Lack of Sky owners participating in EVENTS

[ThunderSky]

Originally Posted by southernSKYS

Kim,

In no way do we want to stir trouble....you know we participate in everything time allows us to do...but - for the KY event last week - the logo can speak for SKYS not being included.

I too was a little puzzled by the omission of a Sky on the logo for a "Kappa" event. Having driven my Sky a total of 5100 kms and planning my vacation around attending the event (which was great regardless of this little omission) , I still find it rather puzzeling as to why the logo did not include one of each car as most every other event Logo I have seen has done.

Anyway, that's my one little gripe and it certainly won't keep me from attending other events in the future. Everyone was very accepting of each others cars and I think the attendance probably relates just to the number of cars out there.

[ChiliSky]

Originally Posted by KentuckySky

I went to a run once. It was nice but too "clickey" (is that even a word?) I couldn't keep up with them on the runs. Then I found out most were all friends and they had radios and were communicating to tell each other when cars were coming in the opposite direction, etc. No wonder they were driving like maniacs! Guess someone should have given me a "run 101" class before I participated. At one point, I dropped my keys in the grass while we were taking a photo shot. Everyone knew we had lost the keys but they just took off and left me and my son in the middle of no where. We found the keys and took off on our own excursion. We toured the state capitol and some other neat spots in Lexington before we went home. People were friendly but they sure didn't care to make us feel part of the "click".

As for me, you guys are okay on the internet but I work hard all week and on the weekends, I'd just as soon hang out with my family and friends. Sorry!

Judy, a few things here. First it is not that a group is clicky but people get use to driving with the same people, they know their driving skills and it makes for a much better run when you know who is in front of you. ALL drivers should ALWAYS have a GOOD Walkie Talkie, this is first for safety sake in case something happens to you or your car, second if you have to stop it lets people ahead know to stop and pull over. It is going to become mandatory on most of the runs that I go on just for that reason alone. The next is if you are not comfortable driving a the speed of the group, say so, one person will always slow down to your speed and get you back to base. This is the reason we all try in advance to explain a run and that it will be a slow pace, a middle pace or a hot shoe pace. If you have never been in a group before than start with the slow group, then you know what is expected of you and you wont feel left out.
We all try and make it a fun event but do not be embarrassed to run a slower run. IT is always safety first. We are trying to make runs where there are more road captains and sweepers so that we can make each group smaller and easier to handle. As for your lost keys, say something, like "would everyone mind helping me look for my keys" you will find that everyone will stop and help. I have never met such a wonderful group of people on any run, don't make yourself a stranger, come and enjoy the runs, we had a great time in Kentucky and I am sorry that you did not enjoy yourself.

[solli4me]

Originally Posted by KentuckySky

I went to a run once. It was nice but too "clickey" (is that even a word?) I couldn't keep up with them on the runs. Then I found out most were all friends and they had radios and were communicating to tell each other when cars were coming in the opposite direction, etc. No wonder they were driving like maniacs! Guess someone should have given me a "run 101" class before I participated. At one point, I dropped my keys in the grass while we were taking a photo shot. Everyone knew we had lost the keys but they just took off and left me and my son in the middle of no where. We found the keys and took off on our own excursion. We toured the state capitol and some other neat spots in Lexington before we went home. People were friendly but they sure didn't care to make us feel part of the "click".

As for me, you guys are okay on the internet but I work hard all week and on the weekends, I'd just as soon hang out with my family and friends. Sorry!

Judi, I've experienced this to a degree also in other regions - the leadfoots take off and godhelpyou if you're unfamilair with the area and you don't have a navigator. I think friends who want to be in the same group and drive competetively comes with the territory, altho it's hard to take when you've travelled a long way only to feel like you've been left behind. For that reason alone I usually lead the last group or end up sweeping at our local runs even tho on my normal day I do 90.

Please don't let one experience sour you on future runs. Come on out and see us one year - we'll take good care of you.

[Spag]

Originally Posted by solli4me

Judi, I've experienced this to a degree also in other regions - the leadfoots take off and godhelpyou if you're unfamilair with the area and you don't have a navigator. I think friends who want to be in the same group and drive competetively comes with the territory, altho it's hard to take when you've travelled a long way only to feel like you've been left behind. For that reason alone I usually lead the last group or end up sweeping at our local runs even tho on my normal day I do 90.

