2016 Memberships

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Don't be silly and start pissing me off, ODN.

What happens then Harks? We keep spinning crap on an internet forum to the death?

I never set out to change another persons mind. I applaud the good and denounce the bad.....from my point of view.

And the bad seems to have increased ever since Rogers and then Mick have gone. I question the motive.

Again, what does all of this do to further the club? Is it something like the truth (from your point of view) shall set us free and only then can be start to heal and get better?

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

1. What's crap?

I said what happens if I piss you off? Do we just spin crap at each other on the internet? I just found the whole 'don't piss me off' thing pointless.

Since when have facts become crap? Our Membership department and its methods have been crap and if they weren't, it wouldn't have necessitated an apology from our CEO last year.........and when we don't get the numbers next year? What then? Oh, well. It's just one of those things?

Again, what are you doing to fix it? So we apologised for something last membership period and it is still be raised this membership period with no real knowledge of what they have endeavoured to do to fix it. We are still holding them to account for the sacking of favourites. Now a phone call in which someone politely processed a request is being held up as an example of our continuing shit culture. A phone call. Holy shit, if that is isn't an agenda looking for a place to continue to fester.

2. Don't question the motive. I've laid it out already.
What's the point of a football forum when all we have to one hand clap everything the club does?

Barrack like mad for the good...............but have a voice for the bad and if you're wrong........well, you'll be set straight but when the proof is in the pudding?

I do believe in the motto that if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Do you think that having an angry and cynical default position will somehow improve the club? Is it a good look? Do you feel that everybody at the club will fall on their swords for the good of the club as a result of this continual attack on culture?

I'll tell you what good club culture is about in my opinion. It's about the board, it's about the staff, it's about the coaches, it's about the players, it's about public perception ... yes. It's all about supporters and loyalty and unity and communication and working together to fix things.

I've consistently said this is not a forum to discuss Carlton, it's a supporters forum. I've always maintained that constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged. I've consistently said that all of our views expressed here can be challenged. I would love to have a decent discussion on ways to improve, but I believe people have to recognise all possibilities in order to do that. I do tend to take a contrary stance if I feel that people deliberately ignore part of an argument because it doesn't suit their purposes. If that pisses people off ... so be it.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

This term seems to have come about quite a bit from you. It sort of has a little "tin-foil-hat" ring to it.
You know how that works.........................it's somewhat demeaning in a tacit sort of way.

What do you call it? A phone call has you again referring to culture, again suggesting everybody that works for us are incompetent, and then bringing out a line about not being able to blame Mick for everything. To date you have written so many cryptic posts about truth and the need to look deeper at things without being specific, then when you are given a chance to make that fit something that is currently occurring, it's a phone call where someone actioned a request without first querying it.

The club hits 50K..............I tip my hat to them. We get 40K and then start asking why? Yeah well...............I don't know what to say.

Is it possible that on field performance is the main reason for people being disillusioned? Could it be that our supporter base is just as fickle and bandwagoning as the next club, aside from a solid core?

I only see one way of moving ..... forward and that includes the club and the supporters. This looking back at ghosts of football past and holding that up as what we are until we're not doesn't seem a very proactive policy to me. Just goes against my personal ethos. Less stress, more positivity, more consultation, more communication, more solutions, more encouragement. Works for me.

 

[Snoozer]

Wow, people cancelling their membership just because we are not doing too well! Seriously, the club needs you more now than ever! We are on the right track taking a long term view to list management. We just need to be patient. Stick by the club through the tough times and when we do finally rise (it will happen!!) the great times will be even greater!!

Carlton till I die!!!

Well, no.

I've said earlier, if it were because we were hopeless on-field, I could have taken many, many opportunities before. And you're wrong about the club being on the right track. The board must go. Their lack of accountability for running the club into the ground is astonishing. I'll probably get back on board once the Pratt's and Mathieson's are gone.

