After discussions with other members, I'd like to canvass opinions on whether there should be a members-only section of the forum to arrange meets etc, only accessible if you're a fully paid up member of the car club, by entry of your club membership card number.

The way it currently is, there is no real incentive to join the club, as you get full access to meetings and the forum anyway.

Please vote above and feel free to explain your choice 

Goldryder wrote: The meets etc should be open to all, regardless of membership or marque ownership.

if its a free-for-all then maybe it should be renamed to The BMW Appreciation Society

I think that access to the technical sections etc. should remain free.

The XR Owners Club forum was my inspiration, access to certain sections was only granted on production of your membership card number.

What does my £35 subscription buy me?  A few well-written magazines, dealer discount depending on where you reside, and that's about it really.  I won't be renewing my subscription next year if this situation does not change, and I am sure that at least some others out there feel as strongly as I do

stephen you have a point here.  i asked you at the kildrummy meet if you were a member and you said you were but there was and still is no great benefits brought for members.

I believe there is a magazine?  but that's about it.

a members only area might not be a bad idea but it may actually reduce members on the forum that just have the attitude of a stuff it then... go elsewhere.  i dunno tho'

i definately think there should be more perks to membership.

I voted yes btw.

Darren

This is an open house as far as i am concerned

It is our job to talk about the club at meets to newbies so they join i would of thought

Start locking the forum and people will just go else where

silveriest wrote: I believe there is a magazine?  but that's about it

As a paid member you get 6 mags a year(they are very well written also by all regions)

You get a chance of joining a section like coupe etc:

You get a chance to vote at your AGM For the committee

You get a window sticker

You region committee work hard trying to get you deals(like BM motors from Gary) Only available to club members who produce there cards

You get 10% off at GFS

You get some % off insurance (depends on circumstances)

To name just a few

Its well worth the £35 a year

So sign up now

As unacceptable as it may be to Non BMW Club members on this Forum, the Bmw Car Club has grown in numbers, Without or In spite of--the WWW.

Compared to the Majority of paid up members--only a small number use this website.Elitist in the True meaning of the word , does NOT come into it.

Am I Elitest because I have paid to belong to BMW Emergency/Rac/AA service,s , How would I feel if my Non Elitest BMW owning friend  got the same service , but didnt pay a subscription????

Any Non Members go to Gaydon????????????, You enjoyed the work of dozens of Club members, who gave their precious time, for Non members to enjoy, and their subscription fee,s in a fraction of %.They did it, for "Enjoyment" to share with others, their passion for something they beleive in--and perhaps YOU-may wish to be a Club "MEMBER".

They didnt try to Brainwash or Con you--it was "Can we help you" so --if you think you are SO pressured to join the Club, Log off--BUT-its a great deal More than a Magazine , its a way of Life.

Many members have spent a lifetime getting benifits for the Club, WHY then is it a Right for Free, but slag off anyway eh!!.

Yes!!-I go for Stephen and all the like minded members who give more than they take . General Info-- contacts--Did you Know-news-anything else , Members Log in.

PS-- anyone got a store card-the one that gives you "BENIFITS", when you spend hundreds of ££££££--The Club gives it for £35.!!!

im not asking a lot, just for a little part of the forum, the members only section, as the name implies, should be for errr...members only!

Goldryder wrote: The meets etc should be open to all, regardless of membership or marque ownership.

Discuss.      there have been comments made in the past on this forum about people turning up in other cars

I must admit that another car appreciation club who get my pennies manages to cover the membership fee with people only having to attend 2 of their organised events in the whole of one year's membership before the subscription has paid for itself, they have a closed forum and a 1 month try and buy scheme before handing over your pennies for new members. The welcome pack included a pen, a tax disc holder and a keyring with other items on sale as well.

I too wondered about the club's higher membership fee for a few years as it seemed quite basic for other memberships I've paid and still do. However like everything else in life it's maybe not what material items you get but something else you might get with the section or region you're a member of.

Having said that everyone who runs a club/web site/membership do have private sections on their forums for paid-up members,  what should be included in that area is a matter that Committee people decide. You can have open events for anyone who wants to go and closed events if members want them and it's not badge snobbery or being elite.

But at the end of the day a majority has to decide one way or the other

Goldryder wrote: There was an Audi at Aberdeen

That will be coupeking then LOL

At least he does have a bmw

And still made the effort to come even tho his car is dead at the mo

Not that this as got anything to do with the topic

Goldryder wrote: There was an Audi at Aberdeen but makes no odds...doesn't make any difference what car anyone owns or turns up to a meet in.  If they are enthusiasts of a marque but can't always afford to own one or theirs is off the road for some reason, who are you or anyone else to judge them to be unwelcome? I know several people who don't own a BMW but who are enthusiastic about them Stephen. Not everyone has the finances to drive about in one, but that shouldn't stop them taking an active part in a club, website or meet.

maybe its a case of putting your money where your mouth is, early e36's are very reasonable money these days, and you bought your big ol' 6 for a song

Goldryder wrote: To be brutally honest Stephen, is this to do with the club membership fee and what you get out of it, or more to do with the fact you have a certain amount of sour grapes due to being banned for 24hrs for swearing the other night? You made it perfectly clear that you thought it was unjust that you got tugged without any notice. Maybe I am incorrect, in which case I apologise, but the timing does seem a little bit strange.

this has absolutely nothing to do with my temporary ban, however unjust i think it may be to ban someone without sufficient warning, and im still waiting for an explanation as to why this occurred.

i resent the fact that you bring it up, trying to show me in a bad light perhaps?

spokey wrote: Goldryder wrote: you got tugged without any notice. Now *that* sounds like a perk that would make the £35 worth spending...

ahmen. 

