New Catalina 36 owners group on facebook

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alanrudolph62
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New Catalina 36 owners group on facebook

Hello, I am a new owner of a 1990 Catalina 36 and created a group on facebook so owners can share there stories, photos & videos. I was hoping create some advice back and forth through the group hope you all can join. below is a link.

[ link redacted ]

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Chachere
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Posts: 825

[quote=alanrudolph62] ....so owners can share there [sic] stories, photos & videos. I was hoping create some advice back and forth through the group ...[/quote] ...all of which can be done on this very website already, by members of the C36IA.

     You get what you pay for, and if $30 a year is just too much for some folks to spend to support this organization (after no doubt spending at least a significant five figure sum to purchase their boat), or they find the burden of contributing to the knowledge base here is too technically challenging, well ... fair winds to 'em.

     Personally, I think this is a TERRIBLE idea, as it directly undercuts one of the C36IA's major benefits -- i.e., our website, with all its resources and searchable archives of information (its peculiar that Mr. Rudolph's FB page doesn't even deign to have the courtesy of giving a reciprocal mention of the existence of the C36IA website).   We've collectively discussed the reasons why over the years; see, e.g.,
https://www.catalina36.org/forum/general-discussion/facebook
https://www.catalina36.org/forum/association-discussion/website-facebook-internet-and-catalina-36375-association
https://www.catalina36.org/forum/general-discussion/thoughts-catalina-36375ia-facebook-group
  
   But as they say, your boat, your choice. I, for one, pledge NOT to participate with this or any other Facebook C36 page (yes, others have started C36 FB pages, and have gotten virtually no participation), and I would suggest that others not join (unless you see some truly compelling reason to dilute the content on our site).

Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY

William Miller
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Joined: 10/4/08
Posts: 294

I agree

Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1

Unlimited65
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Joined: 10/30/16
Posts: 2

I agree too - there should be a single source for dialog/information. 

Larry
#1947 - Doggie Paddle

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TomSoko
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Posts: 978

Well said, Matthew.

Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT

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rkibler
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Posts: 32

So I read this thread and then I read it again. It seems to be we could have been a bit more welcoming to original poster and a lot less caustic towards him and his post.   I do agree with supporting this site.  However, if posters has observed alanrudolph62 posting they would have seen he joined five days ago and he just recently became a new owner of a Catalina 36.  So it is very reasonable he was not aware of the wealth of information that is on this site.  Therefore it is also reasonable that in his intentions were good in trying to share his new joy with us.  

Before you post replies regarding the demons of Facebook and the merits of keeping this site going.  I clearly support keeping this site going.  I am just saying maybe we should be a bit more understanding to our NEW MEMBERS when they post.  We don't have to be self appointed forum police everytime.

Rob Kibler
s/v "Meander"
2003 C36 MKII #2124

Solla Sollew
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Posts: 74

I agree in that it’s worth discussing absent any vitriol. Personally, I’m not on Facebook and I don’t expect to “join” any time soon.  That said, I’m well aware that for A LOT of folks, particularly the younger crowd, social media is the main focus of their “on-line” experience.  Do we want to “reach out” to these potential members at risk of lowering existing membership or reducing traffic to the C36IA website?  I know there are opinions.  I don’t know if there’s there a definitive answer.  Perhaps there’s one way to find out.
For countless numbers of business throughout the world the decision to have a social media presence has been a no-brainer.  They see it for what it is: another means of communication with their current and potential customers, and in capable hands it’s a very powerful medium. 
There’s one final point I want to make that perhaps we all can relate to and it’s this: unless we are the unfortunate recipients of an insurance settlement, we, or our executors, are going to sell our boats sooner or later.  It makes me happy now, and perhaps a 2 or 3 bucks wealthier later, if more rather than fewer people are exposed to the wonders of my...our C36s.

 

Marc & Susan Garcia
"Solla Sollew" #1473, Mk.II
 San Buenaventura, Ca.

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Channel Islander
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[quote=rkibler]So I read this thread and then I read it again. It seems to be we could have been a bit more welcoming to original poster and a lot less caustic towards him and his post. [/quote]

Hi there, I agree that the tone of the replies was somewhat aggrieved -- I suppose all we old farts are feeling a little defensive about this Association, our choices, technological change, etc., etc. It would perhaps have been possible to offer a warmer welcome the new user, while explaining the advantages of supporting the site.

On the other hand, as Matthew pointed out, the fellow did nothing else here other than promote his Facebook page, so it's not as if he engaged very much, and it could easily be that the only reason he registered here was to do said promotion. The fact that he didn't link back to here from his FB page didn't do anything to reduce that impression.

