Have we become too “exclusive”?

[MikeD]

* I attended the Parade's Concours d'Elegance yesterday. I showed up at the host hotel to ride the shuttle with a friend who happened to be registered. I unfortunately, was not. We stopped by the “Cafe” that was setup, and I was escorted to the boss so I could beg for permission to accompany my friend inside the cafe. Fortunately for me, the boss was someone who recognized me as a club member, and I was permitted to walk around inside the cafe and talk to the vendors (as long as I didn't not go near the computers).

* After viewing all the beautiful cars at the Concours, I came back to the host hotel. Wanting to pick a couple more shirts for my collection I ventured over the Goodie Store. I was asked for my badge. I did not have one to present. I was then asked for my membership card. I don't carry my PCA membership card around with me, so I told the sentry “I do not have it with me, but I am a member and would like to pick up some things.” And for some reason, that was not good enough. Apparently I was lying about my membership status, and would therefore not be allowed to enter the Goodie Store and part with my money.

[I understand that the Parade needs to have something exclusive to the Parade registrants. And I do not question the value of that exclusivity. Otherwise, why pay the registration fees. But isn't that what the events (Ralley's, Banquette's, AX, Tours, etc) are for? Do you really need to make the Goodie Store and Vendor Row exclusive? Isn't that doing a dis-service to the Club and the vendors?]

* Earlier this year I attended a QDE to get some much desired, and inexpensive seat time. Through a fluke situation my pre-registration was not complete. So I was to complete the process the morning of. Well, with all the prep and busyness of the morning I forgot to go by the trailer. When I was reminded that I needed to complete the process, it was just as my students session was beginning. So on my way to my students car I stopped by the trailer and let the registrar know that I would complete the process after my students run session was through. But apparently that was not good enough. Either the registrar thought I was lying, or that waiting another 20 minutes would have brought the entire registration process to its knees and the event would have to have placed on hold.

* Even earlier in the year, I had just had a new motor installed in my car. So I wanted to get some seat time before heading to the WSIR TT. I pre-registered (a week in advance? What ever happened to 3-4 days?), and then showed up. While getting my registration packet I was asked for my membership card. I of course did not have it, as I am not in the habit of carrying it around with me on a regular basis. So, my word not being good enough, I was required to find someone at the event who could vouch for my membership status. Of course their word somehow being better than mine I was just a little irked at being called a liar.

So my question is: What has happened to this club? I have only been a member for 5 years but have seen a great change in the attitude of the club in that time. When I joined in 2002 it was a fun group to be around. I fully believed the slogan “It's not just the cars, it's the people”. I didn't have to prove I was worthy enough to be a member. In fact, if I was at a club event it was assumed I was a member. Before becoming a member I was allowed to watch, and was told all about how great the club was and that I should join, by friendly people who genuinely seemed to want me to be a part of their group. So I did. But lately greetings by people I have not met before are antagonistic, as if to say “Are you a member? Prove it! Because if not, you are not worthy of being in my presence.”

I saw a sign yesterday at the Concours, it read “Porsche Family”, I believe it was referring to the fact that everyone who owns a Porsche belongs to the “Porsche Family”. But after talking with another friend of mine, I believe it was also referring to the “PCA Family”. I have only attended a few family reunions in my day. But I can't remember ever being asked for a birth certificate to prove I was a member of the family. If I said I was a member, then I was. Most times I was also asked what line I descended from, but my status as a member of the family was never questioned.

If we really want to be the “PCA Family” then you really need to be more trusting of, and less hostile toward those who say they belong to the family. However, if PCA wants to become an Elite Car Club, then you seem to be heading in the right direction.

Jack Miller does an awesome job with the TT series. Safe, laid back process, fun, and inexpensive. I also really enjoy the once-a-year Club Race. For those reasons I will likely retain my membership for as long as I own a Porsche. But I am finding it more and more difficult to come up with reasons to attend other PCA SDR events and functions.

