PCA Membership

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Traveller

I was thinking about it till I browsed over the membership application.

I have no issue with name, address, charge card info, but there is no need for them to know what is parked in my garage along with VIN number.

I agree. I joined the PCA, but I didn't give them the numbers.
There is a fellow in the 356 Registry who periodically contacts me asking for the VINs of my 356s. He's been asking for years and I've been ignoring him for years. I'm in an antique truck club and they want my truck's VIN. I don't understand why they want the info. If it isn't shared - if no one ever looks at it, what value is it to them? And if someone does look at it, who is it and why are they looking?

I'm not a fan of clubs. I contributed to the 356 Registry for years and was a dedicated supporter until politics reared its ugly head. As I look back, I'm sorry I wasted my time working for those a-holes. I don't contribute anything to the PCA but dues. No matter how great the people may be now, the politics could change in an instant and you can get kicked in the teeth. I have better things to volunteer my time for.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by Noah930

I'll save you the $40, if that's your motivation: Panorama mag isn't really worth it. The only part worthwhile are the online classifieds, if you're looking for a car/part.

Thanks for the input.

How about Excellence? I've browsed through a few in the past and from what I remember, they seemed packed with advertizing. Do they cater to the latest cars only which is usually a trumpet blowing session for the manufacturers.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Traveller

I have no issue with name, address, charge card info, but there is no need for them to know what is parked in my garage along with VIN number.

What could they possibly do, knowing what car is in your garage? That's more sensitive than a credit card number?

Wow, I don't get it.

JR

[Noah930]

Excellence is a much better magazine. There's a mix of historic stuff, modified/hot-rodded cars of all vintages, and coverage of the new stuff. A much more interesting read, IMO. Subscribe for a year, and see if you like it.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I agree. I joined the PCA, but I didn't give them the numbers. I don't understand why they want the info. If it isn't shared - if no one ever looks at it, what value is it to them? And if someone does look at it, who is it and why are they looking?

Eaxctly!!!

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I'm not a fan of clubs. I contributed to the 356 Registry for years and was a dedicated supporter until politics reared its ugly head. As I look back, I'm sorry I wasted my time working for those a-holes. I don't contribute anything to the PCA but dues. No matter how great the people may be now, the politics could change in an instant and you can get kicked in the teeth. I have better things to volunteer my time for.

There will always be those who feel that way and I can relate. I was on the board of my local BMW motorcycle club for a matter of months till I resigned.

They had all this money, well not really, because you're not really supposed to have any money at the end of the year. It wasn't in any books and it was in someone's account. Anyway, they wanted to spend it of an electric piano for a local hospital...where...wouldn't you know it...the club's president's wife was on the hospital's board.

I joined a motorcycle club for motorcycling reasons; if I wanted to get into fund raising for a charity, I would have joined a charity!!! Needless to say, I resigned and so did about half the membership renewals.

Someone on one of the forums could not have put it better...

Club A-holes
This is not just a M/C club thing. I also belong to a HAM radio club. The same thing happened at both the HAM and BMW clubs I was a member of. Someone gets elected - usually politician type. He does a good job so nobody challenges him. Over time it becomes "his" club and he always gets his way. The normal folks you like to hang out with either stop coming to gatherings or quit altogether. The club then polarizes into three groups. The prez and his yes men, the newbies that idolize the prez cause they believe everything he says, and the complainers who sit on the side lines and think they can't change anything.

That's why I don't actively participate in either club anymore. I don't like what's going on, I don't like what I become and I don't like the anxiety I have when I leave a meeting. A long solo ride is great therapy to club anxiety!

MarkF

I just don't have any use for club politics, their agendas and cliques that form.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by javadog

What could they possibly do, knowing what car is in your garage? That's more sensitive than a credit card number?

Wow, I don't get it.
JR

What I don't get is, why do they need to know?

[fastfredracing]

I join just for the stickers.I have been a member for about 15 years now, it is the only club I belong to. I used to be active with the local sports car club, and SCCA as well. The mag is pretty lame, and I guess I just keep rejoining to keep my membership active. I do enjoy a couple of events each year, I plan on taking in a couple of club races ( spectator ) this year. I stay away from the politics of car clubs, to much bs for me in my busy life.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Traveller

What I don't get is, why do they need to know?

I haven't checked lately but when I joined, a zillion years ago, you had to actually own a Porsche to be a member. I figure that supplying a little information that supports that notion helps them to qualify you as eligible. Granted, you could supply them something bogus but I suppose that anything more definitive than what they ask for would be considered a pain in the ass to most people.

So, back to my question: what can they do with this information that worries you more than giving out your credit card number?

JR

[widgeon13]

I hate clubs! As for vin, it's on the vehicle so everyone can see if they walk by the car, what's the big deal?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by javadog

So, back to my question: what can they do with this information that worries you more than giving out your credit card number?

JR

I know what they want the credit card number for and I know it's a legitimate requirement - to pay for the membership. I pay for lots of goods and services with my CC. I'm used to using it in that way and I have recourse if they abuse it.
I have no idea why they want my VINs. I don't know what they plan to do with the info or how I can get it out of their system if someone is caught misusing it.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I have no idea why they want my VINs.

To prove you own a Porsche, one of the prerequistites for membership?

