Official Club Membership Enquiry

[sithwarrior]

KL2DC - yes we have already started talks with key sponsors and partners. Yes BMW Malaysia included. Give us some time. We are trying to affiliate ourselves with others as well.

Godflesh - Yes of course you can get your tech support else where, its up to you if you want to do so. We have no right to dictate where you should go seek your information from. We have more than just Shirts and caps, we're not that silly. This is the BMW owners club and the experience that you get here is not only from driving your BMW, but also by making freinds, networking,etc etc etc.... but I suppose nothing would be good enough for you so I have just wasted my time explaining... or have I ? Tropicana isnt based on a www.forum is honestly the smallest argument someone can have.

Scin - Your points fair and are being discussed. Please do give us a little more time. I asure you that the committee is putting a great deal of effort to make this club a wonderfull experience. Its not just about chillin with the posers... Trust me even I dont want to be part of some poser club. One Teh Tarik on me... Let me know when you're free

 

[XXX]

What are your proposals for other sources of operations funding? Have you started talks with BMW Malaysia for support, I think this is key. You guys need to do serious lobbying. Aside from various sponsors, you can do online ad sales and if you guys are starting up a newsletter (print or online), that is also another source of funds. Also start up an online store selling merchandise. The funds do not have to be borne of the membership base 100%. The membership base should be your tool to get more funds, its not an end all. Also small events like an auto-x day could be a good source of funds, especially if you open it up to the public.

FYI being an official BMW Club our hands are tied we are not allowed to advertise workshops, spareparts or aftermarket parts not even Hamann or ACS so there goes most of the people that we should target. So we are trying to get some others but its been hell. Also we have not proven ourselves yet as a club and that makes life tougher as well. BMWs support is more like a technical advisor no cash involved. For the moment funds will come from the membership drive. Untill then we have only this to play with and proof that this club is worth joining.
But seriously until we have members and enough of it to hold an AGM to change the constitution rgdg the fees, Im afraid not much can be done. As this fees was approved by the committee and members way b4 the current one and this was submitted to ROS and approved only recently.
Cheers

 

[XXX]

Tropicana isn't based on a "www. forum"

that is where you are missing the point..we are now no more a cyberspace club we have reigistered ourselves with ROS so we are now a registerd club on planet earth and on planet earth you now need money to survive. The Forum is now one of the benefits you will get when you join the club and not the other way around anymore. Our vision is to the extend of having our own clubhouse thats how far we want to go...hopefully like Tropicana but only RM150 one time fee and RM150 annually.

 

[scin]

Tropicana?? If compared with a golf club like tropicana means that you want bmw club malaysia to be exclusive and that means no lower middle income group is allowed... Also you can be a non golfing member of tropicana its much cheaper.

Just messing/kidding around... I understand what you trying to say.

But there is some truth to that ( the exclusivity aside )

A) full golf membership for those who want it all
B) reduced rate for those who only want certain facilities of the club

Makes perfect sense.


And as Godflesh said "What are we trying to achieve by collecting RM300, recruting 25 members and losing 250 or more - just doesn't make sense - and that's going to happen."



Better to collect 25 full members and 250 part members fees than just the 25.

 

[scin]

KL2DC - yes we have already started talks with key sponsors and partners. Yes BMW Malaysia included. Give us some time. We are trying to affiliate ourselves with others as well.

Godflesh - Yes of course you can get your tech support else where, its up to you if you want to do so. We have no right to dictate where you should go seek your information from. We have more than just Shirts and caps, we're not that silly. This is the BMW owners club and the experience that you get here is not only from driving your BMW, but also by making freinds, networking,etc etc etc.... but I suppose nothing would be good enough for you so I have just wasted my time explaining... or have I ? Tropicana isnt based on a www.forum is honestly the smallest argument someone can have.

Scin - Your points fair and are being discussed. Please do give us a little more time. I asure you that the committee is putting a great deal of effort to make this club a wonderfull experience. Its not just about chillin with the posers... Trust me even I dont want to be part of some poser club. One Teh Tarik on me... Let me know when you're free

No worries mate... just speakin my mind... I completely understand that these things take time... AND don't get me wrong, I am quite willing to pay the fees as I understand the situation and that it cannot be reviewed until later and that the committee is doing their best. It is an unenviable task and indeed a labour of love which requires a decent ammount of dedication. I respect and appreciate that.
I just want to make sure that the fees are not being justified with the "wrong" reasons.....before I fork it out!

 

[XXX]

if we do that we would probably end up with

Forum members 250
Club members 5

We are now trying to market the club and not the forum, the forum is what u will benefit when u join the club...so how can we just sell the 'benefit'?

