Sunday Services and the future, your thoughts please
Discussion
As for entrance logistics- i for one, use the sunday service as an excuse for an early morning drive whilst the roads are quiet. i also hate to que but i am happy to arrive early and wait in my car for the place to open?
Merchandise- it would be good to be able to buy items related to the hosts and the pistonheads site, from the venues we visit. weather it be a t-shirt,cup, sticker, watch or whatever the hosts have to offer?
Charity-i feel its a missed opportunity and also feel slightly guilty not making some kind of donation as a sign of appreciation to all those who organise these events. i would happily make a cash donation whilst attending or when leaving.
Hopefully these events will continue to grow and improve.
cheers Jamie
Merchandise- it would be good to be able to buy items related to the hosts and the pistonheads site, from the venues we visit. weather it be a t-shirt,cup, sticker, watch or whatever the hosts have to offer?
Charity-i feel its a missed opportunity and also feel slightly guilty not making some kind of donation as a sign of appreciation to all those who organise these events. i would happily make a cash donation whilst attending or when leaving.
Hopefully these events will continue to grow and improve.
cheers Jamie
My thoughts
There should be a one strike and no more events, the issue is the events fill up so fast everybody is in the habit of name down and then work out if they can come, I think deleting the way of taking your name off would stop people to check diaries before committing if linked with the one strike and ban.
I put my name down for the last one in a panick to avoid missing out as I have all year and then couldn't go and forgot to take my name off, very sorry for it but I must be in the same boat as everyone sees the event and then puts there name down to get a choice to go this is wrong and is the cause of no shows spend half a day sorting your diary out and you can't go.
There should be a one strike and no more events, the issue is the events fill up so fast everybody is in the habit of name down and then work out if they can come, I think deleting the way of taking your name off would stop people to check diaries before committing if linked with the one strike and ban.
I put my name down for the last one in a panick to avoid missing out as I have all year and then couldn't go and forgot to take my name off, very sorry for it but I must be in the same boat as everyone sees the event and then puts there name down to get a choice to go this is wrong and is the cause of no shows spend half a day sorting your diary out and you can't go.
My thoughts.....
I think the charity thing is a great idea, and people should be willing to dip into their pockets! Judging by the metal which turns up to Sunday Service events a couple of quid ain't gonna hurt, besides we must be grateful for the Pistonheads team setting these events up!
The annoying thing has always been those who put their name down and don't show. It should be one strike and your out. The same should go for those who cross the line when leaving the events.
Other than that keep up the good work guys
I think the charity thing is a great idea, and people should be willing to dip into their pockets! Judging by the metal which turns up to Sunday Service events a couple of quid ain't gonna hurt, besides we must be grateful for the Pistonheads team setting these events up!
The annoying thing has always been those who put their name down and don't show. It should be one strike and your out. The same should go for those who cross the line when leaving the events.
Other than that keep up the good work guys
Edited by KennyGT on Wednesday 1st January 19:23
Missed a few SS's because I have not been fast enough to sign up (my fault). So it frustrates me to find out about such large drop out rates.
I'm guessing that the accountability issue is aimed to stop people who hog the list with 60% intention of going rather than genuine people who get called away on emergencies (based on the numbers from Goodwood). Online check-in to the SS may be an idea. If you sign up you must check in between Friday and Saturday 12noon. If you have put yourself on the list you should also get an email reminding you that there is an SS and to check in or remove yourself. That way, if you haven't checked in by Saturday 12am you lose your space - no questions. You can then be checked off at the event and if you don't turn up you get a strike. (Yes there will always be people that will be called into work at 4pm on Saturday but this can't be 40% of everyone signed up so perhaps there should be an appeal process for strikes.)
Making the sign up forms/lists more mobile friendly I also think is a fairly simple fix that will help people remove themselves on the fly, rather than waiting to get home and then forgetting.
I also think your strikes should display in your profile... name and shame!
