Johnston Report post Posted March 15, 2018 Family Motor Coaching magazine will become Family RVing in May. Among the new features will be “Meet the Family” — monthly mini-profiles of people who joined FMCA within the last year or so. Those who participate will be asked a number of fill-in-the-blank questions, such as favorite camping destination, most unusual place visited, etc., as well as some quirky and offbeat questions, such as the strangest thing you’ve eaten or a famous person you’ve met. Interested in participating? Send an email to me at jjohnston@fmca.com. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 17, 2018 Wonderful. Good Sam, did the same thing a dozen years ago! Wooopee for us! Family RVing? So, does that mean that the "New Charter" has been approved by the State of Ohio? Does that also mean that the Executive Board has by passed Governance? We never had an official vote as to what a qualifying RV was...it was tabled until Gillette Convention! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erniee Report post Posted March 17, 2018 50 minutes ago, elkhartjim said: Dang it,Carl. Haven't you learned anything in the last few years? When leadership wants something to come to pass, it will happen by whatever means necessary. true 'dat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 17, 2018 Sucks!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted March 17, 2018 John - I know that I'm still relatively new to the organization, but I just don't get how this is playing out. If this is a member-driven organization then how can something like a name change on the magazine be done with seemingly no input from members? Was any thought given to asking for feedback before making a change like this? It sounds like the board wants buy-in from members, but I'm not feeling it come through in the way this is being done. It was my understanding that even after the vote allowing owners of all types of RVs to become members, FMCA would maintain its identity and not leave the motor coach owners behind. I don't think you could have picked a more generic name for the magazine, and unless the name of the organization is also changing to something like FRVA it sounds like something totally random and not connected with FMCA in any way. The old name had a direct connection with the name of the organization, the new one does not. It also doesn't strike me as having any specific benefit to those who own motor coaches. When an organization (and its publication) becomes so generic as to lose its identity, then there is less and less reason for it to exist. I joined FMCA because of the focus on coaches. I enjoy reading the magazine because of the information about coaches. If the magazine was called Family RVing a year ago when I joined I would never have picked up a copy to look at, and it would never have occurred to me that it had anything to do with motor coaches. I have no problem with incorporating owners of all types of RVs as things move forward. Just seems to me that FMCA shouldn't do it in a way as to leave behind those who joined when there was a focus and goal to serve motor coach owners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johnston Report post Posted March 19, 2018 Richard, I'm sorry you're disappointed by the magazine's new name. The name Family Motor Coaching conveys that the magazine focuses only on motorized vehicles. After FMCA membership voted to welcome owners of all self-contained RVs, starting a new magazine that focused only on towable RVs would have been cost prohibitive. Therefore, we are incorporating additional content into the magazine. Along with that, a name change was necessary. The magazine staff felt comfortable with the name Family RVing because it retains a key element of the old name -- Family -- while also reflecting the broadened scope of coverage. Much of the information we’ve been publishing for years is pertinent to all RVers, no matter their RV type. RVs share the same systems – heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, waste management, etc. And RVers share many of the same interests – the fun, freedom, and flexibility of taking one’s home along while traveling. So, we will continue to provide great coverage about motorhomes and the motorhome industry while expanding our content to include information about other types of RVs. Many of the things you love about the magazine are still there. Thanks for sharing your concerns. And thanks for your membership. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txiceman Report post Posted March 19, 2018 Well dang, some people really have a way of making all of use poor trailer trash feel welcome to the formerly exclusive motorhome only group. Sure makes me have seconds thought about joining a group with such resentment. We used to have a class A and belonged to FMCA, but decided for fulltime living a 5th wheel was better suited to what we wanted. Maybe the group needs to have another vote and kick the trailer trash to the curb and refund our dues. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted March 19, 2018 Ken, Some folks do not like change of any kind.Please do not take that as gospel for the whole Association. There are some warn and welcoming folks here. So from myself, Welcome to FMCA. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianbullock Report post Posted March 19, 2018 Ken, the vote to allow towables was far from unanimous on every point. The posts above aren't about making you feel unwelcome rather are about concerned existing members feeling left out and sad and disheartened to see FMCA lose its founding focus. I fully agree with Richard's points and concerns Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted March 19, 2018 Ken - Like I said I have absolutely nothing against having towable owners join FMCA. I'm glad to have you and others join the group. I hope you didn't take my comments as a slight against you, as they were directed not at you and other towable owners but rather at the way the decisions are being made. Herman - If you were talking about my comments, I have nothing against change itself. Nothing stays the same - I get that. My problem in this case is in how the change is being implemented and the fact that current members don't seem to be involved. I consider myself to be warm and welcoming, but that doesn't mean that I'll agree with everything that's being done. John's response to my earlier comments really does sum up what my problem is...the magazine staff made the decision on the new name. Like I said in my initial comments, it seems as if the changes are being done with little input by members. At least from what I can see. Sorry to beat a dead horse, but it was my understanding that this was a membership-based organization. I didn't think that I was joining a business that made decisions from the top, but rather joining a membership-based organization that made decisions as an organization. I don't expect every little decision to be run past the membership, but something as important as a change to the name of our publication seems like something that the board and magazine staff would at the least ask the membership for input on. I've belong to many other organization in my life, and I've served on the board of a few. It always seemed like the best way to get membership buy-in on changes was to involve the membership in the change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted March 20, 2018 It doesn't matter what you camp or RV in, you are having just as much fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
