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Questions and Answers for the problems in the AACA!!!


R W Burgess

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I moved this from the Rants and Raves as I think it's an important issue to talk about. Now, a question for everyone. From Hershey, I was hearing of some problem areas in the AACA. How do you propose these be posted on the forum without alienating everyone involved, to the point that none of the Directors will respond to the question? As we get into explaining the problem on here it seems to take on a life of it's own, to the point that the "bosses" don't want to respond and get shot down in "public". This is a serious problem for them, the Board members. Always keep in mind that the printed word can be intimidating to people. Wayne

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Gee Thanks Wayne....I really want to get into this. NOT! However, I would hope that AACA members would contact the appropriate Director, Bill Smith or myself if they have a problem or a concern. I think handling them one-on-one will get quicker results.

That being said, I have pledged to all of you that I WILL do my best to monitor the site on a daily basis when I take over from Bill. I do not want to see members with problems dangling in the wind. A quick and accurate response is essential and we owe that to our members.

We do want to hear your thoughts. I hope to do a survey next year to find out what is on the minds of our membership, what they like, what they don't like. We need to hear from all of you in order to make sure we are meeting your needs as a club.

I have stayed away from some of this conversation since it seemed to be going nowhere. People have dug in to their postions and do not seem to understand that all this blow-up and banning issue has resulted from basically one situation. PeterG has stated the facts about the operation of this site and they speak for themselves. It is a shame we are chasing some people away becuase we cannot disagree as gentlemen. Too many times posts are being made in the "heat of the moment".

Anyway, to answer your question, if a criticism about AACA is posted, we will respond. All we can ask is that the post be presented with the best interests of AACA at heart, that it not be a personal attack and that the poster has his facts correct. We will do our best to help.

When I agreed to take the job in Hershey I thought I would have to back off from the Forum. I now believe I can not. I do not worry about personally getting shot down in public (goes with the territory) but more importantly I do not want things to fester and damage the club in anyway. Also, remember you all have my email access and you can call anytime at headquarters or if needed at home.

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Thanks Steve. I knew you'd understand the situation. I'm good at lead ins for "exciting" topics. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Glad to help, call me anytime. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Wayne

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Wayne, The one thing nobody can contoll or understand is the TONE of a reply on this Forum. If you're one to one, face to face with someone it is easy to understand where things are going.Here on the Forum the writen word can be greatly misunerstood! I posted a reply last week and used a common phrase,used in any "G" rated movie or kids TV show, and got flamed royaly for it.

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The one thing nobody can control or understand is the TONE of a reply on this Forum. If you're one to one, face to face with someone it is easy to understand where things are going</div></div>

Sometimes people just don't seem to see or know how to use the grin.gif and then misunderstand the inflection. People, use the grin.gif to show your intent. If they don't have the one you feel is appropriate, put in a short note or an explanation like (LOLUMSOOMN) IE: (Laughing out loud until milk shot out of my nose) or similar. Make it clear showing either your serious mad.gif or joking tongue.gifgrin.gif. Spell it out if need be. This will greatly reduce the confusion. confused.gifgrin.gif Never assume that everyone will "get it" because you do.

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It sure would be nice to have all the AACA card carrying members somehow be indentified on this form. I have witnessed several times someone really getting on a members case or spouting their imput regarding the AACA policys and rules only to find out they were not even members. My 2 cents.

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> As we get into explaining the problem on here it seems to take on a life of it's own, to the point that the "bosses" don't want to respond and get shot down in "public". This is a serious problem for them, the Board members. Always keep in mind that the printed word can be intimidating to people. </div></div>

Wayne,

I'm reminded of the furor that was raised over the Class 37 issue (Hot Rods). There was substantial rancor, even hyperbolic at times. However the principals involved <span style="font-style: italic">over time</span> became involved in the discussion and were able to make both sides see each other in civil and understanding terms. Not many people's minds were changed, and the opposition to the class eventually won the day. But participation in this process brought respect to both sides that ended (for the most part) the hyperbole and rancor.

If the "bosses" can overcome their fear of being "shot down in public", I think they'll find out that we're not the Bolshevik mob we sometimes seem to be. smile.gif

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Dave, I tried in my previous post to set a tone that represented the feelings of the board. The "bosses" don't act like bosses, they spend a ton of time volunteering to make the club stronger for all of us. Despite their personal busy lives, they spend an enormous amount of time on board and committee assignments. This is not an "elitist" group.

During the interview proccess for the Executive Director's job, I was able to experience first-hand the motivation of AACA's board. I would not have accepted the opportunity to serve, if I felt members did not come first in AACA.

I am not an apologist for our board nor am I "shinning my nose" over this issue. I honestly believe that those who serve AACA, do so for the best of reasons. I believe, as well, that our communications with the Discussion Forum will continue to get better as time goes by.