 

[Snoozer]

Richmond were down and out and didn't have the success (relative success) we had a few years ago but while our numbers were stagnant or waning, theirs were on the rise........and we're the ones with the huge, dormant supporter base?

Sometimes one just has to call it for what it is............and it just isn't very good.........and if the Membership department isn't very good then why not?
We can't keep blaming Malthouse, Rogers, Ratten, Pagan, Brittain etc etc forever. We can't can we? Maybe the problem actually lies elsewhere.

Good post. Board level is where the issues start.

 

[Bostonian]

Really what a weird thing to complain about. No one wants to be on the phone all day.

Maybe not.

It is however a prime opportunity to collect marketing and feedback information which can be collated and used to identify and address issues the club is facing.

Not utilizing the point of contact with a member is not only a wasted opportunity but a very unprofessional approach to losing customers.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Richmond were down and out and didn't have the success (relative success) we had a few years ago but while our numbers were stagnant or waning, theirs were on the rise........and we're the ones with the huge, dormant supporter base?

Sometimes one just has to call it for what it is............and it just isn't very good.........and if the Membership department isn't very good then why not?
We can't keep blaming Malthouse, Rogers, Ratten, Pagan, Brittain etc etc forever. We can't can we? Maybe the problem actually lies elsewhere.

Riddle me this, riddle me that. I never said we had a huge dormant supporter base did I? I said we had a solid core and a fickle supporter base.

What is our membership record? How large is the drop off compared to that? Why for years, even when making finals did our membership figures never equate to our crowds? It's not a dormant supporter base, it's an entitled one that complains but doesn't roll its own sleeves up. Forever casting stones and demanding success. Those part of that solid core need not be offended. Our club is just as much a product of its supporters mindset as it is their own.

That's why we need to pull in the one direction, not different directions until it all rips apart.

 

[Bostonian]

We never had that huge a fan base. We always had a medium to big sized fan base who was more affluent than other fan bases.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Jesus give him a break.

No one is better than any other supporter, but everyone likes to think they are.

I think asking for feedback would only be a positive step, like a 30 second exit interview. If people don't want to answer that's up to them but at least they'd be given the opportunity to provide feedback.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

The board must go. Their lack of accountability for running the club into the ground is astonishing. I'll probably get back on board once the Pratt's and Mathieson's are gone.

So having a new president means nothing? Having 4 leave the board this year means nothing? Having a new board member coming on means nothing? They just absorb into this faceless board monster?

Do these board members have any affinity for the club? Were they passionate supporters like us at any time?

I get the whole powerbroker hatred but look around you ... why do we have to rely on money from benefactors? Who is going to replace that revenue? Not you because you just cancelled your membership meaning that's another dent in the bottom line and another excuse to dip into the Mathieson pokies bonanza. What's the long game here?

 

[Snoozer]

Always keen to raise culture at every opportunity. Tell me Harks ... have you seen the transcripts of these conversations, every bit of small talk, every word. Maybe nobody asked why ... but did they say anything like 'sorry to hear that, I'll put you through or I'll arrange that for you'? Was it just a clinical unfriendly 'no problem ... done'?

No word of a lie, the girl said 'OK great, that's fine', as if she was pleased to do it. Maybe she was a junior staff member just being polite.

I couldn't believe it. But yeah, I suppose it's the membership dept just being efficient with their time.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Trigg did. Haven't you been listening?

Seriously now. What will we say when North Melbourne and Geelong jump our numbers next year, knowing we've been so ready to let go of long-standing members because we couldn't be bothered asking questions and making a plea for them to hang tight? Is it going to be another "oh well? "

Anyway, I'm surprised we should be setting to sell the virtues of a department that has been stuffed for years.

