DV, by DV

[zipzip]

MidO:

Points well taken. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is not which charity we should be focusing on, but what events. Let's get the show on the road! Get some real ideas down, and start a poll. I can do it if someone else doesn't want to, but I was kind of singling you out because you had indicated in an earlier post that you were starting a new thread - it appears to be about the charities though...I was thinking it was about the activities.

Without really knowing everyone involved (sorry, but you all deserve a lot of credit also), I think that the effort that Ed puts forth each year is herculean. You have stated so also. My thoughts concerning the charity is that the entry fee should be there to cover the activities, entertainment, etc. Anything left over should go to Ed's "charity of choice" The ancilliary events such as the main street drag should go to whomever organizes it (CF?, city of London?, Ed?). Turk can bring his million dollars worth of checks he's gathered over the year and hand it to whatever charity he was championing (that's a challenge , kidding). If someone donates a raffle car, that company picks the charity that it is supporting. See my point? It's not about the charity, who gets it, etc. but about the event. I think "we" shouldn't decide who "everyone" will give to, but let the individuals with a desire step forward and say "send your checks to me, I'll arrange that they get where they are supposed to go.".

Great...now I've gone and done what I didn't want to... ramble on and on....

[Jamo]

Finally found a dumb blind drunk gal, eh JP?

[casaleenie]

Originally posted by CobraDan


Actually the best part comes at the end of each day when the Cobra family gathers in the parking lots of the different Motels to BS and become friends. Ed just give us the dates and I and the wife will be there.
Dan & Jean Wulff [/b]

Hell, anybody give me the dates and we'll be there...

[MidOHasp]

Ed...

In keeping with the spirit of this being a public discussion, let's save the private call bull. I'm not attacking you or ridiculing you. If I were, I would have done that offline a long time ago, as that is the only acceptable forum for that. Never been the case, not now, not then.

But…

You are severely missing the point. So much so, that you have resorted to . . . how do I put it? It looks like you are ridiculing me a little bit here, but maybe we are all on the defensive. I dunno, I think no matter how you want to spin it, you are saying that I don’t have anything to say about this because last year was my first fling with a Cobra.

Well, let me tell you some history. I’ve read my fling history books plenty. Crap, I’m on Club Cobra all day every day, isn’t that obvious? Do you honestly think I am not well aware of the growing pains of the fling, how it has evolved, etc…???

I came to FLING II (yes TWO) with my dad as a spectator. I came over to Germain (then, Dick Ruhl) Ford after work and spent my entire afternoon with several cobra owners, George Wickes being one of them. He was nice enough to take me on an hour ride through the Delaware area. I spent the rest of the evening mingling with all kinds of Cobra people at Quaker Steak & Lube. I had dinner with Cobra people, drank with them, looked at their cars, asked them questions, found out what the fling was all about.

As far as FLING III goes, I was unfortunately under my hood. The car had been running for a couple of days, but had issues. Sadly, I had to miss III.

I was at IV, though, in full force. Taking part in everything, raising as much money as I could between the check I sent you months in advance and giving 20something rides on Saturday. And drinking a lot of tequila with Rick Dorman, Jay Nordstron, Clay Foushee…

Why do I need a history lesson, here? Am I the ONLY person saying the things I’m saying? No. Not even close. Why, then, is it my failing grade in history (at least by your standards) that make you single me out of the crowd?

Look…to me, this is along the same lines as post count. I get so sick of hearing people get yelled at for opening up their mouth with 20 posts. If someone has something to say, then they are allowed. Maybe they’ve lurked for a year before posting. You NEVER KNOW, Ed. You never know what someone’s background is.

(continued)…

[MidOHasp]

(part 2…)

I get the impression that you are going to dodge the point at hand, here. For one thing, you continue to fail to address one particular question that continues to arise. I’m not going to bring it up again. Feel free to pick it up on your own, after all, it is YOUR party. Surely you know what I’m getting at, Ed.

I may not have been around as long as you or most others around here, but I’ve been around the block more than my fair share. Do NOT underestimate my right to speak my mind on this forum because my first Fling experience was at II with my father.

I am not alone, here. I am speaking for many other people when I bring up ideas like scaling back the Fling a little. And how many times have I said, Ed, that none of this is intended as an attack on you.

See, one lesson I’ve learned in my life is that if you say to someone, “Hey I need to talk to you about something,” and they respond with, “I didn’t do it! Why are you blaming me for it!?” then by gosh, they did it.

