Thoughts on the club's direction

[EddyRican]

I sent this group email out to everyone and want your thoughts and feedback. Please voice your opinion but be respectful about it.
Thanks

So it has become painfully obvious that the club is stagnating. Participation is down and I know there is a lot of grumbling going on behind the scenes. Show and race seasons are starting and I have not seen the enthusiasm that there has been in the past. I'm asking everyone to sign on and post what you think the club needs. New admins, new direction, new name, everything's on the table. The only rule is no bashing on members, past and present. Those posts will be deleted If you have something to say please be constructive and make it a way to move the club forward. I am guilty of being indifferent the past few month and although I had a lot going on (baby and a new house) you all deserve better. For that I apologize. Once things are moving forward again I will happily step down and hand the reins to someone who wants to and can move the club forward.
Please let me know what you guys think.
I think the club can be great again because all the members I have ever met have been great and ultimately while this is a car club, I feel that a club is about it's people.

Eddy

[Tanya]

I have also noticed that a lot of our members have not been on here in a long time and it may be due to being winter. I hope to see them back on here and things will start to pick up. I have slacked a lot with meets cause of the lack of money I just cant afford to get out and do much, but will try to hit some meet and greets this summer the first one being at the Syracuse car wash. I look forward to meeting our new members and catch up with old friends.

[cibola1000]

Hey, I have been real busy with other things, will try to post regular in the future. The orange brick is doing good. I hope you all and your rides are good.

[Deleted]

I think that things just haven't picked up for the season yet. I see a lot of members on fb and even had a great turn out for cruise night. I just think that filks haven't got tgat itch for the season yet. Naybe we need another cruise. Not all the way to wendover but maybe like the end of year cruise

[DartBoy01]

I'd have to agree with Tanya as far as weather being more winter like than spring/summer. With the years I've been with the club it's always seemed really slow during the winter months because nothings going on and it seems like nobody wants to be reminded of the fun there was while the sun was still out.

I know I haven't been logging on as much as I used to, but it's mostly because when I see that there's something to reply to, someones already gotten them the information needed.

Also, the few club activities I have been to seems that the lack of members had to do because of the weather at the time, dyno day it started raining on us, and the cruise to Wendover was practically the same ordeal and it looks like WOW out at Miller is going to be the same way.

I'm definitely going to try and make it to the car show at Chris' car wash and I'm sure a lot of other members will be there also as long as family plans don't get in the way, if not I'd say just blame it on the fact that it's Memorial Day weekend.

It's sad to see that there's still drama going on in the shadows of the club, but I've come to learn that not everyone is going to agree on exactly the same thing and you just have to learn to live with it.

Now if I was to make suggestions, I'd say we at least try to set up a once a month type of thing. I know that we've tried to do weekly things before, but that just takes too much time and planning for just one person. But if we could set up one thing for every month people can show up, if they can't make one month then just go to the following month.

All I know is no matter which direction this club goes, I'll follow. All car clubs have their ups and downs, just like everything else in life. You just have to move on and keep promoting it as much as possible.

Harrison

[2chargerguy]

Eddy, I want to say that I feel your pain. As you all probably know I'm president of the Mopars of Utah club. It is a job that is both fulfilling and at times disappointing. Interesting as many people as possible and getting them to activities is a challenge. My advise: be patient and don't take any of it personally.

Despite my membership here and the owner of an LX I will say I don't get here very often and I only made it briefly to 1 Meet and Greet so I am not of good example of an active participant. My position at MOU is time consuming. But I still love the hobby and I love my SRT as well as my old muscle cars. I really enjoy seeing any of you that I meet. Between the two clubs there are so many faces it's hard for me to remember everyone.

I have noticed one other thing with the Mopar club. Even though there is often low participation at activities and low numbers of posts the high number of visits to our forum helps me believe it is worth it.

I've learned in my life, not just in this experience, that there are always people who gripe and complain. I've also learned that I can do little about it. I just accept that it happens. with an understanding that it is impossible to keep everyone happy.

I'm happy that the LX club exists. It's a great place for all ages of Mopar owners to get together in one way or another. I'm excited about our re-engineer Chrysler company and the treat cars they are building. Were I not so busy with what I do I'd participate more. I look forward to seeing you all at the club races this summer.

For all those who read this thread, the club does not belong to the leaders. It belongs to you. Offer you opinions and make a difference.

Hang in there Eddy and just have fun.