 

[godflesh]

that is where you are missing the point..we are now no more a cyberspace club we have reigistered ourselves with ROS so we are now a registerd club on planet earth and on planet earth you now need money to survive. The Forum is now one of the benefits you will get when you join the club and not the other way around anymore. Our vision is to the extend of having our own clubhouse thats how far we want to go...hopefully like Tropicana but only RM150 one time fee and RM150 annually.

XXX,

With all due respect - Don't lecture me on the need for money- the fact that everyone needs money in today's world to survive is one reason why the club is going to experience a fallout. If it doesn't - then good for all of us.

The way I see it you guys have been doing a great job all this while so why risk losing support by imposing exorbitant fees. And also do remember that when you charge RM300 for a club- people are going to expect a lot - and there's no pleasing everyone - especially in boleh land. You can't promise members the world with RM300 x 250ppl = RM75000

Either charge everyone

1) RM50,000 to join the club OR
2) RM55 for shirt and car sticker

I bet you my last dollar the club will have a larger, more loyal following with the second option. That's my opinion.


I wouldn't over engineer this. Good luck to all.

Later......

 

[XXX]

RM55 can just barely pay for a shirt my friend...what abt cost for events and such? go beg?..you dont seem to understand the concept of how a club runs do you.In insurance we pool the money to pay the unfortunate, In a club we pool the money so the members can get together and have a good time through activities and events organised by the Office Bearers which are chosen by those who paid. If you are not into this than I suppose a club is not for you. A free forum in cyberspace is what you are looking for.
Sorry to sound like a broken record but once we are launch officially this site is one of the things that has been organised and made for the Club Member. So you see we have something already...for the benefit of a club member with more things to come.

Oh! with RM75000 last years Annual Dinner Could be attended by all members for free and with change to spare...and for the outstation drives petrol and hotel would have been heavily subsidised.

 

[godflesh]

RM55 can just barely pay for a shirt my friend...what abt cost for events and such? go beg?..
Don't beg. Charge the ppl who are attending

you dont seem to understand the concept of how a club runs do you.
Maybe not. I suppose you do? pls educate me. what am I missing?? you'd rather see a club made up of say 10 committee members and no regualr members??


In insurance we pool the money to pay the unfortunate, In a club we pool the money so the members can get together and have a good time through activities and events organised by the Office Bearers which are chosen by those who paid.
How can you compare insurance to a Car club??? Solution - charge as you organise events. Problem - Once you've paid a lump sum I'm sure not many opinions will be taken into account.


If you are not into this than I suppose a club is not for you. A free forum in cyberspace is what you are looking for.
You may be right there - but then again, who are you to decide.

Sorry to sound like a broken record but once we are launch officially this site is one of the things that has been organised and made for the Club Member. So you see we have something already...for the benefit of a club member with more things to come.

And you see it fit to charge 150 annually for a spot in cyberspace?

Oh! with RM75000 last years Annual Dinner Could be attended by all members for free and with change to spare...and for the outstation drives petrol and hotel would have been heavily subsidised.

Can't argue. Don't know the cost, figures, numbers of ppl etc. You could do the same for upcoming events and charge only those attending, same end result.

All above are my 2cents but I'm sure you are wiser and probably know much more than I do.

Not getting personal but.....

If you've confidence in what the club's doing and you're sure this is going to work out ---you don't need to be responding to my rants. I'm sure you have better things to do - I know I do.

Cheers..!

 

[sithwarrior]

XXX & Godflesh please stop this now. Everyone has a valid point and are speaking their mind. Take it easy guys.

Godflesh... We have been trying to explain to everyone why the cost is as such, but just like how it usually is in BOLEH LAND, its not easy. It has been an uphill task to first get the ROS out, then now launch the club. I really hope you can be a little more supportive... An AGM will be coming up and it will the perfect time for everyone here to pick / elect the perfect candidate to run this club, for now I would like to ask for some support...

 

[ah lian]

"kong chien siong kum ching" (talk abt money hurt feelings)

the true test of frenship.

 

[blackrobe]

All I see here are whiners who are making DEMANDS for something they have not contributed for and have been taking for granted whatever that has been thus provided (read FREE FORUM). Sith and XXX (commendably) have been pandering (uselessly I fear) to your incessant whinging about every single thing. The Committee has worked very hard to achieve what we have so far, and are also working extra time to achieve much more for the members of the CLUB. All this, but NO show of support from 'forummers' to become members. its a 'Catch-22' situation. Without funds (read Registration & Annual Fees), yet many expect The Comm to work miracles. Gratitude seems to have taken a flying leap out the window. Ponder on this before blasting your mouths. 'A closed mouth catches no flies'

 

[godflesh]

All I see here are whiners who are making DEMANDS for something they have not contributed for and have been taking for granted whatever that has been thus provided (read FREE FORUM). Sith and XXX (commendably) have been pandering (uselessly I fear) to your incessant whinging about every single thing. The Committee has worked very hard to achieve what we have so far, and are also working extra time to achieve much more for the members of the CLUB. All this, but NO show of support from 'forummers' to become members. its a 'Catch-22' situation. Without funds (read Registration & Annual Fees), yet many expect The Comm to work miracles. Gratitude seems to have taken a flying leap out the window. Ponder on this before blasting your mouths. 'A closed mouth catches no flies'

The thread was started to get view points and suggestions. Who are you to silence any member of this forum - ISA ka??

