After recently talking to a fellow Fiero owner who is also the member of one of the clubs I am in, I was wondering what is the #1 reason why you join a Fiero club (or any car club)? Also, if the newsletter is the main reason, would you mind if it was only provided electronically or would you want a printed copy mailed to you?

Thanks!

Jennifer

Mostly for the newsletter, although it is also for any other perks of being in the club there may be (ie: events open to club members only, events with limited capacities which are open to club members before being opened to non-members, etc).

Personally, I would rather have the newsletter distributed electronically, because I'd rather have the photos in color and already on the computer....but that's probably because (a) I'm a geek and (b) I'm the webmaster of the club and putting up pictures on the site would be much easier that way

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Nick www.naskie18.com AIM: Naskie182010

I joined and stayed with NIFE because I like the fact that they organize excellent events. They have a great newsletter too. But I wouldn't have joined them if they only had the newsletter. I like getting together with the people who share the same interests as me.

I like clubs because it always more fun to go anywhere with a group than alone. Im in 4 car clubs right now.

PFF is the only club I officially belong to.
I have attended some meetings of some of the local clubs and try to make local events if I know about them.
The biggest advantage is the knowledge that is shared.
My biggest problem is remembering names.
Its kind of hard putting faces with names and I feel embarrassed not remembering anyone’s real name.
I hate reading Paper anymore. If its not electronic most of the time I don’t read it. Probably just getting old and its easier to read on the computer.

Now if we can just figure out a cool looking name badge for everyone to wear I would be all set.

Actually Bob Englert from NC makes awesome name badges. Many "Fiero people" have them! His e-mail is renglert@triad.rr.com.

Thanks for the feedback so far guys!

Jen

[This message has been edited by Fierochic88 (edited 12-02-2004).]

I joned NIFE just because most of the people in the club ar cool, and are great to hang around with. Oh yeah, and the awsome FULL color magazine we get every other month

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I joined the clubs I belong to for the events and the get togethers. The Tech Days are great cause you can talk to other people face to face with the same problems and or solutions that you have. I would like the newsletter sent over the web also.

Hands down .... the people. Misery loves company .

Seriously, have you every showed a new mod to a non-Fiero person and watched their blank expression? The Fiero is so non-mainstream that non-Fiero people just don't get it.

Newsletters are nice but no substitute for the fellowship of other true Fiero nuts.

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Roy

double-click on this link to follow my interior build-up https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/023174.html

Blue 87 GT w/ 4th generation Firebird interior.
Suncoast Fieros

Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 20th Anniversary Show @ Pontiac, Mich - 7/2003
Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 8th Annual Fiero Fun Weekend @ Daytona - 3/2004

i would say its for the knowledge shared and just ot hang out with other people who have the same intrests. the last car club that i was in wanted me to go down to road atlanta and get my racing liscence, first off i started to drive by myself 3 weeks before i turned 17... that was back in september of 03 and he wanted me to go and race with only 7 months or so of driving under my belt. i kinda like having people who push you to do things that you think are out of your reach... but thats just me.

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'86 Fiero GT
My Fiero XoticRydz Mid-Rear Madness

Be Excellent To Each Other" - Bill S. Preston Esquire Ted Theadore Logan

You guys got that right, it's all about the people. It's nice to meet other people with the same sickness that I have. Like alcoholics with cars, no wait that didn't come out right. fieroholics. Who else can you say, "Dude, I just bought another one for $XXX.XX !" My other friends just look at me blankly and go "How many is that now?" Gotta love the people. Cumbaya

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________Marty

I am in 4 clubs and would like to join more. I enjoy the newletters and like getting them in the mail. I love to read! My wife and I do not watch tv, we read instead. I also enjoy going to the local club meetings and talking with other Fiero owners. I have found you can never get enough information. I want to do more with the clubs this next summer!

Steve

It's getting to gether with good people. Having the itch for Fiero is a plus. The friendships that are made can last a long time. I think of Phil Randolf. I met him several years ago at a Daytona Fiero car show. He has a great personality, always has a smile on his face, and he walked up to me and threw his hand out and introduced himself. I look forward to seeing him at most Fiero events. RFTH, Daytona, Ed Parks swap meet, I miss him when I don't see him at an event. Even when his car caught on fire at one of the RFTH's, Phil was smiling and joking around. Phil is a great example as to why I got involved with the Fiero community.