[GreenWithEnvy]

I've haven't been on as much do to an extremely busy schedule, but all of that is changing and you'll see my ugly mug on here more often. But I honestly think the club needs a face lift of sorts. By that I mean new name new logo. I know that it started out as an lx platform based club it has grown to so much more. For instance look at my Jeep. I'm not one of these people but some people look at it as not fitting in and are hesitant to join or attend events because they don't drive an lx. I know the SLCLX has a good name with some of the events that we as a club attend but I've also heard about some posts on other forums that haven't been so good. I'm not saying that thank image can't be changes but.... I think we need to start fresh.

Also something I've mentioned before that escalated to a negative quickly that shouldn't have and I will explain better to not ruffle feathers is to set up a donation account. By this I mean if you would like to donate money out of the kindness of you heart to help with cards, club stickers, t-shirts, banners, bbq's, etc. You do not have to donate money to be apart of the club now will you ever. But I think that it would do us some good to something like this in place with a treasurer to handle things like ordering cards for the club, and getting new club members and existing members new club stickers. That way we can set up with one vinyl company and they will have the graphics in their system instead of having to send it to everyone to have their own vinyl cut. Plus we night be able to get a better deal on getting them cut. Thats my two cents.

[Deleted]

I would like to first off say thank you Eddy for volunteering to be the prez.

I realize that we all have busy lives outside of the forum with trying to balance work, family time, kids sporting events, coaching sports, friends outside of the forum, summer additional duties at work, and hobbies. Due to this we all won't make every event. Which is why it is important to plan what we are going to make club events and race days together. Decisions made won't make everyone happy.

Your right Lee! We all need to put forth the effort, but it is not the case here. There seems to be a lack of pride within the club. To be honest I'm one of them. Today I met a very nice guy with a nice 2012 Challenger RT. I found myself reluctant to invite him to the forum because lack of participation and effort.

Greenwithenvy your are right! Yes, SLCLX is more than just LX. I've had conversations in private message with UT Mopar owners on the other forums. I have tried to get them join, but they don't seem interested due to the fact that it seems less friendly to the other platforms.

When we address the leaders as admins then we are really more of a forum than a club. If this is going to be a club we do need leaders. I know at one point we have identified event coordinators.

We know some of the down fall is not from lack of trying to decide as a club which shows will be club events, race days, dyno day, and ideas for gatherings by a few members. BTW Chris thank you for doing a great job organizing the dyno day.
I tried starting a decision on the 2013 events at the beginning of March with a few people participation. Although over half of the discussion was way off topic. I again tried to energize the conversation a month ago and no takers to discuss it. After that I felt why should I care if nobody else cares.

[440Gordy]

Thanks' for sending out the Email and starting this post Eddy (by the way you've done a great job). I have to also plead guilty to not being on the forum much lately, but like everyone else life has a way of getting in the way of hobbies and some of the extra things we love to do. Many times I have thought about signing on, but after working many 12 hour days, spending time with the family, church callings, and now preparing and trying to sell our current home I would procrastinate and say, "I'll do it tomorrow". Tomorrow would turn into a week, and before I know it the month is over. If it wasn't for your Email I won't have signed on tonight as I'm still looking at about 3 to 4 hours of work I need to get completed tonight. But the SLCLX group hasn't been the only one's I've been short on time with, as my Facebook and MOU friends think I'm MIA as well.

I've always felt that the SLCLX Club has needed a little more leadership to help keep things focused. Though in theory the idea of everyone just jumping to get things done sounds good, in practicality I think it has it's limitations. Decisions have to be made one way or the other for upcoming events, and when you have a large group of people with varying inputs it's hard to come up with a concrete decision. Take the summer car shows for example, everyone has their favorites and the ones that they would like to either attend or support. We can't support all of them each year or we would be going to car shows every weekend. If we are fragmented with small groups attending various shows, than the club won't have much of a presents. It's awesome when we are able to show up in force! Someone (or group) has to make the final decision so the events can on the calendar. And as Lee mentioned, your not going to please everyone. I've seen this as I've worked with him over the last several years in the presidency of the MOU (sorry I've been a little absent lately Lee). But then the issue is finding the people that can dedicate the time into getting things done. Then if those people are in for too long they can get burnt out as well.

I don't know what's been said in other forums or behind the scenes, but it's hard for me to believe that people in this group are said to be unfriendly, or don't care. Over the years I've met many people that I am proud to call friends. There is always someone to offer a helping hand when ever someone needs it, the only limitation is time (if someone ever figures how to get around that let me know by the way).

