2009 Annual Yorkie Talk Meet-up Location Poll

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Regarding the poll, the committee just got off the phone via conference call, and through much debate, reviewing people’s desires about additional “run-off” polls or not, and looking at the statistics for votes that came in for the poll during the last few minutes, we have decided their WILL BE a run-off poll to determine the location of the 2009 meet-up. We see that 167 people voted, and while we’d absolutely LOVE to have each and every one of those people in attendance at the 2009 meet-up, we noted that several votes came in during the last few minutes of the poll from people who had less than 50 posts (some with less than 10), and we feel it brings a question of validity to our poll to have so many people with less than 50 posts votes casting their vote at the last minute. We noted 1 person had 0 posts, and we feel obligated to question if each of those voters are serious about attending.

Therefore, in order to be most fair to those who are serious about attending the 2009 meet-up, we are going to take chattiesmom’s suggestion from the original 2009 venue thread to charge people for their vote. We feel this will be the most efficient way to ensure the counted votes are from those serious about attending and not those who are simply trying to sway a city (thanks for the suggestion Cindy ). Furthermore, if you remove the top 2 scoring cities, there are 68 people who cast their vote for other cities, and their voice is no longer being heard once we remove those cities from the options. This will give those people an opportunity to state where they’d like to go.

We will be charging $20 per vote, and while this may seem steep, we are hoping this will not be a burden to anyone who is serious about attending the meet-up. The $20 will go toward your registration fee when you register, and for those who ultimately choose not to register, your $20 will go to a Yorkie rescue. You can vote for either ALEXANDRIA, VA or SAN DIEGO, CA by PayPaling your $20 to yorkietalkmeetup@yahoo.com. For those who wish to pay by check or money order, please send me an e-mail to yorkietalkmeetup@yahoo.com. We will tally the votes, and we will post a count at the end of the poll regarding how many votes each location received and who voted for each location, so you can ensure your vote is properly counted. You can begin PayPaling your money and casting your vote now, and we will continue accepting votes through NEXT MONDAY, July 14th, 10:00 PST. Please note the winner of this poll WILL BE the location of the 2009 meet-up. There will be no additional polls offered.

[kalina82]

i think charging us to vote is simply ridiculous, especially $20. If the meet up was in VA i was definitely going to go. however now that you decided to charge us just to vote, i'm not going to participate in this next poll.

i don't know what the big deal is with everyone. I thought the meeting was going to end up in CA. i was fine with that because it meant it would be on the east coast in 2010. so many people are complaining about it being on one coast or the other, and that it should be in the middle. Well that are some of us that want to go and can't even afford to make it to the middle of the US, so having it on a coast is the only option. if it is in VA this year, then great i'll be there. If its in CA, then i'll just wait till the next year. simple as that.

But now that i'm not paying to vote, i probably won't be able to come anyway if your only allowing paying voters to attend the meeting (not sure if that was mentioned).

[Suzy]

Lisa and others who are organizing, I appreciate your coordinating the next YT meetup event. You did a wonderful job on this year's event, and I am looking forward to future meetups. However, I will not be voting now that there is a $20 fee. I could understand $5 or $10 to deter those that aren't serious about attending, but on principle $20 seems a bit steep just to vote on where the meetup will be. (That's the recommended dollar amount for gifts for one YT GE!) I think it will exclude some members who really want to be there and prevent them from casting their vote due to financial constraints. It sounds quite strange to me that there were voters who had less than 50, or 10, or even 0 posts who were voting on this-it does seem as if something was up, but there has to be a more fair, more economical way to determine who gets to vote. Can this be done by post count, length of time each of us has been a member, or some other criteria?

I truly want to attend, and I am planning on it, however, as many of you know, my life is changing in the next year, (as it does for all of us), and there is a chance I will not be able to attend, but I won't know until next spring whether I will be able to join everyone or not. Are you only allowing those who vote to attend? Or can others join you even if they don't vote, but it works out for them to come?