Seriously - we all love Solli. She really is a sweetheart and she really does do this.



When I joined in to the little happy group/click/family of MASSC, Solli was literally there with open arms to welcome me! It really is nice having someone around like her to make sure that everyone feels welcome!

And - it is very refreshing to be around someone who continually sees the good in everyone around her. Solli keeps us centered and laughing! (her brain floss is hilarious)

Okay - I'll stop with the mushy stuff. And no - you cannot have her!

[solli4me]

Steve. You're making me really nervous. But I'm def gonna print out your lovely testimony and paste it to the wall of my office for my boss to see. Even tho he already knows about my brain.

[SkyhighNY]

I have to agree that any newcomer going on a run would see the groups as "clickey". However, you have to remember that some of these people have been together for a while. I guess it's just like being the new kid in school.

I was lucky enough for my first run to be with the MASSC with Dengel, Solli4Me, Spag, Morfious and Reedred. They were all really great and made sure everyone was always where they were supposed to be. People on the forum may be bothered by us chatting so much but I think it helps bring us together. By the time you get to the run you almost feel like you know all these people. And after all you want to do is continue to laugh and share what went on during the run.

The first run can most definitely be intimidating but I would certainly recommend giving it another try. One of my favorite parts about owning this car is driving along with several other similar cars (Sky or Solstice) doesn't matter. It is the coolest thing to watch all those cars ahead of you.

In response to Chillisky's original question I would say that it is most definitely location related. When I am with the LISSC I am usually outnumbered by the Sosltice's. However, when I am with the MASSC group it seems that there are more Skys.

[Spag]

Originally Posted by SkyhighNY

I was lucky enough for my first run to be with the MASSC with Dengel, Solli4Me, Spag, Morfious and Reedred.

Not to hijack or anything... but...

SkyhighNY, you never told me that I was one of your first! Damn, I feel honored!

Okay - Hijack over!

I personally can't make it to the events that are overnight unless I can make arrangements for my puppy. And that is luck of the draw at times.

Otherwise, I'd probably be at all of them!

Seriously!

Kappa Owners are Fun People!

[SteveSky67]

Originally Posted by SKY Spy

Kim,

I'll give you my personal reasons...

I work ALL Saturdays with very few exceptions, that right there keeps me from actually being able to attend to many runs and meets. To add to this, I have a very hard time getting any time off from work, .

I'm glad i'm not the first one to say this. I have off every 6th saturday and i get shut out of events because most all events are on a saturday ie:"the tubing event", now, i understand that the whole world doesn't revolve around steve, but i would like to see more events on a sunday, that is why i planned a event of my own on a sunday ie: The Rivoli's Event, so people like myself and NJSKY4Me, sorry kim can remember you exact screen name ....who can't make it on a sunday can get together with other owners....also, since the summer is full of events it is also hard to take a vacation day to attend events becuase of other vacations going on in the office..and i cant call in sick because i dont do that, because it screws everybody who did go to work that day....what can i tell you i'm a good employee!

[solli4me]

Originally Posted by ThunderSky

I too was a little puzzled by the omission of a Sky on the logo for a "Kappa" event. Having driven my Sky a total of 5100 kms and planning my vacation around attending the event (which was great regardless of this little omission) , I still find it rather puzzeling as to why the logo did not include one of each car as most every other event Logo I have seen has done.

Anyway, that's my one little gripe and it certainly won't keep me from attending other events in the future. Everyone was very accepting of each others cars and I think the attendance probably relates just to the number of cars out there.

As far as I know, the logo was aquired from crundell and he didn't put the Sky in it. Kim thought she was getting both cars and was a little upset about it but when something's done for free, well, you know how it goes.

Anyway, take a look at the 2009 Colorado Solstice/Sky National website. There's one BIG SKY and no little Solstice AT ALL. I offered my car to no avail.

[Darkwing]

I'll talk to Sol owners. Geeze I'm not 'clicky' either. Anyone who has been on the runs with me knows I'll talk to anyone 'till they walk away in disgust.