I'm guessing that the accountability issue is aimed to stop people who hog the list with 60% intention of going rather than genuine people who get called away on emergencies (based on the numbers from Goodwood). Online check-in to the SS may be an idea. If you sign up you must check in between Friday and Saturday 12noon. If you have put yourself on the list you should also get an email reminding you that there is an SS and to check in or remove yourself. That way, if you haven't checked in by Saturday 12am you lose your space - no questions. You can then be checked off at the event and if you don't turn up you get a strike. (Yes there will always be people that will be called into work at 4pm on Saturday but this can't be 40% of everyone signed up so perhaps there should be an appeal process for strikes.)
Making the sign up forms/lists more mobile friendly I also think is a fairly simple fix that will help people remove themselves on the fly, rather than waiting to get home and then forgetting.
I also think your strikes should display in your profile... name and shame!
Just a few thoughts.......
Accountability for arrival and attendance should be two strikes and then out for 12 months. My opinion is that each SS is over subscribed so you are denying another PH'er the chance to attend and looking at the charity angle possibly lowering the donations.
Accountability for behaviour should be one case of bad driving and you are banned for 12 months. Giving people a warning will only encourage bad driving from certain people as they will believe they can get away with a wheel spin, tail slide etc once or twice before getting named and shamed. The SS should be respected and especially the roads and general vicinity of the venues given the hosts have been good enough to provide facilities etc on the day.
Arriving early is always going to be an issue until attendees learn to tell the time and respect the roads in the vicinity. If we block the roads and/or cause issues we won't be asked back. If you do get near the venue early show a bit of common sense and find a place to park, grab a coffee etc that is safe and sensible. Any attendee seen parking in an inappropriate manner should be named and shamed, photo evidence would be a great addition to the bad parking thread.
Charity donations are a great idea and should be encouraged. One suggestion I agree with is for the host to select the charity (probably their adopted charity for the year) as these are generally a local charity that would benefit a lot more from our contributions than one of the majors that carry out large marketing campaigns.
..........possibly the some of the above might come across as a little draconian but we need to protect the SS and maintain a reputation for being sensible and well behaved guests.
Accountability for arrival and attendance should be two strikes and then out for 12 months. My opinion is that each SS is over subscribed so you are denying another PH'er the chance to attend and looking at the charity angle possibly lowering the donations.
Accountability for behaviour should be one case of bad driving and you are banned for 12 months. Giving people a warning will only encourage bad driving from certain people as they will believe they can get away with a wheel spin, tail slide etc once or twice before getting named and shamed. The SS should be respected and especially the roads and general vicinity of the venues given the hosts have been good enough to provide facilities etc on the day.
Arriving early is always going to be an issue until attendees learn to tell the time and respect the roads in the vicinity. If we block the roads and/or cause issues we won't be asked back. If you do get near the venue early show a bit of common sense and find a place to park, grab a coffee etc that is safe and sensible. Any attendee seen parking in an inappropriate manner should be named and shamed, photo evidence would be a great addition to the bad parking thread.
Charity donations are a great idea and should be encouraged. One suggestion I agree with is for the host to select the charity (probably their adopted charity for the year) as these are generally a local charity that would benefit a lot more from our contributions than one of the majors that carry out large marketing campaigns.
..........possibly the some of the above might come across as a little draconian but we need to protect the SS and maintain a reputation for being sensible and well behaved guests.
Agree with the accountability measures, in particular part two would be welcomed by me. The sort of behaviour you want to eliminate would put me off attending if prevalent.
Charity donations. I enjoy making occasional donations. I wouldn't mind paying a fee to enter. I don't like being expected to donate or having a bucket rattled at me. So essentially yes but I would suggest a minimum entry fee arrangement.
I've never been massively early for a SS but I like to travel when roads are quiet and am punctual by nature so I see how it happens. If the event details made it clear early attendance would cause a problem, I would respond accordingly by arriving at a suitable time (even if it meant killing 15 minutes at a services etc).
PS. more events at Silverstone and Gaydon please
Charity donations. I enjoy making occasional donations. I wouldn't mind paying a fee to enter. I don't like being expected to donate or having a bucket rattled at me. So essentially yes but I would suggest a minimum entry fee arrangement.
I've never been massively early for a SS but I like to travel when roads are quiet and am punctual by nature so I see how it happens. If the event details made it clear early attendance would cause a problem, I would respond accordingly by arriving at a suitable time (even if it meant killing 15 minutes at a services etc).
