Comments on the 2012 Non-Attendee comments ...

[annie]

Here are some comments on some of the comments received on our DLV 2012 Non-Attendee Survey. I'm not responding to all, just those I believe are of some significance.

+The question WHIVH factors should be repeated to asked for all the
+factors that prevented attendance, ie multi choice and then ask
+which was the most significant. IMHO

Something like this was considered. Not implemented mainly because the current scripts which score the surveys would not take such a thing without a re-write. (Lazy, I know.)

If such a survey is repeated, that may be an option. My question would be along the line of would such an expanded set of options give us any more truly meaningful data. The single-threaded question did zero in very effectively on the primary reasons for non-attendance.
. . . . .

+It seems more geared towards trannys

Well, depending on exactly how you define "tranny", this may be quite true.
. . . . .

A few common themes were noted.

+I had a conflict between the scheduled dates and my work. I'll be
+attending in the future.
and
+Had trip all set up until Doctor informed me I was having eye surgury
+same week as DIVA
and
+DLV 2012 was scheduled the same wee as a local event called "Laughlin
+Run" Bike Week. Couldn't get time off not even one day.
and
+Just could not attend because I was asked to teach a math class
+that had a lot of teacher turn over and wanted to be fair to the
+students.
and
+I have been providing nursing assistance to a recouperating family
+member for over six months. Just could not leave.

This confirms the numbers in the objective section which indicated that personal schedule conflicts was the most frequently-named reason for not attending.
. . .

+I was signed up, could not find reasonable airfare from Ohio.
and
+This was really my fault. I put off reserving my air ticket waiting
+for the $285 price to go down. It went up to over $350 and almost
+$400 and
and
+Between house payment, car payment, daughter's graduation, and I
+had to pay tax rather than get some back this year I just could
and
+The economy was most certainly the primary reason for not attending
+both this year and for that matter last year as well. I see it as
+no fault to the wonderful folks who put a lot of effort into this
and
+Been wishing could attend again every year. I've been out of work
+for quite a long time now. So economics is the only issue.

This again corresponds with the objective portion which indicates that the economy is the second most significant factor in non-attendance.
. . .

+DLV really sounds fun. However, I don't know any of the girls and I
+have never been out in the world transformed. Going would be taking
+a huge-giant step for me.

Even though you may not know anyone personally prior to attending, you can be assured that you will be among friends! We've had many take their first steps into the real world at DLV.

We have the Big Sister Program for those who think they need some one-on-one individual peer guidance, plus you can get all of the advice you could ever consume if you just ask the questions.

+I really want to go next year, I'm Dying to get out in Public
+and can't think of a Cooler way.
and
+I've been wanting to attend for years, but I'm just a Big Chicken!
and
+Perhaps there could be a beginners, baby step program included in
+DLV?

Yes, DLV is an ideal place to get yourself out in the real world.

As far as a beginners program, we'll be expanding our attention to those who are new to DLV and new to public exposure. The wheels are already turning on that one.

+Fantasy: To attend DLV for at least one event. Before the event,
+having a professional makeover so that I look my absolute best.

This is very possible. There are several make-up artists who can do just that, both in firms which cater mainly to the TG community and those which cater to the general public, which have become increasingly popular with our group over the past few years. Expect these options to be expanded for next year as well.
. . . . .

+It seems like there are some great people participating in the
+discussion list. Maybe it would be fun to get to know them in
+person.

Yes, there are some very great people, both on line and in person at the event. It is fun to meet in real life those you've made the acquaintance of on line.

Diva Las Vegas actually began as an in-real-life get-together of those who had become acquainted on line.

+However, it seems like some other people might be uncomfortable
+with the way I might dress. So, I don't think the DLV week is for
+me. I still enjoy the list, especially any info regarding Vegas.

Depends on exactly what "how I might dress" means.

Speaking very freely, particularly during recent years (and this is said with the "DLV Organizer's Hat" OFF), if you wish to push the limits a bit, you'll get a much better reception if you are genuinely a nice person and are friendly toward and considerate of others.

If you appear to be self-centered and have this cocky "this is my style, get used to it!" attitude, as has been seen in the past, you'll generate a lot of complaints. If you are perceived as pleasant and congenial, you'll have others jump to your defense if there are any complaints. YMMV, of course.
. . . . .

+Really would like to play golf at DLV and other social functions.

LOL, some have said that they consider DLV to be mainly a golf match with other activities thrown in.

+Need advice from experienced participants.

Ask and you will receive, in abundance!
. . . . .

+I am concerned that the event is getting too large. I really
+enjoyred it when it was a smaller group.

