Lifetime Membership discussion

[Fully Vetted]

I am starting this thread in order to see what everyone's thoughts are on the possibility of a Lifetime Membership option to the Registry. Feel free to voice your thoughts as well as your concerns but please, let's keep this positive and constructive.

Here are my thoughts:


I definitely think it's a way to show your undying support for The Club, however, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration.


For instance:

I think one qualifier is that you should have to own a ZR-1. Obviously, this may ruffle some feathers since I know there are some great contributors to this site that are not CURRENT owners so maybe there needs to be some consideration there. Maybe a certain number of Honorary Lifetime memberships given out by the Board.
When it comes to pricing it would need to be high enough for it to be a special fraternity but not so high that it becomes more of a status symbol.
One thing for the Board to keep in consideration is if the price is too low and too many people opt for the LM it would/could have an adverse effect on the annual revenue from membership renewal. That effect may not be felt for a couple of years but you will lose forever the annual membership dues of each LM. Once the initial swell of revenue is gone, that's it. It would put added pressure (probably needed) on the Board to promote new membership on an annual renewal basis. If the price is high enough it may not be felt for 8-10 years. Either way, without adding new members at some point it will be felt. The reason I say 8-10 years is because I think the cost should be at least 10 years worth of annual renewals up front. At the current rate that would be $350. And to be honest, I don't see anything wrong with it being in the $400 range.

As far as benefits to becoming a LM probably some kind of reduced registration rate for events (reserved parking?)and maybe some token of recognition (a sticker and maybe a special available avatar) would be appropriate.

These are just a couple of thoughts I had after reading a previous post about the possibility of a LM.

As the great Harry Carey would say:

"What are your thoughts?"

[scottfab]

What is the exit strategy?
Let's say for some unforeseen reason the club dissolves in 2yrs are those that purchased LMs just SOL?
Refund? How much?

[gbrtng]

What is the exit strategy?
Let's say for some unforeseen reason the club dissolves in 2yrs are those that purchased LMs just SOL?
Refund? How much?

It has happened before ...

[tomtom72]

Okay just some thoughts from the peanut gallery.....:) I would proly opt for a Lifetime Membership, but I voted "NO" in the poll. At $400 or even $500 for a 10 yr paid up membership to me it would just be a way of not having to remember to re-up every year. I just fear that too many options make for a nightmare in book keeping? Or maybe over time we run short of money to run the club??? I'd hate to see inflation damage our operating budget, or make it difficult to run our club. I guess my reasoning is pretty lame? :o

Okay, just as a reference I have been trying for the last few yrs to find it in my budget to convert my NCM membership from annual to lifetime. Every time I think I'm close I seem to encounter some bump in the road that scrubs the thought. I bring that up because to me that is more the scale of payment needed to make a "life time membership" work for any club???? I guess that's pretty lame also, no?

:o I just had a BFO! I remember back before the internet, 1977, when I was putting my 72 back together how difficult it was to get accurate info on the 'how to' aspect of doing a mechanical restoration....even the FSM wasn't all encompassing, and you just didn't know that many people who knew the car inside and out. This club and the NCM serve as an anchor points so I would be very sad to see either go down due to lack of funds. I'd even go a bit further. If this club went dark, I'd sell and get a C6 because the potential issues that could crop up would be way beyond my personal mechanical abilities. Oh, and yes I do realize that I should go to Gordon's school before it's too late....another money story! LOL But that would be the only way I'd keep the car if we went dark over here. JMHO :o

:cheers:
Tom

[scottfab]

It has happened before ...

Tell me about it :frown:

As for "donation/contribution for what has been received", that's fine for some. It should be stated as such me thinks.

I haven't voted yet. Taking in all discussion points first (just like any election) then I'll contemplate and decide based on facts.

I'm leaning no though, here's why.
The single biggest issue I have with it was already raised on the OP.
If there is a surge now of funds the temptation to spend it by the board is huge. (I'm not suggesting party time but....) Then it leaves future boards holding the bag so-to- speak when it some to a renewed source of income to cover for all the members no longer contributing.
(kinda like the way the government raided the social security funds)

I am for no "gold star" or any such thing. Let individuals post that bragging point on their signature. (or not)

If we do have an LM opion.....
I am for two levels of LM as was mentioned. One true LM that is a bit more than $400. I'd place it at a cool $1k.
Then a PM (patron member) or some such moniker for those that put up at least double the LM fee. These are true supporters of the ZR-1 and obviously can afford to do it.