PS. more events at Silverstone and Gaydon please
I've been to a few Sunday Services over the last few years, and they have always been good events.
With regards to signing up I agree that there should be something done about no-shows, but also people who only remove their name at the last minute - I've moved up from well over 100 down the reserve list to making the cut in the 12 hours before an SS, which isn't ideal. I think a 3 strikes policy on this, with warning emails sent at first instances is a good idea, I expect there will always be genuine reasons, but 3 in a year would be very suspect. I have noticed that this doesn't seem to happen on the events where you have to pay for a ticket - Britcar/Performance Car show, those lists have been fairly steady.
I think taking registration numbers at the gate is a good idea to tie users to cars, I also think it is reasonable for anyone driving dangerously etc to get a ban without any second chances.
I think a charity collection on the way in is also a good idea, I seem to recall it happened at Silverstone for the Ferrari event and I didn't have a problem with that at all.
Timing is a tricky one, especially in case where people are travelling a fair distance to the event, I guess a starter is to be really clear on the times on the joining instructions.
With regards to signing up I agree that there should be something done about no-shows, but also people who only remove their name at the last minute - I've moved up from well over 100 down the reserve list to making the cut in the 12 hours before an SS, which isn't ideal. I think a 3 strikes policy on this, with warning emails sent at first instances is a good idea, I expect there will always be genuine reasons, but 3 in a year would be very suspect. I have noticed that this doesn't seem to happen on the events where you have to pay for a ticket - Britcar/Performance Car show, those lists have been fairly steady.
I think taking registration numbers at the gate is a good idea to tie users to cars, I also think it is reasonable for anyone driving dangerously etc to get a ban without any second chances.
I think a charity collection on the way in is also a good idea, I seem to recall it happened at Silverstone for the Ferrari event and I didn't have a problem with that at all.
Timing is a tricky one, especially in case where people are travelling a fair distance to the event, I guess a starter is to be really clear on the times on the joining instructions.
Maybe with possibly bringing merchandise to the events, a charity contribution could be encompassed into the item purchase price. Much better alround to pay to charity rather than postage. So there is a (voluntary) amount slightly less than postage (eg minimum £1 per sticker and £2 per garment, but as much as you like) to buy an item in person. It would also greatly help with sizing, as this is the main thing that has stopped me purchasing Pistonheads clothing/Tshirts up to now (I am generally between a L/XL, but sometimes a Medium!). It would probably be worth £5 donation to me to be able to size items by trying an example on, rather than messing about with returns via online purchase. Also, once I have the sizing I would feel more comfortable about future online purchases.
I know there are a huge amount of Tshirts for sale on the website, but surely some of the more generic designs would sell well to all at an event, with particular emphasis on products relating to the host, if they are agreeable?
I know there are a huge amount of Tshirts for sale on the website, but surely some of the more generic designs would sell well to all at an event, with particular emphasis on products relating to the host, if they are agreeable?
Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 5th January 10:19
haven't read all the replies so apologies if theres overlap!
- Accountability
- Accountability - part two
- Sunday Service Charity
- Timing
Nano2nd said:
haven't read all the replies so apologies if theres overlap!
An email confirming you have been promoted from the reserve list to attending would be really handy if it could be added to the software.- Accountability
I'm in total agreement with all your original points Paul.
For those that are asking for an earlier start, it's not fair to expect the PH team to get up at christ know's what time. People just need to time it right and if they're early then just go for a drive around the local area. If your name is on the list then what's the rush? All I can suggest is that entrances and entrance roads are coned off where possible and people turned away but it remains a tricky one to solve.
What about turn up early and you automatically have to put £20 in the charity bucket?
For those that are asking for an earlier start, it's not fair to expect the PH team to get up at christ know's what time. People just need to time it right and if they're early then just go for a drive around the local area. If your name is on the list then what's the rush? All I can suggest is that entrances and entrance roads are coned off where possible and people turned away but it remains a tricky one to solve.
What about turn up early and you automatically have to put £20 in the charity bucket?
