So I joined PCA last week. I received my login information today, then visited the member site this evening. I am feeling a bit underwhelmed.

A few of my observations:

- The blog hasn't been updated since Q4 2012.
- The calendar isn't set by region, but a linear page of everything, everywhere.
*EDIT* - I finally found my region's website, which has a decent calendar. Surprisingly, you don't need to be a member to view the regional chapter sites.
- Promotions and discounts offers are clearly not maintained, and look outdated / not working (only three of them).
- "Breaking news" shows early shots of the 981 Boxster (1/2012) - really??
- Major navigation and usability issues exist throughout the site.

Am I committing heresy, does anyone else have the same sentiment? I work in technology, and specialize in user experience and design. I'd get walked out of the building if I launched a website like this. I think for thousands of members paying a yearly membership fee, we'd get a bit more.

If anyone from PCA would like to hear my concerns or suggestions in more detail, please reach out to me via PM.

 

Lol great write up. I been meaning to sign up for the past 6 years. I heard there regional meets are cool. I guess ill wait a little longer to sign up

 

You get a magazine...A MAGAZINE!!! And a sticker.

I had the same thoughts regarding the websites....national and regional. I did attend a breakfast and met some great folks and went to check out an autocross.

 

I bought my 2009 C2S in September 2012 and joined PCA shortly thereafter. What I have observed is that there are many events and social gatherings each month, not all of which appeal to me. I did go to a couple of socials and met some nice P car enthusiasts. I have also attended a concours seminar and leveraged that into getting a really good auto detailer. The biggest benefit I have personally gotten from this membership is contacts with a really good Indy performance shop and a really good auto detailer. Oh and lest we not forget the magazine!!!

 

Waste or time for me... After 3 years, I finally didn't renew. Too many Clicks

 

Many Indie shops give a discount if you are a PCA member. Mine gives 10% off labor. I also like the magazine. I've never been to the site.

 

I concur with most above. I joined in July of this year (the same month I got my 911), and haven't been as impressed as I thought. I've definitely met some great people and connections in the area, which has been worth it, but the monthly meets aren't anything of what I had anticipated. The main reason I joined was updates on DE events, but you don't even have to be in the PCA to go those anyway... I do love the magazine though

 

The PCA website must have been done by the same folks who did the OBAMACARE site, it is almost totally worthless and outdated.

Regarding actual membership, as in any club PCA is only what you personally make of it for yourself. DE, Rallies, Club Racing, Auto Cross, and Tech Sessions can be great fun. But the best for me it being with folks who truly love their Porsches of all ages.

 

LOL, thanks for you input guys. I guess I'll think of it as a magazine subscription, and visit one of the local meets.

 

Magazine and PCA discounts I get.
The website I use very, very little.
They are certainly not utilizing that very effectively.
May be they don't think this whole world wide inter-web thing will catch on!?..lol...

 

I had a membership issue and emailed PCA...never got a response. We've got a great regional group, which netted me an invite to see the Brumos collection of fantastic cars, including Helmut Bott's 959. The magazine is great.

 

I am also not very excited about joining. Have been thinking about it for two years now but every time I check the web site I am turned off.. Also I live in an area where my local region is hundreds of miles long. So I may see an event and its in my region but 200 miles away... I was looking for more of a local group.
I do get the magazine free at my dealer and do enjoy that. Maybe I m missing something because of the area I live???

 

I originally thought one had to be a PCA member to participate in the PCA DE's. I soon figured out that not to be true. PCA membership does give an entrant priority over non-PCA members in the case that an event fills up, so there is some benefit.
In some regions, PCA membership means there is a modest discount on the cost of the DE.

The other major perk has been the ability to purchase tickets to the US Grand Prix using a password provided by PCA. I was unable to purchase tickets to a particular seating section without the PCA membership.

I end up getting 3 magazines as a result of my membership: our regional newsletter, Panorama, and Chistrophorus. I filp through them. By the time I receive my issues of Panorama and Christophorus, details on new car releases and specs are quite dated compared to internet coverage.

Certain sections of the website are updated regularly, such as the club race results, but as mentioned, the news and discounts could use some help. Of course, that's the thing with clubs where the people doing the work volunteer their time. Also, if you have an idea on an improvement to the website or something else PCA related, it's possible other members would appreciate the improvement as well.

 

I definitely agree with this statement. You get out what you put in. Your regional chapter is lucky to have you. If you're tech-savvy and you put forth the energy to contribute and make the chapter better, everyone will benefit!

 

I was going to say something similar. Membership is more of a regional thing and you'll get out of it what you put into it, whether you're into the social aspect, cruises, or race events.