@Stephen:- you were banned by one of the moderators for breaking the rules. You were lucky you weren't banned again since thain as I (and all the other moderators) recieved complaints about a post you made last night! A reason does not need to be given but from what I gather, you had recieved plenty of advanced warning!

Anyway, getting back on topic. This fourm has about 4000 members. Who is going to sit down and sort these into club member or not? Who is going to pay for their time doing this? Furthermore, in order to do this a list of club members will have to be given to the person doing the processing. Im sure many members don't want a non office or committee person looking at their membership details which would be protected under FoI legislation! 
This job of processing member/non-member would have to be ongoing (adding new club members, removing people who haven't renewed their membership, etc.).
By the way, I neither want nor will accept this type of role!

WRT the last point about non-members attending events, I believe that this is only certain types of event. The better driving (track) days organised by the club are members only afaik. Also, for example the Irish region had a meeting today about how the year went and what kind of thing to do next year. Non members would have no voice in this at all! I have also found that non members coming to an event usually results in the person joining the club as they enjoy themselves  at said event!

fine.

maybe "website announcements and feedback" is a misnomer.

feel free mr. moderator to censor this thread at will, as the club vehemently values the opinions of people who don't own nor drive bmws over those who do, i thought this was a club for owners and drivers, obviously i was wrong, and for that i am sorry, i promise to pay more attention to the small print and to turn the other cheek to those who goad and make fun, resulting in my aforementioned banned status and the post i made in jest at 3:07am this morning, albeit an edited picture, which i subsequently retracted for fear of offending those who do not have a sense of humour

stephenperry wrote: fine. maybe "website announcements and feedback" is a misnomer. feel free mr. moderator to censor this thread at will, as the club vehemently values the opinions of people who don't own nor drive bmws over those who do, i thought this was a club for owners and drivers, obviously i was wrong, and for that i am sorry, i promise to pay more attention to the small print and to turn the other cheek to those who goad and make fun, resulting in my aforementioned banned status and the post i made in jest at 3:07am this morning, albeit an edited picture, which i subsequently retracted for fear of offending those who do not have a sense of humour

1. why do you think it is a misnomer. You left feedback and people respoinded to it. I merely stated that it would cause an administration nightmare and that I was not willing to accept the job of administrator under those conditions.
2.why on earth would I censor this thread?
3. "as the club vehemently values the opinions of people who don't own nor drive bmws over those who do" - this opinion is based on what?
4. Neither I nor anyone else minds people goading or having fun - however, you do so within the rules. I have enough to do without having to respond to complaints!

stephenperry wrote: lets get away fraom bmw... i mean would you honestly expect to turn up to a ferrari owners meeting in a skoda octavia and expect to fit in?  my case rests

I disagree totally. If I was a fan of Ferraris and was interested in  finding out more about ownership etc I would join the club and turn up to meet in order to speak to owners. I would do all this before actually buying one!

Rhys wrote: ...erm. there isnt much to say realy as regards to benfits of being a club member.. 1, saved about £100 on car insurence through club. 2. saved about 20%+ on RAC cover (about £22). 3, could have saved on cost of travel inn if I'd known they did discount at the time. ...any more, car parts, certain BMW garages etc... the list goes on. ...and all for £35. Bargain I'd say. As for a members only site, what exactly is going to be discussed on this secret society section? I didn't join the club to be an elitist, I joined because I happen to like BMW's (currently on third one at mo). If I'm not mistaken, the name happens to be BMW Car Club GB, not BMW Owners Club GB.. And even if I had bought something else I would have stayed a member. Looks like it's handbags at dawn... walk 3 paces, turn and swing... (poor dawn)

Well said.

Club members, like myself, get plenty of benefits and I don't see the need to have a separate 'members only' section on the forum.

What would we discuss in this section?

Although by the same token I don't think that if there was a separate section for members only it would necessarily alienate all the non members. It wouldn't have bothered me when I first started visiting the website.