Ed Parks, another one, if you have ever attended one of Ed's swap meets, you know why you are there. Yes, sometimes its for parts or some good deals, but really it's an exuse to get together with other people who enjoy the same interests that you do.

Newsletters are great tools to communicate to fellow members, but its a lot of work! Usually 1 or if you are lucky, 2 people work on it and never get any input from anybody else. We are fortunate that Kevin Blake took over the newsletter from me cuz I was burned out from it. Electronic media is great. Kevin has brought us out of the dark ages and puts it on a pdf file.

Remember it's the people that make everything click, whether it is an event to attend, help to produce, a contribution of an article to the newsletter, or anything else needed within the fiero community.

Ron Hale
Suncoast Fieros of Tampa Bay
Florida Fiero Council

[This message has been edited by tellron (edited 12-03-2004).]

The people.

Pure and simple.

There are lots of car clubs out there, but sometimes they seem like "keeping up with the Jone$e$" clubs and there isn't that much comraderie. With Fieros, for some reason it's totally different. It's more like family.

JazzMan

i don't. i'm not a people person.

#1 To gain knowledge from those who "have been there and done that"!
#2 To look at their cars to see what they have done on it.
#3 Club rallies to distant locales.

Strangest thing I discovered when joining a local Fiero club? That virtually all the members were 40+!
I had assumed the Fiero attracted the younger kids (under 30) but I was dead wrong.

Kitskaboodle

with the prices of gas here in Australia no one has opened up a club in Australia "Until Now"
The First ever Fiero Run for the Hills, All details call Allen 0412119530 from inside Australia or 01161412119530 from out side Australia. T shirts are comming for any one who wants one

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Allen
Australia
86 gold SE
85 red SE
01161412119530

I joined a club shortly after buying my second Fiero a little over a year ago. I was just AMAZED that there were actually other people out there that loved them as much as I do! Since then I have learned that I may not be as crazy as I thought ;-)
Got my eye on another one too............but who here doesn't?

quote Originally posted by achawkins: You guys got that right, it's all about the people. It's nice to meet other people with the same sickness that I have. Like alcoholics with cars, no wait that didn't come out right. fieroholics. Who else can you say, "Dude, I just bought another one for $XXX.XX !" My other friends just look at me blankly and go "How many is that now?" Gotta love the people. Cumbaya

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. The people make it ALL worth it.

I think it is a sickness. Im going to go get #6 Fiero on Saturday. 88GT auto.

I need help, but dont want any.

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88GT Red 5 spd
88GT Red 5spd getting gutted for future install. TOP SECRET
87GT 5spd Silver- Daily Beater w/86K on the clock.
85 2M4 Blue 5 Spd
88GT White Auto coming this weekend!!!!!

I know that most people feel the newsletter is a biggie but I think being around fellow Fiero-a-holics like at shows/events is just as big if not even bigger for some. Meeting others with the same love (or as some say sickness) for something is always a cool thing
As for newsletters, the Penn/Jersey newsletter was one of the most popular of it's time and now with the NIFE newsletter being of similar look and quality I think they are now the newsletter others would like to emulate.
I think an online or electronic newsletter is ok, but like myself I know there are many who will agree that an actual printed issue that you can read and enjoy anywhere (even the bathroom unless of course you have wireless or an ethernet plug in drop in the potty room ) is still preffered.
I also think communication needs to be a biggie for a club. I am surprised that we don't see more Fiero clubs use PFF more often as a great way of communicating to the large Fiero audience. I think the 20th Anniversary show is one of the best examples to date of how well communicating on PFF worked to make that show such a HUGE success.
I think we have all sadly seen a big drop off of many clubs that use to use PFF quite often and a few that pretty much don't seem to use it at all anymore. It maybe the changing of BOD or what have you that changes this but it is still very important I think to try and reach as many Fiero lovers as possible and PFF is certainly the way to do that in conjunction with club e-mail lists and the like as well of course. Of course this time of year the events and things are much less so less info coming from clubs during the winter months is to be expected.
I think it is good to see a club posting once in awhile on here as it shows others that are either a member, may be thinking of joining or for newbies ( who are the future to the continued popularity of the Fiero and for a clubs success) that come along that the club is very active and interested in what is going on in the Fiero community.

Steve

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[This message has been edited by Fiero5 (edited 12-03-2004).]

