Considering starting a local DSM/Import Club. Worthwhile?

[_ender]

After some pretty comprehensive searches here, as well as around the rest of the 'net, I've come to the conclusion that there simply aren't any DSM/Import car clubs in this area of the state (Missouri). After spending a bit of time interacting with another club that basically includes anything on the road, I've decided that something different may be in order for me.

So, I'm looking for some feedback from you fellow DSM'ers out there, who may be around the Springfield, Missouri area. Would any of you be interested in a club a little more specific in theme? If I could find one that existed, and had members of some REASONABLE maturity, I'd be more than happy to sign up. At this point, I've seen way too much drama, and not enough bonding with some clubs. After all, a club should be 90% about people, and 10% about cars.

If anyone knows of a club like this, that can honestly meet some of these goals, let me know. If any of you are possibly interested in starting a club like this, by all means, let me know as well. My main goal is to see if there are people out there who share an automotive interest, who are looking to meet new people, make new friends, and try to get more good times out of life. I'm not looking for midnight street-racing, boozing it up, or high drama folks, so if these are your ideas of 'fun', apply elsewhere. For those that are serious about making an effort, please speak up!

 

[wishihada16g]

I am organizing a meet august 20th. We are meeting at the Wal-Mart on South Glenstone @3:00pm. We are going to take a cruise and then return and eat at hooters. I think we have guys cominig from Ark. and Joplin area + 10 or so cars here in town. Come out and join us. p.s. We will keep the maturity level high, maybe.

 

[_ender]

I am organizing a meet august 20th. We are meeting at the Wal-Mart on South Glenstone @3:00pm. We are going to take a cruise and then return and eat at hooters. I think we have guys cominig from Ark. and Joplin area + 10 or so cars here in town. Come out and join us. p.s. We will keep the maturity level high, maybe.

I'll keep that in mind.

So, have you heard of any established DSM/Import clubs locally? If not, what about starting one? Just curious.

 

[kmoore]

I loved to be apart of some kind of car club. I live in the ST. Louis area so i don't know how well that will go over. But, i know for a fact that there is a Gateway DSM & EVO club. I guess you could say i am apart of it. They got a website. www.gatewaydsm.org. Check it out

 

[_ender]

I loved to be apart of some kind of car club. I live in the ST. Louis area so i don't know how well that will go over. But, i know for a fact that there is a Gateway DSM & EVO club. I guess you could say i am apart of it. They got a website. www.gatewaydsm.org. Check it out

Well, for me, going to St. Louis to be part of a club is a bit much. Granted, for any club, I would say it's really up to the members to decide if they want to make the effort to be part of that club, regardless of certain limitations.

The fact that Gateway has nothing on the site that describes them, who they are, or what they're about just reflects what I continously see: 'exclusive' *clubs* that make you jump through a bunch of hoops to get an inside view...and then when you do get in, you find out it wasn't worth it. I mean, why don't they have any publically available information regarding their 'club'? Why should I have to join a forum, just to get some basic information? I'm personally pretty tired of this tactic, and any 'club' that feels the need to operate like that has some serious issues to work through.

I do, however, think that legitimate 'membership' in a club should be something that is earned. Just because someone is willing to join, doesn't necessarily mean that they will fit what you and your existing club members want. So, I personally believe that anyone wishing to become a member of any club should have a 'trial period' that allows them to get to know the club, and vice versa, before any firm decisions are made.

Myself, I'm starting to get a framework of what I would like to see from a club I either start, or become involved in, and I think that's an important step in forming something that can be successful. This thread is merely the beginning of making the attempt to see if there is some legitimate local interest in this. Again, if there is an existing club in this area....let's say 1 to 1 1/2 hours from Springfield, Missouri....then hopefully someone from it will visit and let me know. Otherwise, I'm waiting to hear from you all out there about your thoughts on starting one. While I myself have no desire to try to take part in a long-distance club, such as Gateway, I would in no way tell someone wanting to come here from that area that they weren't welcome.

Hopefully some other members here will chime in with their opinions or views on the matter.

 

[_ender]

I loved to be apart of some kind of car club. I live in the ST. Louis area so i don't know how well that will go over. But, i know for a fact that there is a Gateway DSM & EVO club. I guess you could say i am apart of it. They got a website. www.gatewaydsm.org. Check it out

Just as an aside, I also wanted to compliment you on your car. Nice work! I may send you a PM later about your suspension. Sorry I didn't mention that in my prior post, but I'm trying my best to keep this on-topic.

 

[kmoore]

Just as an aside, I also wanted to compliment you on your car. Nice work! I may send you a PM later about your suspension. Sorry I didn't mention that in my prior post, but I'm trying my best to keep this on-topic.

Hey thanks man, yeah... i guess it's not bad for a 15 year old.