Silverstone with access to the F1 Team pits, drivers, hospitality, etc.
- providing factory tours for members, of the F1 factory and CTI technologies facility.
- supporting the Club at it's Throckmoreton summer event, bringing along an F1 Car, demonstrators, drivers, hospitality vehicles and quite a few staff.
- will soon be providing free Club membership to purchasers of used cars.
Regarding mailing lists, I think you're being a bit unfair claiming that "Active membership requirement for area meet". All Club Members are automatically added to their local Area Mailing List, and can also sign themselves up to any other Area(s) lists. So "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on", is correct, in that as a Club Member you'll automatically get details of what the Club is doing in the Area (and any others that you want to sign up to). I'm not sure what else you're expecting there?
The Club will never be able to please everyone all the time, but hopefully you can see that perhaps it's not too far away from your ideals - how about joining to give it go (after all it only costs about the same as a tank of petrol, and there are other advantages, discounts, social stuff, trips, etc, as well)?
I'd still be interested to hear from others what they would like to see in order to join/rejoin.
Edited by Helluvaname on Tuesday 30th December 00:53
Edited by Helluvaname on Tuesday 30th December 10:27
I suppose we're all guilty of it at some point or another but it seems impossible to have a discussion on this forum without somebody at some point being rude, derisory or dismissive of another's view or point.
It detracts from what's being discussed and just gets others backs up, it turns an objective discussion into something personal and unpleasant.
Having a higher post count doesn't make you more important or what you post any more valid than anyone else - it certainly doesn't give you the right to bully or insult another.
Would you say what you post to someone's face in the pub (it's easy to be the "big I am" behind a keyboard).
Just thought I'd mention it.
It detracts from what's being discussed and just gets others backs up, it turns an objective discussion into something personal and unpleasant.
Having a higher post count doesn't make you more important or what you post any more valid than anyone else - it certainly doesn't give you the right to bully or insult another.
Would you say what you post to someone's face in the pub (it's easy to be the "big I am" behind a keyboard).
Just thought I'd mention it.
Toaster said:
Arnie Webb along with a small team of volunteers did a a great job in organising Le-Mans trips which eventually stopped.
But it must be pointed out that the great job was done when the trip was run by an independent company. When it was handed to Club Members to run two of them started embezeling funds, and when the CLub took it over fully they ran it into the ground due to their poor management - giving away valuable assets and contracts etc.This same poor management is why the Club is in the state its in today.
But the problme it has is just the same as other larger car clubs. The Westfield CLub has exactly the same issues, so much so the local Area Organiser to me has divorced his meetings association with their club and its not run as an independent kit car club.
" I'd still be interested to hear from others what they would like to see in order to join/rejoin. "
Thanks for that, maybe this is a start.
Here's what I'd like to see happen for what its worth.
I'd let my membership slip for a while due to things happening in the real world and simply never got around to joining again.
I've still got a 7 and decided to rejoin when we got back from holiday earlier this year, but that was just as the new site had gone live.
I'll admit I looked at the new site and didn't like its layout one little bit, as it seems many others didn't.
What annoyed me in all brutal honesty was the way existing and long standing members were being chastised for airing their views about this, sometimes in quite rude exchanges, it was as though it was a real case of "like it or f*ck off".
With reports of a not fit for purpose search facility and other major flaws I thought it best to hang fire with rejoining and see how it pans out.
It seems to me much is still the same abeit with dwindling participation on the BC forum, I may be wrong here but that's how it's still coming across.ie as a works in progress forum and a far cry from old.
Just to scotch a couple of myths (on my part anyway). We're always told when we/they have a grumble about things is that Blatchat (the forum) is only part of the club, the thing is though I reckon it's a big part of the club for some and rightly so..
Let's face it what else is there of huge value apart from being part of a great community and having access to the best 7 data base on the planet, that is good enough for me anyway.
At the height of my sprinting and hill climbing days I never did club events so had no interest in that side of things even then, being up north there was more going on by joining a local Motor club and doing their events, but I kept up my dues and continued being a member.
