New SEG America web site

[Stan671]

Our new web site is up and running. It is just the beginning of many more things to come. We are finally able to implement the things I mentioned last October at SegwayFest in Florida. The site is a little thin right now, but with the new infrastructure in place, we'll be able to plug in new features.

www.SEGamerica.org

Coming soon:

* New registration system. When this is up, we'll be activating the new membership levels and asking everyone to re-register. We will also kick off a new membership drive to get the word out about SEG America and bring in new members.

* Order taking and e-commerce. This will be set up for taking registrations for SegwayFest events.

* New nearby members information. This feature will be beefed up to give some more flexibility in the searches.

* Members contacting members. Using a tool similar to the indirect Emailing available on SegwayChat, a member will be able to indirectly EMail another. Of course, nobody's Email will be ever be given out.

Stan Dobrowski, President
SEG America, Inc.

[mrleisure]

Hi Stan,

Here's a snarky question for ya'

At the bottom of the About us page there is a disclaimer:
Copyright © 2004-2005 Segway Enthusiasts Group America
Not affiliated with Segway LLC


And yet the URL for that same page is:
http://sa1.segway1.com/about-seg-america/

Which is a domain owned by Segway LLC. So the question is:

Why can't you just be honest and admit there is a connection between LLC and SEGAmerica?

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsphttp://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com)&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspChris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[wayne]

When there is information exchanged between LLC and SA, donations from LLC to SA and where SA members get to see and ride the new products before they hit the market how could there not be an affiliated with LLC?

LLC/dba/SA.

People don't like to be fooled so admit that LLC has strings to SA.



wayne

[Stan671]

Chris, I value your input. Please describe for me what you think the nature of the "connection" is between Segway LLC and SEG America, what is bad about that connection, and what that connection has done to hurt the SEG America organization & it's members.

Then, please tell me what you think the relationship between SEG America and Segway LLC should be, why this relationship would be better that what you think is in place now, and how your recommended relationship would be better for the SEG America organization & it's members.

Stan Dobrowski

[SegwayUtah]

Segway LLC is definitely a major supporter of SEG America, although the two organizations are independent. Segway helped get the word out about SEG America (via the Segway.com newsletter), and is a major sponsor of the three SegwayFests this year.

You can't really have an enthusiasts' group without a manufacturer of those products, and it doesn't make any sense for Segway not to be a big supporter of those enthusiasts.

But just as Segway LLC was a major supporter of SegwayFest last year (which was not run by either Segway or SEG America), they are putting the same types of commitments into the enthusiast community again by offering their support (in this case, bandwidth) to help build the enthusiasts community.

Anyone who thinks that Segway LLC is running SEG America is giving Segway a bit too much credit. I've had a chance to sit in on some of the organizational meetings for SEG America, and I can tell you first-hand that this is simply not the case.

Chris

[Stan671]

Wayne, I don't think anyone is fooled. I give them more credit than that. I believe that most people understand how it makes sense for a Segway enthusiast group to have a friendly working relationship with the Segway company. And they are fine with that.

There are a few people that understand the relationship and just don't agree with it. I respect thier opinion and thier right to express it. But it is not the majority opinion nor my opinion.

And there are a few people who misunderstand the relationship and base thier judgement on that. This is probably my fault because I have not been able to adequately describe how things are working here to help them understand.

Stan Dobrowski

[ZoliHonig]

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

Chris, I value your input. Please describe for me what you think the nature of the "connection" is between Segway LLC and SEG America, what is bad about that connection, and what that connection has done to hurt the SEG America organization & it's members.

Then, please tell me what you think the relationship between SEG America and Segway LLC should be, why this relationship would be better that what you think is in place now, and how your recommended relationship would be better for the SEG America organization & it's members.

Stan Dobrowski


I think the problem is putting "SegAmerica is not affiliated with Segway LLC"

I don't think there is any problem with the affiliation, just don't say that there isn't one.

I think it's great that LLC supports it's enthusiast groups. There are tons of maufactturers (like Sony) who don't give a rats tush about their enthusiast groups.



---
[8]-Zoli[8]

[SegwayUtah]

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

I think the problem is putting "SegAmerica is not affiliated with Segway LLC"

I don't think there is any problem with the affiliation, just don't say that there isn't one.

