I think, if you come to an open forum and complain about an organization to part of it's membership, you are subjected to it's membership's response be it negative or positive.
If you don't like what an organization does either work to change it from within or don't be a part of the organization. No one is forcing anyone to join or stay joined. It's $35/year for Gods sake. If it's not worth it to you, move on an quit complaining about it.
Maybe some are tired of your rants over KCBS? We all know how you feel...most know you are suspended....
I get my $35 dollars worth. Im happy. Im going to the banquet and gonna have a blast.
The problem is I would like to compete, albeit only 1-2 contests a year. I have at least 5 this year all within a few miles of my house. I may pursue a Minnesota BBQ society membership just so I don't feel like a total leach, but I think the KCBS is missing the boat when choosing not to promote to, educate, and include the average backyard guy. I have read the bull sheet and while I thought it would be pretty valuable it seems to be mostly ads and of little value to the backyard guy.
What "education of barbecue cooking" does KCBS have? Does selling BBQ cookbooks for profit count? This is an honest question?
dmp
You will have to check for sure, but I think you have to be a KCBS member to participate in KCBS competitions. Am I wrong about that?
I probably should slap my fingers off the keyboard! <<I hear you, Jorge...>>
KCBS gives back plenty. Ask the kids of KCBS members who applied for and received a grants in aid to help pay for their education. Ask the organizations who received grant money to further their missions, from a kids' group buying cookers to senior Q. Things like this aren't shouted from the rooftops and not near as interesting as slinging dirt around.
KCBS provides a framework for organizers to put together contests, officials to officiate the contests, trained judges who know the judging method and structure for the cooks competing. $35 a year gives you the Bullsheet every month that's less than $3 for each issue. I don't use any of the other member discounts, but I may sometime.
Those of you who do not know me, I admit up front I AM BIASED towards KCBS. I have served it's members for 2 years and 11 months on the board of directors and I have been president for the last year and 11 months. KCBS isn't perfect, but it provides the structure and method for a pastime I enjoy very much.
If someone doesn't like something, leave it alone. I will say when you start getting flip with Candy or Sterling, you are clueless. Calling it a little club is foolish and childish also. As pointed out if you don't like things, make an effort to change them in the proper way. Not keyboard attention to yourselves. Don't like things move on. No big deal, just don't whine and not expect an earfull. Steve.
My comment directed towards Candy were not meant to be flip in anyway, merely a response. I apologize to her if they were taken that way. I was genuine in my questions and concerns in this thread. I never whined, and I asked for comments and feedback. Instead, many chose to respond in tones I would construe as disrespectful.
A large organization seeks its members feedback and I was merely choosing to seek input from other potential members. Responding with "if you don't like it leave", and "it is only a $35 bucks" is the attitude of a club, not a professional organization seeking to grow its members. Just my two cents. Sorry to have ruffled so many feathers. I will go back to lurking and making my 0.8 comments per month.
Sorry to have ruffled so many feathers. I will go back to lurking and making my 0.8 comments per month.
I joined KCBS last summer when I took a CBJ class with intentions of judging/competing someday. That being said I am mainly a backyard cook who is a KCBS member. It is clear that KCBS is a sanctioning body, but what about the average joe. There are few benefits in being a member if you don't compete, judge or rep. Restaurant depot is great, but Costco, Sams or even the local butcher or internet can easily replace it for the backyard cook. I was disappointed to see minimal BOD candidates advocating for this segment of members. Those that did, only referred to the community as a whole. I did vote, but doubt I will re-up my membership and vote again as KCBS seems to only cater to those who are involved in competition in some way. The BOD candidates seemed to reiterate and support this notion.
It seems to me that if KCBS really wants to become a "community" for BBQ'ers of all types, it would make sense to pay as much attention to the greater BBQ community as they do to the competition community.
Just my 2 cents. I thought I would share my overall disappointment with joining KCBS as a non-competing member. I think my money would be better spent on a subscription here, which is exactly what I plan on doing rather than rejoining KCBS.
(mods can move this to "for the board" per http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-119131.html if they wish, but I am really not addressing them as much as the other members)
Maybe some are tired of your rants over KCBS? We all know how you feel...most know you are suspended....
I get my $35 dollars worth. Im happy. Im going to the banquet and gonna have a blast.
I'm sorry you feel KCBS does not support your interest in BBQ. No organization can be everything to everyone. I believe the majority of KCBS members are involved in comp bbq in some way, either as cooks, judges, reps or organizers.
With that being said I am curious what a 'backyard barbecuer' is looking for from a bbq organization. What services do you think would be beneficial ? What would give a membership to KCBS value to you ?