[MVZ944T]

Mike,

I always thought you had that criminal look about you that would make anyone suspicious! Just kidding. I was thinking about going down to "watch" the AX tomorrow. For various reasons we did not enter the Porsche Parade. Having purchased a new home with 5 acres and trying to keep the weeds, rodents, and RATTLESNAKES ((4 KILLS TO DATE))at bay and trying to get the race car road worthy again, spare time has been slim to none. Can we watch without having entered the parade?

Mike VZ

[Jad]

Mike,

I believe part of the problem has to do with insurance being more strict. You are not covered if you are not a member, or if your membership has lapsed. Thus, you enter an event and crash, or trip in the goodie store and sue, and the club would be in big trouble. I have given up and just carry the stupid card in my wallet along with the 50 other worthless cards they make you carry these days. You can hardly buy groceries without a card

Also, if you are nice and find someone you know, I have been able to get around those annoyances most of the time. Hope to see you at the AX.

[gulf911]

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member"

Groucho Marx

[SDGT3]

MikeD,

Obviously from the length of your post, you're quite upset. I'm a very new member of PCA and when I ventured down to the stadium, I was received well with the exception of a few bad jokes from the ladies working the trailer

Everyone tells me the club is great and I should get more involved than I am now. We'll see. The fact that I had to give a VIN# to join PCA was somewhat odd??? What if I'm a long time Porscheophile or whatever spelling it is, I can't join because no VIN#? Isn't the Windblown newsletter worth the price of membership in and of itself?

I'm a newbie in the Porsche world and I really don't know the significance of Parade, but it seems like a big deal. I was going to go down to the hotel and check out all the great cars with my kids, but we're not registered, so I suppose we won't.

As I'm sitting here, I thought I'd look in my wallet for my PCA card. I can't find it. What do I do? I know my car # for Autox or DE's,???

[Greg Phillips]

* I attended the Parade's Concours d'Elegance yesterday. I showed up at the host hotel to ride the shuttle with a friend who happened to be registered. I unfortunately, was not. We stopped by the “Cafe” that was setup, and I was escorted to the boss so I could beg for permission to accompany my friend inside the cafe. Fortunately for me, the boss was someone who recognized me as a club member, and I was permitted to walk around inside the cafe and talk to the vendors (as long as I didn't not go near the computers).

* After viewing all the beautiful cars at the Concours, I came back to the host hotel. Wanting to pick a couple more shirts for my collection I ventured over the Goodie Store. I was asked for my badge. I did not have one to present. I was then asked for my membership card. I don't carry my PCA membership card around with me, so I told the sentry “I do not have it with me, but I am a member and would like to pick up some things.” And for some reason, that was not good enough. Apparently I was lying about my membership status, and would therefore not be allowed to enter the Goodie Store and part with my money.

[I understand that the Parade needs to have something exclusive to the Parade registrants. And I do not question the value of that exclusivity. Otherwise, why pay the registration fees. But isn't that what the events (Ralley's, Banquette's, AX, Tours, etc) are for? Do you really need to make the Goodie Store and Vendor Row exclusive? Isn't that doing a dis-service to the Club and the vendors?]

* Earlier this year I attended a QDE to get some much desired, and inexpensive seat time. Through a fluke situation my pre-registration was not complete. So I was to complete the process the morning of. Well, with all the prep and busyness of the morning I forgot to go by the trailer. When I was reminded that I needed to complete the process, it was just as my students session was beginning. So on my way to my students car I stopped by the trailer and let the registrar know that I would complete the process after my students run session was through. But apparently that was not good enough. Either the registrar thought I was lying, or that waiting another 20 minutes would have brought the entire registration process to its knees and the event would have to have placed on hold.

* Even earlier in the year, I had just had a new motor installed in my car. So I wanted to get some seat time before heading to the WSIR TT. I pre-registered (a week in advance? What ever happened to 3-4 days?), and then showed up. While getting my registration packet I was asked for my membership card. I of course did not have it, as I am not in the habit of carrying it around with me on a regular basis. So, my word not being good enough, I was required to find someone at the event who could vouch for my membership status. Of course their word somehow being better than mine I was just a little irked at being called a liar.

