Ruhe52;289587 wrote:
There is a standard our members expect at an event and as far as I have seen when we run an event you get that product.
I'm relatively new to the organization, but I agree with this wholeheartedly. I've attended two NESBA events and they've been run spectacularly. It's how the events that dont get run are handled that has been the target of complaints
That said, as a newcomer without any real stake in the organization yet, I was really disappointed with the way the cancelled events have been handled so far. I was signed up for both JC and Summit and was really looking forward to riding them. I'm not here to complain about the fact that they were cancelled, because I understand that it needs to be financially sensible for NESBA to run the day. I'm unhappy with lack of communication and established procedure regarding the cancellations.
Less than a week before JC, a thread popped up on the forum saying it was cancelled. Shortly after, an email stating that more riders were needed for Main and SED's to keep those events open. The email made sense, and was a great idea, but a weeks notice for a weekday is really hard. At this point, there should have been an established procedure regarding lack of attendance for an event. Maybe something to this effect:
-If attendance is looking short for an event at the 15 day (late signup for regular members), send out an email to the individuals signed up for the event letting them know that. Very much like what was done for Main (though not for JC) except with more time. If I had known 2 weeks in advance I think I could have twisted some arms and made some deals to get more people out, but less than a week was really hard. It must have been known 2 weeks out that attendance was looking bad, why not let us know then? I understand that a lot of Elite members wait until the last minute to sign up, but the organization has a history of events that they can look at trending numbers (for example at the 2 week mark) and make educated assumptions about numbers.
-If an event is cancelled, make sure the email goes out to everyone. I understand computer errors happen, but there needs to be a system of checks in place to make sure that the information doesn't fall through the cracks. As was mentioned if Bob hadn't sent that email about JC on Friday, someone who doesn't religiously check the forum might not have known the event was cancelled at all. While it's rare that someone wouldn't either: a)Check the forum at some point in the week leading up or b)Know someone who does who might let them know...if it happens once it is totally unacceptable. That wouldn't be an "oops" moment to have a paid member drive all the way to the track expecting to ride because nobody confirmed whether the auto email system worked right. If there is even a hint that someone didn't get the email, it should be looked at immediately, or just resent, 2 emails is better than none.
-This one is hard, and maybe unrealistic, but there needs to be a "All Systems Go" point for a track day. This wondering and hoping up until 12 hours before you would be leaving for the event is just silly. I know in the case of Main it was either that or have it cancelled earlier, but if earlier notice were given that attendance was low, and earlier deadline for the decision could've been made. It'd be great if there could be a point where if an event hasn't been cancelled XX days before its date, you can be assured that it's not going to get cancelled out from under you for anything less than an emergency. Obviously things can always come up, and that needs to be accounted for, but If I'm planning on riding on Sunday and haven't been contacted to tell me it's cancelled, or in danger of being cancelled by Thursday (the case with anyone not on the forum for JC) it's not unreasonable for me to assume that it's going to happen and plan my whole weekend around it.
There has also been a lot of discussion of (and remarks towards those discussing) late fees. I really wanted to ride this past weekend. I'm a student and work weekends and planned both of those aspects of my life around being at summit this past weekend.
When JC was cancelled, and Main was looking like it was going to be as well, I asked about the potential of signing up for NCBIKE and having the late fee waived. This curiosity was echoed by more than one other member. The question was repeatedly asked, and continued to be ignored. An answer one way or another would be appropriate.
At this point, it isn't about the cost of the late fee, its the principal and the idea behind it. I understand the need for it, and the way it is currently implemented is very appropriate. However, when an event that I have already paid for gets cancelled with such short notice and I ask to give you that money right back to ride another event that is already a go, I think waiving the late fee is very reasonable.
The late fee exists as an incentive/fine to help NESBA plan accordingly for an event. In the case of this past weekend, someone who had signed up for the cancelled events on time and still wanted to ride, would be penalized by this system, which doesn't make sense to me. If it doesn't seem reasonable to the powers that be, then tell us that you won't do that, just don't ignore the question. Again, in terms of established policy so people know what to expect:
-If an event is cancelled within the 15 day late fee period, offer to waive the late fee for any events that are also already within that 15 day window. Don't waive late fees for the season, but if you cancel and I would still like to ride/give you my money for that or the following weekend, don't penalize me for that. (read "me" as any non-elite member). As I said, it's the principal, not the dollars.
The common theme here is communication, most of us were really in the dark about what was going on with this summit fiasco. A lot of people offered to pay more to keep the day going and that was also not addressed.
I understand that everyone is busy, but it isn't fair to suggest that the time wasted by all of us trying to make plans for the track day/adjusting weekend plans/wondering whether the day will be cancelled/waiting to see if our questions will be answered is any less valuable than someone taking the time to address those things.
I hope no one is offended by this. I'm not attacking anyone or trying to complain for no reason. I really enjoy riding with NESBA and plan to continue to do so. I'm hoping to get at least 2 more days in this year and will likely buy an elite membership for next year because I plan to do more than just 4. My thoughts above are suggestions or ideas on how I feel the organization that I am a part of could be improved. I can work on improving on my end - signing up for more days, further in advance etc - I'm just throwing out ideas on how NESBA itself can be improved.
Also, I think NESBA swag would be awesome, I would love to buy some shirts, hoodies, stickers, etc.
I love that program
