Porsche Club EGM

[Megaflow]

Dave Sumner Smith said:

I would have liked to support the rebellion at PCGB, but had already resigned my membership earlier this month. I wrote to PCGB to explain why I would not renew, saying:

"I continue to be a Porsche owner and consider my enthusiasm for the marque as sincere as ever.

Having been a motoring journalist / editor / magazine publisher for many years & an online community manager for (some major brands), I probably appreciate your challenges better than many.

So I thought it might be helpful to explain why I do not plan to renew my membership. Primarily it revolves around value for money

1/ I have no interest in attending regional events. They might appeal to some people, but they have no appeal to me whatsoever.

2/ I attended one of the Porsche Experience events at Silverstone, but found it disappointing because it was too short and offered poor value for money.

3/ Whilst I enjoy track days, I find it hard to understand why the events organised by PCGB cost so much more than the norm, so I have not attended any of yours. (If there are any USPs, they need to be publicised more effectively)

4/ I have looked into some of the special deals on insurance and tyres available to PCGB members, but have always been able to find better alternatives on the open market.

Finally (and in this instance it is not about VFM)

5/ With the exception of ‘Porsche Month in Pictures’ the Porsche Post magazine is disappointing.

The production standards (i.e. paper & printing) are high, but the design is woefully outdated and the editorial content is lacklustre & predictable.
There are many interesting and/or challenging topics that you could be covering EG (organising real tests of different tyres on specific models, conducting used car buyer guides & investigating the different prices charged for supposedly identical servicing by Porsche dealers).
But it seems to be compiled for the advertisers & the regional group heads, rather than readers.

6/ There are several online communities for Porsche owners and enthusiasts.
They love being online and discussing their cars.

Sadly your website is not an interactive two-way environment.
It is primarily a one-way platform for promotions – and in today’s world that really isn’t good enough.

I wish you and the club the very best for the future.

But unless & until PCGB offers sharper editorial and better value, I do not anticipate renewing my membership in the future."

Was this fair?
What are your views on PCGB?

I was a member for a couple of years when I first bought my Cayman. Then I stopped, the above sums it up nicely for me.

Also, and this is only an opinion based on my observations, 80% of the activity seemed to come from 20% of the members, which is not unusual for any club. But that 20% had a definite air of... how do I word it... one upmanship... a bit dick waving... Freemasons... if you like.

[acme]

I'm intrigued to know how much membership is now?

I too was a member for a few years when I got my car, but got tired of the infighting that seemed to go on and the multitude of board positions - it's a club not a company...

I've also been a member of the Mercedes club, they have one full time member of staff and 10,000 members!

The annual price is £38 pa with a good monthly magazine, the price 10 years ago I think was £33 and it's only recently gone to £38.

[blade7]

Megaflow said:

I was a member for a couple of years when I first bought my Cayman. Then I stopped, the above sums it up nicely for me.

Also, and this is only an opinion based on my observations, 80% of the activity seemed to come from 20% of the members, which is not unusual for any club. But that 20% had a definite air of... how do I word it... one upmanship... a bit dick waving... Freemasons... if you like.

I've been a guest on there for years, there has been snobbery towards guests from some members. I expect like most guests, I'd just go elsewhere if restrictions were placed on guests.Then like on here, the 924/44/68 traffic would wither away.

[Dave Sumner Smith]

According to the renewal letter I received two weeks ago, Individual Membership of PCGB costs £60 (cheque or credit card) or £55 (direct debit).

(Joint or Associate Membership is £3 extra.)

[Twinfan]

acme said:

I too was a member for a few years when I got my car, but got tired of the infighting that seemed to go on and the multitude of board positions - it's a club not a company...

It is a company, and one with several valuable assets and a substantial amount of cash in the bank.

[RiccardoG]

Dave Sumner Smith said:

Was this fair?
What are your views on PCGB?

I agree with many of these points, in particular the Porsche Post, which is dreadful in its content, and the online presence (forum), which is best avoided. I do find the Lockton insurance good. Not necessarily the cheapest, but its a premium cover and service in my experience (from a roadside assistance claim). I had understood that the track days cost more due to lower attendee numbers? Is the PEC event customised for PCGB? I enjoyed my PEC experience and wish there were more opportunities to attend events.

The events are "ok", I would say no more or less than your average car club. At the few (<10) I've attended the event hospitality has been well organised and with a "premium" feel.