Ultimately if it is an admin nightmare as Killian says then it's deffinately not worth the effort

stephenperry wrote: lets get away fraom bmw... i mean would you honestly expect to turn up to a ferrari owners meeting in a skoda octavia and expect to fit in?  my case rests

My brother in law was a member of the Rolls & Bently owners club & he did not drive one, He was made very welcome at the events

Goldryder wrote: Its like the Beaulieu RS Ford meet earlier this year.  I went to that, the BMWCC was invited along too.  There was a very healthy mix of car marques, not just RS Fords.  Everyone was treated as an equal, everyone was warmly welcomed to look at the cars and to ask questions...no matter how daft the questions might be. Car enthusiasts are like a big family. Doesn't matter which car you own or rave about or wish you could own given the chance.  Interaction with owners is the very very best way to find out about the real marques..how they drive, problems incurred that maybe the builder didn't realise about...there is a wealth of knowledge to be had on sites like this one, and others like it.  These sites are excellent for giving potential buyers a true and unbiased insight into ownership, the pitfalls, the good bits and the wishlists of things ownerd wished had been built into a marque. This forum is for announcements and feedback....well in all honesty, the entire site is a source of feedback, and that shouldn't be stuffed behind a barrier.

Think this sums up the issues very well, if its members only there is the aspect of being seen as Elitist.

I have wavered on the side of a members only section, but have now gone back to my original stance on a totally open forum.

Apart from Killians very well made point of who is going to sort it all out, this forum is a tool to encourage people to join the club.

We also get input from time to time from BMW franchise staff, and other independant proffesional people, we certainly dont want to lose that.

And as for your banning Stephen, I have lost count of the times I have warned you, and only not done it at the time as I see you as a good chap who gets a bit excited at times.

agree with P Fenwick

its pretty poor showing if u dont welcome people showing up to meets in a different make of car, they may have a genuine interest and wish to meet with the people to see wot sort of community it is and this may reflect there decision in buying another make of car and joining said community

ive been along to the killdrummy meet and can say its a great bunch o peeps and the atmos was warm and friendly  even if the tea was a bit on the steep side LOL

i voted no btw

i think its pick on stephen thread!he was just asking a question and it seems hes getting slatted for it!

i am not a member was thinking about becoming one but to be honest didnt feel the need to at this moment in time,it wouldnt bother me if there was a members only section where only members could use,it would be a little perk for members that put money into the club.and as for people going on the section and talking about non members etc who cares!!! i can see some of stephens points and i can see others to,to me this site is starting to get a bit petty with banning people and locking threads etc are we not aloud to voice our opinons?i myself havnt been to a cruise or a meeting where it has been a certain make of vehicle other than what i own, even tho i am intrested in all makes of cars,i wouldnt say stop others coming to meets and joining in but within reason,i do take pride in my car and when it is a meet with other bmw car owners we appriciate and understand each others vehicle and respect our cars,if you get people there that are just being nosey etc it would cheese me off!!

 thats my opinon for what it is worth,as i said i see it from both sides just dont think its kool when someone asks a question and everyone jumps on the ban waggon, after all were all here to help each other and make friends.

mell wrote: to me this site is starting to get a bit petty with banning people and locking threads etc are we not aloud to voice our opinons?

You can voice your opinions but you have to remain withing the forum guidelines. I do know what you mean though, but if there were no moderators or guidelines things would get out of hand. Most people who have been banned have deserved it.

mell wrote: i think its pick on stephen thread!he was just asking a question and it seems hes getting slatted for it! i am not a member was thinking about becoming one but to be honest didnt feel the need to at this moment in time,it wouldnt bother me if there was a members only section where only members could use,it would be a little perk for members that put money into the club.and as for people going on the section and talking about non members etc who cares!!! i can see some of stephens points and i can see others to,to me this site is starting to get a bit petty with banning people and locking threads etc are we not aloud to voice our opinons?i myself havnt been to a cruise or a meeting where it has been a certain make of vehicle other than what i own, even tho i am intrested in all makes of cars,i wouldnt say stop others coming to meets and joining in but within reason,i do take pride in my car and when it is a meet with other bmw car owners we appriciate and understand each others vehicle and respect our cars,if you get people there that are just being nosey etc it would cheese me off!!  thats my opinon for what it is worth,as i said i see it from both sides just dont think its kool when someone asks a question and everyone jumps on the ban waggon, after all were all here to help each other and make friends.

Thanks Mell

 <sigh>  some people doth protest too much methinks, some really silly comments in that particular rant, its pretty pathetic really

anyway, this "administrative nightmare" the status quo speak of....

heres a delightfully simple but elegant solution - all you do is have ONE extra line somewhere in the club magazine...

"This quarters password for the members section is..."

no correct password = no access 

Do you really want me to disect your previous rant for the amusement of all involved, or would you rather we both just let it drop

I don't know about you, but I'd prefer the second one, and put my time to more productive activities like editing my videos of the BMWCC Annual General Meeting

vent>vent>vent

 this really IS a saga now

 .... Wife #347 ..name ....  Dave!

Rhys wrote: better than watching telly this is...

you obviously don't watch the right programmes

a true classic comedian

i bought the limited edition cd boxset for almost £180

http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=ABCD&title=159368 - http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=ABCD&ti tle=159368

and mint unplayed ones like mine are selling on ebay for....

£184. 

still, its early days, i didnt buy it to make a quick profit

and the blood donor or the radio ham arent even on them!!!!!