AGM 2024 - BMM Sunday 19th May

[Red & Black]

Derek, the Facebook page by Ann should be the one accessed from the club aswell, it was one of my manifesto aims to bring on board Ann's page under part of the OC umbrella, for the exact reasons you mention. Before it was almost a competitor site even though many members were on it. Since then, I've worked with Ann to bring it in and Ann (AMH) is the official Facebook liaison. It's in her signature block too. She can be contacted to push out things like you say and is the interface between the club and FB page. I myself do not use FB anymore, but when I did would regularly make announcements and update events on there. Again this should or could be being done by Events Team members, EC, CIC, FB liaison or any member like yourself who has done so with success, to make a more homogenous experience between the platforms. Your point is already one that should be in use, I will take this away as a point for the next CM meeting and to raise with Ann, rather than an AGM point.

[ChrisHolmes]

I have previously highlighted to the CIC that the FB link on the forum links to the Clubs Facebook “page” which is rarely updated and virtually dormant but each time was informed it was not necessary to change the link.
By “affiliating” with the RX8 Owners Facebook “group” which is independently operated by Anne and others the RX8OC made a great move and gained a great communication route via this independent facility.
FB pages and groups operate very differently and pages such as where the forum link takes members are not where club members can interact whereas a group can be joined and discussions held.

[ChrisHolmes]

I have previously highlighted to the CIC that the FB link on the forum links to the Clubs Facebook “page” which is rarely updated and virtually dormant but each time was informed it was not necessary to change the link.
By “affiliating” with the RX8 Owners Facebook “group” which is independently operated by Anne and others the RX8OC made a great move and gained a great communication route via this independent facility.
FB pages and groups operate very differently and pages such as where the forum link takes members are not where club members can interact whereas a group can be joined and discussions held.

It is not independent anymore Chris. It was originally, however Ann and the others agreed to a merger and it is part of the official club, which is why Ann is the official club liaison officer between the platforms. We would have either had to make an alternative group or agree to a merger, the alternative group had many negatives compared to an already thriving platform with many members. Which is why you will notice it says the official RX8 Facebook group on it.

[ChrisHolmes]

Thanks for the update Drew which make it even more surprising that the link on the forum has not been changed yet.

[auditt235]

Hi, I would like to attend again this year please and would book a + 1 to be confirmed. One quickie - I am dairy and gluten intolerant and there was not a lot of that noticeable last year, although the crisps were excellent. Not a grouse but could easily have turned up with my own sarnies had I known. You guys do a hell of a lot without needing to be too picky about lunch.

Hi,
They've confirmed a special meal option for you

Brilliant thanks very much!!

It will only be me this year the plus 1 is away!!

John

[AMH]

Yes the Facebook Group went all official!

We do try and post up links to events etc but could probably do a bit more of that.

A Facebook Group and Page are different. You join a Group but follow a Page, and you can only post a comment on an existing post on a Page, not start a new thread. So a Page is more official. The Group does take quite a bit of Moderating but there's lots of automatic stuff that Facebook does that really helps out. It's actually been quite well behaved recently, I don't think Nick's banned anyone for at least a week!

The Page is a bit quiet, maybe some of the Group Admin could have access and then we can post more stuff on there; future events and photos etc from Club events attended? I also have it set up personally so that everything I post on Instagram automatically posts to Facebook, I assume something similar could be done for the Club.

[ChrisHolmes]

Speak with Dan about that Ann, see no problems with that access and assisting. Just get the group added on here as media team. Then they can use the media development area to discuss on forum what everyone is doing and liaise with yourself and Dan on plans.

It would be good to get more regular adverts or those events as tabs I was adding when I was on it at top of group, with a link to the forum thread. As SeanP pointed out the other day, he has alot of interest in his breakfast run but it can be harder to nail numbers down on FB. I suggested to him that the forum be used as a master for his event to plan, and that people who see on FB can view the forum thread, confirm on there and he runs the attendance list etc via the forum for ease. Possibly this could be a generic format for all and a more cohesive way to use the Group and Forum mix.

[ChrisHolmes]

Speak with Dan about that Ann, see no problems with that access and assisting. Just get the group added on here as media team. Then they can use the media development area to discuss on forum what everyone is doing and liaise with yourself and Dan on plans.

It would be good to get more regular adverts or those events as tabs I was adding when I was on it at top of group, with a link to the forum thread. As SeanP pointed out the other day, he has alot of interest in his breakfast run but it can be harder to nail numbers down on FB. I suggested to him that the forum be used as a master for his event to plan, and that people who see on FB can view the forum thread, confirm on there and he runs the attendance list etc via the forum for ease. Possibly this could be a generic format for all and a more cohesive way to use the Group and Forum mix.

Agreed Drew.

We do see people expressing an interest in events and we try to point them to appropriate the forum thread. I had a PM just yesterday about where to sell a car, and I told them about doing it on the forum for a one off £20.

It also looks like we do have an Admin for the Facebook Page in our mist...

[Red & Black]

Speak with Dan about that Ann, see no problems with that access and assisting. Just get the group added on here as media team. Then they can use the media development area to discuss on forum what everyone is doing and liaise with yourself and Dan on plans.