DLV will probably never be a small event again. However, several of the activities do have smaller groups in attendance. We usually end up having 2-3 fairly large gatherings each year, with the others being small to medium in size.

And (shameless plug) if you are indeed looking for a smaller event, we do have Pinkfest in Chicago this fall!
. . . . .

{sigh ...}

+Several of the questions are more to be able to pin point who
+may be answering this survey and has nothing to do with asking
{deletia maxima}

My response to (fortunately few and far between) fatuous tirades such as this is along the line that we need to focus our energy and attention toward the countless indivduals who do indeed appreciate our program and our efforts and simply igmore a few who may have an axe to grind.

However, JoAnn has some comments she wishes to share.

+It becomes very BORING doing almost the same repeat thing every
+year for anyone who returns year after year.

JoAnn responds:

We are continually looking for people to volunteer to organize new
events. The fact is that people usually prefer to suggest something but
wish that others would implement it. Such an outlook really does not
contribute to new activities happening. Any suggestions on overcoming
this hurdle are most welcome.

+Most are yearly repeats can be listed:

+Limo Tour
+Open and Closer and more dining and drinking
+Erotic museum and more drinking
+A show or two
+Shooting firearms
+Church service
+High tea - more dining
+Fine arts
+Make overs

JoAnn continues:

The yearly repeated events are the result of the continued number of
volunteers who coordinate these activities and the number of attendees
who sign-up and fill the events' sign-up limit. This does not limit the
possibility for volunteers to initiate new events. New activities
during we would hope will create more attendance, but this only will
happen by those "who prefer to light a candle, rather than curse the
darkness!"

+There is no longer open discussion and more of a pre-decided
+control issue. The masses are only told of the decisions. ie:
+the new organizers guidelines.

JoAnn continues:

The "masses" have the opportunity to be a volunteer and be part of the
Org Decisions. As such, they can become pro-active and move from being
passive and "told of the the decisions".

+Hypocrisy, politics as in favoritism and exemptions, personal bias,
+and prejudice especially by the leadership, and by those in the Org,
+and many seen as having power trips of control. This is seen by the
+average attendee

JoAnn continues:

DIVA is a volunteer based group which organizes our activites. The
people attending are informed of the protocals[BDR guidelines] and the
needed "lady-like" decorum. There has always been those who will refuse
to think about "others" and make an enviroment socially uncomfortable
for all others in attendance.

Then there is formalizing an activity that may casue a "liability" to
those driving. This can be carried to the extreme or common sense can
prevail. We have those who will alwasy make this problematic. There is
no easy solution but we contually work on it.

It is always a challenge to re-direct questionalble/poor behavior and to
get those attending to understand this is not the norm and to buy-in so
not to spoil an event. This is not a perfect world and stating that
organizers "look the other way" is very hash. We encourage those who
attend to make activities an opportunity to meet, share, and support
those who wish to experience their feminine-self in a supportive
environment. We ask everyone to help to make this happen. It doesn't
always happen, but usually does.

+Attendees being called by the org and leadership, saying that attendees
+are equal to a bunch of "cats", to be herded around, and not considered
+as people. ie "Herding Cats". This can be very insulting to attendees.

JoAnn continues:

Saying that 'Herding Cats' is insulting only offends those who are not
Cats. Diva Cats are very proud about not being able to be herded. Our
attendees know how to be proud and resourceful Cats. They wear this
mantle with Diva Courage!!

I (Annie) would like to add that anyone who knows, loves, and understands both the TG community and cats can easily understand and appreciate the analogy, which was never intended as a put-down of TGs nor of cats.
. . . . .

On the Non-Attendee survey, as well as on the Attendee Survey, we did have several express their appreciation, whether or not they were able to participate. These remarks are truly appreciated and we thank everyone for their feedback.

+Thank you all so much.

+The two times I've attended have been wonderful times, well run,
+super people.

+I see it as no fault to the wonderful folks who put a lot of
+effort into this event.

+DLV is simply the BEST!

+Thanks for asking for my feedback. It seems like a fun and
+worthwhile event. I hope I can afford the time to attend in the
+future. You have GREAT communication about the event!

[External Poster]

This posting is from: kumiko yvonne watanabe
----------

If I understand it correctly, this comment was from the survey to those
that didn't attend DLV.

So its someone's comment that was asked for as part of the survey.

Sometimes negative comments should be looked at constructively and a in
a positive way, and not just read and accept only the nice agreeable
ones.