It does seem to me that PCGB is run to be a profitable business. Clearly increasing its asset base is guaranteeing the long-term existence of the Club, it does make members like me feel that I am there to serve the Club's interests, rather than the other way round. As a result I am therefore relatively indifferent towards PCGB but overall view it more with suspicion than admiration. All the above apply as much to my membership now as it did 20 years ago when I first joined (and later left). In this sense I don't see the Club as having changed much.

I think PCGB aims to reflect the Porsche brand as "premium" and focuses on delivering its services to this standard.

If what's been said above re the "coup" is true, its a concern that a self-selected bunch can have such impact. I've no idea of who they are nor their agenda but am indeed concerned for the future of the Club and would rather opt for stability.

[acme]

Twinfan said:

It is a company, and one with several valuable assets and a substantial amount of cash in the bank.

I fully understand that, hence the dots at the end. And there's the problem, it's no longer run as a club for enthusiasts but a business to make money.

[Andyoz]

Can I just ask if one of the 'main' players in PCGB runs a printing company or is associated with that industry?

[Geoff39GL]

Sorry to hear the general feeling on here.

I must however say I get lots from the club and see it in a very different light, it is true you get out what you put in and I'm sure its not for everyone but
I have lots of friendships that have originated through PCGB, enjoy the meets and activities and it is a very important part of our social life.

Maybe its the region your in or its possibly just not your thing but I assure you there are a lot who feel like me its just a shame this mess is out in the public domain and the sooner it gets sorted the better.

[Voodoo Blue]

We've been members for a few years but only really keep paying because of events like Bicester, Brands Hatch and Silverstone Classic where we've met some really nice people and very enthusiastic club officials. We went to one local meeting years ago in our first Macan and some old duffer asked us why we'd turned up in that monstrosity. Needless to say we didn't bother going back.

As for the current situation its not clear to me what the detail is behind calling an EGM other than that published on the club website. I have read about the situation regarding dealers in Yorkshire but am unclear if this is connected. If it is then I think both sides need to be really clear in the meeting what the actual issues are and allow the current incumbents to address these in order for members like me to be able to make an informed decision.

[anonymous-user]

There can be some useful stuff on their forum, but it is far less busier than here, and the interface is so archaic it actually makes the PH one look cutting edge...

[Andyoz]

Voodoo Blue said:

We've been members for a few years but only really keep paying because of events like Bicester, Brands Hatch and Silverstone Classic where we've met some really nice people and very enthusiastic club officials. We went to one local meeting years ago in our first Macan and some old duffer asked us why we'd turned up in that monstrosity. Needless to say we didn't bother going back.

I think you've every right there to tell old fella to..."shove his car up his hole!"

[Voodoo Blue]

Andyoz said:

Voodoo Blue said:

We've been members for a few years but only really keep paying because of events like Bicester, Brands Hatch and Silverstone Classic where we've met some really nice people and very enthusiastic club officials. We went to one local meeting years ago in our first Macan and some old duffer asked us why we'd turned up in that monstrosity. Needless to say we didn't bother going back.

I think you've every right there to tell old fella to..."shove his car up his hole!"

We did try talking to him but he was a die hard 911 fan and didn't really see any other models as "real Porsches". Then he sat down to eat with what we assumed was the rest of the core membership and we decided it wasn't for us. Funny thing was we got talking to another new guy who'd recently bought a new 911 and he'd come to the same conclusion. Shame really.

[Janluke]

Voodoo Blue said:

Andyoz said:

Voodoo Blue said:

We've been members for a few years but only really keep paying because of events like Bicester, Brands Hatch and Silverstone Classic where we've met some really nice people and very enthusiastic club officials. We went to one local meeting years ago in our first Macan and some old duffer asked us why we'd turned up in that monstrosity. Needless to say we didn't bother going back.

I think you've every right there to tell old fella to..."shove his car up his hole!"

We did try talking to him but he was a die hard 911 fan and didn't really see any other models as "real Porsches". Then he sat down to eat with what we assumed was the rest of the core membership and we decided it wasn't for us. Funny thing was we got talking to another new guy who'd recently bought a new 911 and he'd come to the same conclusion. Shame really.

I've been in numerous owners clubs over the years and a version of this guy is in every club, every region but for every one of him there's 10 decent members with a more friendly outlook

[Cheib]

Amazed nobody had mentioned the parts discount...membership more than pays for itself every year because of that. Cayenne is about to have all four sets of discs and pads replaced...10% of which is a lot more than £60.