Zoli, I think that's a legal requirement for SEG America, to show that they're not part of the Segway company. I wonder if there's another way to word that which means "not owned by Segway LLC, but we're sure grateful for their support of Segway enthusiasts."

Chris

[Stewbonz]

So Stan, how do you like being President of SegAmerica so far?

JEFF JARVIS
http://www.thailandsegwaytours.com/

[pam]

Hmmm, I think the term "affiliated" is probably the confusion, I agree here with Chris.

Affiliated leaves the impression that Segway runs Seg-America, which it doesn't.

It appears that LLC might be providing some server space for Seg-America, and has provided some early monies (at SegFest 2004, LLC donated our dues for the first year, as I recall) but that's a long way from determining what Seg-America does. So, in essence, LLC has provided some support, but doesn't make the rules, as I see it.
Pam

[Stan671]

Oh, come on. We just spent countless volunteer hours building a new web site infrastructure to better serve the SEG America members, enable real memberships, take SegwayFest registrations, allow members to contact eachother, have voting and elections, etc.

And all we really needed to do was change one phrase from "is not affiliated with" to "is totally under the thumb of". Yikes, I seem to be way out of touch with what the members really want.

Zoli, how about a compromise: What if we change it to read, "not affiliated with Sony"? :)

Seriously, this is a very common disclaimer to have on a web site like ours (SegwayChat has the same thing) to indicate that there is no corporate controlling or subserviant relationship with the other entity. It is no big deal and nothing to worry about.

Stan Dobrowski

[wayne]

So just drop "SegAmerica is not affiliated with Segway LLC" from the site.

Since it isn't there is no reason to say so.

If there is then it will show sooner or later.

wayne

[Stan671]

Jeff, I understand that these kinds of problems come with the territory and this does not get me down. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for more than a year to help put SEG America together and get it started.

I am working with a great team of people in the Executive Board: Mike McWilliams, Joanne Krogman, Fred Kaplan, Kelsey Frazier and Chris Walker. They are the real heart and soul of the SEG America team. I am just the figurehead people get to throw rocks at here on Segway Chat.

While I am at it, there are a few other thank you's in order: Laura Knight (and her family and other helpers such as Alex Ko and group) for working to organize the Sacramento SegwayFest; Kelsey Frazier and helpers for working on the Manchester SegwayFest; Will Hopper & Tim Kanaley for heading up the group that is putting together the Washington DC SegwayFest; Mike McWilliams and John Grohol for their technical support on the web site and data base issues.

When I am trying to accomplish stuff with very little resources and all volunteer efforts, I will take any help that is offered to me.

Stan Dobrowski

[mrleisure]

I have no problem with a relationship between SEGAmerica and LLC. It's just that SEGAmerica repeatedly makes the point that it has nothing to do with LLC, thereby leaving itself wide open to jokers like me, who can easily point out otherwise. In this case it's just too freaking funny to let it go.

My problem is that SEGAmerica has apparently drunk the secrecy Kool-aid they serve in the LLC lobby. It's this whole idea that everything must remain a big secret and then be sprung all at once. It leaves SEGAmerica wide open to those "Oh crap" moments when an outsider points out the obvious holes. It's no way to run a private company, much less a national non-profit theoretically based largely on the local efforts of others.

Why not just say "SEGAmerica thanks LLC for it's support!" And be done with it? Like anyone really cares. It's the half-truth that smells.

Why not just say "We're thinking about regional SEG-Fests, and see no need to check with Jim Reynolds or the local SEG leaders first, anyone got a problem with that?"

And on the other hand, what is the point of saying "SEGAmerica officers got to try the new machines but we promised not to mention it until today, they're sooper-dooper cool".

And so on....

As a special service to the community at large, SEGAmerica single-handedly wiped out the chance for a national SEGFest in 2005. Meanwhile, as we've recently learned, there are local SEGs that are withering on the vine. Some local SEG links on the SEGAmerica page don't even work. People report having given up on starting a SEG after being ignored by SEGAmerica.

Is anyone truly puzzled about why I needle SEGAmerica?

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsphttp://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com)&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspChris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[Sleepy]

Stan, I just wanted to chime in on SegFest Sacramento... thanks for the "thanks". But it's all Laura Knight's work. I'm just putting together a Bay Area SEG vs. SEG OC polo match on May 15th if I can get a permit from the city.

