online driveline

[Terry M.]

Thanks Lyle & Chuck

I appreciate your kind words about the judging school. I never thought of it as a means of introducing people to each other, but it does work that way ... if one wants.

[Chuck S.]

Lyle, You Mean You Were There...

Under that lift with me, and I didn't meet you?

If I had known you were there, I would have had Terry point you out...I don't know about everyone else, but staring at member's badges to identify them makes me a little self-conscious after a bit. I know that's what the badges are for, but it still a little wierd when they catch you peering deeply into their badge.

I concur, Terry...good job on the national judging school; a couple of the best experts in the 70-72 year class were under there enthusiastically explaining what members were observing. In fact, one of the cars used was Sal Carbone's personal car. I believe the other one was Patrick's 72 Bowtie.

[Loren L.]

Thanks. I guess it kind of confirms what

I was trying to say: Communication is a two way street.
Your mention of Dale triggered another memory - Kevin M. took a picture of the folks who were brought back to Long Island to be present at the examination of '60 #2538 - the last time I saw it my comment was "Too many of these folks are no longer with us."; Chip, Bob Grossman, Dale, etc.

[Dick W.]

Re: Lyle, You Mean You Were There...

The best way to meet people at these events is to stick yer "front paw" out and say howdy. I do not think that it is the intention of most shun anyone. Some there are having a car judged and are under a lot of stress and may not be friendly, but for the most I think that a lot of people are not outgoing. Take the initative and speak first.

I ain't bashful about reading name tags to learn who people are. I suffer from a terminal case of NCRS disease and just plain do not remember a lot of names. Evey the Dale Carnagie course did not do much for me on that count. I enjoy meeting people, iffen you see me stick that "paw" out. I met Grant for the first time at Leavenworth,as well as several others. I always look forward to seeing my old friends and making new ones. I am in Denver makin' new friends right now. Have met about 35 new people (not Corvette owners) but new friends.

Y'all come back now, ya hear!

[Gerard F.]

I wasn't going to get into this, but

Dick,

I met you at my first event in Berkeley in 2005. I had my Glove box docs at the bar, and you took one wiff, and told me that the original owner was a smoker. Just prior to that, Roy Braatz saw me just hanging on the outskirts, sat me down and we talked.

Since then, as a Newbie I realized that it was really the people you meet and not really the cars. Screw the cars (only kidding). From then I went on 2nd Flight, then Top Flight, and now I'm Observer Judging, and meeting a lot of people.

So, at every event I just try to meet as many people as possible. Love those name badges at events, you can put a name to a face, or visa-versa.

Must have met a couple of hundred people at Boston, some from other events. Even met Chuck. Recognized the name and introduced myself. Had a ball with the Vetteheads, those crazy guys.

This is a great organization, not only for the history of the cars, but for the people you meet.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Chuck S.]

Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

You are friendly and outgoing, unassuming, and comfortable in your own skin...most members, in my opinion, lack those personality traits. Some don't desire interaction with new people, or they may have their own horror of social settings.

My purpose in taking up this discussion was not to indict the organization or any individual personally, but to confirm what younger members have described. Maybe there are not many of us with this social reticence to jump in and make a place for ourselves here, but I'm telling you it IS difficult for some to get started down rewarding paths. I know enough members now that I now can find something to entertain myself if I'm not judging, even at a national...for new guys not yet involved in judging, it's like landing in Europe; you don't know anybody, may not speak the language, and a lot of the locals see you as a stranger.

And...for all your affability, it took you starting to post on this board before I really got to know you (Papa Smurf??!!...Who in the "blue blazes" is that? ) Prior to that, Dick Whittington was just a name I read in The Driveline as being a senior judge of 68-69 year class.

Soon after I got to know you on the TDB, I met you personally at Waco; but prior to that, I was a member for more than fifteen years, and had been to, and judged at, numerous regionals west of the Red River and never met you. It took that long for me to really hook up with an affable guy like yourself. Maybe you were just staying east, and I was staying west, and our paths never crossed.

As I said at the beginning, I don't know the answer to overcoming this "perceived" problem. I do know it exists, because I've experienced it...maybe some of it is reticent personalities, but not all of it. If we can figure out HOW to improve this situation, our retention of young members, and their attendence at meets would improve in my opinion.

[Rick S.]

Re: Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

Chuck,
I agree with your comments. I owned a GTO before buying my Vette and the Detroit area GTO club had a nice way off starting every meeting. Everyone was asked to stand and give their name, city and what year/model of GTO they owned. It was, and still is, the greatest icebreaker that I have every encountered. I have suggested this at our NCRS meetings but it has not been adopted yet.

Regards,
Rick

[Chuck S.]

Re: Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

Rick, let me say it before someone else does: That is a highly effective technique that is perfect for smaller groups like a chapter; it would be impossible for a regional or the national meet with such a large number of attendees. If there is an answer for our large meets, I can't discern it at this time.

Actually, I don't feel a burden to solve this problem, only to point out that it does exist...to feel otherwise is a recipe for frustration that I don't need. That doesn't mean I'm not interested in addressing this issue, but it is beyond my responsibility pay grade. Others with authority to make such changes can investigate for themselves, and take action as they see fit.

[Rick S.]

Re: Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

Chuck,
I agree that it is only ideal for small meetings like a chapter meet and I failed to mention that in my post. I can't offer a solution for larger gatherings but agree something needs to be done to make a new person feel more welcome. Possibly a welcoming reception to first time attendees.
Regards,
Rick

[Dick C.]

Re: Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

Rick,
NCRS does have "welcome receptions" at Regionals and Nationals. And most of us who attend those events know how hard it is to see all of our friends in just one night never mind meet new ones. It has to start at the local chapter level.
The New England Chapter has 152 members, more than 1/3 of them have never been to a New England Chapter meet (live to far away, schedule conflicts or for whatever reason) but everyone of them receive my e-mails regarding chapter events. And when chapter members travel to a Regional or National event they don't know who they are or even if they are chapter members.
As chairman I make ever effort to meet each new member (and they know who they are) and try to introduce them to other members when they attend a chapter event.
I have even made it a point at Regional and National events to try to introduce members to each other. It is alot easier at the chapter level. Those who feel that they are not as welcome as others need to join a local chapter and/or if they are a local member get involved in local events. It may take more than one or two events to feel at home with other members. We open the door, we welcome them in and we hope they stay.
Two more bufferin please...........extra strength.......
Dick Capello

[Dick W.]

Re: Dickie, You're Easy To Get To Know...

You are friendly and outgoing, unassuming, and comfortable in your own skin...most members, in my opinion, lack those personality traits. Some don't desire interaction with new people, or they may have their own horror of social settings. Chuck it has taken me many years to become that way. I love people. A stranger should be just a friend that you have never met. I attended a 3 day seminar this weekend. Everyone was up and shaking hands and talking like old friends. I knew one person in the room when we started, I added 31 more friends. Unfortunately most groups, churches, clubs, etc are not like that. If you are not out going and gregarious it is hard to break into most organizations. Trust me, the Board of Directors of NCRS and every civic group, club, church, would like to find this magic bullet.

[Chuck S.]

Engineers Solve Problems...

Here's an engineer's flow chart to solve this problem:

1. Admit/Determine there IS a problem.

2. Develop a plan to address problem...implement plan.

3. Review results...If not completely satisfied, Go back to Step 1.

4. Stop...Problem solved.