The so called "Member Recognition Event"

[Jewels]

Why is he not allowed to express his disappoinment?
Poorly thought out by the club.

He deleted his posts because he was also disappointed with people who post thoughtlessly.
He could've deleted the entire thread, but didn't, so that says something to me.

He's pointed out he's followed them for years without any recognition, and without expecting any.
But when they choose to reward loyalty, a huge swank of people are missed.

It's on the nose.

I completely agree and feel for Al.
Whilst I'm first and foremost a member because I love the team, a little bit of recognition and a "Thank you" occasionally is appreciated.
I don't understand why they couldn't have had the initial gathering for ALL members with 10+ years up.
Considering every member is invited to the big after match following tomorrows game, couldn't they have used the same venue before the game to cater for the larger number?
Surely that would have been the fairer way to go.

[BigD]

I've scored an invite to this event(14 years membership). I, like many others who have posted on this thread, follow the Swans and have stayed with them because I love the club and don't actively go looking for recognition of my loyalty. A function such as this is a bonus and I look forward to attending tomorrow. As far as Al goes, he's entitled to his opinion and I am not going to crucify him for it.

[Big Al]

:Not sure if Al has threatened to tear up his membership.
I think that came from other posters, reading more into it.

Why is he not allowed to express his disappoinment?
Poorly thought out by the club.

He deleted his posts because he was also disappointed with people who post thoughtlessly.
He could've deleted the entire thread, but didn't, so that says something to me.

He's pointed out he's followed them for years without any recognition, and without expecting any.
But when they choose to reward loyalty, a huge swank of people are missed.

It's on the nose.

Many thanks Scott...Thats exactly the point I was trying to make yesterday only to accused of immaturity and over reaction by some but I'll get back to that a bit later.

Spoke to Larissa this morning who by the way I can't speak highly enough of. She's a credit to the Swans. She pointed out the logistical nightmare of all members of 14+ years getting certificates and an invite to functions due to the sheer numbers involved. That's a valid point and one I definitely take on board.

She did understand however why members of long standing would feel aggrieved at being bypassed in this process in favour of members with less years up as members. It wasn't fair that 15,16-19, 21-24 year members missed on any of the recognition where 14 year members, up to 10 years less were given their due recognition. Larissa was definitely receptive to any ideas that could get around this type of problem which is a credit to her.

The Clubs heart was definitely in the right place with this but with anything new like this there are always going to be teething problems which I acknowledge. So now that I have spoken to the club and was listened to I can certainly move on.

As for RWO, I have had issues for some time with how some people (including myself at times) treat other posters when they don't agree with them. Everyone should have a look at Matt79's post in this thread for a pro forma on how to disagree with someone without making people feel @@@@ about themselves.

I genuinely hope the function on Sat is an absolute ripper and those attending thoroughly enjoy themselves. I look forward to such functions when my 20,25, 30 etc etc milestone come up. (Yes I won't be "tearing my membership up" - I never said that anyway, case of chinese whispers I think)

Also MANY THANKS to those who supported and defended me in this thread while I was having a sulk in the corner it's much appreciated

Al

[Go Swannies]

Many thanks Scott...Thats exactly the point I was trying to make yesterday only to accused of immaturity and over reaction by some but I'll get back to that a bit later.

Spoke to Larissa this morning who by the way I can't speak highly enough of. She's a credit to the Swans. She pointed out the logistical nightmare of all members of 14+ years getting certificates and an invite to functions due to the sheer numbers involved. That's a valid point and one I definitely take on board.

She did understand however why members of long standing would feel aggrieved at being bypassed in this process in favour of members with less years up as members. It wasn't fair that 15,16-19, 21-24 year members missed on any of the recognition where 14 year members, up to 10 years less were given their due recognition. Larissa was definitely receptive to any ideas that could get around this type of problem which is a credit to her.

The Clubs heart was definitely in the right place with this but with anything new like this there are always going to be teething problems which I acknowledge. So now that I have spoken to the club and was listened to I can certainly move on.

As for RWO, I have had issues for some time with how some people (including myself at times) treat other posters when they don't agree with them. Everyone should have a look at Matt79's post in this thread for a pro forma on how to disagree with someone without making people feel @@@@ about themselves.

I genuinely hope the function on Sat is an absolute ripper and those attending thoroughly enjoy themselves. I look forward to such functions when my 20,25, 30 etc etc milestone come up. (Yes I won't be "tearing my membership up" - I never said that anyway, case of chinese whispers I think)

Also MANY THANKS to those who supported and defended me in this thread while I was having a sulk in the corner it's much appreciated

Al

Al, I hope I wasn't one of the ones who you regarded as having a go at you?