By the way, I love all the fun stuff you do with your posts....don't have a clue how you do it though!

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You know Steve. Just because I use those redneck southern words(boss), doesn't mean you have to. We wouldn't want anyone to think you were from the South now would we? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Look at this guys, I managed to put my AACA no. in my post today. See, you can teach an old dog new tricks. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Wayne

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> This is not an "elitist" group. </div></div>

Steve,

I don't think this could be clearer. I hope I didn't give you the impression that I thought differently. I left the AACA about 12 years ago because I had just that impression after a while. This was in the age when cars were worth more than money, and judging was becomming a cult of perfection. Having this tool at the club's disposal has allowed it (us) to dispel that image wonderfully. I rejoined about 2 years ago in part because of this site.

I'm sure organization is in good hands. We're just here to help. I hope as more take advantage of the level of communication that this media allows we can dispel all manner of assumptions about each other. smooching.gif

Well, maybe sometimes the smilies are a bit much. smile.gif

===========================================================

By the way, I add similes from a number of sources by using the "image" function on the post page. I found them by searching for "smilies" on Yahoo. You can find the source of any of the ones I use by right clicking on the image and cut/pasting the url into your browser. Each site has many smilies that can be brought in when the "domestic" crop we have won't do the job. It's really easy, actually. typing.gif

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Randall, thanks to the fact that you know low people in high places, we have gone thru extraordinary measures at National Headquarters to provide you with an official very special membership number! grin.gif You new number, gee, I think I need some trumpets blaring...is 552271. Thanks for joining!

All right Jay...tell us or me how to put my number in! I am vertically challenged and apparently computer challenged as well.

Critterpainter...I like your idea. Will ask the experts if that is possible.

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Gee, that was very nice!!! THank you. eh, OK, to put your membership number in, go to the My Home, then edit your profile, at the bottom. Go down the page to the Signature field and insert the information there. That is how it shows up under your name. You may also place other information, limericks or what have you there. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Don't forget to press the Submit button at the lower left.

Thanks again, Steve! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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To add a signature to your AACA post that appears every time you post automatically.

Log on to the site.

At the top of any forum page click ?My Home?

On the ?My Home? page at the top it will say

?My Home for (Your Name)?

Click on (your Name)

Under "Main Configuration" there will be

?Personal information, email, password, etc.? off to the right of that there will be an ?edit? Click on edit.

About ½ way down on that page you will see a box with

?Signature (up to 256 characters). You may use UBBCode in your signature?

above it.

Anything you put in that box will be your signature

As a example my signature is coded and looks like this in the box.

?Jay Wolf

AACA Life Member #963877

[ur*l=http://159.218.3.3/Thunderbird/] Thunderbird

[u*rl=http://159.218.3.3/Newelgin.HTM] Elgin

[ur*l=http://159.218.3.3/Indian/] Indian

[ur*l=http://159.218.3.3/rokons/Jays/] Rokon ?

(Remove the *'s, I had to put them in to stop it from converting the code.

But is can be simple text like

Your name

AACA Number

The above code minus the *'s looks like this in a signature with

the vehicle names as hotlinks.

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Don't know about the down side but I don't really see the need to post your membership numbers in the first place? smile.gif BTW I let my membership run out last year. frown.gif

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Great question. Bill, Peggy, Karen and I have been throwing it (the question!) around for a bit this morning. As you are aware, each member does have a PIN number which affords him a furthur level of protection. We have tried to come up with worst case scenarios involving somone who is not quite "right" or vindictive. AT PRESENT, only a real odd ball case seems possible but also unlikely.

The suggestion for the DF'ers "signature" to be in a special color is a real easy solution to the problem,if it is workable. Again, I have asked PeterG his thoughts.

To the gentleman who left us...PLEASE come back!

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> To the gentleman who left us...PLEASE come back! </div></div>

Nice to see I'm wanted. europeancarnut is back and is now a paid up member of the AACA. grin.gif

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Dear E-NUT,Let me be the first to welcome you back and while i am at it i need some Zephyr parts.I have located them in Duluth ,Minnesota.Pick em up ASAP and i will take care of ALL expenses.I trust you have your truck repaired and you are ready to roll,please advise.By the way,do you have any references?and i do not mean that Amphicar Guy tongue.gifin Colorado.diz laugh.gif

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> To the gentleman who left us...PLEASE come back! </div></div>

Nice to see I'm wanted. europeancarnut is back and is now a paid up member of the AACA. grin.gif </div></div>

The "gentleman" in question knows exactly who he is, and I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if it was he and <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> the late and former "europeancarnut" who dropped this ditty in on us for a lark! At least it'd be nice to think so. smile.gif

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