[wayne]

Chris, you have to realize that SegAmerica has no money of their own unless it comes from LLC.
When this organization was being formed a year ago there was to be dues so that SA could support itself. That's one thing that could and should have been done the first day SA was announced.
One other thing was that officers were to run to the end of the year but that has changed until the end on May. After elected the rules were changed in the middle of the game and that didn't help with their image.
I'm not saying the ones who are doing the work aren't doing a good job but the way I see it if dues had been collected at first when everyone was excited about the organization I think SA would have been much better off.
Now I'll never believe they will get the members that they could have got a year ago.

On the three mini Segway Fest that are to be held around the country I was for something like that two years ago with LLC having part.
But to take the name SegwayFest was a no no to me. That was Jim's deal and SA should have used another name.

But the officers are all good people and I'm sure they all want SA to make a go of it. I wish them the best.

wayne

[mrleisure]

I didn't start out as a bomb-tossing instigator when it came to SEGAmerica. I actually like the idea of a national organization. I've met Stan and several "Executive Committee Members" in person and they all seemed to be honest, hard-working folks with good intentions.

It's really the methods and goals of the group that sticks in the craw. Instead of starting from the grassroots and building from the bottom up, they started right off with a top-down agenda that was never debated by the Segway community at large. Where was (or is) the open discussion or call for comments that builds true consensus?

By all outward appearance, the "Executive Committee" self-appointed themselves into their roles in a manner not unlike an Iraqi-election. They way it seems to me, if you wanted to participate meaningfully in SEGAmerica, you needed to be at SegFest '03 in a certain room at just the right time.

To answer the question- associating with LLC is great, but it also has many problems. As one example, once you've signed a non-disclosure and ridden around on un-released product, it's too easy to get the "I'm an insider" mentality. I see it manifested in Stan & Utah's unflinchingly positive public comments about all things Segway. It's obviously very hard to keep an eye on what would be valuable to the lone Segway owner or small SEG while you're grooving on all your new friends at Mount Olympus.

And then the goals spin higher and higher, next thing you know- it's regional SEGFests and an E-commerce web site, none of it possible without the "try not to publicly acknowledge it" support of LLC. Meanwhile, the small guys who worked hard to get their little riding groups together are totally ignored. Who benefits? For the last year, it hasn't been the actual SEG's around the country. But I'm sure it was a blast for some "Executive Committee Members" to attend the V1 yard sale.

It's not the goals, the people or the associations that truly matter in this case. Really. It's the fact that SEGAmerica immediately evolved into a closed system. By excluding the sharpest minds and loudest voices from the Segway owner community, SEGAmerica has only hurt it's own cause. The local SEGS have been dying on the vine and the SEGAmerica rescue plan seems to be an elaborate web site that collects dues and sells pins.

SegwayChat has long been the de facto communication vehicle for our community. SEGAmerica has not harnessed it effectively and meanwhile people like me (critical thinkers) will continue use it as a bully pulpit to point out the glaring inconsistencies and failures of logic & strategy as they become apparent.

This thread is a textbook example of why complete transparency along with honest and open debate actually matter in government and other public organizations. If there's even one pair of dirty underwear in the closet, someone will find it and show the world. History demands it.

PS: Nice look on the new SegAmerica website- that LLC sure has some talented web & database talent. (d'oh)

PPS: Hey look, they even used an LLC employee as the poster boy for SEGAmerica. (d'oh again)

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com) Chris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[statmed]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

The only way for a Segway enthusiasts group to work is to be owned, operated, managed and run by Segway.

My case in point is the other enthusiasts group that I belong to "HOG" (the Harley Owners Group) and they do a ton of stuff for their members. Check them out at: http://www.harley-davidson.com/ex/hog/template.asp?fnc=hog&bmLocale=en_US

HOG is an organization that is run right. Sure they have a lot more members now, but 22 years ago when they started the Harley Owners Group, Harley Davidson was not selling that many bikes. It took 6 years to reach 90,000 members and 17 years to reach half a million. Each purchaser of a new Harley is given their first membership year free, just send back a form found in your new owners package.

HOG has helped build and define the Harley motorcycle community and has helped make Harley Davidson the successful company it is now.