+Several of the questions are more to be able to pin
point who
+may be answering this survey and has nothing to do with asking
{deletia maxima}

> My response to (fortunately few and far between) fatuous
tirades such as
> this is along the line that we need to focus our energy and
attention
> toward the countless indivduals who do indeed appreciate our
program and
> our efforts and simply igmore a few who may have an axe to
grind.

I had to go to the email the comment was stated, and read what was the
cause of such a reaction, and to read what this comment actually said.

I don't see it as 'fatuous' or inanely foolishness, or a 'tirade' as in
using harsh censorious language. Nor do I see it as comments from
someone that has axe to grind.

If it is then why did they state:

"1. DLV is ONLY for newbies
to allow them to experience mainstream
venues. In this DLV excels in and is
perfect for those attending for
the FIRST time."

Also:

"Anything else is
what makes each year different and more desirable to
attend, which is getting
less and less, and more predictable in doing
the same thing, different year.
This can explain why there were low or no shows between the opener and
closer.
As quoted from the disc: "... did that already..."... and
probably many times
over and over."

It sounds like a concern to me.


>However, JoAnn has some
comments she wishes to share.

+It becomes very BORING doing almost the same
repeat thing every
+year for anyone who returns year after year.

>JoAnn
responds:

>We are continually looking for people to volunteer to organize new
> events. The fact is that people usually prefer to suggest something but
>
wish that others would implement it. Such an outlook really does not
>
contribute to new activities happening. Any suggestions on overcoming
> this
hurdle are most welcome.

I think this person is just stating why this person doesn't attend. Its
because the events are a repeat every year, which is also why this
person thinks there is low attendance, and why this person finds it
boring.

Yes, I think new events would be good.

>From another comment:

"Last
year, I went to only a couple of the events and spent more time out
with the
local girls who knew how to party."

So there are more that think this way - and not a personal axe to grind.


+Most are yearly repeats can be listed:
+Limo Tour
+Open and Closer and more dining and drinking
+Erotic museum and
more drinking
+A show or two
+Shooting firearms
+Church service
+High tea -
more dining
+Fine arts
+Make overs

> JoAnn continues:

> The yearly repeated
events are the result of the continued number of
> volunteers who coordinate
these activities and the number of attendees
> who sign-up and fill the
events' sign-up limit. This does not limit the
> possibility for volunteers to
initiate new events. New activities
> during we would hope will create more
attendance, but this only will
> happen by those "who prefer to light a
candle, rather than curse the
> darkness!"

I think this is why this person said its good for those new to DLV, but
not for those that return every year. "doing almost the same repeat
thing every year for anyone who returns year after year"

The volunteers that are doing a excellent job organizing the same
activity, and its more a statement on why this person didn't attend, and
its because the same activity occurs every DLV.


+There is no longer open
discussion and more of a pre-decided
+control issue. The masses are only told
of the decisions. ie:
+the new organizers guidelines.

> JoAnn continues:

>
The "masses" have the opportunity to be a volunteer and be part of the
> Org
Decisions. As such, they can become pro-active and move from being
> passive
and "told of the the decisions".

+Hypocrisy, politics as in favoritism and
exemptions, personal bias,
+and prejudice especially by the leadership, and by
those in the Org,
+and many seen as having power trips of control. This is
seen by the
+average attendee

There were other comments about the same thing:

" I do not tend to go to DLV because of the three times my female spouse
and I
attended we often were shunned by the so called experts. TG groups
tend to
have group meetings as a hideout for folks that cannot get out
or pass in
public. Therefore, the DLV suffers from the group concept
thing of social
dominance of those seeking status or power within the
group.

This is not the fault of DLV, but the transgender communitys disharmony
in accepting the different variations. One such example is {name} and
{name} that are bullsh*ts of the group manipulation that often promotes
jealousy and shunning within the social group."

"For example, every year there is a DLV restroom issue that 90% of the
time came down from the crossdresser bringing it down on themselves.

I am even applaud when they stand up and pee then want group support for
their rejection."

> JoAnn continues:

> DIVA is a volunteer
based group which organizes our activites. The
> people attending are informed
of the protocals[BDR guidelines] and the
> needed "lady-like" decorum. There
has always been those who will refuse
> to think about "others" and make an
enviroment socially uncomfortable
> for all others in attendance.

The comment was on the BDR:

"4. All guidelines ie: BDR, that can everyone is supposed to
follow can
easily be exempted to individuals at any time by the activity
organizer
or by someone in the Org or leadership, that does spoil that evening
for
some that attend.

Because of this, and spoiling one's evening, those that experience this
have stated they will no longer attend, so they don't come back"

This creates hypocrisy.

This information above isn't stated in the general BDR information!