Stepping back from this one situation, however, I think we could do a better job of promoting our site and its Member benefits, which are not as readily apparent to the new visitor as they could be. I also think we could and should consider a "social media presence" to work in tandem with the website, with the objective of bringing more people here and enrolling more Members in the Association. However, that won't happen unless those who are supportive of the idea step up and volunteer some time and energy to plan, design and implement it.

Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA

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LCBrandt
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Posts: 1282

Anyone who has a FB page can set up another under whatever name he/she desires. I do think there is benefit for *the C36IA* to establish *its own* FB page and to promote the use of it within our organization. Importantly, a C36IA FB page would promote the use of this website. The two would be mutually reinforcing.

FB is a great place to post notices, events, and adventures, and to exchange social activities. FB is easy and quick to use, and millions of people (billions actually) already use it. It's not just for the young; hell, I'm in my young 70's and I use it. I think it is well suited to posting of photos, regatta results, or rendezvous write-ups, for example. What FB would NOT be good for is archiving technical information, and by my way of thinking, this technical resource is the Really Great Benefit of C36IA to the fleet. 

I urge C36IA to set up *its own* FB page and to encourage our members to contribute to it, to help moderate it, and to use FB's power to tie in to this C36IA website.

 
 

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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dlincoln3
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Posts: 144

I agree with you and others on this subject.  I think there is a place for both conduits.  This website is excellent for its searchability as a technical resource, and I find myself coming here often to learn more about my own boat.  It is less good at the "social" aspects of our community.  No photos posted at all from 2016?  Really?  A Facebook page would be great for that! I would love to see others boats, where you're sailing, etc. And it IS possible to link certain aspects of your website activity with Facebook so they are in sync.  My 2 cents as a new member and C36 owner.

Don Lincoln
"Nancy Lynn"
1993 Catalina MK1.5, Hull 1238
LaSalle, MI (Lake Erie)
Universal M-35AC

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Stevenjones
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Posts: 74

↵↵↵I am in complete agreement with Larry Brandt's position regarding our C36IA embracing Facebook!
By chance, I just happened to find one of the two C36 Facebook groups. One appears to be for C36 Mk I owners, the other more broadly covers both Mk I & Mk II (Catalina 36 Owners Group). 
I have been enjoying adding videos, photos from recent Catalina trips. 
Furthermore, I suggest this group would enjoy a significant increase in member participation due to the ease of posting, replying.  I'm not referring to technical articles, but the more social side of sailing.

FWIW, at one time sailors thought the world was flat.

Below are some member responses in support of this idea from input last August (2016):

  • Jeff Messick: "I think a Facebook page is a marvelous idea"
  • Phil Lindholm:  "I think it's a great idea. People can post pics and whatnot"
  • Bill Harvey:  "Awesome.." "Steve - I think that's a good idea 

    Part of the participation level may be the difference between "push" and "pull" method of content delivery. 

    The push of email from the list let me read (or just delete if it got overwhelming) vs the pull of having to go to a site which I do way less frequently. Too bad that has died out as I think it did build a lot of comradely among the participants. 

    I'm a member of the C47 yahoo email list - been ages since I went there since it was a different email account for example. Last time on the website? Longer. "

  • Chuck Sonquist: I have resisted joining the Facebook surge.  If there was a significant number of the C 36 folks who would be using this as their way of staying in touch I could be convinced to adopt this method.
  • Kenny : "Yes fantastic idea we are in"
  • Gary Lasser aka Chic (past commodore): Steve, I think it sounds like a great idea. I'm for it!!  
  • Arnold Rowe: "Methinks this is a super great idea for all the reasons you’ve mentioned below. As you say, lets “keep up with the times” and see how this will play. You’ve probably noted that some members of our C36 group are currently posting on the Catalina Yacht Owners site. Be fun to have our own! Arnold"

    • ​​Paul Walchenbach:  i am going to weigh in with a qualified positive vote for a catalina 36 facebook page.

    i hate facebook.  it’s invasive, too “public”, too commercial, a time-waster, and doesn’t accurately reflect the “real world" in that people seem to only post positive stuff about their lives and if they post negative stuff it seems like “over sharing”.

    all that being said, i check facebook twice everyday.

    my yacht clubs (seattle yacht club, corinthian yacht club of seattle, and sloop tavern yacht club) all have facebook pages.  my two cycling clubs have facebook pages.  my motorcycle club has a facebook page.  my backcountry hiking/climbing club has a facebook page.  my neighborhood has a facebook page.

    each organization uses its FB page as a vehicle to communicate with its “members” and advertise to non-members.

    i check these various FB groups often because people, some that i know and some that i don’t, are involved in an activity that i enjoy.  i benefit from seeing what they do, how they do it, what gear they use, what trouble they got into and how they got out of it.  i learn about how to participate in “events” and activities.  i ask questions when i am looking for information and offer guidance when i think it could be helpful.  