Segway has the opportunity to do the same, but they've passed it up. And on top of that Segamerica claims self independance from Segway and then takes their money, uses their web space, uses their domain name, uses their copyrited photos and so on, etc... Let Segway take control of their Segway Enthusiast Group and let them do it right.


H.M. Stern
statmed@optonline.net
www.biker-glasses.com

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together (Hannibal Smith)

[wayne]

quote]Originally posted by Stan671

We have a PO Box and will have a PayPal account for either type of payment. We will let you know when the time comes for the new registration.

SEG America has worked out a special promotion with Segway LLC for them to gift the first year's membership dues free to all new owners after our official re-registration date. And, as part of the same promotion, Segway LLC has agreed to gift the first year's membership dues for a certain number of existing owners on a first-come-first-served basis.

The details of the official re-registration date and the number of promotional memberships to be gifted by Segway LLC will be announced when the membership drive begins.

The first year's dues for SEG America members upgrading to the Advanced level of membership, but not eligible for the promotion will be $15.

Stan Dobrowski
[/quote]


Just curious, the registration fees on the site are $30.00 per year.


wayne

[SegwayUtah]

Chris--you should really consider running for the SEG America executive board in a few months when the election comes around. You have the kind of passion and enthusiasm that could really be used. It's a thankless job for sure, and to do it well takes a lot of time (which was why I turned down all nominations for the executive board when the election came around last year).

Regarding spending time at the V1 yard sale, I flew most of the way across the country at my own expense (and then drove from NYC) to volunteer and help out at the sale since Segway offered to donate the proceeds to SEG America as a small way of thanking the community. Stan and Joanne also drove up to Bedford to help out, and we ended up all being there on Friday. A few people from Segway wanted to say "thank you" and so they offered to let us try out the new machines, which was really cool of them. Anyway, it was no big deal.

Regarding my optimism, by the way, I do not deny it. I am a very optimistic, make-it-happen kind of person. I will be the first to point out Segway's flaws in a constructive way, but I'm not the kind of person to bash them or volunteers trying to help out up and down all day long.

Anyway, instead of "by excluding the sharpest minds and loudest voices from the Segway owner community, SEGAmerica has only hurt it's own cause," let's ask "how can we help?" Let's ask "what do we need to do to have our voice heard, and to help out the local SEGs?"

I turned down nominations for the executive board and didn't run for office. I have no official vote regarding things "SEG America." But I have been vocal, and I have written Stan and other board members e-mails, and I have been able to help in a small way (even to the point that I reluctantly got "appointed" as an advisor). Please, do the same. Start the conversations. Help make this happen--we will all be the better for it, and will all be grateful.

Chris

[stuart]

What I would hope for, if I become an actual dues paying member of SEG America, is total financial transparency from the group. If I'm giving them my hard-earned money I want to know where it is going. I'd also like to know where the money that LLC is giving them is going as well. I'm not saying this because I don't trust the folks running SEG America but because I'm concerned about the general lack of transperancy to date and hope that this can be improved in the future and it certainly must be improved if they start to collect dues from members.

Stuart

[PoloAk]

<div align="right">Segway LLC: they make HT's

SEG America: they organize HT owners</div id="right">

<center>Is there a connection?

It would make sense.</center>

Do they tell us what to do? Sure, things like "don't take segway's off ramps at full speed."

Do we listen? Rarely (with scars to prove it)



Does LLC dictate the actions of SA?

It has been posted on SC that LLC can hardly sell their own product and couldn't keep a CEO to save their backsides(to paraphrase). Do you honestly believe they care to involve themselves with us at a level indicative of a third-world dictatorship? Ha. If you believe that I have piece of the Brooklyn bridge to sell you. There were layoffs in December; there just isn't the man power to do it, not to mention my delusions of grandure and sharp wit keep them at bay. Didn't you know I plan to take over the world one HT at a time?



Kelsey

"Half of the world has an IQ of less than average. Think about it. . ."

[Itsi Atkins]

I believe that Segway owners in New York City have proven since June of 2004 that we want Segway acceptance to spread and be part of the future. We also feel NYC belongs to everyone and all Segway owners regardless of geographic residence would benefit by being members and working with a truely independent group of activist. You are all welcome to join, free of any dues at this time.
I support SegAmerica, but the wave of opportunity for press and success was wasted. Think of what 10mph and Jim and others, have continued to do, see the big picture. This is what SegAm should have done.