I would NEVER search the data base free of charge, when finding that all important oil filter number, or the cam timing for a 244 I was always a paid up member, a pride thing really. Also loved the debate and chat on there and the help that was always available on anything and everything.
I now really fail to see why the emphasis seems to be on this new club site and members area, what info is in that that can't be gleaned from LF or my mates already in the club, I may and probably am in the minority here but I'd have thought the BC forum was more important than the "club site", is it not anymore?
One idea to see what members think is more important is maybe to revisit the old much talked about 2 tier membership? This time make it 50 quid for access to everything, or £30 for BC only and no access to the main forum, again just an idea which may tempt members back, I don't know.
I also don't believe the often used snipe of "club membership only costs the same as a tank of fuel" as relevant. Nobody who joins is skint but they do have certain in built thoughts which de-cipher value for money.
It's harsh to say but not being a club member does not cost you the good friends you've made over the years, insurance co's don't ask for your membership every year so why should I join?
The reason is because I'd like to once more for old times sake, especially if it were a true club once more where you could forward ideas without a b
king as hopefully this thread is now proving.
For me, and only me to join up now, I'd like to see orange BC brought back with it's full data base as an interim. I'd like to see 2 tier membership debated amongst the members and finally I'd like not to be penalised if I don't want to take out a DD for payment.
Sorry for the long post, it's always easier face to face on things like this.
Thanks for that, maybe this is a start.
Here's what I'd like to see happen for what its worth.
I'd let my membership slip for a while due to things happening in the real world and simply never got around to joining again.
I've still got a 7 and decided to rejoin when we got back from holiday earlier this year, but that was just as the new site had gone live.
I'll admit I looked at the new site and didn't like its layout one little bit, as it seems many others didn't.
What annoyed me in all brutal honesty was the way existing and long standing members were being chastised for airing their views about this, sometimes in quite rude exchanges, it was as though it was a real case of "like it or f*ck off".
With reports of a not fit for purpose search facility and other major flaws I thought it best to hang fire with rejoining and see how it pans out.
It seems to me much is still the same abeit with dwindling participation on the BC forum, I may be wrong here but that's how it's still coming across.ie as a works in progress forum and a far cry from old.
Just to scotch a couple of myths (on my part anyway). We're always told when we/they have a grumble about things is that Blatchat (the forum) is only part of the club, the thing is though I reckon it's a big part of the club for some and rightly so..
Let's face it what else is there of huge value apart from being part of a great community and having access to the best 7 data base on the planet, that is good enough for me anyway.
At the height of my sprinting and hill climbing days I never did club events so had no interest in that side of things even then, being up north there was more going on by joining a local Motor club and doing their events, but I kept up my dues and continued being a member.
I would NEVER search the data base free of charge, when finding that all important oil filter number, or the cam timing for a 244 I was always a paid up member, a pride thing really. Also loved the debate and chat on there and the help that was always available on anything and everything.
I now really fail to see why the emphasis seems to be on this new club site and members area, what info is in that that can't be gleaned from LF or my mates already in the club, I may and probably am in the minority here but I'd have thought the BC forum was more important than the "club site", is it not anymore?
One idea to see what members think is more important is maybe to revisit the old much talked about 2 tier membership? This time make it 50 quid for access to everything, or £30 for BC only and no access to the main forum, again just an idea which may tempt members back, I don't know.
I also don't believe the often used snipe of "club membership only costs the same as a tank of fuel" as relevant. Nobody who joins is skint but they do have certain in built thoughts which de-cipher value for money.
It's harsh to say but not being a club member does not cost you the good friends you've made over the years, insurance co's don't ask for your membership every year so why should I join?
The reason is because I'd like to once more for old times sake, especially if it were a true club once more where you could forward ideas without a b
king as hopefully this thread is now proving.For me, and only me to join up now, I'd like to see orange BC brought back with it's full data base as an interim. I'd like to see 2 tier membership debated amongst the members and finally I'd like not to be penalised if I don't want to take out a DD for payment.