[tomtom72]

WOW.....you appear very limited in your web browsing ;)

Marc and Pete are all I need :thumbsup:

I would post up a Link here but best not in this context of it saving you from selling your ZR-1 when the topic of discussion is Lifetime Membership(s).
(note the "s") :D

You are correct Cliff.....I stink at using Google or any other search for that matter. Also, we all have "comfort levels" within our own abilities....mine are proly low because I don't own a home so no place to work. If I can't do it in my parking space, then I have to pay some one else to do it. I did do a complete mechanical restoration, before I knew what that term meant LOL, on my 72 LT-1 in my parents garage. I bought a used SCCA B sports production car...unknowingly! LOL I can turn wrenches on conventional stuff. And yes, there are always Marc and or Pete.....I've been in a 'christmas club' since about 07....LOL I'm almost there! :dancing Truth be told, if it wasn't for this Brotherhood I would not own a ZR-1. I'm telling the truth, if this Brotherhood / Registry disappeared I'd go get a C6 ZO6 and sell my ZR-1. The newer ones are much easier to work on as a cam in block motor is not something I'm unfamiliar with. I'd cry a lot, but I'd have me another vette! Heck, if LT-1 cars were not so expensive back in 04 when I was looking I'd be driving one of those....boy would that be a let down after owning a ZR-1! LOL

:cheers:
Tom

[RyanChappel]

A consideration could be the tax (exempt) status of the club. Some clubs/associations are required by the IRS to maintain some value of the fees paid for a 'lifetime' membership. My VN veteran's association must maintain several hundred thousand dollars in CD's to insure the value of the life members should the organization fail. Over the years, many of the LM's have died, and there is no good mechanism to track this. Thus, a lot of money which could be used for other (better?) purposes is frozen due to IRS regs....just a thought. Annual dues are $25, and LM is $ 100.

[Fully Vetted]

...

I am for two levels of LM as was mentioned. One true LM that is a bit more than $400. I'd place it at a cool $1k.
Then a PM (patron member) or some such moniker for those that put up at least double the LM fee. These are true supporters of the ZR-1 and obviously can afford to do it.

To be honest, that PM level would probably be the same group of people that right now would band together if financial troubles hit the club and keep it from going under. So, that would be a way to recognize not only their content support but their financial support as well.

I'm just thinking out loud...How is the club set up now? Is it a Corporation owned by the club members?

[tf95ZR1]

Maybe a negative way of thinking about it, but what if the club
were to take off in a totally "bad" direction (in your opinion)?
By withholding your yearly dues, and assuming others did also,
you may be able to effect a change.

[Fully Vetted]

Over 300 views, only 11 replies (by only 6 different members) and 19 votes. Should I have had more than 3 choices or is this just not as big of an issue as I thought? I would think this would be an important issue for some long time members since it could have an effect on the financial stability of the club.

I know I'm a new member but I'm in this for the long haul and if a simple poll can effect or prevent change in the wrong direction then it's a tool we should use. This is when everybody needs to speak up. Not later down the road when the Board passes something that nobody agrees with and then suddenly everyone has an opinion. Let your opinion be known now so the right decision is made.

If I need to add another choice let me know.

[ZZZZZR1]

This is only two days old....let it sit for a couple weeks to see what happens or does not happen :handshak:
I am surprised that this is not in the Paying Members Only Section or moved to that section ;)
I have an idea......let me delete my four posts in this thread to see if that makes a difference :D
I will delete my four posts tomorrow for you :thumbsup:

The replies will then be cut down to 7. If the replies go up after that you will know you Hit Pay Dirt :p

Cliff,

If it was my decision, I would make it available to members today. This is something that we can't just do for many reasons. (we will have to make an aaddendum to the bylaws"

Not only do we have to make it worthwhile to members *, but it has to economically feasible for the club.

I would like get the lifetime membership myself!

