Member Event Participation

[EZ Dog]

As a big dog biker forum member there has been a question that has been eating at me for a number of years.

With a membership of over 14000 + members why is it any of our Big Dog Biker Gatherings are lucky assemble on an average of about 30 members.

The worst part of all this is of the 30 member gatherings it consists of 95% the same member wherever we go throughout the country.

For the Party on the Farm at MastiffDaves's again has the same few people attending that attend almost all the events.

I understand all the personal family and financial obligations that possibly prevent one's attendance to as many events as some do. But I'm willing to guess that only about a 100 to 150 members have made an effort to attend at least one event in their lifetime.

I don't mean to hurt anyone's feeling but just my editorial on the Big Dog Brotherhood.

Enough said.... EZ Dog



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[HMAN]

Well said Keith!

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

As a big dog biker forum member there has been a question that has been eating at me for a number of years.

With a membership of over 14000 + members why is it any of our Big Dog Biker Gatherings are lucky assemble on an average of about 30 members.

The worst part of all this is of the 30 member gatherings it consists of 95% the same member wherever we go throughout the country.

For the Party on the Farm at MastiffDaves's again has the same few people attending that attend almost all the events.

I understand all the personal family and financial obligations that possibly prevent one's attendance to as many events as some do. But I'm willing to guess that only about a 100 to 150 members have made an effort to attend at least one event in their lifetime.

I don't mean to hurt anyone's feeling but just my editorial on the Big Dog Brotherhood.

Enough said.... EZ Dog



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ok that membership count in my mind is not valid -- too many of those accounts are LONG SINCE DEAD and should be purged.
Many are people that likely should their BD's and there fore have no reason to be here anymore.

I'd rather see a SOLID membership of 200 than an inflated sense of members with 1400 "in name only" accounts.

I've suggested a purge before and I truly think the site is NO OVERDUE for it.

Send users a message, going if you don't login by X your account will be deleted for lack of use.

Keith -- the small percentage participation is true of any organization usually.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

Here's a classic example of an account that I truly believe should be removed.


Was here for 2 days 8years ago and gone.
Never owned a BigDog, was looking to get help to install a WiresPlus and left.

 

[Mickmorris]

Wow! Guess I never even thought of that. Good point Keith! I wish I had owned a BigDog motorcycle longer than I have. I would for sure have been to more of the get-togethers. I felt Blessed to be able to meet everyone at Knothead’s for his Wedding & I feel doubly Blessed to make it to Dave & Buffys for what might be the last time at their farm. God willing I am planning on going to every get together that I can while I am still fit enough to do it. Thanks again to all for the invite.

 

[pknowles]

Distance and life has a lot to do with. I still own a big dog but aren't opposed to members sticking around that have sold their bikes. I have been to a couple of the Florida events so I guess that counts. I agree about the cleanup but where would you stop and start. If you want somewhat of and active membership, just look at who has posted in the last month or so. Ride on

 

[awg]

I go to events closer to home. I am in my 60's. Can't ride that far anymore and don't have truck/trailer or whatever to haul the bike.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

Distance and life has a lot to do with. I still own a big dog but aren't opposed to members sticking around that have sold their bikes. I have been to a couple of the Florida events so I guess that counts. I agree about the cleanup but where would you stop and start. If you want somewhat of and active membership, just look at who has posted in the last month or so. Ride on

I'd be on the generous side and base it on when you last accessed the system. Start with maybe 2 yrs, if you get a notice about your account and haven't been here in 2 yrs and can't be bothered to say "Yes I was to stay a member by at least logging on" I'd cut off the account.

 

[pknowles]

I'd be on the generous side and base it on when you last accessed the system. Start with maybe 2 yrs, if you get a notice about your account and haven't been here in 2 yrs and can't be bothered to say "Yes I was to stay a member by at least logging on" I'd cut off the account.

That t sounds reasonable but who would have the time to start accessing the older accounts. I'm no computer whiz, but it looks like it would take someone in admin to do this and seems very time consuming. The good thing is we or most of us know that we don't have know where near the 14000 active members. If they don't post I won't read it

 

[roadie1389]

Here is my 2 cents:

Would you rather have 20-30 people together that get along, have fun, talk about things, enjoy each other's company?
or
200 people that you couldn't stand to be around?