[Itsi Atkins]

Stan great site, looks as if John G designed it. Very clean and smart but you forgot to link to segwaynyny.com
best
itsi

[Stan671]

Itsi, the links on the local groups page are the same as the old web site. I thought SEGNYC was the NY city group, SEGNY was the NY state group, and SegwayNYNY was your business site.

Stan Dobrowski

[mrleisure]

Let me just sound a note of contrition for competely hijacking Stan's thread. I didn't exhibit the best manners here and I acknowledge that. I intended no personal insult.

That being said, I'll stick by the points I made.

I took Statmed's advice and looked at the HOG website. Holy Straightpipes! They get it! Right up front and center is a link to: "What's in it for you", which clearly explains the value proposition for joining a HOG. They use straight language and detail exactly what you get for your money.

The mission statement is beautiful: "Have fun and ride". They openly explain the details of what to expect, the structure, etc. Everything is right there! After going through the site, I wanted to join. Wait a second, I hate motorcycles.

At the heart of my frustration is the strong desire to have a well organized & thriving SEG community. Sadly, this hasn't happened. One of the greatest joys of Segway ownership is getting out with other Seggers to feel the wind in your hair. I've ridden with people all over the country and everyone agrees, it's a universal buzz. I want every Segger out there to have a chance to get in on it.

Do we have to start another organization to make this happen?

Or will SEGAmerica finally "Get Moving"?

How can I help?

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsphttp://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com)&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspChris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[SegwayUtah]

Stan--what can Chris do to help?

Chris

[panderso]

As a HT owner I hope to be able to contribute more to spreading the good HT gospel. I am surprised and disappointed that LLC has not engaged the owners. We all hate junk mail but I almost wish LLC had some type of marketing info they would send the owners and dealers from time to time. Maybe not just marketing but company news items as well. I think the only thing I have received from them in the mail is asking for referrals.
Stan, great job on organizing and reorganizing SEG AMERICA and helping to unite our community.

[Stan671]

Paul, there are a couple of Marketing things on Segway's web site you can download and print.

Two page marketing flyer with specs:
http://www.segway.com/downloads/pdfs/2005_Flyer.pdf

20 page product info booklet:
http://www.segway.com/downloads/pdfs/Brochure.pdf

Poster:
http://www.segway.com/downloads/pdfs/Poster.pdf

Also, these postcards are nice:
http://www.segway.com/downloads/pdfs/tech_iseries.pdf

http://www.segway.com/downloads/pdfs/tech_pseries.pdf

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

Keep in mind that the H.O.G. is 22 years old and has 900,000 members now. SEG America is not there yet.

Chris, you can help right now by giving advice and guidance and support to local group organizer beginners. Since you started a successful group in NH, you can help coach others to do the same. In fact, you can work with Nelda who just contacted me about starting a group in Oregon-Southwest Wa. Nelda is a member of this Chat.

Chris, you can help in the long run by running for office in May, getting elected and then working the system from the inside.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

Alex, we are counting on you to talk up the Sacramento SegwayFest as much as possible and encourage all of the enthusiasts you know to attend. Let's see if we can convince Woz to go.

Anyone that brings thier complete Segway HT to the Sacramento SegwayFest and wants a 14.0 software upgrade can get it directly from Segway LLC.

And if you are successful at bringing a SegwayPolo game to the SegwayFest on Sunday, that would be a very large contribution.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

I and Secretary Joanne went to the V1 Memorabelia Sale for two reasons: 1) Because we were within driving distance, which included an overnight stay at our own expense. 2) Because John G. asked if we could come up to help organize the stuff and staff the sale and it would be very rude of us to not go considering all of the work John G. and other Segway employees put into this just to help raise $1,925 for SEG America. 3) Because Segway had set aside a bunch of stuff for SEG America to have to sell ourselves to raise more money later, and we needed to get it out of the warehouse. 4) Because I would have made every effort to go even if I was not an officer.