David

* There are some new products/ merchandise were are working on!

[tf95ZR1]

Is this about members saving money (remember, you own
a ZR-1, not a Yugo or Hundai), or about building up the club's
reserve? Why does the club need more $$, ie for what events,
specials, etc., and why would the club be afraid of not having
enough members/$$ in the future? Would it be easier (accounting)
to have LM's? Just wonderin' :confused:

[ZZZZZR1]

Is this about members saving money (remember, you own
a ZR-1, not a Yugo or Hundai), or about building up the club's
reserve? Why does the club need more $$, ie for what events,
specials, etc., and why would the club be afraid of not having
enough members/$$ in the future? Would it be easier (accounting)
to have LM's? Just wonderin' :confused:

Ted,

Speaking for myself, and for some members I've heard from.... I don't think members are trying to save money. I "think" it's all about supporting your club, getting perks / benefits and not having to worry about renewing again.

:cheers:

David

[A26B]

David,
I do not think revisions to the bylaws are necessary to create a membership option for paying dues,i.e. a one time,ump sum payment for dues that would last for a members lifetime. NOTE: I did not use the term "Lifetime Member," simply because there is already a "Lifetime Member" in the bylaws. The "Lifetime Member" in the bylaws is a bestowment to a Registry member who has excelled in service to the registry over a long period of time and is recognized by the Registry. (refer to the bylaws)
Instead, for the dues option referred to, I would suggest something along the line of "Perpetual Membership" or similar term.
Such a membership option could be initiated or withdrawn if it proved impractical to continue (those who opted in would of course remain as such). Memberships of the proposed type would be no more or less than "Regular Members" in accordance with the bylaws.
Done on my IPhone so please excuse errors)

[gbrtng]

If I sell my ZR-1 next year I have wasted whatever the lifetime membership costs.
As I said earlier, this has happened before in the ZR-1 community and I got scr##ed out
of a portion of a "lifetime" membership. Fool me once, shame on me ...
Go ahead and offer one, I won't bite again.

[Ronstar]

OP states he thinks ZR-1 ownership should be a requirement for lifetime membership. That makes no sense to me. Why?

[Fully Vetted]

OP states he thinks ZR-1 ownership should be a requirement for lifetime membership. That makes no sense to me. Why?

Why not? You can buy a regular membership with no qualifiers if you so choose. That's only for Lifetime Membership and it's meant just to be another qualifier. It adds another level of commitment, that in order to be a LM you have to be an owner. To me LM needs to be something special and not something that just anyone with $350 in their pocket can purchase.

[A26B]

If there were a lifetime membership, it must be more than $350. The Registry doesn't make much on membership. If you freeze the annual cost of membership at $350 for a lifetime, the Registry will be losing money in just a few years, due to the cost of goods and G&A expense. I think it needs to be on the order of $1,000.00 or greater.

Insofar as extra perks for a lifetime member, I don't agree. I think a lifetime member should be exactly the same as a Regular Member, only the dues are paid up forever.

I will remind all, that A Lifetime Member is already defined in the bylaws and it is much different than the concept being discussed here. Conceptually, a new name needs to be created, such as but certainly not limited to "Forever Member" or "Member for Life" to avoid any confusion with Lifetime Member as it appears in the bylaws.

[Ronstar]

[QUOTE=Fully Vetted;161198]Why not? ....

Just a few things that come to mind
1) is someone gonna track who still has their car ( or ever had one)
2)do you have to "prove" you own one?
3) if one sells or totals their car is their membership gone forever or reinstated when they buy another
4) does an LT-5 in another car qualify, prototypes and ex-vin cars?
5) "certain number of honorary memberships" sound a lot like favoritism and politics
6) makes more sense to me to try to encourage more lifelong members not discourage them for the long term health of the group
7)sounds like you DO want to make it a status symbol

Absolutely no malice intended. Just want what's best for the club

[Fully Vetted]

QUOTE=Ronstar;161215]Why not? ....

Just a few things that come to mind
1) is someone gonna track who still has their car ( or ever had one)
It would be somewhat labor intensive to keep track of.

2)do you have to "prove" you own one?
Yes, at the time you submit your LM form. Not that difficult to do.