Thank you again for coordinating, and for hearing me out on this. Let me know if I can attend even if I don't vote on the location. I'd really like to be there!

[LuvMySissy]

Originally Posted by Suzy

I truly want to attend, and I am planning on it, however, as many of you know, my life is changing in the next year, (as it does for all of us), and there is a chance I will not be able to attend, but I won't know until next spring whether I will be able to join everyone or not. Are you only allowing those who vote to attend? Or can others join you even if they don't vote, but it works out for them to come?

Thank you again for coordinating, and for hearing me out on this. Let me know if I can attend even if I don't vote on the location. I'd really like to be there!

Not voting in the 2nd poll does not exclude you from the ability to attend. The $20 price tag is to deter those who really aren't serious and perhaps cast a vote just for the sake of voting. We are considering it a "layaway" plan toward the future registration price. Especially for those who plan to attend regardless of where it is, this may help in spreading out the cost a little more.

And for those of us who had the priviledge and pleasure to meet you - I'd like to see you again as well!!!!!!

Although the East coast had more votes than the West Coast it was too close between the top two cities, especially since at least one person accidentally hit the wrong button (and said as much in a very early response) and intended to vote for San Diego. And for the many other votes who chose a location other than these two and may have a preference, it is allowing their voice to further be heard.

[abbie's mom]

When I first heard there would be a $20 charge to REpoll, I was just flabbergasted. Reading your explanation, however, I can see how that last-minute, low (or 0) post count votes put a suspicious light on things.

However, there must be, as Suzy suggested, a more equitable, reasonable way to ensure fairness. $20 per vote IS going to be a hardship on many, and deter some who would have voted in the second poll.

[ryorkies]

I have to voice my objection to a Pay to Poll vote....with no disrespect towards Cindy.
I understand completely that you are concerned about the last minute votes that were cast and that some were from members with few posts to their credit, but this was the poll decided upon to determine the city that would most suit the needs of this forum. Whether or not those members have 5, 000 votes or 5 .... they are members of this forum and their vote should count towards the final tally, and if there were going to be limitations on who could vote, that should have been specified before the poll began.
I completely understand the argument that you would only want people who are definitely planning on attending this meet up to have a say, but realistically that is not possible. There is not a single person here who can say for certain and without doubt that they will be attending the 2009 meet up, as sometimes life throws us a curve and changes things and we can only vote with our best intentions and hope for the best.
With that being said, the first meet up was a total success and those of you who were fortunate to attend have paved the way for future meet ups that will most likely surpass our wildest expectations, but please let us not forget that this forum is for everyone, whether you post a lot, or a little.... you are still a member and your vote should count for something.

[Jenn218]

A re-vote! $20!

So, is the $20 going toward a Yorkie rescue (as stated by Lisa), if so, which one? OR is it going towards our registration fees (as stated by Jodie)?

Is Admin okay w/ all of this? It just seems odd that a poll was taken to see where most people would like to go.....like Kimberly said, shouldn't that be it?!

If the committee is soo intent on having the meeting in San Diego (which I like too, have friends there)....then there should be two meet-ups....ONE for those who have deteremined to hold it there...and those who have voted for VA.

Cindy's originial idea of a $5 or $10 vote at the beginning of all this, is WAY more fesible and doable to a wider range of people, then $20-- especially when people do not know where their money will be going to. If it would go toward their registration, I think you will get a lot more serious people voting....afterall, w/ so many people hurting (money wise right now), knowing that their vote counts and that money will go toward their fees, that is a great way to get more people in, as well.

I did notice and went to the profile pages of a lot of "last minute voters" -- course I was one of them too (beign out of town so much the last two weeks! --But just because someone doesn't post a lot....that doesn't mean they should not be counted. I know of several who are on here every day, but they may not post....they read and skim...either because they are at work and can't post, or just whatever the reason.

I'm not being difficult....and I think most others or not as well...I think there are honest questions and concerns out there that really need to be addressed...and in a fair manner.