Alright, at least 4 reasons. &lt;grin&gt;

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by stuart

What I would hope for, if I become an actual dues paying member of SEG America, is total financial transparency from the group ... I'm concerned about the general lack of transperancy to date and hope that this can be improved in the future and it certainly must be improved if they start to collect dues from membersYou are right, Stuart. One of the decisions that the original organizers and the first Executive Board of SEG America debated at length is when to start charging dues. We felt that since we had no idea how long it would take the orgainzation to get it's feet on the ground and get moving, we felt it would not be fair to start charging dues until we had something to show the members as a benefit.

Of course, given the volunteer nature of the organization's workers and the fact that we all have day jobs, everything is taking longer than we figured. So far, the SEG America organization, for whatever it has or has not accomplished so far, has not cost any member even 1 cent. Well, now that this Executive Board has put a pretty good foundation in place, we are going to start a membership drive very soon and then begin charging dues, having the next officers elections, ratifying the by-laws, holding three SegwayFest events, beefing up the local group support structure, providing more services on the web site, etc. Now I think we can show some value for your membership dues.

Two more things: 1) A big thank you to Segway LLC for it's generous support of the Executive Board's efforts to get SEG America going. Segway has always been positive and encouraging of our work. Several employees, such as John Grohol, have gone out of their way to really help us with technical issues, advice and resources.

2) A big thank you to the Segway enthusiasts on this Chat and around the country that have helped us in our work also. From the individual members that have done things for us, to the people that have given us guidance and advice, to the guys who have poked us with sticks to keep us on our toes, to the local group organizers that have put groups together, and to the members that have stood by us, patiently, while we slowly built the organization. We will all work hard to give you the best enthusiasts group we can. Keep the suggestions coming, keep the enthusiasm flowing, and let's get out there and glide!

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by wayne

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

The first year's dues for SEG America members upgrading to the Advanced level of membership, but not eligible for the promotion will be $15
Just curious, the registration fees on the site are $30.00 per year.Wayne, where does the web site say anything about $30? There should not be anything about this visible because we don't have it all set up yet. No matter what, though, it is $15 for the first year.

Stan Dobrowski

[Sleepy]

Stan, I spoke to Woz a few weeks ago and unfortunately he's going to be out of town the weekend of SegFest Sacramento. He expressed that he would have gone if he was available.

I think the v.14 upgrade will be a good draw to SegFest. I've already posted a reminder on our newsgroup reminding people about SegFest. But it's tough for me to hype it up blindly when all I know is that it's in Sacramento and the hotel rooms are at a good rate. Still no word on cost, agenda, or ability to register. Based on Laura's input, I'm going ahead with organizing 2 polo fields-- one for an OC vs. Bay Area match, and one for anyone who wants to try it out.

-Alex

[wayne]

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

quote:Originally posted by wayne

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

The first year's dues for SEG America members upgrading to the Advanced level of membership, but not eligible for the promotion will be $15
Just curious, the registration fees on the site are $30.00 per year.Wayne, where does the web site say anything about $30? There should not be anything about this visible because we don't have it all set up yet. No matter what, though, it is $15 for the first year.

Stan Dobrowski



NOW Stan, the day I posted this, on the SegAmerica site when you click on register the page came up with $30.00 per year and $55.00 for two years, how to pay and etc. After I made the post I checked again the next day and the page on SA was gone. You mean SA don't know what's being put up on their site?
Maybe your webmaster is doing things SA don't know about.
You may need to keep an eye open.

Thanks for clearing up the price anyway, that does go with your earlier post on the fees.

Thanks, and the site does look good, but could stand a little more COLOR on the photo on the main page. How about some of the new color Segs?

wayne

[fredkap]

I just want to add that Stan has spent an extraordinary amount of his time doing everything possible to do the right thing. The entire board is a volunteer board (we get zero compensation) and we do this solely for our love of the Seg. The amount of time Stan has been spending on SegAmerica lately has been huge.

Fred

[stuart]

quote:Originally posted by fredkap

I just want to add that Stan has spent an extraordinary amount of his time doing everything possible to do the right thing. The entire board is a volunteer board (we get zero compensation) and we do this solely for our love of the Seg. The amount of time Stan has been spending on SegAmerica lately has been huge.

Fred


I'm sure we all appreciate the effort that Stan et al have put into SEG America. I know that I appreciate any volunteer effort directed toward a greater good.