Why are you so defensive? Hey, maybe the FLING did evolve as you say it did, at OUR hands. So what? We want it back to where it was. If it was OUR opinions that got it to where it is, as you say, then let it be OUR opinions that take it back to where we want it, now. Ed, I’m really struggling with why the group of us standing up and saying, “We want it to be a little different” is eliciting such a defensive and dramatic response from you.

To be sure, my response back is pointed and a little heated. You are questioning my right or my substance by saying my first fling was III, which is wrong, but irrelevant. I don’t have a Sideoiler in my cobra, but I know more about them than Clay Foushee. Sorry Clay, the example just fit the bill. It doesn’t mean I can’t talk about them.

This is all I have negative to say, Ed. It’s all I’ve EVER had negative to say. It’s all I EVER WILL have anything negative to say if you respect me and others who are just trying to help the good of the cause.

However, if you insist on being disrespectful or trying to take this public discussion offline, I’m going to come right back just like this time.

I like you. I have since I met you. I have no vendetta here. But I’m not going to sit around and get spit on because as timing would have it, I don’t have as much Fling experience as some others.

Respectfully, but with patience thinning already…
JP

[bnewell]

just my 2 cents.......but with this thread and the comments, I can see next years Fling going right down the sh!tter.

With everyones, ideas, good or bad, what is wrong with forming a committee of sorts to exchange ideas?? From what I have seen in the past around here, exchanging ideas on this forum can lead to disaster. I think 1 on 1 communication in the form of face to face meetings or a simple phone call is much better than hitting the keys on a key board.

I believe this subject to be very delicate in nature, meaning that Ed (DV) has devoted a lot of his timeand energy, if not his life in recent years for CF. And from what I can see from my vantage point, is that CF hits very close to home regarding our COBRA family.

Please don't get me wrong, there are hundreds of terrible and deadly diseases in our world today and I am sure that most of us have been affected in some way or another by one of them, whether it be a loved family member or friend. It would be wonderful if we could erase them all, one at a time.

I believe that the more support we give to CF the more support we receive from outside sources such as our sponsors, attendees, television and radio stations, and the public in general.

My opinion is that we continue to support CF as they have supported us, the Cobra Community, and also support what they are doing to fight this terrible disease.

DV.....thanks for what YOU do

thanks for listening,

Brian

[clayfoushee]

JP, it's because your posts are longer .

And yes, you do know more about "moders" than I ever want to. That's why you're building the Cleveland.

Everyone just needs to chill out here a bit. Ed, you did seem defensive with the accusation that we were ridiculing IV.

[PatBuckley]

Brian,

CF- supports us? I don't see where.

Regarding the demise of the Fling due to most of the participants talking about it on an open forum? Not unless we want it to happen - which I don't think is true.

This is moderator country - this is where I think the moderators should have their ears wide open as this thread IS important to a lot of people and should not be allowed to deteriorate in to the mindless eye numbing crud that some other threads have evolved into.

Moderators agree?

Pat

[clayfoushee]

I've never seen the thanks posted from CF after IV. Is it b/c people didn't get jazzed about the possibility of winning a Kirkham in III, and they didn't raise as much money?

[computerworks]

Originally posted by PatBuckley


Moderators agree?

We've got this one up on the big screen...being watched over carefully.

As long as this open dialog stays well behaved and does not get personal...all is well.

The suggestions have been very good, and based on some valid opinions... keep it factual and ...not emotional.


thanks
Ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[bnewell]

I don't think I'm going to comment about that or where I think this thread is heading. I made MY opinions public and that is enough. They were just my thoughts and mine only.

Am I wrong......maybe, but I think you need to look at the big picture and read between the lines. I have donated to many charities throughout my life and to be honest, I usually do not recieve a personal "THANK YOU". But I can say that I do feel good about giving, whether it be money or my time.

In regards to the moderators/sensors, I believe (remember, I said "I") that they are very biased and 1-sided on many issues.

Hey, just my opinion.

Brian

[jayscobras]

IT IS DV'S SHOW UNTIL HE SAYS NO MORE! HE DID IT! HE RAN IT! HE TOOK HIS TIME AND MONEY!

FORGET THE BENEFICIARY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS. FORGET THE BANDS AND THE ERRORS. IF YOU QUESTION THEM THEN ASK DV TO HAND THE REIGNS OVER TO YOU...GOD HELP YOU IF YOU DO.