I’ve been on a couple of courses organised by PCGB at Milbrook etc which were good. I’ve got no interest in the regional stuff though....my life is busy enough anyway and if I want to talk cars there’s PH and mates for that. Oh and when I bought a car at the end of last year I spoke to the PCGB register secretary Fred Hampton who was very helpful.

[williamp]

Janluke said:

Voodoo Blue said:

Andyoz said:

Voodoo Blue said:

We've been members for a few years but only really keep paying because of events like Bicester, Brands Hatch and Silverstone Classic where we've met some really nice people and very enthusiastic club officials. We went to one local meeting years ago in our first Macan and some old duffer asked us why we'd turned up in that monstrosity. Needless to say we didn't bother going back.

I think you've every right there to tell old fella to..."shove his car up his hole!"

We did try talking to him but he was a die hard 911 fan and didn't really see any other models as "real Porsches". Then he sat down to eat with what we assumed was the rest of the core membership and we decided it wasn't for us. Funny thing was we got talking to another new guy who'd recently bought a new 911 and he'd come to the same conclusion. Shame really.

I've been in numerous owners clubs over the years and a version of this guy is in every club, every region but for every one of him there's 10 decent members with a more friendly outlook

Thats true. But when I joined they were so 911-centric that it was the majority of members I spoke to... er tried speaking to were the same. Didnt renew my membership.

[Wollemi]

supersport said:

I would say you get out what you put in. If none of the Club’s offerings are for you then membership is pointless.

There are some great national events, although too many in the South. But for me Regions is where it’s at.

Absolutely. The regions are where the life and heart of the club are. I suspect that not all regions are the same though, but here in Yorkshire we are friendly and inclusive, with certainly none of the right and wrong Porsche model that some people talk about. We have people turning up at our regional events in every Porsche from a Tractor to a Taycan.

if you are not interested in involving yourself in regional events and making new friends with fellow enthusiasts, or if you'd rather be discussing cars sitting on your own at your keyboard than over a pint after a fine spirited drive, then Porsche Club membership is not for you.

[ChrisW.]

I think there are a couple of very interesting points made so far.

1. With any club the more you participate, the more you are likely to get out of it
2. A successful club does need to be profitable ... and not wasteful
3. For any organisation to have a future, it needs to evolve in a controlled way
4. And it needs to listen to and respond to it's customers ... in this case existing ad prospective future members.

I am sure that the issue of the dealer mentioned is really nothing to do with the club.

I don't believe that the printers are relevant ... the last I heard the publishers were Archant.

Content is a problem for all magazines ... particularly one working as economically as possible as a club. As far as I am aware, all members are invited to contribute. Contribution comes in by region / register (car type) / advertiser contribution / Porsche contribution / club news and events.
You get out of it what you put in ...

Trackdays ? Are generally good with limited numbers on track / photographs available at modest cost / very good driver tuition at very little cost ... and often unlimited noise days with a good selection of cars and enthusiasts who in my experience are fellow car "nuts" ...

Parts discount and offers ? Take them or not ...

Tech support / car valuations / certificates of authenticity / ...

If you want more, just tell them what you want and see if a sensible case can be made for providing it ...

Even the Morris Minor Owners Club charges £37.50 ... it is a great club !

If this topic is going to be influential, it needs to be constructive ...

[robj4]

PCGB Made The Times this morning.....



(Can't post content as it's subscription of course, I did read it but have forgotten most of it).

[Maxym]

I stopped going to meetings because the subjects didn't interest me - too motorsport-focused. Nevertheless my local region (Chiltern) does have a decent committee and do some reasonable stuff outside the regular monthly meeting (COVID permitting).

Porsche Post is dire, not up to date with news, too much stuff from 'partner' firms and not enough features about cars and driving them. The standard 'driven this' article by Matt Master is predictable in style and content, tells me a lot of what I know already and always leaves me wanting to know more. I've had a few articles published and a few years back was keen to do something on a regular basis. But theClub wasn't interested enough to get cars to drive and I gave up. Mind you there's a new GM in post now do maybe the climate is different.

I have rather fallen out of love with PCGB. What bothers me is that the Club is in rude financial health (or words to that effect). Why does it need a fantastically healthy bank balance? What's to be done with the money? A car club doesn't need to make a profit, it needs to keep solvent, maintain a sensible cash reserve and provide its members with decent benefits.

Basically I'd like more for my money or a lower subscription fee. Basically I stay a member for the parts discount.