3) if one sells or totals their car is their membership gone forever or reinstated when they buy another
Reinstated

4) does an LT-5 in another car qualify, prototypes and ex-vin cars?
ZR-1 ownership, not LT-5 ownership

5) "certain number of honorary memberships" sound a lot like favoritism and politics
It could be if not careful. These could be voted on by other LM's.

6) makes more sense to me to try to encourage more lifelong members not discourage them for the long term health of the group
Not neccesarily. There will still be a need for Annual Membership Renewals in order to keep cash flow.

7)sounds like you DO want to make it a status symbol
Not at all. But I do think that the only ones that will pony up $1000 for a LM are the ones that are absolutely committed to the lifelong endeavor of making sure this club stays together. And I think they should be recognized for that committment.

Absolutely no malice intended. Just want what's best for the club
Absolutely none taken. In the end we all only want what's best for the club. In response to #1 and #3 - While I do like the idea of a LM being available, due to the work envolved I'm second guessing the ZR-1 ownership requirement. I like the idea but it's just too much to keep track of. Ownership requirement at the time of your purchase is a good compromise but no requirement to retain ownership during the full term of your LM.

[Fully Vetted]

...If there were a lifetime membership, it must be more than $350. The Registry doesn't make much on membership. If you freeze the annual cost of membership at $350 for a lifetime, the Registry will be losing money in just a few years, due to the cost of goods and G&A expense. I think it needs to be on the order of $1,000.00 or greater.

I absolutely agree.

[Kevin]

the registry has always been open to anyone who loves the zr-1, having one or not has never been a requirement...

[Fully Vetted]

the registry has always been open to anyone who loves the zr-1, having one or not has never been a requirement...

And it still wouldn't be a requirement. Absolutely anyone could still join.

[mike100]

I'm a car switcher so I never know how long I'll have any particular ride, but my other feeling is the club will raise more money over time with regular annual dues.

[HIZNHRZ]

At one time the stated objective of the ZR-1 Net Registry was to promote the education, preservation, and restoration of ZR1 Corvette to owners, general public, sports car enthusiasts, and collectors.

Here's another crazy idea. The purpose of stating a purpose, mission, or objective is as a measure of accountability. It helps to insure a team, club, organization, etc doesn’t lose its way. If an action is taken or decision is made, any action or decision, does it move us towards or away from our stated objective?

If the clubs purpose is still to promote the education, preservation, and restoration of ZR1 Corvette to owners, general public, sports car enthusiasts, and collectors; and if so, what are the facts, risks, and assumptions and where is the business case that demonstrates moving towards lifetime membership makes sense as a defendable and prudent step towards our stated purpose?

[ZR1]

I was looking for the place to pay for the right to be a lifetime member here when I stumbled upon this thread. Not sure about the suggested $350 dollar or higher cost though. It really doesn't cost much to maintain a forum with a domain name. Other forums I am a member of charge less than $20 for yearly and less than $100 for lifetime. Let's not forget supporting vendors who can advertise their products. They also have banner ads that display to the non-paying members.

After going back and reading some of the comments on this thread, it seems some of the members of this forum considers this forum strictly as a ZR-1 LT5 club. Hate to say it, but as a Z06 owner, I feel a little left out by some of the comments I have read thus far considering I am planning on owning a newer ZR1. As it is, this is the closest thing to a ZR1 forum I can find. I can only hope you all consider opening your arms to C6 ZR1 owners as well. I'll save my drawn out comments on what I had to do just to figure out what the random answer was to even join this forum. Obviously it is not LS9 or Supercharged. Now that I look at the banner, this sight is exclusive to C4 ZR-1.

Currently as a non ZR-1 owner but rather a future ZR1 owner and a true Corvette enthusiast, my comments might not hold much water. Who knows, I might be rubbing some the wrong way. But keep in mind, there are many like me who would support this Corvette forum as long as it shows a long term business plan by promoting yearly and lifetime membership plans along with open arms to all ZR1 Corvette owners, past, present, or future.

With all that said, how is this forum supported? There has to be ads somewhere or someone is being very generous.