So my question is: What has happened to this club? I have only been a member for 5 years but have seen a great change in the attitude of the club in that time. When I joined in 2002 it was a fun group to be around. I fully believed the slogan “It's not just the cars, it's the people”. I didn't have to prove I was worthy enough to be a member. In fact, if I was at a club event it was assumed I was a member. Before becoming a member I was allowed to watch, and was told all about how great the club was and that I should join, by friendly people who genuinely seemed to want me to be a part of their group. So I did. But lately greetings by people I have not met before are antagonistic, as if to say “Are you a member? Prove it! Because if not, you are not worthy of being in my presence.”

I saw a sign yesterday at the Concours, it read “Porsche Family”, I believe it was referring to the fact that everyone who owns a Porsche belongs to the “Porsche Family”. But after talking with another friend of mine, I believe it was also referring to the “PCA Family”. I have only attended a few family reunions in my day. But I can't remember ever being asked for a birth certificate to prove I was a member of the family. If I said I was a member, then I was. Most times I was also asked what line I descended from, but my status as a member of the family was never questioned.

If we really want to be the “PCA Family” then you really need to be more trusting of, and less hostile toward those who say they belong to the family. However, if PCA wants to become an Elite Car Club, then you seem to be heading in the right direction.

Jack Miller does an awesome job with the TT series. Safe, laid back process, fun, and inexpensive. I also really enjoy the once-a-year Club Race. For those reasons I will likely retain my membership for as long as I own a Porsche. But I am finding it more and more difficult to come up with reasons to attend other PCA SDR events and functions.

Not sure I can answer all your concerns but will try to cover some.
As far as the Goodie Store, unfortunately the requirements are to be registered at Parade and have a badge, or have a PCA membership card. Would it be nice if we could trust everyone? Yes, but unfortunately only so far. Even with the requirements of a badge and membership card, bags and purses all have to be checked as there have apparently been problems in the past with shoplifting
As far as not being allowed into the Hospitality suite, that is set up for the Parade participants. Someone was nice and let you in but you are still upset because you had to ask (beg) for permission.
You did get to attend th COncours and even got a free shuttle ride out of it
AS far as pre-registration, it is primarily for the convenience of the volunteer registrars who have to enter all of the information in advance of the event. Could they be more flexible? Yes, but even Robert Baizer had to institute a "speeding ticket" on the TT registration for illegible or incomplete information.
We do try to be accomadating and just this year have relaxed the requirement so that you no longer have to be a PCA member to drive your Porsche at an autocross.
Can we do better? Yes and dialogue like this can help advance that.

Thanks
Greg

[Greg Phillips]

MikeD,

Obviously from the length of your post, you're quite upset. I'm a very new member of PCA and when I ventured down to the stadium, I was received well with the exception of a few bad jokes from the ladies working the trailer

Everyone tells me the club is great and I should get more involved than I am now. We'll see. The fact that I had to give a VIN# to join PCA was somewhat odd??? What if I'm a long time Porscheophile or whatever spelling it is, I can't join because no VIN#? Isn't the Windblown newsletter worth the price of membership in and of itself?

I'm a newbie in the Porsche world and I really don't know the significance of Parade, but it seems like a big deal. I was going to go down to the hotel and check out all the great cars with my kids, but we're not registered, so I suppose we won't.

As I'm sitting here, I thought I'd look in my wallet for my PCA card. I can't find it. What do I do? I know my car # for Autox or DE's,???

A requirement to join the PCA is to own a Porsche, thus the VIN request. Do they check and will you have to leave if you sell your Porsche? Not that I know of. I believe Porsche ownership is required to join, but not to stay a member.
Thanks for your nice words about the Witness, and it is worth the price of admission, but PCA does want you to own a Porsche

Greg

[Tim Comeau]

Greg,
Where can I learn more about not having to be a member to AX? In writing?