That said, volunteering and spending huge amounts of time doesn't necessarily mean that you're doing a good job or the right thing. I'm not aware of all (or most) of the board's efforts (I don't think most people are and that's part of the problem) but using "I'm a volunteer" or "I've spent an enormous amount of time" isn't an argument for whether or not you're doing a good job.

I think people want specifics about what SEG America has been doing for the local SEGs and the Segway community as a whole. Maybe a regular newsletter? And no, I don't want to write it. :)

I've volunteered my time in the past to organize or run different groups and I know it can be very frustrating when you're working very hard and there seems to be little appreciation but I also know that when you feel that way there's often a reason for it. Listen to the community. Sometimes you're too close to an issue to get a clear look at it - especially if everyone on the board is of a "like mind". (6 people can't possibly represent all the voices in the Segway community.) Communicate with us about what you've done and are planning to do. That will go a long way toward alleviating the problems.

Stuart

[driley]

quote:Originally posted by fredkap

I just want to add that Stan has spent an extraordinary amount of his time doing everything possible to do the right thing. The entire board is a volunteer board (we get zero compensation) and we do this solely for our love of the Seg. The amount of time Stan has been spending on SegAmerica lately has been huge.

Fred


I very much appreciate these efforts, as I am sure many other less vocal members do as well. Bumps along the road are expected. From what I can see, Seg America is making progress. With any luck it is in it's infancy and many more good things are to come.

Devin

[fredkap]

Stuart,

The two most viable enthusiast groups are New York and the San Francisco area both locales that have legal issues. Our goal is to create more local groups and assist the existing groups. We haven't done much for either SF or NYC to date. Currently we are very busy organizing 3 regional segfests, which is a huge job. We haven't found a formula for creating new groups yet. We have 2 members of our Board from the NY group, none from San Francisco. We haven't had any requests other than establishment of bank account requests. Internal control issues have limited our giving full checkbook control to any local group and a local group would have concerns about sending money to our organization without a gurantee of getting it back.

Our whole board welcomes all input as to how to set up more local groups and what we should do to make the existing ones flourish.

Fred

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by wayne

NOW Stan, the day I posted this, on the SegAmerica site when you click on register the page came up with $30.00 per year and $55.00 for two years, how to pay and etc. After I made the post I checked again the next day and the page on SA was gone. You mean SA don't know what's being put up on their site? Maybe your webmaster is doing things SA don't know about. You may need to keep an eye openThat's funny, Wayne. Every time I have clicked on Register (to test to make sure it was NOT working by mistake) I got the Coming Soon screen. You must have just hit it perfectly timed when the web site was being refreshed or uploaded or whatever and all of the permissions were not yet active. That was the default, built-in registration screen that comes with our registration software. We are working to configure it to our needs.

I know about the pictures. The easiest thing to do to get us rolling was to get some old, unused stock pix from Segway until we had a chance to get our own pix and get the clearances for them. We are going to start a pix drive soon for member submissions and program them into the web site to change periodically. We just cannot use other people's pix without getting permission first.

Stan Dobrowski

[wayne]

Stan,

Yes, that is probably what happen. I didn't think about it like that.
Since the subject has come up when do you expect it to be working.

Oh, a good photo for the main page on the site would be a group photo of everyone at the SegFest when they get kicked off.

Wayne

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by Sleepy

I spoke to Woz a few weeks ago and unfortunately he's going to be out of town the weekend of SegFest Sacramento. He expressed that he would have gone if he was availableTry to get him to change his plans. &lt;grin&gt;

quote:it's tough for me to hype it up blindly when all I know is that it's in Sacramento and the hotel rooms are at a good rate. Still no word on cost, agenda, or ability to registerI understand. We are trying to nail down details and release the info as we have it confirmed.

I can confirm the costs now. $65 to register for the event, but SEG America Advanced members get a $15 discount. You can sign up for SEG America and become an Advanced member for $15. However, the first couple of hundred Segway owners (the exact number has not been set, but will most likely include everyone signing up for SegwayFest in Sacramento) that upgrade thier registration to Advanced will be gifted thier first year's dues by Segway LLC via a special promotion we have worked out. Non-owners would not be eligible for the free membership dues promotion from Segway LLC, but once they paid the $15 to join SEG America, they would save $15 off the SegwayFest registration.