I HAVE KNOWN ED FOR YEARS,,,HE WILL GIVE YOU HIS SHIRT AND TELL YOU THAT IT LOOKS BETTER ON YOU THAN ON HIM.

IF ED SAYS FLING 5 WILL BE IN BUSTED KNUCKLE MONTANA...I'M THERE.

BEING THE PRESIDENT OF THE JAY NORDSTROM SCHOOL OF DIRECT SPEAKING...STFU AND LET ED DECIDE WHAT HE WANTS.

IT AIN'T YA'LLS GIG. MAKE SUGESTIONS TO ED,,, EXCEPT FOR PLANNING HIS FUNERAL. DAINE HAS THAT ONE COVERED.

JAY

[clayfoushee]

Brian,

I don't know what charities you contribute to, but I've always received a thank you note. I didn't say a "personal" one. I think ONE note to the all the attendees in 307 cars would have been sufficient published on this board.

Did I miss it?

[jayscobras]

THERE WAS A THANK YOU NOTE. I SAW AND READ IT. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NAME TO RUN A SEARCH BUT IT WAS THERE.

JAY

[clayfoushee]

Thanks Jay, I guess I missed it. I think a lot of other people have too. I remember after IV, a lot of people were asking for feedback, and there was a lot of silence.

Looking forward to the next parking lot encounter with chairs, cars, and tequila.

[computerworks]

Originally posted by clayfoushee


Thanks Jay, I guess I missed it. I think a lot of other people have too.

The single post made by CF after Fling 2003

The single post made by CF after Fling 2004

[jayscobras]

AS USUALL. NOTHING ELSE CAN BE SAID.

JAY

[clayfoushee]

Thanks Ron and Jay, I stand corrected, but it just seems there's much more here than meets the eye.

[Mike Braatz]

All;

I think it is important to remember-- according to CF -- The Fling is not a fund raiser for them -- it is a picnic for Cobra owners and lovers, put on by Ed and the left over $'s are given to them (CF) by Ed, in our name. I think that put's them in a precarious position. It's (CF) only involvement is as the recipient of the monies raised. I have talked with the personally-- they are very thankful and as stated above have thanked us -- I don't think they were sure how to thank everone that was involved, that is, to thank us-- or to thank Ed. When this was brought to their attention they were quick to respond. As I stated earlier, any non-profit would die for this generious gift. Cystic Fibrosis charities is an extreamly worth while project. Let's not cut them short because of some in house growing pains. I think some feelings are being aired because of a lack of accountability.

Ed, I honestly think you need to be more viglant in financial accountably. It's smart business and you know as a business owner the importance of this issue. All financial accountably must be posted-- please do not take this as anyone is questioning your commitment or honesty -- it is smart, it's good business and the bottom line, this must be done. The fling has grown by leaps and bounds --- it is a machine of it's own -- it is no longer a nickel and dime operation -- the Fling has turned into a wonderful opportunity, both for Cobra owners and for those who are the are the benifactors of our families generousity. Let's all work together to make #5 the best yet.

Mike

[Turk]

Bnewell,
I think you have a bit of preconcieved notions about the moderators being biased on this thread before they have said much of anything. They are here to moderate the content of our posts. They are NOT here to treat us like witnesses and rule one way or the other how Fling will be conducted.
I think you don't really undertand what the moderators are supposed to do on this subject.

I couldn't care less what the moderators thought. It is NOT up to them to decide.

JAY,
Buddy we must disagree. Ed says it is NOT his show and you are saying it is. If it was indeed Ed's show, all we would get to decide is if we will attend or not. Only reason we are here discussing this is because Ed has been telling us for for years (going back to the first Fling where you won the Cobra) that this is OUR show. Is it or isn't it?

If Spring Fling III netted $66,000 for CF and Better and BIGGER Fling IV barely paid for the expenses, one would question the sanity in trying to make it bigger and better yet. Looking at the numbers I would say keep it as small as possible.
I guess one difference between the two, Kirkhams donated the Raffle Car, Ed sold his car to the raffle.

ZipZiP,
Turk is not bringing ANY checks to hand to his favorite charity. Turk doesn't have a favorite charity. Ed is the pivot man in this, not Turk's charity.

I don't have a dog in this race. I don't have charity , I don't have any interest in doing what Ed is doing, nor any interest in re-locating the event so it is closer to where Turk lives.

I DID say, I can help get the charity portion of this event off the table by raising the money ahead of time so that The Fling can return back to being what it was when it first started and was small and fun.

Can I make this any clearer.?

TURK