It would be good to get more regular adverts or those events as tabs I was adding when I was on it at top of group, with a link to the forum thread. As SeanP pointed out the other day, he has alot of interest in his breakfast run but it can be harder to nail numbers down on FB. I suggested to him that the forum be used as a master for his event to plan, and that people who see on FB can view the forum thread, confirm on there and he runs the attendance list etc via the forum for ease. Possibly this could be a generic format for all and a more cohesive way to use the Group and Forum mix.

[Red & Black]

Speak with Dan about that Ann, see no problems with that access and assisting. Just get the group added on here as media team. Then they can use the media development area to discuss on forum what everyone is doing and liaise with yourself and Dan on plans.

It would be good to get more regular adverts or those events as tabs I was adding when I was on it at top of group, with a link to the forum thread. As SeanP pointed out the other day, he has alot of interest in his breakfast run but it can be harder to nail numbers down on FB. I suggested to him that the forum be used as a master for his event to plan, and that people who see on FB can view the forum thread, confirm on there and he runs the attendance list etc via the forum for ease. Possibly this could be a generic format for all and a more cohesive way to use the Group and Forum mix.

The Open Meet I've organised for the 12th of May in Bury St. Edmunds will be a test case, as five of the thirteen are via Facebook. As you are suggesting, I've already added their names to those on the Forum thread.

The problem of those who don't show up only become an issue when tables have been booked, as we found out on the last Essex Meet. The cost of which had to be shared with those who did attend.

To have events posted on the linked Fb page would surely benefit the club, going on the poor response to the Peak District Drive and Go Japan later in the year.

[DrewR3]

Yes the forum needs to be the primary source of management and organisation for events, but FB is a great advertising tool. I personally used to advertise membership, events, add event tiles and direct people to usually FAQ threads when the inevitable repeated new owner questions get asked. I know Ann is very busy running the group and in general, as we all our, but I'm sure her as FB liaison and Dan as CIC would welcome someone to the media team who was perhaps a frequent FB and forum user that may want to pick up that kind of advertising I used to do. I know Ann has added links somewhere to membership of the club, but I think a rep may be a good idea that regularly posts membership page links, highlights the discount perks and show perks plus adds/manages event advertising on there.......that is a not very well masked Hint Derek btw....or anyone else that would feel like doing so.

[ChrisHolmes]

Yes the forum needs to be the primary source of management and organisation for events, but FB is a great advertising tool. I personally used to advertise membership, events, add event tiles and direct people to usually FAQ threads when the inevitable repeated new owner questions get asked. I know Ann is very busy running the group and in general, as we all our, but I'm sure her as FB liaison and Dan as CIC would welcome someone to the media team who was perhaps a frequent FB and forum user that may want to pick up that kind of advertising I used to do. I know Ann has added links somewhere to membership of the club, but I think a rep may be a good idea that regularly posts membership page links, highlights the discount perks and show perks plus adds/manages event advertising on there.......that is a not very well masked Hint Derek btw....or anyone else that would feel like doing so.

Sounds like a great way to distribute information and further negates the suggestion to produce a regular newsletter. But also of course needs someone to take on the responsibility.

[Red & Black]

Once you've constructed the essential details of an event on the Forum, just copy and paste on to both Fb pages (Group and AHM) along with a relevant photo. Further information/discussion can be via the Forum. It really is that easy...

[DrewR3]

Once you've constructed the essential details of an event on the Forum, just copy and paste on to both Fb pages (Group and AHM) along with a relevant photo. Further information/discussion can be via the Forum. It really is that easy...

It is Derek. But it's someone having the time and presence on both platforms to do that for every event, every social, every important notice, a weekly reminder of membership perks, the signposting to the forum for other things, the answering questions on the Events they've posted on behalf of the club as you start putting 20 events on your notifications go mad with every comment you've placed......like I said above, when I had fb, then I did this as much as I could. Ann and Dan do it as and when they can, but having someone with spare time to facilitate this almost daily, or few hourly is how it would fully succeed

[Red & Black]

At large club events, I agree. However, for locally organised Meets it is surely their responsibility?

I've sourced the venue, arranged the date, mapped out the drive, posted all the information on the Forum and Facebook, answered all queries and questions, updated on Fb RX8 numbers (for those with no access to the Forum). On Thursday I'm meeting up with Malcolm for a coffee at the venue and taking him on the drive incase numbers mean we need two lead vehicles. Ian and Steve from the Essex Meet will be there on the day to assist if needed. No one else from the club has been involved or even needed to be.

[DrewR3]

At large club events, I agree. However, for locally organised Meets it is surely their responsibility?

I've sourced the venue, arranged the date, mapped out the drive, posted all the information on the Forum and Facebook, answered all queries and questions, updated on Fb RX8 numbers (for those with no access to the Forum). On Thursday I'm meeting up with Malcolm for a coffee at the venue and taking him on the drive incase numbers mean we need two lead vehicles. Ian and Steve from the Essex Meet will be there on the day to assist if needed. No one else from the club has been involved or even needed to be.