philc Report post Posted March 20, 2018 I’ve been a member for a few years now. I enjoy reading the forum daily there is a very large amount of knowledge and experience on here that helps greatly helps us coach owners with so much and I believe more times than not saves us a trip to the repair shop. I look forward to the monthly magazine as well for the same reasons. I don’t mind the change to allow towables. Truth be told when I’m camping and sitting around the camp fire I don’t mind who is there as long as we have a good time. My suggestion for a new magazine is why not 2 publications 1 coach owner based as it is now and 1 towable owner based. They could be identical inside except for the tech and coach review sections. Members could be given the choice which one they prefer to receive each month and if you want to receive both of them, pay a small fee for the second issue. IMO just something to think about. Phil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Ken. Nobody is calling you or anyone else "Trailer Trash", you are the only one who has said that. I'm very surprised and wonder what your reaction would have been, prior to you choosing a 5'er and hanging up your egg?! I only feel that the members as a whole, should have had a input on any name change. As they did to some extent in regards, to allowing Trailers! As we, Governance, will put a definition on what is a qualifying RV, at the Gillette Convention! Change does not happen "Over Night". It takes time and it should not be based on what the Staff or EB wants, but rather what we want...you included. All the above is IMHO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Jim, yes I do. I have camped in tents, pop-up, RV's, and under the stars and each one of them was fun at the time because that is what we could afford. I wouldn't give up those memories. Even tenting it in the military was fun, and often. Why would someone in 38˚ temperatures stay outside on the ground when they had a vehicle to get into, They must enjoy it. Ah! To be young again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Tenting in the military was fun! The Boyscouts was fun. Now, given a choice, I like comfort. I will say, that if I was a, "Full Timer", I would have a 5'er...way more room, creature comfort's and bang for the bucks, than I have now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Quote Different direction! Jim S. Not really different, just less hostile! One thing I don't want, is for this thread to close! So, you did a good thing! Wayne could have left out the "Fun" military, bivouac, thing. Some things are best, left forgotten! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ispjs Report post Posted March 20, 2018 This was our first year joining FMCA. We have only paid membership to a small number of other RV groups over the years. However, since we had switched to a motorhome from a fiver we figured we would give FMCA a try. Then the big transition and vote to open it up to everyone. Now small changes have started to make it more of a "general" RV group and not centered around coaches. That is all well and good but the problem is it pretty much defeats the purpose of our main reason for joining up in the first place. We don't need membership in another general RV group that isn't coach specific or brand specific. Does that mean I look down on folks in TT or fivers? It is just the opposite, we began RVing in a used fiver and may very well end up in one again when it is time to downsize and go part time. To me it just seems silly to pay over $60 a year for membership in an organization named Family MOTOR COACH Association when it is just another general RV group. That would be like staying in the American Legion and they open it up to the general public and stop focusing on veteran issues anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted March 20, 2018 54 minutes ago, ISPJS said: That is all well and good but the problem is it pretty much defeats the purpose of our main reason for joining up in the first place. That is the moral of the entire story here, well said! This post just brought the continued frustrations from within its members. We also camp often with Trailer people, I don't look down upon them. They chose what they have as it suites their needs, our motorhome suites ours, around the fire no one cares. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Jim S., Joe S., Joe. IMHO. I'm beginning to see a pattern, for why some folks feel that we are elitists! We had FMCA, exclusively for Motorized Coaches. There has yet to be a Organization that is exclusive to Travel Trailers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted March 20, 2018 24 minutes ago, manholt said: We had FMCA, exclusively for Motorized Coaches. Agreed! IMHO The founding family acknowledged the complexity and differences within a motorhome and its intended purpose. Lets face it, there is a lot more to a motorhome than a trailer and there is also differences in the lifestyle, not always but... at least in my 10 years of experience anyway. I wont get into a long dissertation on the differences so as not to hijack this thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txiceman Report post Posted March 20, 2018 jleamont, I am a retired mechanical engineer and do not see any major issues between a large modern 5th wheel and a large diesel truck. We all use the same appliances, and same systems for water and waste. My 5er has hydraulic levelers, residential fridge, PSW inverter, solar panels, automatic satellite dish, hydraulic slides, etc. The diesel truck has coolers for the transmission and engine, filters, brakes, tires, etc. The 5er has suspension and brakes that are designed for a 5er, not a motorhome, so here are some differences. But there are more similarities than differences. A towable and a motorized unit towing a dinghy each have issues parking and maneuvering. Having had motorhomes, bumper pulls, 5ers, pop ups and tents, each is a little different and you get what is suited to the way you travel and RV. As I continue to age, I will probably migrate back to a smaller motorhome just for the ease in moving about. As for the RV lifestyle, we all enjoy the comradeship of others. We have met great people in all sorts of RVs and then we have also met some really undesirable people in all sorts of RVs. We find lots of construction workers following their jobs and they always have towables and use the truck for work. I am a ham radio operator and we are facing issues in trying to get more people in the hobby. The governing bodies are looking to open up more frequencies to the lowest class license holders. This is not setting well with those of us that have studied and passed the exams to operate on these frequencies. Here the new guys are getting a free ride. Is this right? We will find out over the next year. Have a great day folks, in what ever type RV you use. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txiceman Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Crazy slow internet here...... Sorry for the double... Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Am I seeing double? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2018 Jim S. Changing the Mag. name, I'm afraid, is just the tip of the Ice Berg! Would it not be hilarious, if all of a sudden, GS became a Motorized Coach only club? I'm a Charter Club & Life Member! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