For your info, my mouth is closed - I'm typing.

 

[blackrobe]

The thread was started to get view points and suggestions. Who are you to silence any member of this forum - ISA ka??

For your info, my mouth is closed - I'm typing.

So far I have not taken this to a personal level. But in response I would request that you Kindly refrain from indulging to your infantile insecurities and read the posting as it is meant to be and not display your ignorance but making inconsequential remarks.

 

[rifhamdi]

ok lets put it this way, tropicana club the joining fee is RM25000 can you say I only want to use the swimming pool can pay Rm5000 only bcos I dont have time to play golf.
As it was mention earlier fees collected are to fund the running of the club as a BMW club we have certain standards to meet to meet those standard is not cheap. If we are not going to be any different after we become a full fledge club, why are we wasting our time collecting fees in the first place, we might as well be what we are now bcos if we are going to collect fees that is not enough to enhance this club experience then we might as well be what we are now,
the small little coffeeshop when we actually someday want to be like coffeebean.

Yes, xxx... I read you loud and clear, 5 by 5..... that is reason why till now I have not become a member of any club for that matter, eventhough they have an installment plan for us 'not the rich' people.

To tell you guys the truth, it doesn't matter to me if the club is sanctioned or endorsed by bmw malaysia or germany for that matter. All I need is an avenue to discuss about the marque we all have a common passion for in an informal way/avenue.

I mean things are already formal enough in the office during the day with some of us abiding to protocol most of the time as it is. So let us all relax and unwind by organizing activities without any more added formality and stress in this already stressful life of ours.

We have been going on till today organizing activities, drives and such without inplementing any 'membership' fees and i must say things have been working rather well. To me, we don't have to be formal and 'registered' to make the club a happening place. look at what KL2DC poited out that even the BMW club in the US don't collect fees and yet their activities still can be well organized.

Well, everybody have different levels of satisfaction, just look at iqlima who is already satisfied by just owning and looking at the kidney of his 7 without all the freebies which comes upon signing up as a member. Likewise, yours truly who is more than satisfied owning, driving and not to mention looking at a classic E21 without any obligation to pay RM300 anywhere to be a member of any car club whether or not if its internet base... just like those who stick those oversized stickers 'BMW' or 'HONDA' on front windshield of their cars becuase that gives them the satisfaction. so what if its tacky! personal satisfaction is the way to go, no?

 

[rifhamdi]

BTW, even discussing this issue is stressful to some..... just look at some of the replies above^^^^^

chill people!

 

[ah lian]

To tell you guys the truth, it doesn't matter to me if the club is sanctioned or endorsed by bmw malaysia or germany for that matter. All I need is an avenue to discuss about the marque we all have a common passion for in an informal way/avenue.

We have been going on till today organizing activities, drives and such without inplementing any 'membership' fees and i must say things have been working rather well. To me, we don't have to be formal and 'registered' to make the club a happening place. look at what KL2DC poited out that even the BMW club in the US don't collect fees and yet their activities still can be well organized.

so, end of story. no fees is reasonable. cos wan for free.

 

[blackrobe]

This forum is for the mature exchange of ideas/views...lets keep it mature and non personal.

 

[rifhamdi]

so, end of story. no fees is reasonable. cos wan for free.

Sorry ah lian, for getting me wrong….

What I am trying to say is that, in my opinion, the RM300 membership fee is not justified in terms of the RM150 freebies which comes upon enrolment. I don't need a BMW endorsed cap, key chain, club windshield sticker and such…. I derive no satisfaction on owning those freebies, that is all.

A matter of JUSTIFICATION with the amount of fee imposed! Are you willing to part with x amount of money for those stuff? Likewise, are you willing to part with x amount of money towards the annual fee knowing very well you are not going to maximise the utilities provided?..... Just like what XXX pointed out on the tropicana club example posting #116 on page 12.

Sorry there, ah lian but I don't feel comfortable with the amount and YES! If possible, I would like this forum to be carried on just like what we are enjoying now without imposing any membership fee in order to access.

To give you an example: our water tariffs, expect to incease rates even when the water is clearly not fit for consumption right out of the tap….. example 2: increase of toll rates eventhough the highways are jammed packed daily bumper to bumper most of the time……

Do you guys get my drift?

 

[ah lian]

which part i wrong? you wan for free mah.

this forum is not free, just dat currently, you dun have to pay oni. the owners of dis forum has a right to charge if they wan. dats their right.