Comment that pisses me off a little... I mean a little..

[Herblenny]

Every year, I get this question from someone who lives near DGRR event..


I live like an hour away from the event... do you have to pay even if all I'm going to do is show up for a few hrs and headed back to the house?


I get this question at least every year from someone.. And for some reason, always from people who live fairly close to DGRR, And from new or young rotary owner.

To those who might ask me this this year, ITS only $25 and it goes to a good cause (and you get an event shirt unlike some car shows which charges you over $50 with nothing to take home, etc). Its also by far the largest rotary event east of MS and this year, there are some high figures in rotary community are coming to this event. I mean, there are people who live over 500 miles away are willing to pay $25, drive full day, and pay hundreds on lodging and food to come to this event. Also, there are people who appreciate rotary event such as this and register, even though they can't not come. But, it also doesn't surprise me that some always think stuff like this should be free (usually people who doesn't understand how much time it takes to organize such event)...

So, before you ask me if you could stop by and not pay the $25 registration fee... Ask yourself, do you think event like this is not worth $25 and those who signed up for it are stupid to pay $25 registration fee?? If you answer yes, I highly advice you not to come.. If you are so tight on cash but want to come to the event, than please shoot me a PM and I'll work something out with you..

Phil

[speedjunkie]

Damn, I was just gonna ask you that.

LOL!

[TitaniumTT]

Phil, we're taking you out one night and treating you to dinner and a bar tab. BTW - I have your old RX8 seats in the FC, they'll make my 28 hour drive, 1700 mile trip, $350 gas bill and lodging that much more comfy :smilielol5:

[BurnVktm]

Same people that have never driven to Seven Stock I imagine...

[War Eagle]

Ah, the stress level rises for Phil proportionately to the stupid questions people ask. I say make them pay double! Or how about tell them it's free but they have to pay $1 for every car they look at?

Get 'em Phil!

[djmtsu]

I know people ask that every year. This is the CHEAPEST fun you can have. And this year is no exception. $25 and all the awesome cars that are coming???

Win!

[HDP]

Ah, the stress level rises for Phil proportionately to the stupid questions people ask. I say make them pay double! Or how about tell them it's free but they have to pay $1 for every car they look at?

Get 'em Phil!

You're kidding right?? :o11:

[lt1_fd3s]

hey phil...i live about an hour away...do i...

oh wait, i'm already registered and have lodging for the weekend!!!

i will admit, i was unclear on the whole "registration" fee my first year of wanting to come to DGRR... I didn't pay and I didn't get food... nor a T-shirt... it was like "oh, you came too? go stand over there, the registered attendees are busy..." which was completely acceptable to me because I didn't register so I didn't get the perks associated with it...

I think we all just need to give PHIL a big :grouphug: and say "THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK!!!"

[Herblenny]

I hear ya Tray.. And I understand the reason way some/locals think, "Why should I paid to be on US129?". I have no problem with those rotary guys wanting to come out to US129 during the days I have the event.. I see them every year!! But the problem is, they might not hear the safety lecture, understand the danger of the US129, and issues they might cause for the people whom are more cautious on US129. Also, the event DGRR IS NOT just driving on US129 but hanging out with the fellow rotary owners at NVNC. And NVNC is a private location, just as people will not let you into a racetrack without paying to get in... Same principle... And that's the difference between just showing up vs. driving on a public road. I can't stop you from coming to US129 the same day DGRR takes place, but I sure can ask you to leave NVNC or Top of the Fontana Dam (as I've reserved the lot specific for the event and has an OK by TN Valley Police to ask anyone to leave the area if requested).

[HDP]

I can't stop you from coming to US129 the same day DGRR takes place, but I sure can ask you to leave NVNC or Top of the Fontana Dam (as I've reserved the lot specific for the event and has an OK by TN Valley Police to ask anyone to leave the area if requested).


If an older retired couple was cruising through the mountains, saw all the nice cars and stopped to check them out, would you really ask them to leave? Just asking.

[Herblenny]

If an older retired couple was cruising through the mountains, saw all the nice cars and stopped to check them out, would you really ask them to leave? Just asking.

This is the second post I read by you Don, that makes me think...

1. You are just wanting to stir things up, which you have before..
2. Joking around and giving me a hard time.
3. You've been to my event multiple times and but still not sure what this event is about.
4. Can't understand other people's position.
5. Can't understand other's jokes (regarding David's).