Seriously though the common interest in Kappas is probably one of the best icebreakers in starting any conversation and getting to know everyone present.

[JRinKY]

solli4me : As far as I know, the logo was aquired from crundell and he didn't put the Sky in it. Kim thought she was getting both cars and was a little upset about it but when something's done for free, well, you know how it goes.

I believe that the issue had something to do with copyright ownership of the Sky artwork and a lack of time to get new artwork made.

[solli4me]

Exactly right. The logo with the Sky was the NASSOA logo as I understood it.

[Darkwing]

I like my shirt. Besides, Skys look better in person.
When I saw the shirt I noticed the missing Sky, but having met the organizers before, I knew there was a good reason for it. The KY people wouldn't 'diss' anyone to be mean.

[solli4me]

exactly right.

[reedred]

That's totally understandable, JR, but you have to realize that's enough to keep some people away. It wouldn't stop me now, but I generally don't attend anything if I get the impression that my invitation or inclusion was an afterthought or gesture to save face. Omission from a logo with an invitation gives me a vibe of "oh- you can come too." Someone who is less hard-core isn't likely to search out the reason why there's no Sky in the logo or ask about it. They may see the event as more of a Solstice thing and just move on.

Way back in the day when I was a meet noob, I almost didn't go to a certain event because I remembered some harsh words that were typed long before. Solstice clubs around the country were debating the addition of Skys. Many were all for it, but some people seemed dead-set against it. Someone locally had a pretty strong opinion (which has certainly changed) that really turned me off. The whole thing was thoroughly resolved long before I took delivery, but was definitely fresh in my mind as I left my driveway about to go spend a day with a bunch of strangers.

My point is that when trying to encourage people to go to a meet for the first time, we all need to make an effort to ensure that they're appealing to all. Little things can matter a lot to people, especially before they've made in-person contact with a group. That logo may have made a big difference to some and kept them away, but unless they pipe up, we'll never really know. If the 2009 NA Meet logo has no Solstice or a tiny one in a corner somewhere (I haven't seen it for a while), then maybe the powers that be should consider a revision.

I certainly don't mean to point fingers/throw stones/complain/etc. here. This is purely intended as constructive criticism- which sometimes sucks. I certainly have no problems with any event anyone else has organized to date- it's more than I've ever done.

[whitefang]

Originally Posted by reedred

That's totally understandable, JR, but you have to realize that's enough to keep some people away. It wouldn't stop me now, but I generally don't attend anything if I get the impression that my invitation or inclusion was an afterthought or gesture to save face. Omission from a logo with an invitation gives me a vibe of "oh- you can come too." Someone who is less hard-core isn't likely to search out the reason why there's no Sky in the logo or ask about it. They may see the event as more of a Solstice thing and just move on.

Way back in the day when I was a meet noob, I almost didn't go to a certain event because I remembered some harsh words that were typed long before. Solstice clubs around the country were debating the addition of Skys. Many were all for it, but some people seemed dead-set against it. Someone locally had a pretty strong opinion (which has certainly changed) that really turned me off. The whole thing was thoroughly resolved long before I took delivery, but was definitely fresh in my mind as I left my driveway about to go spend a day with a bunch of strangers.

My point is that when trying to encourage people to go to a meet for the first time, we all need to make an effort to ensure that they're appealing to all. Little things can matter a lot to people, especially before they've made in-person contact with a group. That logo may have made a big difference to some and kept them away, but unless they pipe up, we'll never really know. If the 2009 NA Meet logo has no Solstice or a tiny one in a corner somewhere (I haven't seen it for a while), then maybe the powers that be should consider a revision.

I certainly don't mean to point fingers/throw stones/complain/etc. here. This is purely intended as constructive criticism- which sometimes sucks. I certainly have no problems with any event anyone else has organized to date- it's more than I've ever done.

There will be a Solstice also on the 2009 NASSM website. Web development is in the early stages

Absorbing all the comments and suggestions on this thread for upcoming Denver 2009 NASSM. Keep them coming!

[JRinKY]

reedred : That's totally understandable, JR, but you have to realize that's enough to keep some people away. .....

It is certainly enough to keep me from wearing the shirt. They are both still wrapped up in their little plastic bag.

I actually don't