Just a thought, since we don't have that many members, should we consider asking the EPC if they would like to bring the two clubs together to make the APC, and if there is enough interest within all Mazda's, maybe an AMC. What do you guys think? If we decide to go through with this, I will post on the EPC site about this joint venture.

 

Not a bad idea but, what difference would there be other than the way it is now. CPC should first plan things with EPC then think about forming the APC but, since only a few CPC members join in on EPC events and vince versa, I don't see a point. Those are my 2cents. Sorry, hope I didn't step out of line. I would try to devote more time to just organizing a strong group in the CPC, then expand to an APC if you want. Start small. As far as I am concerned we have a huge contingent in Canada and have a CPC (Canadian Protege Club). If I had the time I would try to develop a BCPC but since I don't, it's just me as the Protegeclub.com lone BCPC member. I still feel that it is silly to have a million web sites on the same subject (our cars), I believe that just segregates everyone. With the 3 now 2 subsections that were created here by Richard for the CPC, EPC, and WPC, those were good moves because 'you' would have to go through the other groups info. If you look any relavent info about anything else, some of the info can be directed at me or other miscellanous members.


Sorry, I told Nick that I'll stay out of CPC business. (out of this section) Maybe Richard should lock me out eh?

 

sorry if i **** anybody off on EPC, but the the local forums are pretty quiet. I think its a good idea worth exploring more.

 

Good point, but like 2.0GT said, our forums are pretty quiet at the moment. If we did form the APC, we would probably separate it into two separate forums (north and south). So it would be a similar structure, but it will bring us together and maybe be able to have a bigger meet say in Red Deer or something...

 

OK, 1 more cent. 'We' already sort have that structure but some groups asked to have their own section in the Western Canada forum. Richard did that for 'you'. So maybe 'we' should just stick to the Western Canada or even just Canada forums. I understand about the forum being quiet but if people aren't interested anymore you'll need to find a way to bring them/new people on board(no pun intended). Instead of 'sub-forums' for each group, why not just a link to each groups private website? Are those sites even being used any more? I still don't understand why all these sites exist if they all can be rolled into one(MPSport.net, is no exception, but I guess some people just want extra work, I hope they are getting something out of it. You should talk to one of the CPC members((52nr)) and find out what is on that site that he can't get here. Probably nothing.). Protege5.com and Mazada6.com, and whatever else, are all linked. Why isn't there ONE almighty 'ProtegeClub'. I believe all these sites are all sheep and they need a shepard. Sorry back on topic: Go ahead, form another group. To me, let me re-iterate, to me, it sounds like the CPC, EPC, or APC, have a shepard but, no sheep. But hey, do what you want. Maybe I am one of those shepards blowing his own horn with no-one listening. Nick- show me the door. I'll see you guys in Canmore at MITM, or more likely at McD's by COP. If I come by myself, I come by myself. Hope to see you guys there!

 

Wow, thats some deep stuff Very good points...ahhh whatever I dun care no more, just good to have a gigantic Mazda meet in Canmore I find all of the sites to be the same, and it's getting to be very annoying going to each and every one to talk to people and see whats up and for sale. I think Ill just shut up now and let things go as they are now. Things can be discussed at MITM or not, doesnt matter, was just a thought. Heading down to Vancouver again tomorrow hehe...

 

I guess we'll talk about this at the MITM but consider this. The reason we have local clubs is because there are made up of people in your area and there in lies the problem. Distance.

If we formed an Alberta Mazda Club it would be difficult to have any sort of regular meetings, okay maybe one or two a year. Not that I don't like the idea but what are the benefits to an Alberta Group? We would also have to find people to run/organize this Provincial organization.

Personally I think what we need is more meets like the upcoming one in Canmore.

Then again I may be full of it

 

Agreed

 

Interesting take on it.

But I think you miss something important. You assume that these websites are all redundant. They aren't. Our website/forum is primarily aimed at those in the Edmonton Club. While we have generic forums (Performance, sound...) the most active sections are off topic and events. We aren't trying to duplicate what is here, or any of the other forums accross the internet.

As for your sheep/shepard analogy, it doesn't fit. At least for those of us in Edmonton. We have a club, and usually at the meetings we get between 12-15 people showing up. That is a pretty healthy amount for a club that hasn't even passed the one year mark.

Why didn't we just leave our subforum here? Well we wanted control. We want to control our image to our members, potential members and anyone else that stumbles across us. Administration was also a concern, we want to do it ourselves. Honestly I (personally) wasn't comfortable with the relationship that the EPC had with protegeclub.com. And at times I felt that the attitude and atmosphere around here reflected badly on us as a group. Instead of making a big (and pointless) stink about it we decided it best that we do things (good or bad) the way that we wanted to.

As a result of our forming our own 'official' club, and setting up our own web space and forum EVERYONE is happier.

Jay

 

An Alberta based club? No thanks. We are talking about a lot of work to do something like that. To do something on that scale 'we' would have to have a very structured and organised club, and would ultimately have to have one person steering things. Honestly we are having a difficult enough time setting up events and keeping things on track just with Edmonton. I can't imagine how you would go about managing this accross Alberta.

Now if we were talking about a partnership or 'sister clubs' that would be excellent. Organize an annual get together or two (hey, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary!) every year. This and communication are probably the best things to do for the relationship between Calgary and Edmonton. This would be a major benifit for all of us.

There ya go

Jay

PS-The EPC is going through some changes, we'll make an official announcement when everything is in place. Damn being busy at work!!

 

Points well taken and agreed with. One site for example is MPSport.net, down here in Vancouver, they don't offer anything different then I already get here. They did change the format around but, I have no interest in a Mazdaspeed section or a MPV section. I am happy here and have been happy with the people I have met (and will meet). I see no need for me to move to the 'other' site. I don't like checking on all the other sites for the same info. So Jay I agree with you and I admittedly check on the Vancouver site for our area info but that's all. So I do understand the need for a area specific sub-forum. It is just like we have here with the East and Western Canada forums.

 

Big Thumbs Up! Totally agree.

 

Ok guys, I'm siding with Dion on this one. I just don't see a point to a huge club like that. Distance is the limiting factor. What's the point of a car club anyway you ask? Well, it brings enthusiasts together (whether on the net or in person) to share their love about their cars. Having an APC would be far too complicated, and would still only result in like 1-2 meets a year. I mean, ow many times can you drive 3 hours each way to talk about your car for a couple hours?