Sorry for the long post, it's always easier face to face on things like this.
Edited by kenny.R400 on Tuesday 30th December 13:41
Orange Blatchat was a bespoke forum written and built by Barry on now outdated systems and he has taken a well deserved retirement, so the chances of it returning are non existent I would have thought Kenny. Lovely car BTW, shame I may never see it at a Lotus 7 Club event:-(
The problem seems to be long standing members and past members sitting there in with their pipe and slippers reminiscing about the good ol days, see it at work, seen my parents do it, and even myself but it is time to be constructive(that means stop moaning) and move on. Yes Blatchat was good but this new one is OK. It has been the efforts of one man to try and sort out the new website and forum with the supplier and he works full time so he has done really well getting it this far. A forum is more to do with the content than the functionality IMHO so lets get on and use it.
I belong to several clubs and most are around £50 per year but the Lotus 7 Club has helped me make some good like minded friends. The club is still active, more so than other car clubs I have been in and still welcoming. I have moved to a new area recently and already met some new members in my area so to me the membership fee is worth it. Yes I could probably have met them without joining but I get emails of things going on locally, however I do think Facebook will encroach on this communication as well as other social media as newer(read younger) members come along.
The new Lowflying under Mike Calvert's editorship is really good and has won an award recently and will go electronic before too long so nothing to moan about there.
If you want to go to Le Mans, 24hr or Classic then the club can help.
Like all clubs it does not appeal to everyone, but it is still a good club with fantastic members so I for one will be sticking with it going forward.
The problem seems to be long standing members and past members sitting there in with their pipe and slippers reminiscing about the good ol days, see it at work, seen my parents do it, and even myself but it is time to be constructive(that means stop moaning) and move on. Yes Blatchat was good but this new one is OK. It has been the efforts of one man to try and sort out the new website and forum with the supplier and he works full time so he has done really well getting it this far. A forum is more to do with the content than the functionality IMHO so lets get on and use it.
I belong to several clubs and most are around £50 per year but the Lotus 7 Club has helped me make some good like minded friends. The club is still active, more so than other car clubs I have been in and still welcoming. I have moved to a new area recently and already met some new members in my area so to me the membership fee is worth it. Yes I could probably have met them without joining but I get emails of things going on locally, however I do think Facebook will encroach on this communication as well as other social media as newer(read younger) members come along.
The new Lowflying under Mike Calvert's editorship is really good and has won an award recently and will go electronic before too long so nothing to moan about there.
If you want to go to Le Mans, 24hr or Classic then the club can help.
Like all clubs it does not appeal to everyone, but it is still a good club with fantastic members so I for one will be sticking with it going forward.
Thanks Nick for the reply. Are you a member of the Lotus 7 management team?
Also is Helluvaname? I was answering his request as to what would entice me/others to rejoin today.
I agree with some of what you say, however as per usual there is a perceived taunt whenever the slightest criticism is muted.
I don't feel pipe and slippers applies to me in any big way really (have we ever met?), asking for a bomb proof and fully functional (as it was) forum is not worthy of that retort I don't think.
Again though thanks for the reply, would love to hear any other thoughts to my other points that I was invited to give, along with the other guys.
Also is Helluvaname? I was answering his request as to what would entice me/others to rejoin today.
I agree with some of what you say, however as per usual there is a perceived taunt whenever the slightest criticism is muted.
I don't feel pipe and slippers applies to me in any big way really (have we ever met?), asking for a bomb proof and fully functional (as it was) forum is not worthy of that retort I don't think.
Again though thanks for the reply, would love to hear any other thoughts to my other points that I was invited to give, along with the other guys.
Hi Kenny,
Just a quick reply as struggling with work stuff at the moment.
I volunteered to help on the club Management Team a few years ago, partly as there was a vacancy, and partly because I felt the MT needed to be more communicative with the members (rather than just via the Area Reps).
I think we're getting better at communication, but can always improve, however time is always pressing.