At that points its really just another rally and not really a "gathering" to speak. I have tried to invite more local dog owners to some of our events. Honestly, I don't think a lot of folks trust riding their bikes like some of us do. Other's they are set in their ways and only bar hop. It's really hard to tell why some do what they do.

Yes, getting off work, money and family or what have you is one part of it.

Me, I kind of like the smaller more personal get together. I like really getting to know the folks that came out. It becomes more family that way. A few folks here got to meet my daughter. If there were 200 people you think you would of still got to meet her or just one more person in the crowd. OK scratch that part, how the heck can you not gravitate to that little ball of fire.

Besides, its a SoB to get 20 bikes to make it through the lights, 100 bikes, forget about it.

 

[knothead]

All i know is people are missing a good time at the gatherings.....i agree with everyone on this thread on everything in general and i see where it would be challenging and time consuming to remove folks....but i will say this on a good note, im so proud to have meet the ones i have and to call y'all my friends...i truly am

 

[EZ Dog]

I like you 30 guys and girl, but I think I might like some of the other 14000 better....lol


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[Jersey Big Mike]

That t sounds reasonable but who would have the time to start accessing the older accounts. I'm no computer whiz, but it looks like it would take someone in admin to do this and seems very time consuming. The good thing is we or most of us know that we don't have know where near the 14000 active members. If they don't post I won't read it

It should be able to be done programmatically. The data is in a database that a query could be written against to send the mail (feature of app)
a small app could also be written to delete the accounts if the system doesn't support it.

 

[HMAN]

I like you 30 guys and girl, but I think I might like some of the other 14000 better....lol


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But they may not like you? Hahahaha....dont worry Keith, we still like ya.

 

[Rorin67]

If you'd hold something closer to Southern California, I'd be sure to be there. Otherwise, don't assume I don't want to be there.

Your BD gatherings look like a blast and I'd love to join the party, but I'm geographically precluded from doing so if they are all going to be held multiple states away. I doubt I'm not the only member who would like to participate.

The farm in Rogers, AR is 1,567 miles away from me (thanks Google!). That trip's likely not going to happen anytime soon as I don't have the luxury of being able to take that much time away.

Again, I'd love to join in the fun, but the closest I can get to it anytime soon is through this forum. So at the BD gatherings, have a drink or two for us far-away members - and just know that we'd rather be there if we could.

Cheers!

 

[Mr. Wright]

Lot of people touched a lot of points there. The reason for the gatherings in the first place was to get to know the other people on the form, and this has worked out quite well. The reason for the same few faces at each gathering is because the others have not experienced it. Like they say you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. With just being on now and then looking to get answers you don't get the feeling of the brotherhood that has been formed here. And trying to convince someone that they need to come to a gathering is like anything else. They have a mindset of the way life is and anything outside that Norm takes a lot of getting used to. Those of us that have met and develops strong bonds between each other goes Way beyond owning a big dog. So even those members that have sold their dog and gone on to other brands there's still a brother and welcome at gatherings.
Well I am on FB I messaged people who have just bought big dogs and let them know about the form and where to get parts. Some will never get on, and others will come to gatherings. That's just the way people are.

 

[EZ Dog]

Mike,

That is exactly what I.was thinking. Some sort of internal database that a guy with your IT skills could easily handle.


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[BgBdBear01]

Here is my 2 cents:

Would you rather have 20-30 people together that get along, have fun, talk about things, enjoy each other's company?
or
200 people that you couldn't stand to be around?

At that points its really just another rally and not really a "gathering" to speak. I have tried to invite more local dog owners to some of our events. Honestly, I don't think a lot of folks trust riding their bikes like some of us do. Other's they are set in their ways and only bar hop. It's really hard to tell why some do what they do.

Yes, getting off work, money and family or what have you is one part of it.

Me, I kind of like the smaller more personal get together. I like really getting to know the folks that came out. It becomes more family that way. A few folks here got to meet my daughter. If there were 200 people you think you would of still got to meet her or just one more person in the crowd. OK scratch that part, how the heck can you not gravitate to that little ball of fire.