First off, I like the electronic newsletter idea. After all, just about everyone has a printer attached to their computer, and they can print it to take to the bathroom, of so inclined. Only catch with this is that there are (gasp) still folks who don't use a computer. There would need to be a way for them to get a printed version, maybe for an extra charge. Just think how much money your club could save by not having that printing and mailing cost (and postage rates are expected to climb again in the new year). Plus, color pictures! Not many clubs can provide color pictures in their newsletter. It's expensive!

Now, why join a club? I agree with a lot of the folks above. It's about people. It's fun to get together with people and look at each other's cars, talk about their latest projects, and/or just talk about the meaning of life, if you so choose. Another fun thing is to show up at a POCI or other event with five Fieros (or more). THAT gets attention!!!

One more thing I'd like to mention here. There is a lot of little things to do to keep a good club running. For those who don't already, please do your part to help out with your local club. Maybe become a club officer, part of a committee, or just pitch in sometimes. It will be appreciated! Most importantly, support your fellow club members. Some people like to be trouble-makers, which is not a good thing for a club.

[This message has been edited by grgoyl86 (edited 12-03-2004).]

Perhaps some of the club members were driven off by the flame wars. Someone else mentioned that most Fiero club members are 40+...I know as I get older, I have much less patience for that sort of thing. Most of us here have dealt with enough negativity in our lives to want to be done with it by now.
Perhaps we as PFF members need to get the word out to the clubs that we have cleaned house and things have quieted back down here to the point where intelligent and informative discussions can now be held without invitations to persons with dissenting points of view to kiss backsides, autograph portions of peoples' anatomy, etc... The recent 4.9 thread was a great example, fun, informative, and flameless.

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'88 Formula - 4.9 conversion by The Fiero Factory
Shifter surround resto by Fierotech
SUPPORT YOUR FIERO MERCHANTS
Proud member of the Lightbar Fraternity
PFF Supporting Member
"He who does not oppose evil, commands that it be done!" ----Leonardo da Vinci

[This message has been edited by Vonov (edited 12-03-2004).]

Again, as other have said, it's the people. Being around other people who share a common interest. The shows and the member only events are great perks, but that is still a people thing. It was awesome to see the Fiero prototypes at the GM tech center, but it was all the more special to be there with a bunch of "foaming at the mouth" mad Fiero people, to share our excitement. I have made a great deal of friends thru the MFC.

Newsletters are another nice perk. I love to save the newsletters, so a hard copy is nice.

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www.cardomain.com/id/wingnutmd --- "Peg" --- 1985 GT - THE FORGOTTON GT!

quote Originally posted by Vonov: Perhaps some of the club members were driven off by the flame wars. Someone else mentioned that most Fiero club members are 40+...I know as I get older, I have much less patience for that sort of thing. Most of us here have dealt with enough negativity in our lives to want to be done with it by now.

I agree with that for PFF certainly, but I was mainly focusing on actual Fiero clubs where you pay membership , attend events, get a newsletter etc. However that point is good, even clubs need to avoid bad "seeds" who create bad publicity. I'd certainly hate to hear someone say "I won't join such and such a club because this person is in it."

Thanks again everyone for all your feedback! Keep it coming!

Jennifer

Here's a shameless plug for Westcoast Fieros of BC. I'm in it for the people contact. Lots of enthusiasm for our cars and lots of help in fixing things or finding parts or whatever. I enjoy the club drives, the Christmas Charity things we do, the impromptu coffee nights, and the friendships built.

PFF is great because this is a forum where we can share things globally. But to get together as a group and have a physical demonstration of ideas takes this to another level.

quote Originally posted by grgoyl86: First off, I like the electronic newsletter idea. After all, just about everyone has a printer attached to their computer, and they can print it to take to the bathroom, of so inclined. Only catch with this is that there are (gasp) still folks who don't use a computer. There would need to be a way for them to get a printed version, maybe for an extra charge. Just think how much money your club could save by not having that printing and mailing cost (and postage rates are expected to climb again in the new year). Plus, color pictures! Not many clubs can provide color pictures in their newsletter. It's expensive!

Hmm, never thought of it like that or had it presented quite like this before. I like the idea a lot more now.
The club could include in a membership list those who don't need a hard copy mailed as they have internet access and could if they so choose print it out if and when they wanted to at any time. Paying members would have a way to log in and see and print out the club newsletter issues that non members could not get to. Those that had no way to get to it via the web or simply still wanted a hard copy sent to them could opt for getting one printed and sent to them (at a little higher cost I'm sure) when each of the newsletters came out. maybe even a black and white or color newsletter options at different costs could be available too.
This would allow as Bob mentioned the ability to have full color layouts on all pages for members to enjoy and for those with color printing abilities could then print out quite an impressive newsletter if you then wanted some great reading material when your say...visiting the potty

Steve

It's always nice to receive something in the mail. It makes on feel special. I joined the club to meet other Fiero owners and make new friends. Clubs are a good source of information also, plus if you are a member you can give the BOD some input as to how to run the club better or what kind of events would be interesting.