Either case, I think you and I both know the answers to what you are asking above... especially you've known me for the past 7 years or so.

Phil

[Herblenny]

Let me also point out what HDP/Don has pointed out on other local forum regarding my statement about the registration fee going to a "GOOD CAUSE".

He stated:

Not to step on anyone's toes, but I thought the $25 registration covers the fee for car show and an event T-shirt? I wasn't aware it was going to a good cause.


And this is regarding when I said

ITS only $25 and it goes to a good cause (and you get an event shirt unlike some car shows which charges you over $50 with nothing to take home, etc). Its also by far the largest rotary event east of MS and this year, there are some high figures in rotary community are coming to this event.

Let me be clear to my statement, "GOOD CAUSE". As there might be some mis-interpretation and wasting more of my time as some of you like to nick pick at what I might say..

When I say 'GOOD CAUSE', I see that there is NO big rotary gathering in this region where we, all generations of rotary cars could come together. So, hence when funds from the registration fee is used to organize this event, I see it as a "GOOD CAUSE" for the rotary community at hand.

I also think some ask such question because those of you think that I have some hidden agenda or something.. Maybe some of you think that I make a KILLING organizing this event.. If so, you really don't know what it takes and how much time it takes. Please ask my wife as she asks me every year, "Is it worth your time organizing and dealing with all these BS??". And this is also the reason, I debate about doing it every year..

So, Hopefully I'm clear about when I say "GOOD CAUSE"??? If you guys don't think so, please let me know.. Because I always thought I was doing something "GOOD" for the community and if I'm not, Hell, why the fuck am I wasting my time :)

Phil

[jtbshaw]

Folks really have no idea of how much Phil does to pull this event off each year. I've known Phil for several years now, and I can honestly say that he puts his heart and a bunch of effort into this event. I really don't know how he keeps his job, or even stays married, because of this event.

Geez, folks, give him a break.

Phil, my suggestion would be to focus on all of the people that truly enjoy the event. Surely they outnumber the folks that don't really understand the event. I get excited every year, thinking that I am going to make this one.....and then don't. Now, it will be even more difficult to make the trip since I am living in SD. Wish I could be there to help a rotary brotha out.

Todd B.
(formerly of No Limit Ind.)

[HDP]

This is the second post I read by you Don, that makes me think...

1. You are just wanting to stir things up, which you have before..
2. Joking around and giving me a hard time.
3. You've been to my event multiple times and but still not sure what this event is about.
4. Can't understand other people's position.
5. Can't understand other's jokes (regarding David's).

Either case, I think you and I both know the answers to what you are asking above... especially you've known me for the past 7 years or so.

Phil

No, my folks said they might be in the Smokey Mountains around this time and when my mom said "we might stop in and check you guys out", I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings...

[HDP]

Let me also point out what HDP/Don has pointed out on other local forum regarding my statement about the registration fee going to a "GOOD CAUSE".

He stated:


And this is regarding when I said



Let me be clear to my statement, "GOOD CAUSE". As there might be some mis-interpretation and wasting more of my time as some of you like to nick pick at what I might say..

When I say 'GOOD CAUSE', I see that there is NO big rotary gathering in this region where we, all generations of rotary cars could come together. So, hence when funds from the registration fee is used to organize this event, I see it as a "GOOD CAUSE" for the rotary community at hand.

I also think some ask such question because those of you think that I have some hidden agenda or something.. Maybe some of you think that I make a KILLING organizing this event.. If so, you really don't know what it takes and how much time it takes. Please ask my wife as she asks me every year, "Is it worth your time organizing and dealing with all these BS??". And this is also the reason, I debate about doing it every year..

So, Hopefully I'm clear about when I say "GOOD CAUSE"??? If you guys don't think so, please let me know.. Because I always thought I was doing something "GOOD" for the community and if I'm not, Hell, why the fuck am I wasting my time :)

Phil

I'm sorry you "interpretted" all this from the one question I asked...

[Herblenny]

No, my folks said they might be in the Smokey Mountains around this time and when my mom said "we might stop in and check you guys out", I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings...

Don, Why not ask me directly instead of "If an older retired couple was cruising through the mountains, saw all the nice cars and stopped to check them out, would you really ask them to leave? Just asking."...

as if you are testing me or somthing?? Don't you have my cell number??

I'm sorry you "interpreted" all this from the one question I asked...

