2009 Annual Yorkie Talk Meet-up Location Poll

[mistyinca]

It really is kind of sad to see a lot of people complain about how much it would cost if it were "here" rather than if it were "there". I live in Southern California, and I (as well as many others) flew from here to KC. I paid 350 for my flight. That is a lot to me, but if you're going to be driving 8 hours, at 4.65 a gallon, you're going to be spending $260 round trip anyway, so you're not going to be saving much by having it on your coast, unless it is practically in your own home town. The meetup IS going to cost money, and it will take time. That is all there is to it.

The committee put a lot, and I mean A LOT of time and effort into putting the KC meetup on, and it will be a lot of work for the next one no matter where it is. Since YTers are scattered ALL OVER THE US, how much more fair can it be than to have it centrally located one year, on one coast the next, and on the opposite coast the one after that???!!!! You can't get any more fair than that.

I am amazed at how much whining is going on in this thread. If you can't make it to the meetup if it is in a certain location, that is understandable, but it is sad to see what should be a positive exciting thread (I'm excited about the next meetup!) turn into this. Sure, I'd like it if it is in Southern California this year, but I'll most likely still go no matter where it is. Flight prices change every day. If it is on the east coast somewhere, I'll just watch the flight prices and snag it when the price is right.

We've got a whole year to do that!

I'm sorry if anything I've said in this post upsets anyone, but it is disheartening to see people carry on about how "if it is held in ______ city, I won't be able to go; let's have another vote." So instead of sulking if it isn't where you want it to be, try to have a positive outlook and price out flights and such and see if you can make it work. I know I've already been looking at flights to GA and VA, and flights that are $600 today may be $300 tomorrow.

Just keep an open mind and realize this will be a fun and exciting event--no matter where it is held.

[Sukoshis Gma]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

The YT Meetup Committee has their work cut out for them. They will never be able to please everyone. Let's applaud them for taking this on.

THANK YOU to all of you involved.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by Sukoshis Gma

THANK YOU to all of you involved.

I agree! Thank you!

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

It really is kind of sad to see a lot of people complain about how much it would cost if it were "here" rather than if it were "there". I live in Southern California, and I (as well as many others) flew from here to KC. I paid 350 for my flight. That is a lot to me, but if you're going to be driving 8 hours, at 4.65 a gallon, you're going to be spending $260 round trip anyway, so you're not going to be saving much by having it on your coast, unless it is practically in your own home town. The meetup IS going to cost money, and it will take time. That is all there is to it.

The committee put a lot, and I mean A LOT of time and effort into putting the KC meetup on, and it will be a lot of work for the next one no matter where it is. Since YTers are scattered ALL OVER THE US, how much more fair can it be than to have it centrally located one year, on one coast the next, and on the opposite coast the one after that???!!!! You can't get any more fair than that.

I am amazed at how much whining is going on in this thread. If you can't make it to the meetup if it is in a certain location, that is understandable, but it is sad to see what should be a positive exciting thread (I'm excited about the next meetup!) turn into this. Sure, I'd like it if it is in Southern California this year, but I'll most likely still go no matter where it is. Flight prices change every day. If it is on the east coast somewhere, I'll just watch the flight prices and snag it when the price is right.

We've got a whole year to do that!

I'm sorry if anything I've said in this post upsets anyone, but it is disheartening to see people carry on about how "if it is held in ______ city, I won't be able to go; let's have another vote." So instead of sulking if it isn't where you want it to be, try to have a positive outlook and price out flights and such and see if you can make it work. I know I've already been looking at flights to GA and VA, and flights that are $600 today may be $300 tomorrow.

Just keep an open mind and realize this will be a fun and exciting event--no matter where it is held.

Thank you for putting this in perspective! You said this very well.

And I know I was the one that asked if there would be a run-off between the top cities. I only asked because I could also see a disparity between the numbers for the 2 coasts. I'm sorry if my question has upset you or others. Because for me, it doesn't matter where it is, I'll need to fly to either coast. I was more concerned about what turn out would look like.

[KathyinCali]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

It really is kind of sad to see a lot of people complain about how much it would cost if it were "here" rather than if it were "there". I live in Southern California, and I (as well as many others) flew from here to KC. I paid 350 for my flight. That is a lot to me, but if you're going to be driving 8 hours, at 4.65 a gallon, you're going to be spending $260 round trip anyway, so you're not going to be saving much by having it on your coast, unless it is practically in your own home town. The meetup IS going to cost money, and it will take time. That is all there is to it.

The committee put a lot, and I mean A LOT of time and effort into putting the KC meetup on, and it will be a lot of work for the next one no matter where it is. Since YTers are scattered ALL OVER THE US, how much more fair can it be than to have it centrally located one year, on one coast the next, and on the opposite coast the one after that???!!!! You can't get any more fair than that.

I am amazed at how much whining is going on in this thread. If you can't make it to the meetup if it is in a certain location, that is understandable, but it is sad to see what should be a positive exciting thread (I'm excited about the next meetup!) turn into this. Sure, I'd like it if it is in Southern California this year, but I'll most likely still go no matter where it is. Flight prices change every day. If it is on the east coast somewhere, I'll just watch the flight prices and snag it when the price is right.

We've got a whole year to do that!

I'm sorry if anything I've said in this post upsets anyone, but it is disheartening to see people carry on about how "if it is held in ______ city, I won't be able to go; let's have another vote." So instead of sulking if it isn't where you want it to be, try to have a positive outlook and price out flights and such and see if you can make it work. I know I've already been looking at flights to GA and VA, and flights that are $600 today may be $300 tomorrow.

Just keep an open mind and realize this will be a fun and exciting event--no matter where it is held.

Well said.

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by Shanatink

Why is it east or west coast? Did I miss something? I guess I need to go read all the post as Im sure this has already been answered

Originally Posted by Tnyorkiemom

it was decided at the KC meet up

To officially set the record straight...it was NOT decided at the KC meet-up that the next meet-ups would be on the coasts. In order to select the location for the first annual meet-up, the original meet-up committee began a poll asking East coast, West coast, or Midwest. Midwest won the vote, but it was set forth at that time that in order to make it most fair to everyone, we would have the first meet-up in the Midwest (as the poll dictated), and then it would be on one coast in 2009, followed by the other coast iin 2010. It would return to the Midwest in 2011 and continue in a rotating fashion every three years, so that everyone had a chance to attend at least once every 3 years. This was understood at the time that poll took place back in 2007, and it is our intent to continue in this fashion, as it seems most fair to everyone. If "your" coast is not selected for 2009, it WILL be the chosen coast for 2010.

As for everyone asking about whether or not there will be additional polls to decide the final location, we are hearing everyone's responses, and we will decide what seems like the most fair way to handle the selection process. I CAN tell you that if we have additional polls to determine the winner, we will be charging a fee to vote, which will go toward your registration price if you opt to register. If you decide not to register, you will forfeit that money. I know some of you will not like that idea, but that will tell us who is serious about attending. There are many of us like myself who will attend no matter where the meet-up is held. If you are only able to go if it's on "your coast", then you will just have to remind yourself that if it's not on "your coast" this year, then it will be next year .

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by FL Tink

So does that mean if it is in San Diego in 2009 that it would automatically be on the east coast in 2010??

YES!!!

[mypreciouspups]

Originally Posted by Sukoshi's Mom

To officially set the record straight...it was NOT decided at the KC meet-up that the next meet-ups would be on the coasts. In order to select the location for the first annual meet-up, the original meet-up committee began a poll asking East coast, West coast, or Midwest. Midwest won the vote, but it was set forth at that time that in order to make it most fair to everyone, we would have the first meet-up in the Midwest (as the poll dictated), and then it would be on one coast in 2009, followed by the other coast iin 2010. It would return to the Midwest in 2011 and continue in a rotating fashion every three years, so that everyone had a chance to attend at least once every 3 years. This was understood at the time that poll took place back in 2007, and it is our intent to continue in this fashion, as it seems most fair to everyone. If "your" coast is not selected for 2009, it WILL be the chosen coast for 2010.

As for everyone asking about whether or not there will be additional polls to decide the final location, we are hearing everyone's responses, and we will decide what seems like the most fair way to handle the selection process. I CAN tell you that if we have additional polls to determine the winner, we will be charging a fee to vote, which will go toward your registration price if you opt to register. If you decide not to register, you will forfeit that money. I know some of you will not like that idea, but that will tell us who is serious about attending. There are many of us like myself who will attend no matter where the meet-up is held. If you are only able to go if it's on "your coast", then you will just have to remind yourself that if it's not on "your coast" this year, then it will be next year .

why do you not just get together with the committee and say this year it is here.. and leave it at that.. if your going to rotate then it really does not matter does it..it is either I can go or I cannot go.. those people already have it on their minds if it is a certain place they will attend..then there is no one getting upset.. the first was set and the plans were as you said.. it would make sense to me to just put places in a hat and draw.. and stand by it..for this is a lot of pressure on those on the committee... not everyone will be happy no matter which way you slice it...
For me.. if they were in the warm places and held in the winter.. I would not care where it is.. we would take the motorhome and go.. our only problem is that we do go south for the winter and we are only allowed to be out of the country for 180 days..it is the law here..If I could I would stay in the states all year round..so with me it is not about the money as it is about the times.. and if I go to a western meetup.. I would want to be able to go for longer and see what I could see.. I have never been west of texas... I love to travel..anne

[MissPinkBarbie]

I agree with Misty! I too, would prefer it too be closer [east coast] but if Cali gets chosen, I'll still make an effort to go!

And flight prices totally changes drastically throughout certain months, etc (esp mondays and tuesdays )

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Sukoshi's Mom

To officially set the record straight...it was NOT decided at the KC meet-up that the next meet-ups would be on the coasts. In order to select the location for the first annual meet-up, the original meet-up committee began a poll asking East coast, West coast, or Midwest. Midwest won the vote, but it was set forth at that time that in order to make it most fair to everyone, we would have the first meet-up in the Midwest (as the poll dictated), and then it would be on one coast in 2009, followed by the other coast iin 2010. It would return to the Midwest in 2011 and continue in a rotating fashion every three years, so that everyone had a chance to attend at least once every 3 years. This was understood at the time that poll took place back in 2007, and it is our intent to continue in this fashion, as it seems most fair to everyone. If "your" coast is not selected for 2009, it WILL be the chosen coast for 2010.

As for everyone asking about whether or not there will be additional polls to decide the final location, we are hearing everyone's responses, and we will decide what seems like the most fair way to handle the selection process. I CAN tell you that if we have additional polls to determine the winner, we will be charging a fee to vote, which will go toward your registration price if you opt to register. If you decide not to register, you will forfeit that money. I know some of you will not like that idea, but that will tell us who is serious about attending. There are many of us like myself who will attend no matter where the meet-up is held. If you are only able to go if it's on "your coast", then you will just have to remind yourself that if it's not on "your coast" this year, then it will be next year .

i see what you are saying about charging... but let's say i pay.. and choose where i want it... if the area that is chosen is too far for me to travel i can't go even though i DID pay my money to say where i want it... so i'm not sure that charging for the final vote will give you accurate numbers.

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

It really is kind of sad to see a lot of people complain about how much it would cost if it were "here" rather than if it were "there". I live in Southern California, and I (as well as many others) flew from here to KC. I paid 350 for my flight. That is a lot to me, but if you're going to be driving 8 hours, at 4.65 a gallon, you're going to be spending $260 round trip anyway, so you're not going to be saving much by having it on your coast, unless it is practically in your own home town. The meetup IS going to cost money, and it will take time. That is all there is to it.

The committee put a lot, and I mean A LOT of time and effort into putting the KC meetup on, and it will be a lot of work for the next one no matter where it is. Since YTers are scattered ALL OVER THE US, how much more fair can it be than to have it centrally located one year, on one coast the next, and on the opposite coast the one after that???!!!! You can't get any more fair than that.

I am amazed at how much whining is going on in this thread. If you can't make it to the meetup if it is in a certain location, that is understandable, but it is sad to see what should be a positive exciting thread (I'm excited about the next meetup!) turn into this. Sure, I'd like it if it is in Southern California this year, but I'll most likely still go no matter where it is. Flight prices change every day. If it is on the east coast somewhere, I'll just watch the flight prices and snag it when the price is right.

We've got a whole year to do that!

I'm sorry if anything I've said in this post upsets anyone, but it is disheartening to see people carry on about how "if it is held in ______ city, I won't be able to go; let's have another vote." So instead of sulking if it isn't where you want it to be, try to have a positive outlook and price out flights and such and see if you can make it work. I know I've already been looking at flights to GA and VA, and flights that are $600 today may be $300 tomorrow.

Just keep an open mind and realize this will be a fun and exciting event--no matter where it is held.

You make many good points Misty .

And one thing I don't understand...I'm hearing all these responses that if it's on the West coast, people on the East coast can't come because of x, y, or z. Doesn't everyone realize the same x, y, and z factors are true for those on the West coast if the chosen location is on the East coast (distance, pricing, flight time, etc.)? Any of us on the coasts will have the same issues of getting from one coast to the other, yet some are willing and able to make it work, and some aren't. If you are one who isn't willing or able to make it work and look at it in a positive manner, then just remind yourself that it will get to your coast eventually (2009 or 2010), and please stop complaining about it. You are NOT the only one who faces these issues!

KC wasn't next door for most of us either, but we made it work. Look at the count of how many YTers attended from each state:

Arkansas - 1
Illinois - 1
Kentucky - 1
Michigan - 1
Missouri - 1 (The meet-up was held IN Missouri)
New Jersey - 1
North Carolina - 1
Ohio - 1
Oklahoma - 1
Washington - 1
Iowa - 2
Nebraska - 2
Kansas - 3
Texas - 5
California - 7

1 person from MO went, while 7 people from CA went!

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

i see what you are saying about charging... but let's say i pay.. and choose where i want it... if the area that is chosen is too far for me to travel i can't go even though i DID pay my money to say where i want it... so i'm not sure that charging for the final vote will give you accurate numbers.

The idea behind charging for the vote is that only those serious about attending the meet-up NO MATTER WHERE IT'S HELD will be the ones voting. They won't be afraid about losing their vote money, because they know it will go toward their registration when the final city is selected - no matter what city wins the vote. Those are the members who will make the meet-up successful year after year after year, and I can only hope there are a lot of you like that out there, as I'd love to meet each and every one of you ! For those people, it won't matter if their selected city wins or not, as it's ultimately about getting together with our YT friends so we can meet each other in person, no matter what city we're in while we're doing it !!!

Money is a concern for all of us, and I definitely understand that it's pricey to fly or drive anywhere these days, but as Misty pointed out, airfare fluctuates daily, and the cost won't ultimately fluctuate that much whether it's on one coast or the other. We already eliminated the cities that seemed cost prohibitive (i.e. San Francisco, New York, etc.), as we know money is a major issue for everyone! Hopefully you can join us no matter which city is ultimately selected !

[chachi]

I would be willing to pay to vote in the next poll. That seems fair to ask. We will be flying anyway so it really doesnt matter what coast it is. I have already checked flight rates and I found an airline charging $208 for a flight from Indy to San Diego. Now thats not bad at all. Whatever the committee decides about voting will be okay with me

[KathyinCali]

The idea behind charging for the vote is that only those serious about attending the meet-up NO MATTER WHERE IT'S HELD will be the ones voting. They won't be afraid about losing their vote money, because they know it will go toward their registration when the final city is selected - no matter what city wins the vote.

Perfect reasoning IMO... It really does come down to in the end those who are going to make it work no matter what the location.

[2blkcatsmom]

it looks like most people came from ca so i think it would be nice if they had it close to there home . i know i am shooting my self in the foot by saying that since i live in nc and for me it would be cheaper and easy to have it on the east but since most ly fare the people of that state get to have it there this year .