jthill wrote

This comment shows how misinformed you all are.    I don't agree with that, but even assuming it to be true, who's fault is it. The member's or the BOD for failing to get information out?

[quote] When we realized that no advertising of substance was forthcoming we decided to suspend the paper version in favor of an online publication.  Money was authorized for software to add the StraightPipe publication as an addition to our website.

 You either didn't read my post or ignored the point I made. It should have been a "push" communication and not a "pull" one. That can still be fixed quickly, cheaply and easily. You already have many member's email addresses. Use them.

[quote]Second, the content of the StraightPipe was hopelessly outdated by the time it was in the hands of the members.

With a bimonthly publication, you betcha. One again you ignored my point. The Straightpipe served well for many years.

[quote] National racers frequently enter the fewest number of races allowed to qualify for the Runoffs.  Then they seek races with the weakest competition to maximize points.

True. This is a problem to be fixed at the National level. What has the Region, or you, done to raise the level of awareness there? How many national BOD members have you bent the ears of? How many other Regions have you been in discussion with to help get things changed? If you have, where is the communication to the membership about any of it? 

[quote]Those of you with 5 digits in your membership number need to face the fact that things change.  The 2009 WDC BOD made a courageous decision to suspend National racing in the region in hopes that it would send a message to SCCA National.     ..........  
So now you can do what you do best.  Attack me for my post.  Ignore the real problem.  Your attacks on the WDC BOD are reprehensible.  Many of you are FORMER or current volunteers, and you realize what a thankless job it is.  Your actions chase away good people.  I have lots of ideas that could make our Region better, but you will never hear them.  The biggest challenge to the viability of this Region is not communication or finances, it is recruiting good leadership.  And you make that much more difficult.

Sorry, I have a three digit member number. Been around a tad longer than you.  I've served several terms on the Region BOD as well as chaired a number of committees over the years. Including being an active part of the group that saved the Region's racing program when it was very close to being out of business at Summit Point because of finances. That, by the way, is where the whole MARRS series started. We (the Region) made it work by becoming race promoters and being in the business of selling tickets - what a novel idea these days, paying spectators at a SCCA race!!!

I will say that, IMO, the problems surrounding National racing, as well as a few Regional issues, are the result of a lack of imagination and foresight on the part of current and past BODs. You don't need good leadership, you need people willing to get their hands dirty and dedicate some time and effort toward making things better. Actually communicating with the membership in a meaningfull way might just enable you to find some of those people.

Paul

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