Mike,
I'm bummed that you were made to feel unwelcome, to any degree, at a Porsche Club event-PCASDR or any other.
Please be happy in knowing that there are many, many others like myself and yourself who are going overboard in the other direction to help tip the "welcoming scales" to the good side.
I have seen some pretty silly attitudes copped in the past over the smallest things and I don't feel bad about having confronted those people immediately on the issues. None of them were bad people. They just needed to have their eyes opened to the bigger picture for a moment.
Thanks for your post. I'm going to try even harder to be more welcoming to Porsche people newer than myself, and I hope that rubs off on them because attitudes are contagious!
Pass it on!

[Gary Burch]

Mike, I am not sure I would let you in even with a card

[MarkeTeixeira]

Being new to PCA, not registered, and wanting to see what the event was all about. I took a drive down to Town and Country to walk around in the Parking Lot. I got it by just driving up to the gate and saying I was here to see the event. The Guard let me in. Perhaps I got a pass because I was in my 997 and had 2 PCA member stickers on the windshield.

Anyway I was amazed by the collect just sitting in the open lot. I did not go down into the closed off garage of the concours staging area.

But everyone that was wondering around in the lot was friendly.

I do think that if you are not registered you can not recieve all the benefits of events. However, if you are a PCA and willing to pay a small daily fee to be a spectator that should be allowed.

Just my newbiee option to the club.

[lrayner]

One thing to consider when you are encountering less than perfect attitudes is that these are VOLUNTEERS, by definition donating their time and efforts for no compensation other than the undying gratitude of the participants who just show up and drive .

And Mike I am not suggesting you fit in one category or another, and I'm certainly not advocating for snobbery. Rather, I'm suggesting a little understanding for volunteers who, like everyone, pay their entry fees and provide their membership number, and sometimes get a little stressed with the demands of the moment.

Like recently I was working the start at the autocross and I noticed I was getting a little impatient with the cars if they didn't stage fast enough or weren't ready to start when they pulled up. It eventually dawned on me that I really had to pee so I found someone to spell me and my attitude improved immediately .

I think Tim Comeau's attitude is typical of the vast majority of the volunteers and participants in this club - positive and helpful. Unfortunately, sometimes the attitude of a volunteer or participant is less than ideal. For volunteers this is often forgiveable- for participants it seldom, if ever, is.

[Curt]

Mike,
Great complaint letter! I LOL'd a couple of times in it. But seriously, try and look at this from the perspective of the volunteers.

* How do they know you really are PCA member Mike Dougherty and not KGB member Vladamir Gradvedenko? You can never be too safe.

* How do they know you are only trying to buy a couple of Porsche T-shirts from the Goodie Store and not trying to sell USA satellite technology to the Chinese Red Army?

* How do they know you aren't a member of the Alfa Romeo club trying to sneak in and learn the secrets of how to run an event and stay on schedule?

And perhaps most importantly, how do they really know you are a Porsche owner? For all they know you could be a Boxster/Cayman/924/944/968/928 owner and can you imagine the indignity of a Porsche owner having to associate with those unwashed masses?

"So I told the sentry"

[mrondeau]

For all they know you could be a Boxster/Cayman/924/944/968/928 owner and can you imagine the indignity of a Porsche owner having to associate with those unwashed masses?

Curt, How do you do against the aformentioned unwashed masses?

Mike, I think for the most part, PCA SDR members are open to all porsche owners and want everybody to have a great experience. Occasionally things get touchy due to insurance requirements or past history of people who may not be as honest/nice/responsible/etc. as the rest of us. Remember, we are a volunteer organization and not everyone is going to know who you are on sight. SDR is one of the largest regions in PCA. Don't let a few bad experiences ruin this for you. I joined PCA in 1998 in a region that does less all year than we do in three months. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[ronaldtrotter]

Help me here. Are the water leakers really Porsche's or were they raised and adopted by wolves and called Porsche's? Just a question raised by inquiring minds. Maybe Tim can answer that question.?

[Curt]

For all they know you could be a Boxster/Cayman/924/944/968/928 owner and can you imagine the indignity of a Porsche owner having to associate with those unwashed masses?

Curt, How do you do against the aformentioned unwashed masses?

In what? Driving events or fitting drywall and 2x4's in the hatchback?