People, People, People and Fieros. It's always about the People First and the cars second. We have a great group of people in the Suncoast Fiero Club and we socialize with other Florida based clubs. We share information and BS about everything, not just our cars.

The Electronic Newsletter that I produce for the club is also mailed to every member. In the new year, I believe I'll give everyone the option to have electronic only or mailed. Mr.Mike requested that I don't mail one to him, instead he'll read it online and "Save a Tree". I currently email everyone that I have an email address for, with a link to the current newsletter.

-FieroLinks
Kevin Blake
Suncoast Fiero Club

That is a REALLY good question.
There are no local clubs within 100 miles that I am aware of.
I belong to MAFOA. A very worthy organization.
But, from where I live, everything is too far from me to participate in.
Can't go to meetings...Can't vote (at least not that I know of).
Without a 4 hour drive (one way), I can't go to any of the events.
I get to meet some of the members at Carlisle ( Which by the way, they are some of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met), but as far as why belong, I could go to Carlisle without belonging.
I enjoy the news letter.

So............I really don't know why I belong to a club.
But I envy those that have one locally.

Cause I like showing up with a different Fiero every time I go to a meeting.

quote Originally posted by JKFIERO: That is a REALLY good question. There are no local clubs within 100 miles that I am aware of. I belong to MAFOA. A very worthy organization. But, from where I live, everything is too far from me to participate in. Can't go to meetings...Can't vote (at least not that I know of). Without a 4 hour drive (one way), I can't go to any of the events. I get to meet some of the members at Carlisle ( Which by the way, they are some of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met), but as far as why belong, I could go to Carlisle without belonging. I enjoy the news letter. So............I really don't know why I belong to a club. But I envy those that have one locally.

Of course MAFOA is a great club Jim - you're in it :-)

As far as the events location - we are always open to new ideas. As a matter of fact we are hosting our first ever swap meet at Clint Nichols in Troy, PA on April 23. I believe that is a little closer to you.

As far as the voting, we usually do that at the annual meeting in October, but when certain issues do arise that are voted on you can check out www.fieropride.com in the forum section (posting is a members only privilege ). Usually everything is run of the mill but occassionally we will vote and notification is sent via the FieroPride e-mail list (also a member's privilege).

Aside from the newsletter, which Gwen and Wes do a great job on, a big privilege of membership is FREE entry to the Fiero show at Carlisle for all members, you only pay the entrance fee that Carlisle productions charges.

We'd love to see you be more involved - if you'd like to organize an event in your area let one of our activities directors (Tom Frogh at tom@fieropride.com or Arty Best at arty@fieropride.com) or myself.

Ok, I'll get off my MAFOA soapbox now

Jennifer

(editted because i couldn't spell privilege!)

[This message has been edited by Fierochic88 (edited 12-03-2004).]

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: Now if we can just figure out a cool looking name badge for everyone to wear I would be all set.

BUMP for the weekend crew!

Jen

I may look at this the wrong way, but I have meet a few guys on here and spending money to join a club is like buying friends? That is how I feel, not saying its right, I do understand getting a newsletter and such but I still findout and learn things here!

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Bobby from NW Indiana
93 Northstar and 5 speed Getrag
thespeedshop@sbcglobal.net
My build thread

Friends helping friends............we've been doing this since Fieros West started 1986 and we are still together with new members and some have past on. We have combine the club with West Coast Fieros and Fieros West are all the same. Yes, we started the club cuz we all have one thing in common "FIERO" and ever since then we have help each other out became the best of friends and still remenisce (did I spell that correctly?) about the things we have done as a club. Who knows. We might still be doing this the next 20 years. Hopefully we can still find parts for our car. DOH'!!!!!

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http://members.cardomain.com/koolflip

[This message has been edited by kooljess (edited 12-05-2004).]