Besides, its a SoB to get 20 bikes to make it through the lights, 100 bikes, forget about it.

I’m in the don’t trust category. I just bought my bike. Don’t know all the ins and out or sounds. I’m nowhere near competent enough to go over everything myself and pretty broke(and bitched at lol) for spending the money I had on the bike so can’t stick it in shop yet. So for now I take my time and ride everyday a few hours until I am comfortable enough to do more. The event sounds awesome but after almost lost that drive pulley I’m a bit gun shy. And after I throughly looked over bike I noticed 9 bolts missing. Kinda made me nervous. I had to delete that wannabe mechanics number and address before I pick a fight one of these nights. Anyway thats just me and I just joined here and don’t have a lot of post so don’t delete me. Thanks again got the welcome and eventually I’ll get around. It sounds like a hell of a time I’ll miss coming up but idk about this bike and I damn sure wouldn’t through my wife on back. Or either of my escorts for that matter. Ha. Just kiddin. Please don’t tell my wife she scares me

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

I agree with EZ Dog, some ppl on here were here and now are gone. And some time ago there was a falling out between a lot of members here. A lot of those ppl have turned to facebook groups, which there is a few different ones out there. I know myself that I've been told by ppl on facebook they had no idea of this forum page, I even believe I've had a few join since telling them about this forum page. But there are a lot of unused profiles on here. Like the guy with the blue bagger that installed harley bags on his, I've tried several times to get in touch with him but he's not been active in years now. I'd say 3 to 5 years of inactivity would be a great place to start, because even tho I joined in 2009, I hardly ever posted back then, didn't know who to ask what, I honestly didn't start posting and sharing my stories until maybe 2016 or so? But I was always looking and reading post and buying things here and there. Just my 2 cents on the inactive members.

For the gatherings, believe me I've so wanted to go to different ones but time off of work is limited, schedule changes at work has hindered me and yes also money/bike problems or prior commitments to other friends or events. Some of the times when gatherings are planned, they are around times of what use to be major events like Myrtle Beach Bike Week ( May and OCT) or Thunder in the Smokies (Spring, Summer and Fall Rallies). And depending on my days off without taking vacation is usually the way I go, not because I don't want to meet you guys, but mainly because my gf has to burn her vacation days to be able to join me. My work schedule is messed up 1 week I get Tues, Wed and Thursday off, the next I get Thurs, fri, Sat and sunday off, the next I get Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and Tuesday off, then I work Wed thru the next week till I'm off on Tuesday again and it starts all over. Not to mention I work third, so if I'm off tues, wed and thursday, I don't get off till tuesday morning at 7 am, so tuesday is spent sleeping or struggling to stay awake. But alot of the gatherings are Wed, thurs, fri, sat, and sundays from what I've seen so the way to use little vacation and come on days off are only on my thursday thru sunday weekend off, and the chances of that lining up is slim to none. But when it does line up believe me I will be there, for sure.

 

[chubs]

Here is my 2 cents:

Would you rather have 20-30 people together that get along, have fun, talk about things, enjoy each other's company?
or
200 people that you couldn't stand to be around?

At that points its really just another rally and not really a "gathering" to speak. I have tried to invite more local dog owners to some of our events. Honestly, I don't think a lot of folks trust riding their bikes like some of us do. Other's they are set in their ways and only bar hop. It's really hard to tell why some do what they do.

Yes, getting off work, money and family or what have you is one part of it.

Me, I kind of like the smaller more personal get together. I like really getting to know the folks that came out. It becomes more family that way. A few folks here got to meet my daughter. If there were 200 people you think you would of still got to meet her or just one more person in the crowd. OK scratch that part, how the heck can you not gravitate to that little ball of fire.

Besides, its a SoB to get 20 bikes to make it through the lights, 100 bikes, forget about it.

I've got to agree with ya on all that ya said. That little lady is a real sweetheart. I personally have no desire to attend those big rallies with hundreds or thousands of people that wouldn't give ya the time of day if your life depended on it. The three years in Kansas were more fun than you could have in the monster events, and I'm sure this go round at Dave's will even top those. JMHO