If I may be so bold as the latest noobie on this forum and an average webmaster, may I suggest to the administrators of this forum to look into Z06Vette.com forum and see how they do business. Success breeds success!

For the record, I am only providing a fresh perspective to what I have seen in the short amount of time I have been here. I would not be offended if anyone were to tell me to go pound sand.

If you can't tell, I am all about promoting anything Corvette, especially ZR1. As a future ZR1 owner, I would consider buying this sight if someone is willing to sell it just to allow newer ZR1 owners a place to communicate. I know a good investment when I see one. This is why I drive, race, and show Corvettes. Corvette is best bang for the buck!

You all have a great forum here and for the current price to be here, nobody can complain, especially me.

[tomtom72]

I'm not the welcome wagon, but :hello: ZR1 and welcome to our little corner of the asylum! :handshak:

I'm not gonna tell you to 'go pound sand' as I know beans about running a forum! I will say this we had a general discussion about other "Z" cars awhile back and our general feeling was that "sure, the more the merrier".

To be blunt, this place exists as a ZR-1 forum so that us ZR-1 owners can take care of our cars. Well, so that guys like me can learn enough hopefully to take care of our cars. Don't take this the wrong way, but our motor makes it an absolute must for us to band together. After all, you can't turn around without tripping over traditional sbc info or LSx series motor info....try that with an LT5.

Beyond the motor issues though, we have had C6 ZR1's and LT-1 ZR1's owners hang with us at our events. We welcome those people to hang out and chew the fat.

:cheers:
Tom

[DaveK]

Welcome to the forum ZR1. The forum (and ZR-1 Net Registry club) were initially created to support C4 ZR-1 owners as that was all that existed at the time. That said, we're happy to welcome C6 ZR1 owners also and several of our members have both ZR-1s and ZR1s.

There is no advertizing on the forum or our website. On our website we have some small banners lining to sponsors of the club and we may add them to the forum but we're not looking to go down the mass banner ads route here.

Support for the forum and website come from membership dues paid by joining the zr-1 net registry club. If you're interested you can join through the store on our website (www.zr1netregistry.com (http://www.zr1netregistry.com)). Membership also provides access to special members-only events, an annual t-shirt and member discounts in our store and with other vendors.

Although the organization historically was for the older ZR-1s I'm sure everyone is more than happy to welcome our "younger" bretheren and if we can attract more we could create some ZR1 specific sections for those members.

Dave

[RyanChappel]

I consider this a ZR-1 LT-5 club. The message content and resource base on this site is amazing because it is so focused on the 90-95 Z's. I believe there are numerous other places owners of other Corvette specialty cars can frequent which provide similar, in-depth support and items of interest concerning their cars. This site is unique, and needs to stay that way.

My $.02

"Don't Mean Nuthin' "

(War Zone C, RVN, 1969)

[Franke]

I vote no. Several reasons listed in the above posts as well as I believe a club like this needs a constant source of income to remain intact and viable. The perks and get together events aren't cheap to put on and costs will go up in the future. Funny how that works.

[Kevin]

I was looking for the place to pay for the right to be a lifetime member here when I stumbled upon this thread. Not sure about the suggested $350 dollar or higher cost though. It really doesn't cost much to maintain a forum with a domain name. Other forums I am a member of charge less than $20 for yearly and less than $100 for lifetime. Let's not forget supporting vendors who can advertise their products. They also have banner ads that display to the non-paying members.

After going back and reading some of the comments on this thread, it seems some of the members of this forum considers this forum strictly as a ZR-1 LT5 club. Hate to say it, but as a Z06 owner, I feel a little left out by some of the comments I have read thus far considering I am planning on owning a newer ZR1. As it is, this is the closest thing to a ZR1 forum I can find. I can only hope you all consider opening your arms to C6 ZR1 owners as well. I'll save my drawn out comments on what I had to do just to figure out what the random answer was to even join this forum. Obviously it is not LS9 or Supercharged. Now that I look at the banner, this sight is exclusive to C4 ZR-1.

Currently as a non ZR-1 owner but rather a future ZR1 owner and a true Corvette enthusiast, my comments might not hold much water. Who knows, I might be rubbing some the wrong way. But keep in mind, there are many like me who would support this Corvette forum as long as it shows a long term business plan by promoting yearly and lifetime membership plans along with open arms to all ZR1 Corvette owners, past, present, or future.

