MEMBERS' FORUM AUGUST 1st

[Everyweeker]

As a passionate supporter, I know that I can have my say at matches to the committee, or through the members forum where responses are generally quick and through email. I have thoroughly enjoyed all previous members forums, and am disappointed I will not be able to attend on the 1st. However, such evenings are often becoming a series of information-giving exercises, which in the past have seen minutes produced online. Key issues requiring votes can now be done online, thus all members, even those who cannot attend, can be informed and make votes.

Ultimately, if we feel we are being ignored, we can vote out the board! ;)

Having said that, I'm sure any constructive criticism would be taken on board. I'm fairly ambivalent about weekday or weekend meetings, but I can see your point RH, and would be open to that being voted on. I also concur with Stamboy that an agenda would be good, because points such as RH's could be placed into AOB to test the water - both on the night, and through discussions via email/boards both pre and post forum. They could then be voted on if there was enough call for one?

[stamboy]

As a passionate supporter, I know that I can have my say at matches to the committee, or through the members forum where responses are generally quick and through email. I have thoroughly enjoyed all previous members forums, and am disappointed I will not be able to attend on the 1st. However, such evenings are often becoming a series of information-giving exercises, which in the past have seen minutes produced online. Key issues requiring votes can now be done online, thus all members, even those who cannot attend, can be informed and make votes.

Ultimately, if we feel we are being ignored, we can vote out the board! ;)

Having said that, I'm sure any constructive criticism would be taken on board. I'm fairly ambivalent about weekday or weekend meetings, but I can see your point RH, and would be open to that being voted on. I also concur with Stamboy that an agenda would be good, because points such as RH's could be placed into AOB to test the water - both on the night, and through discussions via email/boards both pre and post forum. They could then be voted on if there was enough call for one?

Good post, very sensible. I haven't any experience of going to a forum so useful to know what the forums are about.

How long do the forums usually last for or does it vary? Will there be any time for a question and answers session?

I for one wanted to touch on a couple of things I've raised on the forum - supporters coach and also possibility of a fireworkds display so it would be good to get those things on the Agenda, hint hint ;)

[SouthRushdenJFC]

The Forums so far have lasted for between two and three hours.

There is always chance to ask questions in the Forum and all the Board make themselves available for however long needed afterwards.

So far they have been mostly information giving as there has been so much information to pass on to you.

It's a new thing for us all so we are learning all the time about what works and what doesn't.

[AndyKirkup]

So:

1/ Agenda should be placed online - this should usually be done something like a week before the event but this time that's obviously out.

2/ What about an online vote for 2 potential dates for each next forum? One in the week and one at the weekend. As with everything, the members will then be able to decide.

RH - why are you so upset or am I mis-reading your posts? Surely this is the first time you've raised this concern? If the club don't know that something is wrong then it can't be fixed!

Members forums are about a 2-way interface between members and club officials, firstly to present recent progress "behind the scenes" at the club to the members and secondly to answer any questions and to take on board any feedback that the Members may have. As far as I'm aware all of the members forum minutes have been placed online after the event.

As previously mentioned, members forums are not the only way that the club communicates and you can see people in person at a match, email, phone, text, post on the members forum or tweet to get in touch. All Members votes are held online (and by post for those who don't use the internet).

[Dazzler]

And if you are unsure who someone is, then everyone will know Joan [Raffle/Draw Tickets/Scottish Accent..starting to ring a bell?] I am sure, and if not you have not been to a game ;-), and in exchange for a Raffle ticket she can point out any of the board members.

Otherwise ask at the "shop" - which tonight is likely to be on the area near the Burger bar. The new shop/cabin is currently still in progress, and is aiming to be open for start of the season proper. Most work to be done currently in fitting that out, and sorting out steps etc..

Any of the board can be approached, and we'll ensure any issues are directed to the right person or responded to if we cannot immediately help.

[rudolph_hucker]

RH - why are you so upset or am I mis-reading your posts? Surely this is the first time you've raised this concern? If the club don't know that something is wrong then it can't be fixed!

No mate you are misinterpreting my posts. The written word often comes across as different to the spoken word I.E. When seeing somebody speak you can see their body language and tone.

I was just wondering why ALL of the meetings are elitist and the select few can attend unless they are prepared to lose time off work. Missing a meeting because of a birthday/anniversary or any other reason is choice whereas work is compulsory. I'm not afraid of missing anything I just would like the option to attend without compromising my job.

[Pigman]

We're many things Lee, but "elitist and for a select few" definately isn't the way I'd describe the way we're doing things.

The Members Forum meetings we've held thus far have all been well attended by members, and most certainly not a "select few". The opportunity to ask questions, which have all been answered openly and honestly, is a core function of the meetings.

In truth we'll never find a time that suits everyone for these meetings, but I'd say we're one of the most easily accessed Football Club Boards I'd ever seen..........which is the way it should be !

For those members who can't attend the meetings we have many, many avenues for people to raise questions and a full explanation of what is covered at the meeting is always posted up in the members area afterwards.

I guess all I can say is email us/me your concerns and we'll do what we can to address them - I appreciate what you say about trying to mix up the days of meetings, but with all that is needed to be done before and after a match, I'm not sure it is possible to hold one on a Saturday night - theres simply too much to do, plus we're only human, after all of that we're generally shattered and to then expect us to run a 2-3 hour meeting is asking a hell of a lot.............plus my wife will divorce me if I spend any more time away from home on AFC business ;) We all have to keep a decent work/football/life balance too or else we're going to burn ourselves out - don't forget we all have day jobs and families as well !!

I don't want a long protracted discussion about it on here, I'm sorry you feel like this and I'd suggest you seek one of the Board out at a match so we can explain things face to face, its far easier that way. You know Bob and myself, so seek us out at the next match you can make mate, or reply on the Members Forum rather than this open one .......or pop down to the ground tomorrow, I'll be there until about 1pm doing a few jobs !

[STAGMAN]

If we do have some forums at the weekend i would suggest that is on a Sunday evening owing to the fact that most largish venues will probably be booked up for Saturday evenings well in advance.

[rudolph_hucker]

I don't want a long protracted discussion about it on here, I'm sorry you feel like this and I'd suggest you seek one of the Board out at a match so we can explain things face to face, its far easier that way. You know Bob and myself, so seek us out at the next match you can make mate, or reply on the Members Forum rather than this open one .......or pop down to the ground tomorrow, I'll be there until about 1pm doing a few jobs !

There is a PM whizzing through the ether Jim.
I'll catch you on Friday mate

[Pigman]

Cheers Lee, I've just replied !