I join as a way to network and get info on the car. That's primarily why I joined here, too.
An electronic newsletter is a great idea, and cuts down on junk mail. A PDF with everything is just as easy to print out if you want a hard copy.

quote Originally posted by Fierochic88: After recently talking to a fellow Fiero owner who is also the member of one of the clubs I am in, I was wondering what is the #1 reason why you join a Fiero club (or any car club)? Also, if the newsletter is the main reason, would you mind if it was only provided electronically or would you want a printed copy mailed to you? Thanks! Jennifer

For me it is information. Clubs and websites like PFF are great sources of knowledge. I also like to help people fix their car, add stuff, whatever.

In the days before PFF, clubs were the main source of information, either local or national like FOCOA (and there was one in Florida). Wasn't that long ago that FS sent out monthly cataloges.........Paul

quote Originally posted by Fierochic88: After recently talking to a fellow Fiero owner who is also the member of one of the clubs I am in, I was wondering what is the #1 reason why you join a Fiero club (or any car club)? Also, if the newsletter is the main reason, would you mind if it was only provided electronically or would you want a printed copy mailed to you? Thanks! Jennifer

The main reason I joined is the knowledge and source of parts. It had been many years since I rebuilt a car or owned a Fiero. I looked around, intially joined FOCOA where FieroChic did answer a couple of questions for me there, but no one else seemed interested. I found PFF and have been here every since. I am on another forum which is a engine forum for my 3400 Turbo project where I have learned a few things about the newer engines.

Edit for the newsletter question: If a newsletter was sent out I prefer electronic via E-mail. Most of the info I would ever need is in one of the many many threads here on the forum, so a newsletter is really a thing of the past. If the information you need is not in one of the threads here, well like I've done many times here, I just ask..

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Earl Rice
87 T-Top GT
5 Spd
11.25" Brakes
3400 Gen III Turbo in progress

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 12-28-2004).]

Clubs by nature, are like joining the Mafia. If you do any of the dirty work, you're in it for life.

They become the very hard work of a few people and the leeching of the majority. I've been very active if a local club dedicated to the building of scale model cars over the course of the last 10 years and I rose quickly in the "Ranks". I did the club's newsletter for several years, which got to the point where it was one of the best in the nation.

My name is well known in modeling circles across the US because I did 95% of the writing and all the "How To" type articles, reviewed more new products than I'd like to count, and generally fended everyone's personal ***** , gripe, hangnail, and grunt.

I learned very quickly the hard way that if you write, people will quickly get the idea that you have some special clout and they wil expect you to fix their personal problems with defective products, manufacturer's warrantee's, mail order ripoff artist's, etc. They will also expect you to feed them any inside information you may have about upcoming products or events on a regular basis.

I was spending as high as 40-50 hours per month to publish an 8-12 page newsletter that avraged a minimum of 6000 words. I literally begged the guy's to contribute, which didn't work, and I finally ran out of gas. After writing 10 years, I didn't have any ambition to continue. The club hasn't disbanded, but it is a lot different (and smaller) because these people expected a newsletter at all costs with no input on their part.

I've joined 2 Fiero based clubs that produced few results. Right after I bought the car, I joined FOCOA which was a total waste of time and money. Even though the club is dead, they didn't have a problem with taking my money.

I also joined the Central Indiana Fiero Club and found that it is very loosely based with no newsletter or scheduled meetings of any kind. I honestly don't think there are enough dedicated people in the area to support an active club. I guess I've learned that no matter what the theme of the club is, I find myself weighing the work compared to the return and I'd ask everyone here the following questions.....

Can you honestly say your club is gaining new membership? (or are guests coming and going)

Does being a Fiero Club member benefit you more than the work you put into it, or could you have the same relationship on a personal level from your garage?

Do you do anything other than show up for meetings?

quote Originally posted by Keesee: Can you honestly say your club is gaining new membership? (or are guests coming and going) Does being a Fiero Club member benefit you more than the work you put into it, or could you have the same relationship on a personal level from your garage? Do you do anything other than show up for meetings?

Generally yes, our numbers are going up in the past years, not just leveling.

We work on our own cars as do all of the other local Fiero owners, so being in a club is a good source of comraderie and fun.

And yes, a lot! Since I have been the President of MAFOA I have put in a lot of time behind the scenes. I agree it is a lot of work but I really enjoy organizing events and shows where people show up and have a good time. That is why I do it. I enjoy seeing people enjoy their cars.

p.s - Earl - I'm not the same Fierochic who was involved with FOCOA - that was Jen Lindsey from KY. I was also an FOCOA member but got ripped off same as everyone else

Jennifer