With all that said, how is this forum supported? There has to be ads somewhere or someone is being very generous.

If I may be so bold as the latest noobie on this forum and an average webmaster, may I suggest to the administrators of this forum to look into Z06Vette.com forum and see how they do business. Success breeds success!

For the record, I am only providing a fresh perspective to what I have seen in the short amount of time I have been here. I would not be offended if anyone were to tell me to go pound sand.

If you can't tell, I am all about promoting anything Corvette, especially ZR1. As a future ZR1 owner, I would consider buying this sight if someone is willing to sell it just to allow newer ZR1 owners a place to communicate. I know a good investment when I see one. This is why I drive, race, and show Corvettes. Corvette is best bang for the buck!

You all have a great forum here and for the current price to be here, nobody can complain, especially me.
yes this site is mainly about the C4 zr-1 but that doesn't mean its exclusively a c4 zr-1 forum. Most of us have known each other over the life of 2 or 3 zr-1 registries, I've have my car since 1999, long before the c6 zr1 was ever thought of, and quite a few of us are the same way. But that isn't to say we against c6 zr1's or even c7 if they come to be, we welcome all who are interested in the zr-1/zr1 even if you're not an owner. I know at carlise two years ago there were several c6 zr1 that parked next to the c4 zr-1 and that's the way it should be.

Seeing as you're new, you may not know the history of the zr-1 registries dating back over the years, there have been 3. The original zr-1 registry that Larry Merrow had for the better part of a decade which passed away with him, there was the LT5 registry, which Clint Hooper started and ran for a few years which disbanded, then there was the zr1 net, which was an email list serve run by Dave Bright. When the LT5 registry died Dave started this registry combining the ZR-1 net with a formal registry and giving it the name of the zr1 net registry with the list serve being a separate thing. At no point has owning a zr-1 been necessary to join the zr-1 net registry, I had a 91 L98 when I joined then moved up to my zr-1. Until the ZR-1 net registry, there was no zr1 to have as members, only the ZR-1.

I looked at z06vette.com and i'm happy our admin doesn't think that's the way to do things. I also don't know if I'd come in talking about wanting to buy the forum in my first post...

[We Gone]

I voted maybe,

Here is how I see it. I do think there should be value in how long you have been an owner of the C4 ZR-1, Your participation in this and past ZR-1 forums. Your contributions to helping other ZR-1 owners. Based on this criteria a once a year vote by the members for 1 maybe up to 3 member to be moved to an elite status would be nice.
I belong to a computer form that you earn flames tagged under your aviator based on help you provided to others applied by those you have helped, I like this because it shows recognition to those who contribute the most applied by the members. The member who applies a vote also gets to add a short thank you note. this is viewable in the members details for others to view. If I remember it takes 100 or so votes to get the first flame than to 150 for 2, 300 for 3 you get the point. This is just an example. (overclock.net)

Now as far as a lifetime membership, after reading all the posts to date I believe it could be detrimental to the registries long term health. I say this because they will never build any more LT5 ZR-1's so this limits the overall membership. I also would not like it become covered with adds a few would be ok as long as they are related to our ZR-1's specifically. What I think needs to be done is a better awareness of our organization to recruit new ZR-1 owners.

Now on to keeping things alive moving into the future. The new ZR1 would be a great way to accomplish this it would be just a matter of blending the new with the old as they will be the ones to carry the ZR1 mystic into the future and it is again a limited production Corvette with the same performance status that was established with the ZR-1.

Steve

[ZR1]

Great feedback!

After further review, I think what you guys have going here is a great thing and should be left as is.

As stated in a private message to Hammer, for some reason I did not make the connection between the Registry website and the forum. I was looking for a forum for newer ZR1s and this is the only one that came up. I failed to realize and understand the uniqueness of the ZR-1 and its sponsoring web based registry club. Hence the question on how this forum was funded which was answered by the admins.

I do not mean to stir the pot or offend anyone. As a Z06 owner, I understand the importance of keeping the integrity of a specific model of Corvette. In the case of the ZR-1, it is a very unique and specific to it's generation. I would have to concur on keeping the integrity of this forum as is for the purist at heart.