Prior to joining the MT I was (and still am) an Area Rep.
My MT role is co-ordinating all the Areas and Area Reps (but we all have an input into any aspect of the Club) and it takes up quite a lot of my time. Others put in a lot more.
So the short answer is yes I am "on the MT", although I'm still a member with a 7, same as everyone else.
Hopefully I'll get a bit of time this evening to go through your suggestions and feed back
Just a quick reply as struggling with work stuff at the moment.
I volunteered to help on the club Management Team a few years ago, partly as there was a vacancy, and partly because I felt the MT needed to be more communicative with the members (rather than just via the Area Reps).
I think we're getting better at communication, but can always improve, however time is always pressing.
Prior to joining the MT I was (and still am) an Area Rep.
My MT role is co-ordinating all the Areas and Area Reps (but we all have an input into any aspect of the Club) and it takes up quite a lot of my time. Others put in a lot more.
So the short answer is yes I am "on the MT", although I'm still a member with a 7, same as everyone else.
Hopefully I'll get a bit of time this evening to go through your suggestions and feed back
Kenny, pipe and slippers not directed at just you but long standing members who moan in general, including me sometimes, I am known by some as a bit of a Victor Meldrew - sorry but I was not trying to taunt. Lets be honest the old Blatchat was like the wild west with people offering their opinions on all sorts and that's what made it good. If criticism is directed at the Club then those still involved can feel the need to defend it and this can lead to the exchanges you mentioned but really the percentage of critics to defenders is heavily weighted to the former I would say.
Helluvename is on the management team and work tirelessly to help improve the club and does not always agree with all joint decisions made but is happy to listen and try and influence changes if he agrees.
I am a very recent new AR to my new area but up to now have not made any of the club decisions but have listened to why decisions were taken to change Blatchat in a recent AR forum.
Helluvename is on the management team and work tirelessly to help improve the club and does not always agree with all joint decisions made but is happy to listen and try and influence changes if he agrees.
I am a very recent new AR to my new area but up to now have not made any of the club decisions but have listened to why decisions were taken to change Blatchat in a recent AR forum.
Edited by Orange Blackbird on Tuesday 30th December 14:47
PhilipRJ said:
Yes, it should be easy to provide an online copy. But there isn't one.
Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Philip, that doesn't stop you coming to the meetings. Not all attendees are club members. And if you read the 'pamphlet' you'll learn how close the club is to CC and how they help them out.Open Forum, this is my opinion
Maybe the Club is closer to Caterham than I'm aware. Maybe it is, is it a secret ?
Active membership requirement for area meet. "we'll put you on the email list when you're a member, then you'll be aware of what's going on". At the Hare, in Essex.
I was just giving my response to the question ... but apparently I got 3 of my 4 opinions wrong.
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:19
Edited by PhilipRJ on Monday 29th December 22:22
Your post suggested that these were reasons, not opinions, as to why you hadn't joined the club. I'd love you to come along to The Hare and I'd love you to join the club. I'lm happy to pay for a year's membership for you. I have you down as living in Saffron Walden, right?
rubystone said:
Philip, that doesn't stop you coming to the meetings. Not all attendees are club members. And if you read the 'pamphlet' you'll learn how close the club is to CC and how they help them out.
Your post suggested that these were reasons, not opinions, as to why you hadn't joined the club. I'd love you to come along to The Hare and I'd love you to join the club. I'lm happy to pay for a year's membership for you. I have you down as living in Saffron Walden, right?
Thank you for your kind offer to pay my membership fee but you don't need to do that.Your post suggested that these were reasons, not opinions, as to why you hadn't joined the club. I'd love you to come along to The Hare and I'd love you to join the club. I'lm happy to pay for a year's membership for you. I have you down as living in Saffron Walden, right?
I live in Chicago now ... which is why the pamphlet isn't any use.
I was a member. I have a Caterham.
I have been to meetings at the Hare first as a non member and then as a member ... although the Breakfast Club is more fun.
My post was in response to the "what changes would make you rejoin", those were my opinions.
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