[rdorman]

Well done Ed.

I will echo the sentiments of some in here and repeat my own. My thoughts, my feelings.

First off, you can't please all the people all the time. No matter how hard you try, some one won't like it. And before someone accuses me of taking sides or something, I have been one of these people, on a number of occasions. But, once the decision is made, I get on board and play with the team. He would tell you that I have given him plenty of grief in private. But that is where it stays and then I join the team.

Secrets. I beleive that the 'secrets' surrounding the event planning are simply to avoid disappointment and the wasting of time and energy answering questions about what may never be. The plans change so often because of outside influences. Plus, there is always keeping the options open to bigger and better things. Many a event has been replaced by one that has more to offer. Ed tries very hard to please. Frankly, a lot harder than I would! Sure, the anticipation drives me up a wall. It does because I am so damned excited for this thing every year.

Finances. I know some grumble about it, but personally, I don't care. I don't care if the money goes to charity. While nice, I have said it before, it is not why I go to the Fling. To me it is nothing more than a topic for passing conversation. For all I care it can be used to compensate Ed and his family for all their hard work. Imagine what it would cost to run this professionally. I have asked professionals that do these sort of events for a living. Trust me, it is a lot of money. More than the Fling could or has ever made, unless of course you want to pay a registration fee five times greater than you are now. I don't beleive releasing 'the books' is 'owed' to anyone, although I do beleive that the gesture would go a long way to fostering the feeling that the Fling is a Cobra family event and less an 'Ed's event'. Of course it would probably open up the flood gates of amateur accounts and planners with all their ideas/suggestions...... some may be good.

Side events. If people want to organize side events to raise money for CF, there is nothing stopping you. It has been going on for years. It is a good thing that those of you do. I am sure CF appreciates it. The Great Lakes guys, JP dinner, etc. all events that have raised money for CF. Al money that CF has raised because of the Fling. Don't just look at the money that comes directly from the Fling. There is more because of it.

K.I.S.S. Please do. Ed, his family and group of supporters bend over backwards and practically kill them selves putting this together. Do an poker run Friday, Autocross, Saturday, London Sunday. No other organized events. Take the evening and hang out with the rest of us. Bigger is not always better and as many have said, it is not why many of us are there anyways.

Vendors. If they want to come, let them. But as participants. They can pay a entry fee just like the rest of us and come and have a good time with the community they support.

Raffle. Raffle off the best car donated and advertise it nationally.

Charity. Tons of good ones. CF is nice because of the history. But again, charity is only the icing. If we don't have a charity, then perhaps we don't even need a raffle car.

Accountability. I got my $100 worth out of it and then some. Need I know more?

Purpose: Us. The Cobra family.

Help. Spread the joy as much as you can. Delegate and forget it. Lots of good hard working people. If they need help, they will ask. When the Fling was cancelled last year. I spent a few days thinking about doing one. After talking to a number of people I decided even delegating out, it was more than I could handle.

Ed. Ed reminds me of a proud father when watching him at the Fling. While it may not be 'Ed's event', it comes pretty close with all the effort he puts into it. Perhaps that is a big part of all the grumbling. People want to help and feel left out. I learned a long time ago not to 'look a gift horse in the mouth'. That is the way I see Ed's involvement.

All I need to know is where and on what date so I can make reservations. In fact, we already have booked 20 rooms at the Cross Country taking a best guess as to when the Fling will be. Better make your reservations soon before we snatch them all up!

Rick

Long live the Fling!