As for buying the forum, that was made in jest not knowing of the website behind it. Really, the last thing I would want to do is come in and change it knowing what I know now.

Until I buy a new garage with a house attached to it, I do not foresee owning a ZR-1 anytime in the near future. Honestly, if I had the garage space, I would have already purchased Frank's black ZR-1 and joined this site months ago. It is a sweet ride with great show quality.

As it is, I am looking to buy a newer ZR1 and will continue my search for a forum that is better suited for my research. Who knows, if I cannot find it, I might have to create one. ;)

Thanks to all those who have made me feel welcome here. It just confirms my belief that ALL Corvette owners are good people and that no matter what type of Corvette someone owns, we are all family because of it.

As they say, I came for the car and I stayed for the people.

Again, you all have a great thing going here. I wouldn't change a thing!

One last thing concerning this thread:
For lifetime membership, our local Corvette club honors its members with a lifetime membership with no dues to those who have been members for 20 years. Just a thought.

[scottfab]

Great feedback!

....snip...

One last thing concerning this thread:
For lifetime membership, our local Corvette club honors its members with a lifetime membership with no dues to those who have been members for 20 years. Just a thought.


Now I LIKE that idea !!
It's not about the money.
It's about the dedication.

[PhillipsLT5]

I like it too, maybe I am 1/2 way home

[FU]

Hmmm you pose some very interesting idea's Mr. ZR1, please come forward and introduce yourself.

Thank you,
Frank U.

[Fully Vetted]

...For lifetime membership, our local Corvette club honors its members with a lifetime membership with no dues to those who have been members for 20 years...

19 more years to go. The Blue Beast will be 38 years old!

[scottfab]

I like it too, maybe I am 1/2 way home

I guess I'm a bit over 3/4 the way but depends on if credit is
counted and transferable from the now three club (club names)
that there have been.
1. ZR-1 Registry
2. ZR-1 Net
3. ZR-1 Net Registry

[Kevin]

I guess I'm a bit over 3/4 the way but depends on if credit is
counted and transferable from the now three club (club names)
that there have been.
1. ZR-1 Registry
2. ZR-1 Net
3. ZR-1 Net Registry

Don't forget the lt5 registry and the president that stole our money

[alnukem]

Okay just some thoughts from the peanut gallery.....:) I would proly opt for a Lifetime Membership, but I voted "NO" in the poll. At $400 or even $500 for a 10 yr paid up membership to me it would just be a way of not having to remember to re-up every year. I just fear that too many options make for a nightmare in book keeping? Or maybe over time we run short of money to run the club??? I'd hate to see inflation damage our operating budget, or make it difficult to run our club. I guess my reasoning is pretty lame? :o

Okay, just as a reference I have been trying for the last few yrs to find it in my budget to convert my NCM membership from annual to lifetime. Every time I think I'm close I seem to encounter some bump in the road that scrubs the thought. I bring that up because to me that is more the scale of payment needed to make a "life time membership" work for any club???? I guess that's pretty lame also, no?

:o I just had a BFO! I remember back before the internet, 1977, when I was putting my 72 back together how difficult it was to get accurate info on the 'how to' aspect of doing a mechanical restoration....even the FSM wasn't all encompassing, and you just didn't know that many people who knew the car inside and out. This club and the NCM serve as an anchor points so I would be very sad to see either go down due to lack of funds. I'd even go a bit further. If this club went dark, I'd sell and get a C6 because the potential issues that could crop up would be way beyond my personal mechanical abilities. Oh, and yes I do realize that I should go to Gordon's school before it's too late....another money story! LOL But that would be the only way I'd keep the car if we went dark over here. JMHO :o

:cheers:
Tom

I did not vote yet. I am probably going to vote no because I feel the same way as Tom. I am not much of a joiner, but the few members I have met have been awesome. The information on here has been invaluable. I guess if we made a wrong decision & money became a shortfall, we could just donate. The one thing we must insure, is, this tech information, must never be deleted!