Long term I for one am not going any where. I consider both the SLCLX and MOU groups family. Short term I may have some things that are getting in the way of me being as active as I would like, but I will always be around to do what I can for either group. I just wish I could put screen names and faces together at meets. When I'm able to make it I try to make it a point to say hi to everyone, but wish I could remember names better.

As far as a name change, with the breadth of the group that might not be a bad idea. I for one have always like the name with Modern Mopar in it.

I look forward to reading everyone elses input, and I'll try not to be such a stranger.

[STEVESRT]

I think with the weather warming up the site will become more active again, I seem to recall this conversation last year also.Like everyone has said life get's busy and we all get side track with other issuse in life. I personally come to the site at least once a day as a way to destress from the world, I like to see and read about what members are doing with their rides , I may not sign in all the time but I am here. As for the leadership I want to that Eddy for taking over the reins when they where passed on, you have done a great job! A name change might not be a bad idea , I do like the SLCLX but I'm up for new things.

WIth the summer coming on there are a ton of events that are happening and I would love to go to them all . I do sit on the sidelines until there seems to be a good group going to an event then I try to make it , anytime spent with members is a good time. I will try to contribute to event planning when I can. The Facebook site's seem to stay active for the day to day activities.

I would aslo like to Thank Tanya for stepping up to a Administrator ,I'm sure you will be a big help.If I can help in in way let me know.

[alpinewil81]

Well, Eddy, I'd say you got a few peoples attention.

I guess I don't have much input. But I will say that years ago when I got an e-mail from Chris to come to this forum, sign up, and attend a meet n' greet, I couldn't be happier that I did.

From what I've seen, we have two things here. One is a forum, rich in members who rarely participate in anything physical. The other would be the club, and they are the people who attend the cruises, shows, drags, or meet and greets on a regular basis. Even at the "club" side of things there is another divide. There are those highly dedicated to shows, there are those highly dedicated to racing. In the end, we are all a great group of people and have been friends to many. Both sides of the spectrum often support the other which is what sets our members apart from others.

Sometimes, it is just a matter of time... And at this time, there are new Mopars on the scene now with new owners. That means there is a new group of enthusiasts whom as they join, they may be the spark needed to help reignite things again at a greater scale.

As I often say, just keep on keepin on.

[EddyRican]

Thanks to all who have replied to this thread, I'm really enjoying the conversations that are being had, and the ideas that are coming up. I want to give this thread at least until the weekend and then take all the suggestions and find ways to start implementing them.
One of the things I have noticed is that a name change might be a very good idea. So take some time and come up with some name ideas and we'll vote on that Monday as well.
Please keep the thoughts and ideas coming. I know there are some members, people I consider friends, that have been unhappy with things as of late. This is your chance to air some grievances and work towards some resolutions. I can't promise that we can act on all of them but I promise we will try to address them all.
Lets keep the dialog going.
Lee, Chris Young, Gordon, Shawn Harrison and Will among others thanks for the awesome input and you will probably hear from me soon so I can pick you guys' brains.

[Capone]

Eddy you have done a good job with the club/forum and I agree with a lot of what everyone else has said. I no longer own any LX platform cars which makes me want to just walk away. I really didnt feel welcome with my first Avenger but that was mostly just LX envy on my part. A name change is a good place to start in my opinion. I do like the fact that MOU does a monthly get together. Might be something we could consider but at the same time what is the point if no one is getting together any other times? I wish I could give a suggestion or two but im as guilty as the next guy. I havent posted or come out and the last time I saw everyone I didnt even park with the group. Good luck man I hope it all works out and if there is anything I can do please ask Ill do what I can.

[Tanya]

I do think we should get LX out of the club name we have expanded beyond that and have old and modern Mopars. I also think we need to have more casual meets when I first joined we did that quite a bit and its seemed to fade out. Amanda and I were talking about this last night and we both think we need more meet and greets where we all get together and just BS and show off our cars like we use to do also in a semi kid friendly situation since most of us have kids and some have to bring them with. Anyways thats my 2 cents. LOL

[mrgrnde]

May 8, 2013 13:10:58 GMT -7 GreenWithEnvy said:

But I think that it would do us some good to something like this in place with a treasurer to handle things like ordering cards for the club, and getting new club members and existing members new club stickers. That way we can set up with one vinyl company and they will have the graphics in their system instead of having to send it to everyone to have their own vinyl cut. Plus we night be able to get a better deal on getting them cut. Thats my two cents.

I do have some contacts with vinyl companies and im not sure if you already have a go to guy for this but if not i would be more than happy to talk to them and get some prices for stickers as well as business cards, banners and such.