This causes the same problem and comments each and every year over and
over and over....by those that don't know this"

The comment was this exemption ruling, that is not on the BDR as
presented to any attendee in the signed agreement.

It has nothing to do with being 'lady-like' nor about those that refuse
to think about "others" nor making an environment socially uncomfortable
for all others in attendence.

Its more on the un-written rule that is not in the BDR guidelines, that
allows those "others" to dress outside of the BDR when everyone else
follows it.

There were also comments about the BDR and wearing a mask. Yes is was
done in fun, but it shows it wasn't fun to others.

> Then there is formalizing an
activity that may casue a "liability" to
> those driving. This can be carried
to the extreme or common sense can
> prevail. We have those who will alwasy
make this problematic. There is
> no easy solution but we contually work on
it.

The comment on hypocrisy was about the waiver stating no official
transportation, and at the same time allowing such at certain
activities. "This forced agreement also has hypocritical guidelines, for
example: no official transportation as in car-pooling and yet it happens
for official events like hiking."

I think it sounds like this person is showing where there is confusion
on what is official and what is not official as in having a car pool or
not having a car pool. Its a extreme on both ends that is set by the
waiver's statement.

I can see having a car pool. If so then that statement should be
removed.

If its removed, where does the blame and 'liability goes if someone
gets hurt or dies because of a accident occuring during a DLV activity.

----------
(This posting was entered by kumiko yvonne watanabe, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Sarah Charles
----------

I'm trying to figure out where the one person got the impression that
there was a power elite that was holding secret meetings to make DLV
decisions. Can anyone enlighten me on that one?

Sarah

----------
(This posting was entered by Sarah Charles, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> I'm trying to figure out where the one person got the impression that
> there was a power elite that was holding secret meetings to make DLV
> decisions. Can anyone enlighten me on that one?

I'm sure this refers to such things as that Secret Committee which conspired to plan and implement our Welcome Celebration over the past few years, and that Secret Committee which underhandedly plotted to produce a crossdressing exhibit for the EHM.

It might also be a veiled reference to that Double Secret Committee (that's where the committee is so secret that not even the members of it know it) that's been masterminding a hostile takeover of SCC, with the intent of merging it with Pinkfest and rebranding it Diva Hotlanta!

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Gina Richards
----------

> It might also be a veiled reference to that Double Secret Committee
> (that's where the committee is so secret that not even the members
> that's been masterminding a hostile takeover of SCC, with the intent
> of merging it with Pinkfest and rebranding it Diva Hotlanta!

I feel so conspiratorial...

Gina

----------
(This posting was entered by Gina Richards, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Sarah Charles
----------

> I'm sure this refers to such things as that Secret Committee which
> conspired to plan and implement our Welcome Celebration over the past
> few years, and that Secret Committee which underhandedly plotted to
> produce a crossdressing exhibit for the EHM.

I've finally reached my goal of being an un-indicted co-conspiritor,
something I've aiming for since Watergate.

> It might also be a veiled reference to that Double Secret Committee
> (that's where the committee is so secret that not even the members of it
> know it) that's been masterminding a hostile takeover of SCC, with the
> intent of merging it with Pinkfest and rebranding it Diva Hotlanta!

Honestly, not intending to make fun of the person who posted the
comment, but if you read the materials that are sent out with almost
spam-like regularity, it's difficult to not see DLV as one of the most
Transparent organizations around. I'm just puzzled that some one can
read the equivalent of "Hi, I'm Sarah and I want to go to see the art
exhibit at the Bellagio on Wednesday afternoon. Anyone want to join
me?" and think it's a secret committee grasping for power over the other
attendees.

Okay, I'm done. Let's breathe and start thinking about 2013.

----------
(This posting was entered by Sarah Charles, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: kumiko yvonne watanabe
----------

> I've finally reached my goal of being an un-indicted co-conspiritor,
> something I've aiming for since Watergate.

We are all on some conspiracy or another.

Any office has its conspiracies.

For some it goes more back to Pearl Harbor and the real segregation of
thousands of japanese american citizens considered conspiring against
theUS. I still am on the conspiracy receiving end of that, even in LV.

Consider the plight of the american indians too, and the conspiracy that
moved them off their lands into reservations, or the hawaiian people and
nation that lost its independence status because of the US.

There is also the McCarthy communist conspiracy in the 50s where
everyone was suspect.

The Lincoln and Kennedy assassination conspiracy still continues.

The question to any of this is How much is the truth to what was being
said?

The lies can be ignored.

----------
(This posting was entered by kumiko yvonne watanabe, an external user of MyDLV.)