I was the first to respond but that was partly because I'd spoken to Larissa the night before and knew how excited she was about the event and how disappointed she might feel about her efforts being taken as slighting some members. And later I did dispute (for the same reason) the claim that the whole event sounds like a fiasco.

I'm really glad that you have spoken to her and understand that the club has been acting with the best of intentions. I think most would agree that the attitude of the current membership division is light years better than the last regime - but even in the past they seemed to listen when approached (they just couldn't price seats correctly or send membership packages out on time).

[Big Al]

Al, I hope I wasn't one of the ones who you regarded as having a go at you?

I was the first to respond but that was partly because I'd spoken to Larissa the night before and knew how excited she was about the event and how disappointed she might feel about her efforts being taken as slighting some members. And later I did dispute (for the same reason) the claim that the whole event sounds like a fiasco.

I'm really glad that you have spoken to her and understand that the club has been acting with the best of intentions. I think most would agree that the attitude of the current membership division is light years better than the last regime - but even in the past they seemed to listen when approached (they just couldn't price seats correctly or send membership packages out on time).

The great thing about the current regime is their willingness to listen to feedback and acknowledge where they could do better. Their understanding of my position allowed a 2 way dialogue this morning which was really beneficial.

And, I was in no way referring to you in my previous post.

[Primmy]

The great thing about the current regime is their willingness to listen to feedback and acknowledge where they could do better. Their understanding of my position allowed a 2 way dialogue this morning which was really beneficial.

And, I was in no way referring to you in my previous post.

It is a relief isn't BA to have the club actually listen, and respond - this year.

They actually are having an aftermatch at a venue we can all get to! OK, its the indoor cricket place, but that's good enough for me. Better than Adelaides tin shed.

[AnnieH]

Must be me then!!

The club have gone out of their way to make the members feel welcome and loved this year. There's a whole "you're part of this" vibe at the club that I've never felt before. The players/staff have never been so approachable as they have been this season. So far, I've attended the Redbacks launch as a guest, pre-season family day, joined L@SS (Ladies at Sydney Swans), pre-match functions at ANZ (gotta keep those going - they're great), post-match SCG functions, MCG post-match functions, trivia, and have got the pre-and post-match functions on Saturday, and B&F to go.

The staff are a dead-set credit to this club; and I sincerely hope the club knows how valuable a contribution they make.

If they could put the current staff out on the road doing speaking tours about how to service customers; we'd make more money in engagement fees than Parra Leagues pulls out of the pokies in a year.

Glad you're hanging around Al.

[Big Al]

The club have gone out of their way to make the members feel welcome and loved this year.
The staff are a dead-set credit to this club; and I sincerely hope the club knows how valuable a contribution they make.

Glad you're hanging around Al.

Your spot on Annie and this is why I was so disappointed because excluding long term members in favour of members with less years is the exact opposite of what they've achieved this year. Your always going to react badly when something you love disappoints you.

The measure of an organisation is always how they respond when they've made an error. In this the club has passed with flying colours.

[AnnieH]

Then we'll see you at the prematch??

[Damien]

I actually forgot to ask, what is the nature of the function? Pre match breakfast or lunch?

[Big Al]

Then we'll see you at the prematch??

No, I have commitments Sat morning with my nephews Soccer and won't be getting to the SCG until just before the first bounce. This was always about the principle of excluding certain members and not about scoring an invite to this thing. The response from the club I'm talking about is that they listened, understood where i was coming from and awere willing to listen to suggestions on making this laudable program better.

[Big Al]

I actually forgot to ask, what is the nature of the function? Pre match breakfast or lunch?

I've been told it will be on between 2.10 and 5pm and will be held in a marquee in the space in front of Buddy Franklin.

[Go Swannies]

I actually forgot to ask, what is the nature of the function? Pre match breakfast or lunch?

It's a competitive eating event. The 7 year members go up against Mummy, 14 years and it's Nicky D and the 21 year group have a battle for the BBQ against Plugger.

It's at noon but the instructions are to bring your invitation.

[Matt79]

As for RWO, I have had issues for some time with how some people (including myself at times) treat other posters when they don't agree with them. Everyone should have a look at Matt79's post in this thread for a pro forma on how to disagree with someone without making people feel @@@@ about themselves.

Al

Thanks Al for the feedback. I certainly could understand your point of view mate and am really happy that you and the club (via Larissa) were able to hear each other out. Looking forward to a great game tomorrow!

Cheers,
Matt

[Bas]

Big Al, my apologies if I wrote anything to offend you. It wasn't my intention. I do understand how these things happen and frustrations can overwhelm. Been there, done that.

Glad you sorted it out and back posting here.