[WVZR-1]

So....I will UP my offer to $225 for ten years with a Tag that says Gold Member and maybe Two Gold Stars.......;)

See Economic Analysis (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=193547#post193547) :p

And.....i do not need any free stuff every year or password for Members only (which is a plus for board members as that reduces their Headaches) :D

I had to recalculate as I have just been told annual membership is $35 rather than $45 :thumbsup:



A NEW membership is $45 and renewals are $35 I believe - Should there be a reinstatement fee for a lapse of several years of "no participation". I'd think it maybe deserves a conversation. Could or should such a fee be waived "for circumstances"? Might deserve a conversation also!

[Franke]

Dyno, are you an accountant by chance? :)

[edram454]

Lots of interesting points of views. I think there should be a LM available to those who really want to commit and simplify there life without having to renew every year. I think there should be a 20 yr dedication exemption of dues for those whom have posted over 1,000 times and maintained a 20 membership seniority. I think maybe a two tier ZR-1/zr1 forum might be a viable option if you want the forum to grow. you log in and select which of the two you want to go into, C4 or C6. The C6 Zr1 is the new benchmark of performance and the flagship car currently thrusting the ZR1 moniker worldwide.

It is certainly keeping the Zr1 brand up there in quality and performance. We must not forget, these are cars worth over 100k that require owners that can pay for them. It would increase membership as a whole and also attract current zr1 owners who want a place to talk and share information. It just depends how big you want the forum to get. As it currently is, there probably wont be much growth since the cars are not increasing in volume and more and more go by the wayside..(accidents etc..). We can keep it only LT5 and let it roll on like it is for a very few selected owners of the c4 lt5.

It just depends on how big do we want this club to be?? I can see the good points and the bad by including the c6 zr1 into the forum.

[Harvie]

It has been done before, and they are gone.

[Kevin]

It has been done before, and they are gone.

and there's a reason for that.

[Harvie]

Everybody has a reason for everything, I have a lifetime charter membership paid in full that is worth about what the paper this statement is printed on.... oh that right there is no paper here...so NOTHING...


http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa469/Harvie2/moto_0900.jpg








very expensive decal/window sticker.

[MickeyD]

I would do LM just because it is easier. I actively am on the site but have not been a paid member for 2 years for no other reason than I just forget to re-up. I know I need to do it, but I guess it's so far down on list of things to do that it gets put off. Just my thoughts. Maybe a 3 or 5 year membership?

[Tripler]

The reason I am voting no is that I feel the club needs the yearly renewal to keep the club in a positive financial income . Each season will bring new members and some will opt out at some time or another and being a yearly member will help the opt out individual to do so easily . I will probably be a member till my end but having the option to stop being a member at some point just seems easier .

Mike

[-=Jeff=-]

So maybe instead of Lifetime you offer a special price/deal for 5 year renewal..

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

So, let's see if I understand this.
I am older.
You are younger.
Either you are paying less because my "lifetime" buys less time.
or
I am paying more for my shorter "lifetime" to cover your longer time.

This sounds a lot like some healthcare plan that I keep hearing about.

Why not a medicare type option( although I am not there yet) where you younger fellas respectfully pay my share, because, .... uhh becuase.....
Well I don't know, the government does it so it must be right, right?

;)

FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR OLD GUYS FOR LIFE!!!!!!

Boy, you young guys would really be screwed!

I plan to live to 90+, and drive too! (watch out)

Hey, but in a few years I can whine about "being on a fixed income"

Thanks for playing along!
:cheers:
Marty

[dredgeguy]

So, let's see if I understand this.
I am older.
You are younger.
Either you are paying less because my "lifetime" buys less time.
or
I am paying more for my shorter "lifetime" to cover your longer time.

This sounds a lot like some healthcare plan that I keep hearing about.

Why not a medicare type option( although I am not there yet) where you younger fellas respectfully pay my share, because, .... uhh becuase.....
Well I don't know, the government does it so it must be right, right?

;)

FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR OLD GUYS FOR LIFE!!!!!!

Boy, you young guys would really be screwed!

I plan to live to 90+, and drive too! (watch out)

Hey, but in a few years I can whine about "being on a fixed income"

Thanks for playing along!
:cheers:
Marty

Marty,
You made my day.....just priceless:cheers: