Update on Teams [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

windwalker

01-19-2009, 06:26 AM

Since there is some discussion about whether the teams are good for the WISH site I have asked the moderators to make a ruling on whether or not to continue the teams for this year. I don't want to do anything that would not be positive and beneficial for the WISH.

In addition I'm going to have to bow out of being the team coordinator. It needs to be someone with computer skills who can control the tally sheets and make the needed changes. Scott and a few others were a huge help but it would flow smoother if the coordinator already had the skills.

Anyone interested in taking this over if the decission is made to do so please contact Lily and let her know. I will of course help in anyway I can.

I want to thank all the team captains who did a wonderful job last year keeping their teams motivated and all the members who helped each other over the rough spots.

I will continue to be a member of WISH and continue to help in anyway I can, I just think a more skilled IT person could do a lot better job as team coordinator then me.

Dave

Villains_Rock

01-19-2009, 06:31 AM

Dave...just so you know you did a wonderful job and on behalf of Hakuna Matata and WISH I want to say THANK YOU!!!!!
:cheer2:

princessrunner

01-19-2009, 06:53 AM

Dave, I agree whole-heartedly with Eva. I feel that the teams were a great idea and all who participated seemed to enjoy the smaller forum for support and encouragement. It was also a good place for newbies to get to know some of us and get more comfortable on the larger threads.

I, for one, have a very difficult time with the large threads. I have limited time to post and/or read and it takes too long to catch up and then I have no time to post. I like the smaller forums but I seem to be more in the minority.

Thank you for all your very dedicated and hard work last year. You made the team concept work for all of us and, most importantly, you made it fun!!! ::yes::

Steffwalks

01-19-2009, 07:04 AM

I agree with Lisa and Eva! LOL The longer threads can be really fun, but I don't have the kinda time it takes to keep up with them. I can choose to look at other topics this way!

chimera

01-19-2009, 07:22 AM

Dave,

I think the Miles and Minutes game was a fine idea and very successful, as is evidenced by the number of people who joined and now hope to continue hanging out with their respective team members. There are a couple hundred WISH team members now. You're just not going to please everyone and that's okay. Everyone has different likes and what works for one, may not work for the next.

I think the team game was a great way to make WISH more manageable. A lot of folks found the Pop meet a bit overwhelming (myself included...I'm not good with crowds) when seeing the team en masse. It was nice to have a smaller group of people that you knew well from the team game to talk to and get more comfy in such a large group.

We talked a lot last year about dealing with our explosive growth and keeping WISH as a place where anyone and everyone can come in and be an athlete, regardless of innate ability. I don't know that we've found a good answer yet. The one thing I find extremely sad and upsetting is the animosity that seems to have sprung up with some folks active on this site and others. I believe we're all working toward the same goal of helping people to be more active and achieve those bucket list goals. I'm hoping all teams, on this site and throughout the 'net can work together instead of turning into a Bloods v Crips thing.

SamSam

01-19-2009, 07:59 AM

I agree with all of the above. I really enjoy our small teams, as I find myself overwhelmed by the long weekly main thread.
Dave, I thought you did a great job of keepiing the weekly teams going.

Whatever the decision is, the WISH team is a great place for support and encouragement.

ironz

01-19-2009, 08:40 AM

I like the smaller teams within the large overall WISH group, too, as I have a lot of trouble keeping up with the large weekly thread.

Is there *really* animosity between teams? I know I joke around about beating the Rabbits, but that is all in fun, and friendly competition. Just "trash talk," if you will. :goodvibes In all fairness, it's an acknowledgement that they did better than us, and we (some of the DDD's) hope to emulate their hard work!

Windwalker...thanks for everything! It was really fun and I feel like I made some good friends! I'm not tech-savvy, so really couldn't help out on that end of it. I hope someone will want to, though.

chimera

01-19-2009, 09:12 AM

Is there *really* animosity between teams? I know I joke around about beating the Rabbits, but that is all in fun, and friendly competition. Just "trash talk," if you will. :goodvibes In all fairness, it's an acknowledgement that they did better than us, and we (some of the DDD's) hope to emulate their hard work!

Sorry, poor choice of words on my part. Not within the small teams here, but rather the large, global teams here and on other sites. There's an undercurrent of us vs them now that makes me sad. I don't want to rehash old stuff, but I hope we can put these feelings behind us for the new year and have all the teams in all the colors working together toward 2010.

Cruella de mom

01-19-2009, 09:12 AM

Dave - thank you. I loved being part of a team. It motivated me when training got hard. I think it was a great idea and I think it serves a great purpose. I hope that we continue it. You are such an inspiration to the entire board. thank you.

Cecilia

hockeygirl

01-19-2009, 10:25 AM

Wow, I never even thought there was any animosity amongst the teams, so I must have totally missed that. Honestly, I never even knew how many miles the other teams had unless someone on our board mentioned where we were in the standings, and honestly I could care less about that! For me, it was just about having a smaller group to bond with.

I hope the teams stick around, even if we don't count miles, but just to have a smaller group to chat with.

At any rate...Dave..THANK YOU for putting this all together, I can only imagine what it took. YOU ROCK!!

windwalker

01-19-2009, 10:28 AM

Sorry, poor choice of words on my part. Not within the small teams here, but rather the large, global teams here and on other sites. There's an undercurrent of us vs them now that makes me sad. I don't want to rehash old stuff, but I hope we can put these feelings behind us for the new year and have all the teams in all the colors working together toward 2010.

((((((((((((((((Mel))))))))))))))

We saw the real spirt of what we are about at the marathon weekend. I saw WISHers supporting DisneyRunning members and DisneyRunning members supporting WISHers. I stayed in the back and made sure some of both had the encouragement they needed to continue.

I saw that angel Anne and her fellow angels passing out goodies and cold cloths to both. We have had some rough spots in the past but that doesn't mean that we aren't brothers and sisters of the same cause and with a mutual love of the Mouse and the goodness it stands for.

I personally intend to remain an active member of WISH and support my fellow WISHers and also to be an active member of DisneyRunning. I have no fear of the groups growing larger and larger because that means our message is getting out there. We are all beacons in the darkness that will draw people who decide it's time to live healthy.

Group hug to all who love the mouse and believe in better living through a strong healthy mind in a strong healthy body.:grouphug:

Dave:wave2:

goofyinohio

01-19-2009, 11:37 AM

Personally I like having a smaller team to talk to as well as the Overall WISH team. I just feel it gives us a place to ask questions within our smaller group or take your questions elsewhere if needed. We had some new Wishers on Buzz's Brigade and it really gave them a chance to see what WISH was all about and not have them feel overwhelmed by how huge WISH has become. Some people just don't like numbers and I get that, but I don't think the smaller teams need to be about numbers it's just a small component of it all.

I was at the Pop meet and being around for a couple years now I felt overwhelmed by it all. It's great though because there are so many of us out there no matter your weight, age, etc we are all one.

I couldn't wear my Wish visor because of the sun (I cut my hair really short) during the goofy challenge, but got nothing but support from both the DR team and the WISH team. I didn't know there was a problem between the two if there is one, but everyone was so supportive in both races even though they had no idea I was a member of both and have been a Wisher for years.

WDWFAN9

01-19-2009, 05:08 PM

Ok, just jumping in to encourage everyone to feel welcomed and part of the team at our WISH meets. I too am pretty darn shy and not good with crowds in real life, however this year I decided to make more of an effort to talk to people I didn't know - and guess what?? It didn't kill me! A little scary maybe, but I got to meet some really neat people - like Bubba73, just to mention one. By just being part of the WISH team we have something in common and something to share. Thanks to each and everyone one of you for your stories, your support, and your encouragement:grouphug:

windwalker

01-19-2009, 05:10 PM

Tiger Lily 03

01-19-2009, 05:38 PM

It looks like we are all feeling the love and in need of someone to coordinate our smaller teams. If there is someone who would like to take on he assignment that would be fantastic.

If we don't use the Google site to accumulate our mileage, perhaps we can do it individually and just use the smaller teams to have someone (team captain in the first post) list those totals by team? We could list monthly reports, or however we want to decide.

We would need an overall coordinator to assign new people who might be interested in joining in on all the fun.

Any other operational thoughts. We want to get started soon I'm sure.

MomofCKJ

01-19-2009, 05:45 PM

bubba73

01-19-2009, 06:49 PM

Dave First and foremost, YOU ROCK!!! I don't know if the idea of the teams were just your baby or what but it has been one of the greatest things ever for me! I have been able to reach new physical heights than I ever thought was possible. I completed my first half and I am the guy who used to take 2 hours to go less than 5 miles. And even more importantly, I have made some new and wonderful friends, not only on my teams but on several teams. Before hand, I never even came onto the Events thread because it wasn't something that I was interested in doing. Now, I think some of you wish I would shut-up. (Not bad for a guy who really is pretty shy in person, huh?) I will always say you did a wonderful job in execution of all of this. Lord knows it couldn't have always been easy.

As far as the teams go, I love the idea. I sometimes wonder if I really have anything to say that will contribute to some of the other threads but this outlet has been able to give me a voice. And yes, I am too one of the ones that joke around about wanting to be #1 but I was also one of the ones that went onto the Rabbit's thread and congratulated them on their incredible accomplishment. I am competitive but when you are beat, you're beat. I thought all of the teams did wonderful. It may have been more than some wanted to put into but it is a great concept.

Thank you all very much for what this has meant to me!!

Bryan:grouphug:

SAHDad

01-20-2009, 06:57 AM

I am still new to the boards, but I think the smaller teams have a purpose, and would like to see them continue. I'd also like to join a team, if any will have me.

dsnyfan21

01-20-2009, 07:19 AM

Dave: BUddy, I think you did a wonderful job with the teams. Like someone said before you can't make everyone happy! Some like the smaller teams and some don't. They won't know until they try it.
I THINK YOU SHOULD STILL be the organizers of the teams - just making sure the teams are equal with members and that kind of thing. Other than that maybe someone else could do the mileage and stuff.
I think having a thread where the monthly totals are posted is a good idea - someone else mentioned this and I can't think of who it is. About half of our team is still posting and we decided to help out Captain Carrie from time to time with keeping track of peoples totals. Taking turns I think also helps with keeping it from being overwhelming.
I also think that the teams posting results for each month on a certain thread would be good. I like the idea of posting MONTHLY totals. I am currently doing the totals for the Warriors and would like to do just a monthly thing and not keeping track of the weekly thing.

Just my thoughts...

GO Warriors...

Tracy

hoosmi

01-20-2009, 07:59 AM

I really had no motivation after doing the Goofy last year. I was slightly injured and found out I was pregnant. Everyone at home assumed I'd stop running- I have to admit I was really tempted! I did slow down, but I loved having a team so that I could make myself go out and get a few miles logged. So, for me, the teams were fabulous.

Having said that, I found I stopped reading the main weekly board as much and rarely posted. Then when it came time for marathon weekend, I felt weird at the start of the half and didn't really want to approach the group. (I also had my mom to tend to who was in that crazy nervous and excited first time half mode...) I felt silly, but I'd kind of lost track of the group as a whole.

Anyway, my personal solution is that I've decided I'm going to make an effort to post on the weekly board at least every couple of days and just try to keep up with things, while also checking on my team and any other threads relevant to me...

I do think Dave and the leaders did a great job!

Jen in GA

smileyk8

01-20-2009, 02:01 PM

I totally agree with the above- Dave you're an absolute star and i have loved every minute of being a warrior. I really hope you stay massively involved as it was partly your baby. I am more than happy to post monthly totals to make it easier to manage as long as i get to harrass my little warriors with what i'm upto!

lenshanem

01-20-2009, 03:56 PM

windwalker

01-20-2009, 05:13 PM

I have to agree with Allyson, our team really never took off. I felt left out this year, the WISH was almost broken up into cliques. I even kinda felt that way at the WISH Pop meet, like everyone was broken up into their groups and I felt kinda lost. Sorry, I know I'm being a real drag and I apologize - I don't mean any ill feelings at all. I love that the WISH forum is here.

I'm so very sorry you had such a bad experience with the teams, it's stories like yours that tells me I failed and why I think someone else could a better job. I didn't ever intend to cause anyone to feel left out my intention was just the opposite, I wanted for everyone to feel they had a home.

Dave

laxdef69

01-20-2009, 05:17 PM

You didn't fail; I felt welcomed by my team and by most of the rest of the disers.

Thank you for the time and effort you put in!

Mike

dsnyfan21

01-20-2009, 05:20 PM

windwalker

01-20-2009, 05:36 PM

Dave?? DId you read most of the other posts.....hello??? I don't think you failed and if you read the other posts it just goes to show you. Not everyone will enjoy the same things.

I think about 99% of the people on all of the teams would agree with me. Please don't step down totally out of this. That will be a killer of all of the teams and I think that would be even more of a disappointment!!

Caring Tracy

Tracy, Mike, thank you. Yes I read the other responses, but yes I take each persons feelings personally. Heck you know how I feel about you guys. I'll talk to Lily about it and see what we can come up with.

Dave

lenshanem

01-20-2009, 05:39 PM

Dave, you didn't fail. It is obvious just from this thread that many really enjoyed their groups. Our group just didn't take off. I really didn't intend to make you feel bad, I know you put alot of work into this and you were an inspiration to us all. I think many people would be upset if you backed out of this, I know alot of people got to really depend on their teams. Like Allyson said if anyone from our team wants to be put on another team I think that would be fine. Our team basically is non-active. My only wish is that people would drop into the weekly thread from time to time so we know they're still here. I think people got comfortable with their little groups and thus didn't venture on the other threads as much anymore. Dave, really I'm sorry! Please don't take me the wrong way. My experience was not the majority - you did a great job. :hug:

ms.mightyduck

01-20-2009, 05:42 PM

Dave, please don't feel badly--there isn't an easy way to balance the big group-small group dynamic. We all know you love us. :):flower3:

3DisneyKids

01-20-2009, 07:03 PM

Another vote for the smaller teams. It made all the difference for me.

bubba73

01-20-2009, 08:59 PM

Dave This is a Disney site so I feel very secure in quoting from a song from The Lion King, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?". Trust me when I say you didn't fail us. You don't have to look any further than me to see that. I have never been a runner or a walker. I have never once thought about doing any races. I have never been a true member of the WISH at all until the teams came about. I didn't know who Dave, Tracy, Debra, Betsy or anybody else was. It took me almost a month to figure out where to go to post my miles and time because I had never seen this portion of the boards. Now, I have completed 3 races and preparing for my 4th. I have a ton of people that I feel like I can talk too about anything that is going on and truly call my friends. And I have a tendency to talk more than some of you want to read. (If only I could have had this voice at the meet. It really hurts being deaf in one ear.) Nobody has a gift for everything but you do have a very special gift. A gift that shouldn't be taken lightly. Your gift is that you care and that is one thing that we all need. No matter what. You will always be our leader of the pack!

Be strong O Wise Panda!!!
Bryan

funwalker

01-20-2009, 09:53 PM

Dave, a huge thanks for all the time & effort you put into the TEAMS!

Another Vote for the smaller Teams. I love our Team- they are a great group of people in the bigger WISH Group. They make us feel welcome, they encourage, and motivate us as individuals which is very difficult to do with the larger group.

lenshanem- I think this is normal - I did not know many people only had met a few in person. I did not feel comfortable just going up to others in the 'Bigger Group' meeting, but did talk to several WISHers that I met at the Expo or the Parks. But I know it is me, my personality, and not that they didn't want to include me. I felt left out this year, the WISH was almost broken up into cliques. I even kinda felt that way at the WISH Pop meet, like everyone was broken up into their groups and I felt kinda lost. :grouphug:

windwalker

01-21-2009, 05:33 AM

:upsidedow Ok, if it's ok with Lily, I'll get the teams going again next monday. I have to work some 12 hr shifts till then. I do want to make it simplier and I have a couple of people who have offered to help with the work. I have some ideas on how to make it go smoother and keep it more better good for everyone.

Thanks for the support and kind words.

Byran sometimes it just takes a while to realize that there is more to you than you ever imagined. You are changed forever now.

Margie, you are a ray of sunshine, I've known you for years and find you very deep and wonderful. I know several wishers who think of you as a best bud, not just on the team either.

Tracy Darlin, you are a force of nature, I really enjoyed meeting you, yes we will someday race competitively together. Maybe in 20 years or so when you turn 50 we can do a Senior Olympics together.

Dave:wave2:

TnTsParty

01-21-2009, 06:08 AM

I am glad the vote was to keep the groups. I for one am kinda shy when I meet people in person. I wasnt able to go to the POP meet or the meet at the bakery on Monday (we were on our way to check into POP from the Dolphin - and I was moving a little slowly) I also am one who doesn't wear the WISH colors (although I am thinking about changing that because I remember how much "support" I felt during the Minnie 15k when I did wear my WISH shirt. I just have comfort issues with the shirt riding up.

Before the Marathon I was brave enough to go up to a group of WISHers I saw. I was glad I was able to sit in the corral with Lisa before the start - even though I don't know if we have ever "met" each other on the board we felt a sort of "team" since we were both WISHers - it didn't matter if I was on the Triple D team or the Ohana team etc. We are ALL part of the bigger, friendly WISH team and I think that shows through at the races to not only WISHers but to non-WISHers and that is why every year after the marathon we gain more members - because we are a caring, friendly group with lots of experienced people here.

The smaller teams I think was a way to keep track of the miles easier then if we had just one main spreadsheet for everyone. That seems like it would take forever to update. I do think maybe the teams should report monthly totals since toward the end I was only making it on that thread every month or so. I have to admit I was one who slacked on posting on the small team thread. I did not slack on getting them in (well maybe a little) but I had in the back of my head that I had to get these miles in (mostly because of the marathon but also so I had something to report to my team)

Dave I think what you have done in setting up the teams and keeping us all motivated is AWESOME :cheer2: I would have never thought I would be able to do as many miles as I did last year without having the team tracking it. I was astonished at how many miles and time I put into it and it felt good at the end of the year. I have only been running a 1 1/2 years and in that time I have done 11 5ks, 1 13k, 1 15k, 1 1/2 and a full - and I can say everyone here on the WISH has helped me through them. So I say thank you and I am looking forward to starting a new year's milage!!

wtpclc

01-21-2009, 12:53 PM

Finally digging myself out and getting back here.

Got to admit, I had mixed feelings about the teams at the start last year. I think the teams were great, though!!!!! Thank you Dave!!!!

I am sorry that some did not work out. Maybe if members feel there team is not moving, they can ask to be reassigned? COmming in late, you get a bigger welcome than if you started with a team. ;)

ironz

01-21-2009, 02:12 PM

Dave, you rock!! :thumbsup2
Thanks so much for all you have done for us.

I'm sort of brainstorming here....I feel, and am seeing some posts that go along with it, that the overall large WISH team may be a bit intimidating...either in person (at a meet) or on the boards. So for a lot of us, the small teams are a way to get to know a few people more closely and then sort of 'integrate' into the overall WISH group.

So maybe, at least at the in person meet next year, we can come up with something where...say..... (like I said, I'm sort of brainstorming here)....at the meet, we meet up with our smaller teams, and then, maybe pair two teams up to meet each other (say, the DDDs and Ohanas)...and so on....so people can meet a few people at first, and then get oriented to more people in smaller chunks.
I do know for myself, if I came upon the Pop Century meet, and didn't recognize someone right off in the large group, I may just walk back away, out of shyness.

At least I would recognize Big Vic...since I nearly accosted him at the marathon last year, from recognizing him by his pic! And probably I would recognize my new friend Bryan by now.

Let's ponder this....I can help and we can do some sort of "team-building" something next January. Will see what I/we can come up with on the boards, too...

Big Vic

01-21-2009, 02:41 PM

At least I would recognize Big Vic...since I nearly accosted him at the marathon last year, from recognizing him by his pic!

You can accost me anytime, Betsy. :thumbsup2

Dave, the teams were a great idea, and you did a terrific job with them. If the Triple D's will have me, I'd love to come back as a team member.

escape

01-21-2009, 03:38 PM

Yea Dave! I'm soooooo glad you are sticking with the teams!!!! :cool1: :thumbsup2 It really wouldn't be the same with out you. :grouphug:

MouseDogMom

01-21-2009, 04:10 PM

Dave - While I echo many of Shan's sentiments, in NO WAY should you feel that you failed in any way. Whether some teams were a huge success, or others were not, was simply a function of group dynamics. Not every team was comprised of members who were as chatty as others, and I think the long time WISHers who were on those teams may be the ones who ended up feeling left out and unhappy with the team structure. None of that was anyone's fault, especially yours. You did a great job keeping it organized and adding new members as they came along, which was no small feat. You are to be commended for handling it in 2008 and tackling it again in 2009!

Jackie

zalansky

01-21-2009, 04:38 PM

Make sure us newbies are included on the teams please! I need all the help I can get. :thumbsup2

blizzard

01-21-2009, 04:43 PM

Just throwing out a couple of ideas, but...

Since the focus really isn't on "winning", maybe mix up the teams at the 6 month mark so that people get to know others than just those on their January team.

Don't worry so much about keeping the teams even in miles numbers as much as keeping the teams even in people. (I'm not sure to what extent you were trying to keep things evened up by miles, maybe not at all)

Maybe have fewer teams with a few more people on each. Say have 20 or 25 people to a team, so that we get to meet more people and there might be a little more discussion

I wish there was a way to even out the miles more between activities. We had a couple of serious bikers on our team, which skewed the miles up. I almost felt like I wasn't an important contributor when I was doing 15 miles per week and the bikers were over a hundred. Maybe consider handicapping activities?

Just some ideas to ponder. Others may see things differently. I wasn't going to join a group again this year, but am now rethinking that with the changes already coming.

deekaypee

01-21-2009, 06:35 PM

Dave, I'm late to the input party. Sorry about that. But I thought you might like to hear that many members in Ohana have decided to stick together in 2009, regardless of whether a team challenge emerged this year.

Perhaps Ohana was lucky. We found a good mix of people. Sure, we lost some members, and some people were more active than others (um, some of us are excessively talkative *cough, cough*). And I'm not sure we were ever really that competitive with the miles/minutes. But we sure loved reporting our successes and challenges to, and hearing from, each other! So even though I can't speak for everyone, I feel the smaller teams offered many of us the accountability and encouragement we needed to pursue our individual fitness goals.

Anyway, Ohana's still a "team" and always open to new cousins. (Whether or not those cousins are officially Ohana. Just drop on by!) :thumbsup2

Tiger Lily 03

01-21-2009, 06:49 PM

...Ok, if it's ok with Lily, I'll get the teams going again next monday. I have to work some 12 hr shifts till then. I do want to make it simplier and I have a couple of people who have offered to help with the work. I have some ideas on how to make it go smoother and keep it more better good for everyone.

Thanks for the support and kind words.

Dave:wave2:The beauty of our place is that it is not up to me.

I know that we can't make everyone happy, but we can all make things work as best as we can. With all those interested in being on a smaller team, and those willing to take on the task of helping to make it work I know it can be done!

I'm glad to hear, Dave, that you are willing to continue with the great task of getting things started. You are a big force here. I know it is not easy to manage with your time constraints and all. I'm glad that there are several who will be helping things along.

I'm thrilled to be of service where I can.

bubba73

01-21-2009, 07:45 PM

There are several great ideas out there being posted on ways to make the teams better. I think we have done the most important 2. 1) We still have Dave!!! 2) We are breaking thru the team lines more and more. Call me crazy but I feel like these 2 items were essential to our success.

I don't know if I like the idea of jumbling the teams up after 6 months or not. I think that could be counterproductive for several members of different teams. I do like what Debra said about "Cousins" coming over to visit. I know last year I had one main goal in the team competition. I wanted to be in the top 3 in total distance done. Not a small task with all of these phenominal athletes that we have here. But at the same time, I wasn't going to loose sight of what others were doing. When I saw that there were some other players ahead of me, I sent them a PM congratulating them on their success. I like that suggestion better. Let's go into the other team's layer, as it were, and just tell them that they are doing an outstanding job.

I also like what Betsy said about the smaller groups getting together first before the big groups. I know it is all under time constraints but I was very quiet at the meet except for to a few people. Even those I talked to all the time online comfortably (like you Dave and Debra), I was scared to death to introduce myself. But I am very glad I did.

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help as well.

Bryan

dsnyfan21

01-21-2009, 08:26 PM

I also think that keeping the teams as they are would be good.
If some aren't happy then maybe they can "try" out another team.
The Warriors have always stated that we wanted to stay together and as it looks right now we have about 11 people that are actively posting times.

I like the idea of have a "monthly report" that all teams can go and look to see how other teams are doing. That way people can reply to it and congratulate others from other teams.

I do like the idea of maybe doing a smaller team meet before the big meet if the smaller teams can get it done. I know I was trying to get some Warriors out early but it didn't materialize. UGH

Tracy

windwalker

01-21-2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the support and great ideas guys. Susie, (Escape), a lady whose ideas I value very much, has offered to help me keep stuff organized and flowing.

I need to hash out all the suggestions and see what I could make work. I will need an updated roster from the teams that are staying together and a list of people who are not currently on a team but would like to be.

I would also encourage anyone who wants to meet more wishers to change from their last years team to a new one.

I think the spreadsheets put to much on the captains and we should look a simplier way to do miles, I like the idea someone made about just having the captains keep a running tab on total team miles. If individuals want to keep a running total on their own miles they could.

The teams that don't stay together should go away completely and be replaced by members who can name their team themselves and not use an old name.

Ohana, let me know who will be trhe new captain and co captain and give me a roster of your team.

Warriors, same from you if you are changing captains.

Hakuna Matata will stay with same captain but I'll need a roster.

Tripple Ds, need a current roster.

Super Goofs, need a current roster.

Rabbits are you staying together?

Buzzies are you staying together?

Bill I need for you to give access to the master roster to Susie.

I'll put some ideas together on Monday for your approval.

Happy Pandapirate:

escape

01-22-2009, 04:46 AM

Just to clarify - I offered to help Dave with the backend stuff, not take over his outstanding ability to be gameskeeper and peacekeeper (as Lisa put it in another thread :teeth:)

princessrunner

01-22-2009, 05:58 AM

I am intrigued by the switching up of teams. While I would not trade one of my Super Goof brothers or sisters, I am all about playing nice with others too...:lmao: This may be something to give more consideration too.

An idea along this line could be teams by regions, like one from the northeast, northwest, southeast, etcetera. It could be fun doing it that way with little mini meets at the different races like we have been doing...just another thought to throw out there.

I am compling the Super Goof roster. Just waiting on commitments from team members before I send it in!! :coffee:

padisneyfan

01-22-2009, 07:02 AM

Dave--Thanks for all you hard work in putting the teams together last year. I really liked getting to know my Ohana cousins. Even before the teams I seldom posted on the weekly thread so I really enjoyed the smaller group atmosphere on the Ohana thread. Glad that it will continue for the coming year.

Nancy

goofyinohio

01-22-2009, 07:07 AM

Dave - Our Group would like to stay together. Although we don't have many left the one's we do have would like to stick together.

I will send them all PM's to see what we have left if we decide to keep the teams, not having the teams at all and/or if we are switching the teams up.

Cindylou

01-22-2009, 07:52 AM

I know it's hard to find one way to do things that will please everyone. For me, I like the team concept, but I found it too stressful and time consuming to report my miles and minutes. I would like to be a part of a team without having to contribute miles and minutes. Maybe a cheer leader of sorts. Thanks for doing all this Dave.

Cindy

deekaypee

01-22-2009, 08:09 AM

ImMarcik

01-22-2009, 08:19 AM

Can I be on a team?

MomofCKJ

01-22-2009, 03:02 PM

It wasn't you Dave at all, our team, Herc's Heroes just didn't work the way the others did. No ones fault, it is what it is.

I would love to be traded to another team, I think ours is pretty much kaput, but I do want to take part in a team. It helps me stay on my training, l like tracking my stuff, and I'd like to get to know more WISHers here!

I'll go wherever someone will have me!

Allyson

chimera

01-22-2009, 06:34 PM

We always like more cousins at Team Ohana!

1/2Marathonpixie

01-22-2009, 07:27 PM

Thank you Dave for all you did for the teams last year. From the start you welcomed me and made me feel at home. I'm so glad you will still be involved.

I would love to remain a Warrior because they gave me the motivation I needed to keep going when it would have been easier to quit.

I was new last January and the larger threads intimitaded me. The smaller team was just what I needed. I hope to visit the weekly thread more this year though.

Even though I didn't post on other threads and never went to any meets I was blown away by the support I received from the WISH team. This is a group without egos and welcoming to all. I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful group.

ksoehrlein

01-22-2009, 08:55 PM

Thanks for all your hard work and encouragement, Dave. I'd been hesitant about posting on the WISH board (so many threads! so many "cliques"! so many inside jokes), but when there was a call for new members later in 2008, you welcomed me with open arms and made sure I was placed on a team immediately. Now I feel like a bona fide WISHer thanks in large part to being able to get my feet wet within the "safe zone" of the Super Goofs. I've learned so much from my teammates and now feel much more comfortable venturing out into some of the other WISH threads. So thanks, Dave, and thanks, Goofs!

lenshanem

01-23-2009, 07:02 AM

Dave, Lisa has kindly adopted me into the Super Goofs. I hope this doesn't mean I have to go "Goofy"! :scratchin

Kira G.

01-23-2009, 07:16 AM

Dave, Lisa has kindly adopted me into the Super Goofs. I hope this doesn't mean I have to go "Goofy"! :scratchin

I think we're all a little "Goofy" no matter what team we're on! :lmao:

nepatsfan73

01-23-2009, 07:37 AM

We always like more cousins at Team Ohana!

Be careful what you type or the black sheep may return. ;)

Lynn G

01-23-2009, 08:13 AM

Dave - Thanks for all you have done with the teams! I am glad that you have decided to stay on in your capasity of team administrator!

As you know, I really like the small team concept, like Lisa, I do not have the time to read thru the bigger threads, but I do skim the titles and go into threads that look interesting. We are another team that had previously decided to stay together whether or not the competition continued. For me, it was great to meet alot of new folks at the Pop meet, and to visit with those I already knew.

Worfiedoodles

01-23-2009, 08:33 AM

Dave -- you know my Panda love is boundless! We really appreciate everything you have done to make the teams happen, and the way you kept things going, and your willingness to keep us together!

Ohana means Family, and that's what we found on our team this year. Some of us posted more than others, and frequently our posts included book and movie reviews, but we had a great time!

It was awesome anytime someone from another team stopped by, and I hope to do more of that myself this year, just check in to say "Hi" to people I've met in other places.

The gigantic thread just moved too fast for me, and had too many people. I got frustrated because I could not possibly keep up, so I much prefer the smaller teams.

This was my second Pop Meet, and I felt more comfortable because I had a small group of people who I knew better. We are a large group, and it's going to be intimidating when we're all together (well, at least for me). I think the small groups really facilitate relationships that sustain you through a long year of training.

Maria

jeanneg

01-25-2009, 06:31 PM

OK, I admit I'm always late to the party, but better late than never.

First off, a huge THANK-YOU to Dave for all his hard work in organizing and managing the teams. I know it was often a completely thankless task, but he always did a great job and was so good about making all our new members feel welcome.

I know alot of the teams would like to stay together (Ohana included), but I have an idea I'd like to brainstorm: About 10-20 years ago, when my kids were growing up, I lived in a small town that had not 1, but 2, municipal pools. When you applied for pool membership, you were placed on a wait list and had to accept whichever one had the opening first. So if most of your friends went to pool A and you got pool B, you were kinda screwed. But not really......our town was pretty smart and they instituted something called switch days. On Tuesdays, Pool A people could go to Pool B and on Fridays the reverse was true. So 2 days a week you got to mingle with different people. I was thinking that maybe we could apply a similar principal to our race teams. Perhaps one designated day a week, we would all make a conscious effort to visit another team. For example, Monday could be Open House for Ohana, Tuesday for another team, and so on and so forth......
Now I know our threads are ALWAYS open to everyone from any team, but it would be like we throw out the red carpet on our host day and really encourage other teams to pop over and visit us. I also know the idea needs some tweaking, but it might possibly work and be fun. There are alot of people on other teams that I don't know at all because I don't often have the time to visit the other threads. This could be a solution.

MaryJ

01-26-2009, 03:29 PM

My team was never very chatty or active. There were a handful of us that posted our totals regularly and I liked doing that. It helped keep me accountable I think. I liked having a place to record what I was doing.

I would like to remain on a team but honestly I don't know if my team is going to keep going. It felt like it was kind of petering out at the end. I'd love to be on any team once a decision is made.

Thanks!

Allyson
Just found this post today, but I have to say I feel this way too. Admittedly, I wasn't very good about keeping my times and mileage. I kept forgetting how to get to the site to check it. I guess I'm just so new to this that it wasn't the most important thing to me. The most important thing to me was encouragement, and there just wasn't that much of it. Our thread seemed to deal mostly with times and mileage, so after a while, I just quit. I left the meet at the Pop early because I felt like there was no one there that I knew. (Lily... you were the exception!)

I'm so very sorry you had such a bad experience with the teams, it's stories like yours that tells me I failed and why I think someone else could a better job. I didn't ever intend to cause anyone to feel left out my intention was just the opposite, I wanted for everyone to feel they had a home.

Dave

Dave....please don't feel this way. None of it was your fault. We just didn't gel as a group. As Allyson said, you can trade me to another team as well. I'm willing to give it another try.