Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

I could not agree more! Well said!

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

Well said and very true Chuck. There are so many positive things to report about the war in Iraq, the national economy and the RV industry that it frustrates the hell out of me when they media present what they want people to believe instead of what the real facts are. It's ok to have a disagreement, but at the very least they should present both sides of the story or facts from two knowledgeable sources based on what they are writing and talking about.

There is so much that is good about the RV industry and the impact that RVs have on young families, retired couples, and even those who have the luxury of owning and working from an RV in their daily lives.

I would like to see more RV sales reps and manufacturing executives use their own products so that they can see how great they are and the pleasusre that people receive from.

You can always find a reason to be positive and upbeat, regardless of how negative the news may appear - it's all up to the individual and how they want to interpret what they hear and see. It may tak a little more work to find the good news, but it sure feels great when you do!

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

I work with Chuck, so I might be thought to be a little prejudiced in favor of his opinions, but all I know is what I see. I attended the RV Show at the Virginia Beach Pavilion last Sunday afternoon and saw a whole bunch of people looking through the RV's, smiling, laughing, and BUYING. It makes me wonder if all these pundits look at are spreadsheets and computer forecasts.

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

Right on chuck! Your on target. Ron

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

I totally agree with Zagami and Chuck. The news media focuses too much on the negative and here and now. The RV industry is a fabulous opportunity for everyone involved. It is typical for the RV Market to eb and tide throughout the year, the focus should be on the whole picture, which is certainly not bleak at all but in fact encouraging! Being in the sales field I see so many reps that do not RV themselves; I wonder how they can adequately answer all the consumers questions and really be excited about the product they sell. I believe you need to experience what you are selling to have a deep appreciation and produce the best customer assistance which ultimately leads to great monetary results. When you combine the two, its a win win situation for the consumer and retailer.

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

So true Chuck! As i see it, the reason the media takes this approach and succeeds is because it appears that folks take comfort in being victimized! It may be easier than drawing ones own conclusions given sound research and fact finding! There are many EYORE type folks and the media is mental fuel for creating drama sustenance. What is more disappointing is when we see our leaders who are supposidly trained to "view both sides objectionally" fall victim to believing what they are told. Whether it is in government, business enterprise, or news media the leaders are the ones who have to raise the voice of truth or reality. If it's crap (entertainment), it will eventually go away, if it is reality, then we have to ask ourselves, "what can we do to improve the situation"?
Thank you for carrying the torch on this topic.

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

Of course everyone wants to be optimistic about the economic welfare of our country and the security of our families. My question is "who should we listen to?” The President and Fed Chairman say our economy has a strong foundation, but our own Government Accounting Office Comptroller David Walker says we're facing a fiscal tsunami of massive proportions. Some analysts say one thing and others say something else. Other than the Almighty, I don't think any one "body" has all the answers. It all seems so complex, yet so simple too. What happened to personal accountability, integrity, humility and forgiveness? Sure, we've all messed up and needed a second chance, but the mature accepts the consequences, chalking it up to character-building. No one ever said it would be easy or wouldn't be painful. We’ve become so weak. In fact, the more government intercedes in a so-called "relief" effort, they more they end up creating a dependency, which invariably evolves into an entitlement mentality over time. Ever watched the show "Nanny 911"? That's what we need more of, people who are willing to sift through the toxic waste in order to find the gold. Maybe we are at a precipice. Whether we are or not, starting with me, we need to stop the noise and listen to the still small voice reminding us of what we already know, to concentrate on what’s really important. We are what we think about.

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

I think it's interesting how the news media invites gas companies to raise prices at the pump by announcing on the 6 oclock news that "gas should be going up because an oil tanker hit a coral reef somewhere". The next day prices at the pump jumps 35 cents. Did they expect us to think ALL the gas for the country is on that one tanker? There are a lot of positives to talk about and keep the country in a good mood....such as interest rates going down, more people traveling, airlines are getting busier than prior 911. And on my local front....our sales were up 7% for 2007!

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

Anybody got the email of the ceo of winneabgo? How about emailing this to all the stock holders. How about all the dealer principals emailing 20,000 emails to ensure he steps down, maybe if we keep him busy he will step down. I have fired sales peolpe for spinning their problems (or doom and gloom) to consumers on my lot. If you want to be negative in a professional sales indusrty get out, leave work elsewhere or I feel they would be better off not dealing with the public.

Re: Media Reinforces False Doom and Gloom

It is the media. But there are a few families dropping and not rebuying motorhomes, but really, that's normal.

We just lost our Cross Country RV not even a week ago due to the fact that it just got too expensive. ( My grandmother's chemo and cancer didn't help, either. ) It was a Class A, diesel, full body paint, two slide out RV.

I do wish that they would point to the more positive side of the Industry, rather then the negative. I know when we can, we will go out and rebuy one again. I've been RVing for 15 years of my life, and I will continue to love it.