It's just sad to see something so fun get so political and un-necessarily stressful for all, it just makes the thought of it, well, just not fun anymore!

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by kalina82

i think charging us to vote is simply ridiculous, especially $20. If the meet up was in VA i was definitely going to go. however now that you decided to charge us just to vote, i'm not going to participate in this next poll.

i don't know what the big deal is with everyone. I thought the meeting was going to end up in CA. i was fine with that because it meant it would be on the east coast in 2010. so many people are complaining about it being on one coast or the other, and that it should be in the middle. Well that are some of us that want to go and can't even afford to make it to the middle of the US, so having it on a coast is the only option. if it is in VA this year, then great i'll be there. If its in CA, then i'll just wait till the next year. simple as that.

But now that i'm not paying to vote, i probably won't be able to come anyway if your only allowing paying voters to attend the meeting (not sure if that was mentioned).

I think there are many who have felt that having a central location would be LESS of an expense/hassle for all -- instead of flying or driving from, let's say, Key West Florida, to, let's say, Hollywood, CA....you only go half way. AND I think (not sure) that is the reasoning for so many thinking having it centrally located will be better for people.

I agree....it was said that if one coast gets more votes over the other...it will be that coast this year and the next coast next year....but I think when there is a pre-determined idea of where it is going to be...that just gets it all confusing to everyone...meaning, it really (and sorry for putting this out there), seems that most were all set on San Diego...and now that so many voted for the other...that is when the pay re-vote came in, etc.

I personally do not care (well, in a way, I guess I do) where it is held...I just hope to be able to attend....and not have all of this nonsense that is happening!

[Izzy Princess]

Originally Posted by abbie's mom

When I first heard there would be a $20 charge to REpoll, I was just flabbergasted. Reading your explanation, however, I can see how that last-minute, low (or 0) post count votes put a suspicious light on things.

However, there must be, as Suzy suggested, a more equitable, reasonable way to ensure fairness. $20 per vote IS going to be a hardship on many, and deter some who would have voted in the second poll.

Forgive me everyone I just don't understand..yes I do know things can change in a year (times are rough now and probably going to get rougher as time goes on), but if it's a hardship now to deposit $20 for a meet-up that will be used towards your registration fee (and if you don't go for some unforseen reason that your $20 would go towards a Yorkie Rescue) then how can those not able to pay the $20 now pay for a trip like this later on?

I know that I am going no matter where the meet-up is held as it was an amazing experince in KC for me and Izzy. And if something happens that I can't go next year then I know my $$$ will go towards the Yorkie Rescue...win..win in my book.

And, yes, Jen, I'm amazed too how political this thread got and something that is supposed to be so much fun and exciting to look forward too has now gotten not so fun.

[Tnyorkiemom]

$20!!!!!NO WAY!!....i had talked to my hubby earlier before this poll because of the statement of a possible fee and he agreed to $10 cause if money doesnt figure out...it would be ok....not good but ok....here in my house we count every penny not dollar...if you dont believe me come look....i have coin jars everywhere.....and he had even agreed to coming with me if it was on the East coast....and as of last night i was getting my wish....hubby and i havent taken a trip together in over 3 years......now im again wondering if i even get a chance to go....i have talked to quite a few people who said that if there was a fee they would not vote...that being said....this NEW poll will still not be an example of who TRUELY wishes to attend....good luck with NEW poll.....JMO(this whole thing is beginning to feel bad)....hope it turns out truely fair.....another thing that bothers me is that those who can pay to vote are in better financial state...and those are on the west coast...im a poor girl from a rural community....i just think this whole new poll thing stinks....and no i dont think there should have been a new poll even if SD had won....i would have just waited for 2010...again JMO

[Tnyorkiemom]

