Theres a sign in sheet for those things? Ive been to like three, and no one ever told me there was as sign in sheet... Wow, I feel like a noob. You can add two to whatever your count was. Ashes and I were there and picked up a bunch of garbage. Then again, Ive been late all three times and missed the morning meeting - maybe its put out there? Were there signs or anything?
When I first got there I needed water for my radiator from a pinhole leak I forgot to top off. I walked over to the tables to try and see if anyone had some (which I found, thanks. I think you were Toyotanut), but I stood there for a few minutes before there was a silence and I just blurted it out. No one asked who I was, greeted, nothing. It was a little awkward.
I know I stood at the tables with Ashley for a while after that kinda just looking around trying to figure it all out. After the few people behind the tables just stood there silently for a while looking at us, we finally gave up and just went out looking for garbage. When we had my bed full we came back to try and find bags again. We found them out on the tables, but I had to ask if we could take them. I didn't know if it was a "sign in to get supplies" type thing or not, but couldn't find a sign in sheet. The people standing behind the table kinda stared at us, and I finally asked. A simple "do you need bags or gloves?" would have been nice for those who didn't know what the heck was going on.
Comet (I think that was Comet) was also the only one who took a step out to show us what was going on about lunch since we were late for that too from picking up garbage. Granted, we were just trying to stay dry and wait for another group of friends near the table, but the food was nice to even have been offered. Everyone else just stood around looking at us like we were lost. We even walked over by the grill, and the group there ignored us too. If the person making the food had asked if we wanted food, then explained how to get it, that would have been nice. There was even a conversation about how much food was leftover and what the heck to do with it while we were standing there by the tables having not eaten yet with no offer or question as to if we had eaten yet or not, wanted more, or whatever to help get rid of it.
I've never said this before, but all in all, the three times Ive gone there, Ive walked around quite a bit, and it seems as if you don't know anyone in real life, you don't get talked to at all there. I know Ashley doesn't like going simply because its awkward to stand around with people who ignore you the whole time unless they know who you are.
Basically, I think if you're going to have people standing behind official looking tables, I think they need to put the effort forward to greet and explain whats going on to people who approach - ESPECIALLY if they dont know who they are! Dont just stand there leaning against the truck the whole time making it seem like you cant wait until we leave.
What if I had no clue what was going on, and I just happened to come use Reiter that weekend? I get there and walk up to the tables to see whats going on. I see RTW t-shirts, see all the food and stuff, yet no one asks who I am, or offers to explain? I think I would get the feeling like its a "club thing" and I don't belong. Then Id walk away. Thats a person you could have just educated, let know about the forum, told them what we are trying to do there, or hell, asked if they wanted to help! I thought we were there to help the land. I think a big part of that is educating and making contact with the group thats larger than your own here on the internet - the general public. That would involve having people actually be friendly, and greet people who approach.
Ive been to a number of forum meets with other forums before I got into the wheeling scene, and its definitely always been different. This is the only group that hasn't gone the extra mile to try and make you feel welcome, and that they're glad you came to the event. I've also been the son of a president of a motorcycle club, and I know when I used to follow my Dad around at our club meets, he would make it a point to try and welcome everyone, explain the events that are going on, etc at the ticket table.
Just my two cents I guess. Take it for what its worth. Let the bashing of my ignorance begin. I'm still glad I came.
~T.J.