There is also an optional Saturday evening dinner that would be an extra cost of $30 for people registering for the whole event. For family members of registrants who wish to come only to the dinner and keynote afterwards could do this for $45.

To tie this back to the topic of this thread: we are working to integrate the membership upgrade process and the SegwayFest registration process into the new web site. You guys will be the first to know when this is done. Since we took to old site offline, we have frozen the membership registrations and are working to transfer that data to the new site's registration software and tag everybody with a Basic membership. When the time comes, you will just re-up on the new site, most of your info will already be there, enter the additional info we need and become an Advanced member. We will be looking for some sort of ownership confirmation in order to take advantage of the Segway LLC first year's dues free promotion.

Stan Dobrowski

[Neelix]

How are the individuals who signed up for the advanced membership in Florida being handled?

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[Itsi Atkins]

Fred, the legal issue is not the main reason NYC has continued to be vocal. We are a City with international mix of free thinking people and anything new will be part of the mix due to the 8 million population. We invite all to be a part of our efforts.
AND
STAN, I have some great pictures for you!!

[Stan671]

Neelix, those who filled out the forms in Florida and are owners will be assured of getting thier first year's dues for free. Those who were not owners and paid thier dues in October will have thier accounts marked as paid.

Either way, everyone will still have to visit the new registration screen on the new web site and answer a couple of questions and change your password.

We will have a post office box and a fax number for those who are not signing up via the web site.

Your annual membership period starts when you visit the registration screen (or are entered manually) and get confirmed as an Advanced member.

Stan Dobrowski

[mrleisure]

Hey, whaddya' know?

Now there is a badge that appears on the SA site that reads:
"Segway LLC is proud to be the Title Sponsor for SegwayFest 2005!"

Ridicule isn't the best form of communication, but looks like my point was taken.

quote:Originally posted by mrleisure

Hi Stan,

Here's a snarky question for ya'

At the bottom of the About us page there is a disclaimer:
Copyright © 2004-2005 Segway Enthusiasts Group America
Not affiliated with Segway LLC


And yet the URL for that same page is:
http://sa1.segway1.com/about-seg-america/

Which is a domain owned by Segway LLC. So the question is:

Why can't you just be honest and admit there is a connection between LLC and SEGAmerica?

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com) Chris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)


http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsphttp://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com)&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspChris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[SegwayUtah]

I know I'm pointing out the obvious here, but Segway LLC has been the main sponsor of every SegwayFest event -- including the one in Chicago and the one in Florida.

I think it's good to continue in that tradition for SegwayFest events, since one of the biggest differences between the local events and the larger SegwayFest events (and a major highlight) is their participation.

Chris

[Itsi Atkins]

itsi, "Frank has nothing to do with SEG America now.
See the SEG America Privacy Policy - we cannot give out membership lists."
Stan Dobrowski

Posted - May 05 2005 : 10:16:55 PM
"SEG America has an exclusive partnership with SegwayChat.com, an independent online community of Segway HT owners and enthusiasts."
itsi: "it appears that from your website you do have alot to do with SegwayChat which Frank owns."

[mrleisure]

Hey, before my comments start another skirmish, let me clarify.

I think it's great that the new badge is there. I never liked that SA was mute about how LLC was helping. They've taken a step in the right direction and it lends more credibility to the SacFest.

I wish they'd go further and post pictures of the executive committee and such. SA seems so anonymous, I wish they could put a face on themselves.

http://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-seg-nh.gif&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsphttp://www.wingnut.com/images/segchat/sig-mrleisure.gif
SEG-NH (www.seg-nh.com)&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspChris Johnson (www.wingnut.com)

[Stan671]

Segway LLC paid a larger sponsorship fee than the other vendors at the Sacramento SegwayFest in order to claim the title of title sponsor.

Stan Dobrowski

[Itsi Atkins]

Welcome Back, Stan glad to see you back on the Chat!. Sorry about of the reality that went on. Lets move past it! Now, do you think it is possible to cut out the blank spots on the black wheel?

[Stan671]

I was thinking about carving out the scallops from the wheels. I am not sure how the transitions would look around the edges of the cutouts with the complex angles at all. But I think it is doable. The wheel would might lose a little bit of stiffness, but I doubt that would be a problem.

Stan Dobrowski