Another Attempt for FL Forum Members...

[soldz]

Did the meet come off on the 21st, if so how was it and if not, when will it be?

[retsupt99]

Negative...gave up that effort with so little response...willing to try again if there is enough interest...I guess we're all pretty busy just getting along in 'life'...I understand!

[chickdiver]

Retsupt-

I have a little experience doing this with divers.

A couple of suggestions:

1. when planning- try and have one of the mods put this on the front page. You need to advertise. For example- I'm in FL, but have only been reading this board for about a month- today was the first time I have seen this thread....

2. Expect inital gatherings to be relatively small- as word gets out people will bring friends.

3. Do a "post gathering" thread- it generates more interest in the next one. If people are OK with it post photos of how much fun was had.

4. Try to plan it around some sort of event- the IDPA match was a good idea, so would a regional show or some other draw.

[retsupt99]

Originally Posted by chickdiver

Retsupt-

I have a little experience doing this with divers.

A couple of suggestions:

1. when planning- try and have one of the mods put this on the front page. You need to advertise. For example- I'm in FL, but have only been reading this board for about a month- today was the first time I have seen this thread....

2. Expect inital gatherings to be relatively small- as word gets out people will bring friends.

3. Do a "post gathering" thread- it generates more interest in the next one. If people are OK with it post photos of how much fun was had.

4. Try to plan it around some sort of event- the IDPA match was a good idea, so would a regional show or some other draw.

PM sent...

ret

[DonnyDon]

So where is this going down?

[retsupt99]

We may attempt something different...more as we get it together...this one may need a woman's touch...

[Adam500]

I will be in let me know where and when.

[FloridaShooter]

Originally Posted by Ram Rod

First off let me say kudos to you all for making the attempt in the first place. The first step. You'll need some background to work with in order to decipher things I'm about to say, and I hope I portray my opinions in a tactful manner and not intended in any way to suggest anything, but simple observations from my experiences. I'm a member of a vehicle enthusiast website forum---worldwide forum. There are separate state forums and most all of the fifty states have their own forum. Our Arkansas state forum has been in existence since January of 2006, two plus years and a current roster of 30 active members. We also advertise in order to gain more members. Most of our numerous GTG's or (get togethers) have been held at state parks, car/truck shows, and in membership concentrated communities. One must realize there are forum members who are active on the website, members who are active outside the website, and both. Sometimes folks say they will or want to do something in real life to become closer and interact, and those who truly commit to the effort. Logistics plays an important role in scheduling gatherings. There are jobs, weather, family, and economic situations that come to bear. I don't think our state chapter has ever seen more than seven members at any one single gathering. Members from adjacent states have joined in our designated meets, and we've become an intramural mix of those who are outgoing enough, and commit to furthering our interests and becoming a closer knit community. Personally, I'm a better person every time I meet up with the members or new members. Note---this is a vehicle enthusiast venue and folks are generally outgoing to some extent, and like to show off their rides and creations. A firearms enthusiast membership venue may cause some folks to be a bit uneasy or less willing to make real life contact with others as it's more of a private thing for them where barriers need to be knocked down. Granted they should feel somewhat comfortable through the interactions on the site, and being around like minded individuals who wish to share their culture, decisions, information, and personalities. Guaranteed-some are more than willing to do this and some are not. It may even be a sub-conscious reason where they want to show, but back out at the last minute. Peer pressure won't work in any instance, and may cause some on the borderline to back off completely. Those of you whom have taken up the cause should have the motivation to continue the effort even in light of low turnout numbers. Also----never, (never) be disappointed for any gathering that has come to pass. If you feel disappointment now---you're setting your expectations too high and bound to fail. Never display disappointment to the rest of the membership. If you are yourself committed, you'll only become stronger every time you schedule or make a meet amongst fellow members. Hint---barbeques, car washes, swap meets, and fund-raisers are all good viable opportunities for gatherings. We all now realize also what effects the price of gasoline have on meetings and gatherings for fun, so make them worthwhile and maybe more will come. In the meantime---stick to your guns! Your expectations aren't everyones, and great things will happen in due time. I didn't mean to butt in, but felt the need to convey my experiences, and being the person I am, I truly wish you all success on this deal. I'm the president of our state chapter forum, I'm motivated, serious, and persistent. Myself and a couple of good friends got our state chapter on the boards and where it is today. Several of us maintain the commitment now---it used to be only me.

RCC?

I used to be one of the Florida Chapter leaders back when the Chapter was very active. I started a Jeep related forum (Florida Jeepers) and passed on my responsibilities at RCC...since then...the Chapter...and even the use of the state forum has kind of died off...but the advice you've given is good...we handle events/get togethers on the Jeep site in similar ways.

A few years back...I was active on a cigar forum...I took to scheduling herfs (smoking get togethers) around Central Florida...ot took awhile....our first herf had 4 people...including my wife and I...but it took off for awhile... just gotta promote it...and be patient.

[ExSoldier]

RAM ROD, do us a favor, those of us with older and more shaky eyes. FORMATTING is our FRIEND. Please go back and format that post into readable paragraphs. I was able to hit just the first sentence and then my eyes went blurry.

[jaydmhonda]

Is there still going to be a Florida meeting? I would be interested in getting together w/ some fellow CWL's if the time and place agree with my schedule.