He's right in that we have a lot of people who identify with being a Carlton supporter and will go to games, especially when we are winning. I don't see any evidence that they are dormant beyond normal bandwagon surges however. Our solid core numbers are not great. The membership numbers will rise and fall depending on how attractive the on field performance is. This may be because we have always had people to bail us out. However, we can't turn this into a family club without showing the club they don't need influential money any longer. Make the drip feed look insignificant and the club is ours again. Right now, I don't blame those in charge for doing what is necessary to get the bills paid.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Thanks Snoozer You've said all that needs to be said. It's indefensible.

Seriously, how hard would it be to say "I'm sorry to hear that you'd like to cancel your membership. Would you like to provide us with some feedback as to why?"

If it's for financial reasons, they can offer a lower priced membership. If it's for disgruntledness reasons, then at least they could offer an opportunity to provide feedback.

 

[Snoozer]

So having a new president means nothing? Having 4 leave the board this year means nothing? Having a new board member coming on means nothing? They just absorb into this faceless board monster?

Do these board members have any affinity for the club? Were they passionate supporters like us at any time?

I get the whole powerbroker hatred but look around you ... why do we have to rely on money from benefactors? Who is going to replace that revenue? Not you because you just cancelled your membership meaning that's another dent in the bottom line and another excuse to dip into the Mathieson pokies bonanza. What's the long game here?

LoGuidice: same band, different lead singer. He makes no difference to me. Until the club belongs wholely and solely to the members it will be in a healthy position. It doesn't now, and it hasn't for a long time.

Ask yourself what the long game is... a club that sucks on the teat of a pokies magnate, or one that belongs to the people? I'm fed up with supporting a regime that's compromising the present/future of the club. And one who's members refuse to make them accountable for it.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

No word of a lie, the girl said 'OK great, that's fine', as if she was pleased to do it. Maybe she was a junior staff member just being polite.

I couldn't believe it. But yeah, I suppose it's the membership dept just being efficient with their time.

Did you want her to talk you around? Were you hoping for a pep talk about brighter days ahead?

I just don't get the inability to rationalise here. How many staff do we have? How many can we afford? How busy are they with memberships at the moment? Was she one of the extras they put on to cope with demand this time of year? Is it even in her charter to talk you around? How many people should they put on to be immediately available to try to change your mind? Do they have a process in place for connecting with those people once things quieten down? I mean they aren't like Foxtel where a cancellation is automatic loss of revenue. A membership sold now is worth as much as a membership recovered in April.

I'd just like to see more information before I gather the lynching posse together.

 

[KoutaGnome]

Know it's a really minor thing given that so many on here spend a small fortune on CFC memberships, but I must say that that the CFC 2016 'Little Tacker' Membership (2-4 year olds) is beyond ordinary.
Grandparents would like to buy a membership for our 2 year old twins as an Xmas gift.
Difficult to justify, or convince many, especially retirees, to part with $130.00 ($65.00 x 2) when their hard earned buys;
• Membership Card
• Backpack
• Activity book
• Face paint
• Birthday Card

Membership site claims its "Designed for the little ones, our Little Tacker Membership lets kids show off their colours in the playground."
Then thought that this kind of membership may be the same across other clubs, so checked Melbourne, St.Kilda, Essendon, Collingwood, Richmond, North and Geelong.
Most of the above clubs have similar packages. However, they give away beanies, caps, scarves, water bottles, personalised cards & lanyards, plush footballs, magnets, flags, posters, stickers, 10% discount on club merchandise at club shop. A couple have access to junior clinic's.
Demons provide free entry to Casey Scorpions' home games.
Bulldogs have a fantastic initiative that allows members to make a donation to the club, allowing them to nominate where their money goes. Community, Football Department, Western Bulldog's Women's Team and the Pay it Forward initiative. Where your donation allows the club to supply memberships and tickets to those in the community who would not otherwise be able to get to the game.

Then there's Carlton...
Realise that every member counts and that for most, merchandise is an unnecessary extra.
For the littlies though, receiving something like this is very special.
Giving it as a gift you want to know that you're getting some value for money too.
Sorry, just very disappointed at the lack of content, or thought in this membership.