Well, Just as I started this thread to make sure those who reads it and think it without registering to understand the importance and why, I also wanted to makes sure those who might mis-interpret when I say, "Good Cause" to be clarified. Hope you now understand my meaning of "Good Cause"?

[classicauto]

I can understand people being curious about what you get for the registration fee....

But at the same time I do not understand how anyone with any sense of community would even fathom skipping the fee and showing up to join in on the fun. Generally speaking, most every car event or meet I go to requires payment for a charity, payment for entry or SOMETHING. And as Phil said you usually get nothing in return. To me attending a multiple day event such as this and even thinking it should be free is just disturbing...

If anyone is so that in love with their $25 that they even have the balls to ask if they can be in NV at the event without paying - I'm sure they'll have a much better time sitting at home with 25 one dollar bills on the floor watching top gear episodes.

If anyone here has wasted $25 or more on something more frivilous then this - raise your hand! I certainly have.

EDIT: And despite my feelings about this issue and knowing Phil the small amount that I do - I'm kinda put back that someone who knows Phil would ask if he'd kick out their parents for stopping by. Guys not a nazi! He's just being fair - you want to bring your car to the event and take part like the rest of us? then pony up the $25! Its the smallest expense of the entire weekend!

[TitaniumTT]

Not only is it the smallest expense for the entire weekend, but you're getting a t-shirt, food and prizes. C'MON guys really.

On a different note, Phil, I think it would be interesting for you to keep track of the amount of time that you spend organizing this event. Realizing that not only is time = money, but time is really the only raw material that we are born with. Honestly, if someone else didn't want to step up and take the reins as you have, I would not complain, and would gladly pay an ADDITIONAL fee to cover you for the time that you spend organizing this event. People need to start being reasonable when it comes to this.

How many hours do you think you devote to the show each year?

[Herblenny]

I just got off the phone with Don/HDP.. I just want to clarify that both of us understand each other and no harm has been done. Don's a good guy and he meant no harm and I might of been bit stressed out and took things bit more personally... Don's a good friend and I think it just came out wrong and me understanding it differently. So, just wanted to state that..

Regarding time... Well, I usually take about a month off and after that I start thinking about next year.. Well, that's not quite true.. Usually I spend 4-5 hours back from the event thinking about what we could do to make it better or what we thought was good and bad (usually talk with SPOAutos about this). Than I take about a month than start the process.. Checking to see who will give us the best deals (lodging) for us so i make multiple phone calls and such..... Anyhow, by the time I decide on the date, I probably spent 40-80 hours.. I usually don't keep up with time.. but it all adds up (forums, emails, phone calls, etc).

Its hard to say but I probably spend on average 10-15 hours/week for about 9+ months... Thats just my guess.

[TitaniumTT]

So just to clarify and put this into perspective to all the people reading this thread and to clarify what my main point is. Lets call it 10hr/wk for 9 months. That equates to 360 hours roughly that you're DONATING to the community. Think about this for a minute guys. "Normal" work week is 40 hrs or ~2000 hrs per year. This SAINT, is donating 18% of what some people work in a YEAR for, yes, a great cause.

So let me be hopefully among a VERY large percentage to personally thank you Phil, for all your time and hard work to make this event happen and add that if you need any help leading up to or during the event, I will gladly help in anyway that I can. It is without a doubt the highlight of my rotary world.

[lt1_fd3s]

Phil, I understand your position on it man... like I said, I realised after my first visit to DGRR i was missing out on A LOT of stuff because I didn't register nor did I stay the whole weekend out there...

All we can do it hopefully get the word out to people to REGISTER!!! its more than just driving the road...

[Herblenny]

Thanks for understanding guys... But I am in no way a saint.. And maybe I might spend less than 10 hours/wk.. Who knows.. I try not to keep track of time as I do enjoy doing this most of the time and your appreciation definitely makes it worth awhile.... just those moments we have that I sometimes want to say, "F*%K ALL THIS!!!". But I think that's how things go sometimes..

[FerociousP]

Phil you do a great job and I'm sure everyone here has wondered would happen if you quit. I'm sure they've wondered if they could come close to doing as good of a job as you with this event... but the drive just isn't there for most people. HDP comments came off as passive aggressive and given just those statements you had every reason to get mad. Hell, I even got a little tweaked when I read it because people just don't get it sometimes. I'm glad you were able to talk to him and clear things up.

[Herblenny]

If you guys don't mind.. I'm just going to close this thread.. PM me, if you think otherwise..