For those that put their name down and then don't go one strike and you're out is too severe. I suggest three strikes. What about those who leave early?
One way for some on the reserve list to attend is to calculate those who leave early. Quite often cars are leaving at 10.15 meaning there is space for some on the reserve list. If say 8% leave early then email the first 8% of the reserve list on the Saturday informing them they can arrive after 10.30.
Donations should be voluntary.
One way for some on the reserve list to attend is to calculate those who leave early. Quite often cars are leaving at 10.15 meaning there is space for some on the reserve list. If say 8% leave early then email the first 8% of the reserve list on the Saturday informing them they can arrive after 10.30.
Donations should be voluntary.
I would love to see some more Midlands / Northern SS please
I know you don't hold stock of PH merchandise but I am sure you would flog a load if you took it especially stuff like mugs / stickers. Take a small amount to the next PHSS and see how it goes.
Charitable donation is a good idea.
Keep up the good work!
(See you on Sunday)
I know you don't hold stock of PH merchandise but I am sure you would flog a load if you took it especially stuff like mugs / stickers. Take a small amount to the next PHSS and see how it goes.
Charitable donation is a good idea.
Keep up the good work!
(See you on Sunday)
Firstly, thanks to Paul and all those behind the scenes for organising these days for us. Accountability is a good idea, the three strikes rule seems like a good one. If a warning email is sent then those with a genuine reason can explain.
As for people's driving, we are adults who should respect the venues and the people that have put the effort in to make the day what it is. If people cannot behave themselves them they should not be allowed to ruin it for others.
Merchandise would also be much appreciated, even if it is just a few stickers.
I don't think that anyone would object to a few quid for a good cause.
As for people's driving, we are adults who should respect the venues and the people that have put the effort in to make the day what it is. If people cannot behave themselves them they should not be allowed to ruin it for others.
Merchandise would also be much appreciated, even if it is just a few stickers.
I don't think that anyone would object to a few quid for a good cause.
Agree with the points raised. I think a donation or even payment would not be over the top based on the amount we spend on petrol to get there!
It would be interested to see how many people are as keen to look at the other PHers cars as much as look at what is provided by the venue. I know some people are disappointed if they turn up at 11am and half of the people have left. Some events have more to see than others (MB World for example) so at the smaller events perhaps there could be something else of interest to keep people there (detailing demonstration or some other car related things which the hosts would be happy with). These people/companies could also then make a donation for the privilege of being there?
It may also be a good idea to have a membership card/ sticker which could then be scanned on the way in?
Great work by all the PH staff which is much appreciated.
It would be interested to see how many people are as keen to look at the other PHers cars as much as look at what is provided by the venue. I know some people are disappointed if they turn up at 11am and half of the people have left. Some events have more to see than others (MB World for example) so at the smaller events perhaps there could be something else of interest to keep people there (detailing demonstration or some other car related things which the hosts would be happy with). These people/companies could also then make a donation for the privilege of being there?
It may also be a good idea to have a membership card/ sticker which could then be scanned on the way in?
Great work by all the PH staff which is much appreciated.
A lot of people do seem to use this as a drive out and then leave at 10am as pointed out after spending an hour there.
so your 400 might only be 200 cars left at 10.30 am
ALso if you are on the list 300 out the reserve and wake up to find your def on the list but don't go, how can you get a 12 month ban. knowing you were so far off the list at 10pm the night before.
I have made a last minute trip to a SS when I was 400 out, but due to rain when I woke up I was in the list. (I did go though)
I would say 50 extra cars can turn up at 11.am with no issue what so ever on most events.
the issue I guess then is a lot of 2 way traffic and more gate people needed.
so your 400 might only be 200 cars left at 10.30 am
ALso if you are on the list 300 out the reserve and wake up to find your def on the list but don't go, how can you get a 12 month ban. knowing you were so far off the list at 10pm the night before.
I have made a last minute trip to a SS when I was 400 out, but due to rain when I woke up I was in the list. (I did go though)
I would say 50 extra cars can turn up at 11.am with no issue what so ever on most events.
the issue I guess then is a lot of 2 way traffic and more gate people needed.
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