Which Is great and what the organisers of an event like yourself do, and should be doing. However what about those organisers that don't have FB? They can still do all the rest of the organising, but would need someone to advertise on FB for them, straight away we could highlight Snowdon runs, Oxford social, Robs Shrewsbury social, Ramp day are 4 events that would not get cover because the organiser is not on FB. If the organiser is a fb regular, like you have, then I would presume advertising would take place. As demonstrated with this and Seanp breakfast run recently. Doesn't mean someone can't come forward to assist the club in a more official capacity as a media team volunteer to assist in promoting or tying the 2 formats together.

[ChrisHolmes]

At large club events, I agree. However, for locally organised Meets it is surely their responsibility?

I've sourced the venue, arranged the date, mapped out the drive, posted all the information on the Forum and Facebook, answered all queries and questions, updated on Fb RX8 numbers (for those with no access to the Forum). On Thursday I'm meeting up with Malcolm for a coffee at the venue and taking him on the drive incase numbers mean we need two lead vehicles. Ian and Steve from the Essex Meet will be there on the day to assist if needed. No one else from the club has been involved or even needed to be.

Which Is great and what the organisers of an event like yourself do, and should be doing. However what about those organisers that don't have FB? They can still do all the rest of the organising, but would need someone to advertise on FB for them, straight away we could highlight Snowdon runs, Oxford social, Robs Shrewsbury social, Ramp day are 4 events that would not get cover because the organiser is not on FB. If the organiser is a fb regular, like you have, then I would presume advertising would take place. As demonstrated with this and Seanp breakfast run recently. Doesn't mean someone can't come forward to assist the club in a more official capacity as a media team volunteer to assist in promoting or tying the 2 formats together.

Surely the if the need for FB visibilty of the meets/events mentioned is important then the CIC, EC and their teams should have enough time available between them to support the non FB members organising local events/meets.

[DrewR3]

Possibly Chris. It would be nice to have just 1 person co-ordinating everything though, prevents duplication and they can get into a rhythm and pattern of how it's done. Whether this is an existing team or committee member, or someone new who feels they would like to do it. My thoughts is 1 poc that works with the CIC and EC/Events would make a clear and concise operation

[ChrisHolmes]

Possibly Chris. It would be nice to have just 1 person co-ordinating everything though, prevents duplication and they can get into a rhythm and pattern of how it's done. Whether this is an existing team or committee member, or someone new who feels they would like to do it. My thoughts is 1 poc that works with the CIC and EC/Events would make a clear and concise operation

Surely between the CIC and EC alone this can be achieved, what else are they doing with their time I feel I must ask.
Nigel managed to keep an overall view of things when he was EC and yes I know he didn’t have a full time job and the present encumbants do but how much time are we actually talking about here to maintain information once things are set up?
Surely we don’t need another head to add to the teams that already exist under the CIC and EC.

[Magsrx8]

I for one appreciate what our elected volunteers do for the club with whatever free time they are able to contribute, whilst leading busy lives.

[auditt235]

I for one appreciate what our elected volunteers do for the club with whatever free time they are able to contribute, whilst leading busy lives.

Well said.

[Magsrx8]

Surely between the CIC and EC alone this can be achieved, what else are they doing with their time I feel I must ask.

Lol.

We're not all retired.

I specifically tried to step away from the role as I don't have the time for it, but nobody came forward. It was either I do what I can (which is very little) or the club crumbled.

You're welcome.

[ChrisHolmes]

Surely between the CIC and EC alone this can be achieved, what else are they doing with their time I feel I must ask.

Lol.

We're not all retired.

I specifically tried to step away from the role as I don't have the time for it, but nobody came forward. It was either I do what I can (which is very little) or the club crumbled.

You're welcome.

Cheers Dan, I am sure the club wouldn’t crumble without a CIC as the FB Group works well with Ann as liaison and the folks assisting her day to day. Of course though I am not aware of everything you do unseen in the background but in your own words it doesn’t sound like it is much.

[Magsrx8]

Ok this is getting ridiculous now

Would the club crumble with a CIC? Maybe not immediately but it would be the start of it. It would however require an immediate new constitution/position as the club currently has to have 7 members on the committee to function

Yet again, and I don't know how many times it needs said, we are all volunteers with busy lives. We all do what we can, when we can, and Dan is no exception. Considering the show some of the committee where left with by previous incumbents (I'm definitely an exception because Malcolm as we all know is a legend) they are doing an outstanding job. The constant jabs from a tiny number of members is getting boring now. If you could do a better job VOLUNTEER TO DO IT!!!! Oh wait, those people say they don't have the time/capability/willingness, just want to complain when we say we don't have the time to do everything they want

I'm starting to feel like a broken record and I've had enough of it. I shouldn't have to spend so much time defending our amazing volunteers. Unless you have previously held a role within the club SUCCESSFULLY or have something genuinly constructive to say that would help, stop taking digs at us

[Magsrx8]

It's more that the club must have 7 committee members, as per the constitution.

Otherwise I'd have stood down.