 

[Snoozer]

Did you want her to talk you around? Were you hoping for a pep talk about brighter days ahead?

I just don't get the inability to rationalise here. How many staff do we have? How many can we afford? How busy are they with memberships at the moment? Was she one of the extras they put on to cope with demand this time of year? Is it even in her charter to talk you around? How many people should they put on to be immediately available to try to change your mind? Do they have a process in place for connecting with those people once things quieten down? I mean they aren't like Foxtel where a cancellation is automatic loss of revenue. A membership sold now is worth as much as a membership recovered in April.

I'd just like to see more information before I gather the lynching posse together.

If you're satisfied with the process, that's fine. I'm not going to try and change your mind. If I'm contacted by the club in future I'll be sure to let you know.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Know it's a really minor thing given that so many on here spend a small fortune on CFC memberships, but I must say that that the CFC 2016 'Little Tacker' Membership (2-4 year olds) is beyond ordinary.
Grandparents would like to buy a membership for our 2 year old twins as an Xmas gift.
Difficult to justify, or convince many, especially retirees, to part with $130.00 ($65.00 x 2) when their hard earned buys;
• Membership Card
• Backpack
• Activity book
• Face paint
• Birthday Card

Membership site claims its "Designed for the little ones, our Little Tacker Membership lets kids show off their colours in the playground."
Then thought that this kind of membership may be the same across other clubs, so checked Melbourne, St.Kilda, Essendon, Collingwood, Richmond, North and Geelong.
Most of the above clubs have similar packages. However, they give away beanies, caps, scarves, water bottles, personalised cards & lanyards, plush footballs, magnets, flags, posters, stickers, 10% discount on club merchandise at club shop. A couple have access to junior clinic's.
Demons provide free entry to Casey Scorpions' home games.
Bulldogs have a fantastic initiative that allows members to make a donation to the club, allowing them to nominate where their money goes. Community, Football Department, Western Bulldog's Women's Team and the Pay it Forward initiative. Where your donation allows the club to supply memberships and tickets to those in the community who would not otherwise be able to get to the game.

Then there's Carlton...
Realise that every member counts and that for most, merchandise is an unnecessary extra.
For the littlies though, receiving something like this is very special.
Giving it as a gift you want to know that you're getting some value for money too.
Sorry, just very disappointed at the lack of content, or thought in this membership.

I agree, our kids' memberships are not great value. And the price for the baby membership has gone from $50 to $95 this year.

 

[I bleed Blue]

No word of a lie, the girl said 'OK great, that's fine', as if she was pleased to do it. Maybe she was a junior staff member just being polite.

I couldn't believe it. But yeah, I suppose it's the membership dept just being efficient with their time.

Could she have talked you out of it?

Yes or no?

 

[LordLucifer]

Was looking at the Long Distance renewal and noticed they have a Long Distance 'Digital' membership category, spot the mistake :

You'll receive:
• Standard Member Benefits
• 2016 Member Scarf
• Access to watch every 2015 AFL game LIVE, including the 2015 Toyota AFL Finals and Grand Final
• Access to view full match replays, highlights and press conference
• Access to watch AFL TV 24 Hour Channel

 

[thylacine60]

Close the ****ing Membership Dept down over summer - fix it - open it again in Feb/March. Every ****ing year the same problems.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Was looking at the Long Distance renewal and noticed they have a Long Distance 'Digital' membership category, spot the mistake :

God, I didn't wanna watch 2015's games the first time, why would you make people sit through them again

 

[AceAndy]

Was looking at the Long Distance renewal and noticed they have a Long Distance 'Digital' membership category, spot the mistake :

Surely they couldn't charge much for that.

 

[Snoozer]

Could she have talked you out of it?

Yes or no?

I guess there was a chance... never say never. The concerning part is there was absolutely nothing in place to even attempt it.

 

[thylacine60]

No such thing as a Carlton highlight package?