     

    posting photos allows me to see the faces of people i otherwise might never get to see.

     

    when i am lonely, i can engage in a conversation (or multiple conversations) with people from all over the world.  in many ways, FB is similar to HAM radio (I am KE7QZM), in that i get to communicate with people, often who i have never met, who enjoy an activity that i enjoy.

     

    i very much like our email list and don’t really want it to go away, but it is mostly antiquated when compared to FB.

     

    i vote that we give it a try.

    pjw

    mata hari

    1660

    seattle

    • Randy Sherwood: "I am.all for it. Pictures are worth a lot. That us why I do not post them here as it is just to hard."
    • Paul & Wendy Kaiser: "It could compliment the CIA web site but not replace it because of the limited search functionality that facebook has; you'd be scrolling for hours to find stuff...not that I'm an IT/ social media expert. But, anything that can be done to generate interest in sailing is certainly a good thing."
    • J Henderson: "I love the idea. I am a member of a lot of the sailing pages on Facebook, and I find myself checking them all of the time. I would hate to have it replace these forums though. So often I find myself searching for others that have had similar problems, and it is so easy to find solutions here. "
    • Bruce Stanley: 

      I think your Facebook idea, in all aspects is a great one.

      Please count me in.

      Regards from Australia
      Bruce Stanley / 2006 C36 MkII #2282
       

Steven Jones

C36/375IA FaceBook group administrator

C36/375IA Jib Sheet Editor 2012

Seal Beach, CA, USA
C36 #2164 Maléna  2003 Mk-II SRig/FullK,  Long Beach, CA

stevenjones21@gmail.com

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Catboat Willy
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Posts: 385

A quick search shows that there are already two groups of Catalina 36 owners on FaceBook. Neither one seems to have too many subscribers. My personal opinion is that we have the means add other pages to this site that would show events and additional photographs if in fact the population demands. But then again, my thinking might be too old fashion.

Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041  'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte  Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'

 

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GaryB
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Posts: 570

All,
You still have the ability, and always have had ability to add your personal pictures and commentary
https://www.catalina36.org/community/photos
https://www.catalina36.org/community/photos/new

You just have to look under community and in the drop down box you will see where you can add your pic's.

Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine

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ssteakley
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Posts: 52

I support Larry Brandt's comments 100%. If anyone thinks a dated forum can outperform current social media giants they are just digging their own grave. Amazon has laid waste to many brick and mortar stores and the same thing occurs with any web site that does not perform to new standards. If you want to enlist the younger generations and insure longevity then joining the social media revolution is the only way. Being a previous Endeavour owner and contributor to their owners association website I was excited to see a Facebook page started by the association. It not only enhanced the long time owners website but young tech savyy professionals jumped in and volunteered because of Facebook connections to make the site more user friendly and helpful to the members. The rate of change is increasing and you have a choice to make if you want to remain viable.

Steve Steakley
SNOWBALL
​1998 C36 #1711
Seattle,WA
https://svwandrinstar.blogspot.com

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Channel Islander
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Posts: 378

Hi Steve, Facebook integration is under development now. If you are open to serving on a workgroup to help make it happen, please get in touch with me.

Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA

knotdoneyet
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Joined: 7/27/12
Posts: 253

As stated, you can make whatever Facebook page that you want.  But why not support ‘your’ forum with content that everyone can see and enjoy?  If you have pictures or events, there’s s place for them - lets
see them.

I think there’s plenty of us that you won’t find on Facebook and it has nothing to do with technology but rather standards.

To share with the community or not - hmmm.

 

2000 C36 MKII 1825

jhenderson
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Joined: 1/9/14
Posts: 81

Interestingly, I'm on the Facebook pages and I've often referred people to this association for the valuable info. Facebook won't kill this association, but if used correctly it sure could buttress it. In a recent dipstick leaking discussion on the technical forum there was also a parallel discussion on Facebook. I found that Facebook was ideal for quick little tidbits of information, but the Technical forum was much better for direct links, part numbers, and additional valuable input.

Plus, it is wayyyyyy easier to post pictures, videos, and quick comments to Facebook. Things are just easier with an app. 

Hummina
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#741
Bayfield, WI. Usually. 

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Channel Islander
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Posts: 378

Hi jhenderson,

Our forums are available using the very widely supported Tapatalk app. Please give it a try and let me know any feedback you may have. Thanks!

- nick
C36IA web administrator

Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA

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