Originally Posted by ryorkies

I have to voice my objection to a Pay to Poll vote....with no disrespect towards Cindy.
I understand completely that you are concerned about the last minute votes that were cast and that some were from members with few posts to their credit, but this was the poll decided upon to determine the city that would most suit the needs of this forum. Whether or not those members have 5, 000 votes or 5 .... they are members of this forum and their vote should count towards the final tally, and if there were going to be limitations on who could vote, that should have been specified before the poll began.
I completely understand the argument that you would only want people who are definitely planning on attending this meet up to have a say, but realistically that is not possible. There is not a single person here who can say for certain and without doubt that they will be attending the 2009 meet up, as sometimes life throws us a curve and changes things and we can only vote with our best intentions and hope for the best.
With that being said, the first meet up was a total success and those of you who were fortunate to attend have paved the way for future meet ups that will most likely surpass our wildest expectations, but please let us not forget that this forum is for everyone, whether you post a lot, or a little.... you are still a member and your vote should count for something.

ditto, ditto, ditto.....well said

[Reese1]

I really, really don't want to upset or offend anyone, but I do want to share my thoughts and comments.

I do not have a problem with paying to vote in principle, but I do feel like the time has passed to do that. If this poll had started with a $5-10 fee to vote on the coast first and then a second poll to pick the city on the winning coast, that would have made more sense. To charge now, IMO, feels like sour grapes from those who are upset with the results.
I also agree with what Marci said in an earlier post on this thread. People may be serious about voting and wanting to attend and may be willing to pay to vote, but if their city doesn't win, then a certain percentage will not be able to go to the other city. So charging will NOT give you accurate numbers on who is planning to attend.
I'm sure most of us would love to be able to attend, no matter where it's held, but unfortunately that isn't practical or realistic for alot of people.

The poll was close, only 8 votes separated CA and VA until the end. If the gap was wider, like 20, 30 votes or more and a ton came in then maybe it should be questioned, but that wasn't the case.
I think alot of people thought CA had it, I know I did and I was prepared to Congratulate, even though I would not be able to attend and I was prepared to wait until 2010 and hope at least that the Yorkie rescue would have the fair in MI next year, where some of us could attend.

Again, I'm just sharing my opinions. I was not able to attend the KC meet this year, but I did go the fair in MI the year before (I know this wasn't a YT planned event) and I really want to attend and meet lots of people from YT!

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by Izzy Princess

Forgive me everyone I just don't understand..yes I do know things can change in a year (times are rough now and probably going to get rougher as time goes on), but if it's a hardship now to deposit $20 for a meet-up that will be used towards your registration fee (and if you don't go for some unforseen reason that your $20 would go towards a Yorkie Rescue) then how can those not able to pay the $20 now pay for a trip like this later on?

I think there is confusion about where the $20 is going...
When Lisa posted, she clearly states that it is going to "a Yorkie rescue". It doesn't state which one, etc.
Then when Jodie posted, she states that they have thought about the $20 going into a "layaway" for future registration fees.

So, I think if we can get clarity on where this fee will go...I think that will help a lot of people.

I for one, would be more apt to "donate" $20 if I KNEW that that would be taken off my registration fee, etc.

Maybe we should just do away w/ San Diego and VA altogether...and start fresh Oh boy...wouldn't that be something.....OR maybe it just might be better!

[SladesMommy]

I was all for a paying poll, but $20 seems just a bit much IMO. Good LUck, I won't be voting but I will be trying to come no matter where its held (it would actually be cheaper for me to fly to San Diego than it would be to drive to Alexandria)

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by Jenn218

I think there is confusion about where the $20 is going...
When Lisa posted, she clearly states that it is going to "a Yorkie rescue". It doesn't state which one, etc.
Then when Jodie posted, she states that they have thought about the $20 going into a "layaway" for future registration fees.

So, I think if we can get clarity on where this fee will go...I think that will help a lot of people.

I for one, would be more apt to "donate" $20 if I KNEW that that would be taken off my registration fee, etc.

Maybe we should just do away w/ San Diego and VA altogether...and start fresh Oh boy...wouldn't that be something.....OR maybe it just might be better!

My understanding is the $20 goes towards your registration, but if you can't attend, then it will go towards a Yorkie rescue. That's the way I'm reading it.