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I don't know what they plan to do with the info

Probably absolutely nothing, once they have verified your application...

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

if someone is caught misusing it.

How do you misuse such a thing? Really?

JR

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by javadog

So, back to my question: what can they do with this information that worries you more than giving out your credit card number?

JR

Well if I were a car thief, I'd pay for a list like that.

And in the end, what purpose does that info serve? Absolutely none!

As for my credit card number, why would I worry. If something appears on my bill that I did not purchase, I simply dispute it.

Anyway, the reason no longer exists having read that the magazine isn't all that great.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by javadog

To prove you own a Porsche, one of the prerequistites for membership?

But the fact is, it doesn't prove anything.

Here you go...

2005 Carrera GT
VIN: WP0CA29825L001364

Now do you really think I own a Carrera GT?

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Traveller

Well if I were a car thief, I'd pay for a list like that.

Better not drive your car, then. A car thief might see you and follow you home. Finding a car to steal is way harder than actually stealing it. Or so I'm told.

You know, membership in a club is like anything else related to socializing. You join it because you like to hang out with other like-mided people. Some you will like, some you won't. Sort of like the rest of your world...

Cheers,
JR

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Traveller

But the fact is, it doesn't prove anything.

Which is why I wrote, several posts prior:

"Granted, you could supply them something bogus but I suppose that anything more definitive than what they ask for would be considered a pain in the ass to most people."

It's better than nothing.

JR

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by javadog

You know, membership in a club is like anything else related to socializing. You join it because you like to hang out with other like-minded people. Some you will like, some you won't. Sort of like the rest of your world...

Cheers,
JR

Which is why I'm no longer part of a club and very careful when thinking about joining one.

Most of them are about socializing which I am not the least bit interested in. I'm into the technical aspects of vehicle ownership.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Traveller

I'm into the technical aspects of vehicle ownership.

Ah, well, that's that, then. There's nothing at all in the club related to technical matters. Nope, none. Never has been, that's not why the club was formed in the first place. See, it's all about the wine and cheese. Cheap wine... good cheese.

JR

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by javadog

Ah, well, that's that, then. There's nothing at all in the club related to technical matters. Nope, none. Never has been, that's not why the club was formed in the first place. See, it's all about the wine and cheese. Cheap wine... good cheese.

JR

Based on personal experience, yes.


JR, since you brought up the socializing aspect a few posts up.

I'd attend a club meeting every year or so to see if things had changed for the better. Since I shed some light as to how some of the club monies were spent and the membership dropped to half of what it was, the meetings moved from a community center to a German restaurant which was a public place...nothing was reserved or paid for by the club.

I used to get a laugh when the prez would come up to me and ask if I was buying a membership. I'd say, "whatever for? this is a public place". I'm sure that had him walk away fuming. Apparently, it was more important to him to sell memberships and increase the member numbers than bringing like-minded people together, the latter which is what clubs should really be about. Now you know why I have such a low opinion of clubs.

[Laneco]

I've had quite shabby treatment from past PCA members. Apparently, when you build a "kit car" you become a lower life form, no matter how many "real" Porsche parts went to build the car.

Probably the most memorable example was at a large car show. We had the spyder sitting there and two fellows with PCA and Porsche pins/shirts/hats and probably underwear wandered over. Their gasps of disgust were audible to everyone around. Then one of them crouched down and ran his hand under the fenderwell of the spyder then proclaimed loudly "SEE? It's FIBERGLASS! A THROWAWAY CAR!" and both of them left. Guess he never heard of a 904. They behaved like unspeakable as$es.

A few years later, we ran into a young couple with a Cayman (also at a car show). They were local PCA members. Fun, good humored and very gregarious. They asked us to join the club. You see, in addition to our "throw-away" car, we also have a couple of 911's. Both of us laughed out loud at the suggestion that we join PCA. We're the kind of people who build our own cars, not write fat checks and look down noses at other people. Terribly blue collar, but if your car breaks down on a run, guaranteed that we'll stop and have tools.

I decide to go ahead and join. It would let me do DE events and I knew that at least TWO people in the club were cool. Obviously PCA has low standards as they let me join. I did a run with the group this fall and had a blast. Steve insisted that I take the cabby and at least TRY to make a decent first impression (my coupe is nowhere near as nice as his cabby). The people were very convivial and I was glad I did join. Looking forward to more events in 2011.

They even overlooked the part where I yelled "YEE HAW" as we were pulling out of the parking lot - LOL!

angela

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by Laneco

Probably the most memorable example was at a large car show. We had the spyder sitting there and two fellows with PCA and Porsche pins/shirts/hats and probably underwear wandered over.

You forgot the ties, tie pins and cuff links. lol I laugh when I see those types of poseurs.

I'd see those types at motorcycle shows as well. Leather vests with pins and patches of all the places they've been to. I can just imagine their rides down some boring straight road, or worse yet, Interstate. Oh, and then they post how many miles they drove last season. Big numbers that only tell me how boring the roads must have been.

But I must confess. I do have pins, patches and stickers of maybe 200 Alps passes I've driven over. Except they are all in a drawer and one day I'll mount them on a board to hang in my basement for the memories.

As for the fiberglass, I guess they forgot about the 917. Sure, they can throw that "throwaway car" my way anytime.