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Tailgate question re $ for food

Yankee_In_TX

Yankee_In_TX

Dance Lindsay!
Let us say hypothetically after years of tailgating, you decide the best way to do your tailgate is everyone brings $7.

In return you get chips and some kind of dip, appetizer, lunch, some kind of booze and sometimes another thing here or there.

You also never are asked to chip in for forks, plates, etc.

And you honestly spend more than you collect, but you are happy to do it.

Primary reason? When you tell half a dozen folks to bring something it never goes right. One person forgets a vital ingredient. Or you ask for burger fixins and someone brings a whole tomato and whole head of lettuce (whereas you decide it is easier to do all the prep work at home the day before than bring extra knives, cutting boards, etc).

If you have tailgaters that ignore your request for $7 and keep bringing food (that honestly is not needed), how do you broach the topic without offending anyone?
 
Been trying to understand this for eight years Ryan. Finally gave up and just decided to "go with the flow." Regardless of how many times I ask, "what is everyone bringing" or try to establish a "menu" it went over like a dead colt! lol Kimberly and I use to try to "organize" the Blue Crew, and finally figured out that it was NOT gonna happen. BUT, over all, it seems to be working out just the way it is. Our overall group is HUGE, and a lot of members don't frequent this board, so everyone doing their own "thang" and bringing a little extra for friends, just seems to work out. Maybe with the "ticket" sales we can eventually improve the LOOK of the area. Get rid of the green and white stripped tents, get some cool banners or flags, get David some help with his grill. I've been with the BC since the beginning, and I don't believe we have ever ask anyone for money.

Also, the Blue Crew has about 5-6 sub groups. Yours, Justins, Wills, Dean, Jeff, and Andy's group, Joe's, Bills, and sometimes the motorhome group. Some of us feel ok wandering from group to group and checking out what you have, but, others don't. Sometimes I wish we could all be just ONE big happy family and pool ALL our goodies, but, I know that's not gonna happen. Have all the food in the middle, and have all the sub areas for entertaining, visiting, playing games, a separate place to sit down and eat, etc. That would increase our "grill" space and get folks out of the "food" space and out and about the different areas. I know that's a pipe dream of mine, and I accept that.

To answer your question a little better, you're probably spinning your wheels. People don't like for fork over money, and are usually offened if you bug them to do things YOUR way. I learned that from experience. Just bring what you want, or what you assigned yourself to bring. If the rest of the group doesn't do their part, they can spend mega bucks inside the stadium to eat. Most of all, don't fret about it. HAVE fun, it always works out.
 
That's been a "problem" for a few seasons... some people think that a bag of chips or cookies every week entitles them to unlimited food, drinks and snacks, not just for themself, but for the one or two extras they bring with them..
Now I call or email people who "used" to do that and tell them this is what is expected for them to bring this time.. believe it or not, I was expecting to get a little flak back from them, but it actually went over good, as they really never knew what they should have brought. This way they know that everyone else is dependant on them to bring whatever it is they were asked.
So if they do not, they are putting everyone else in a bad place by not having what was needed there..Sometimes knowing you will let down a lot of people in your group, friends, makes you not forget to bring things...
Money is never the right thing to do...as then they can say, I paid, I can have whatever is there...thus some people will take advantage..
Decide on the menu a few days out, get everyone on board, commit to who is bringing what, then just plan on it being taken care of.. You will know soon enough who is not reliable... then just make needed changes after..
 
I think that there is a tactfull way that you can get your point across to this person. Maybe having a discussion with the group as a whole and letting them know that in order to continue enjoying all the perks of your tailgating section a small fee will need to be collected from them. If that still does not work then you can go directly to that person, and make he or she aware that there food is really not needed and that coughing up that small fee would help alot more than bringing a tomato a head of lettuce.

7 dollars, if that is your fee is very cheap, I think everyone in blue crew could save alot of money if there was some kind of menu and there was some organization, But like Gma says it would be hard to get everyone to go in one direction.
 
I now feel bad for showing up, unhinging my jaw and swallowing that entire meatloaf while taking a bottle of wine as an IV.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
Let us say hypothetically after years of tailgating, you decide the best way to do your tailgate is everyone brings $7.

In return you get chips and some kind of dip, appetizer, lunch, some kind of booze and sometimes another thing here or there.

You also never are asked to chip in for forks, plates, etc.

And you honestly spend more than you collect, but you are happy to do it.

Primary reason? When you tell half a dozen folks to bring something it never goes right. One person forgets a vital ingredient. Or you ask for burger fixins and someone brings a whole tomato and whole head of lettuce (whereas you decide it is easier to do all the prep work at home the day before than bring extra knives, cutting boards, etc).

If you have tailgaters that ignore your request for $7 and keep bringing food (that honestly is not needed), how do you broach the topic without offending anyone?
Click to expand...

Rule #1

Whenever you're in charge , it's gonna cost you .

Rule #2

The folks who ignore what you request or complain about what you request decline to take charge because they're busy .
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
If you have tailgaters that ignore your request for $7 and keep bringing food (that honestly is not needed), how do you broach the topic without offending anyone?
Click to expand...

Tell me where you're at, & I'll bring $20. I'd love to get in on the tailgating thing, but I don't feel right just walking into someone's "house" & start eating.

Is there normally a tip jar or something?
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
Rule #1

Whenever you're in charge , it's gonna cost you .

Rule #2

The folks who ignore what you request or complain about what you request decline to take charge because they're busy .
Click to expand...

I don't mind eating the extra cost, but, hypothetically - if the menu is steak then why do you insist on bringing more steak instead of giving me $7? If I didn't think it would just damage friendships I would say great, we said the menu is steak, you brought steak, don't touch all the extra stuff we brough until you pay me the $7 because more steak didn't benefit the group. /rant

I just don't get it. I guess I wrote this post to understand the psyche of the person wanting to bring something that doesn't really benefit the group/fit the menu so I can address the issue???

So if you're the guy who just wants to bring 'something' and refuses to chip in, please tell me why so I can understand and try to fix things :)
 
thunderkyss said:
Tell me where you're at, & I'll bring $20. I'd love to get in on the tailgating thing, but I don't feel right just walking into someone's "house" & start eating.

Is there normally a tip jar or something?
Click to expand...

Come by Blue Crew any time. The group in general doesn't really ask for anything other than BYOB. There is always plenty of food.

I just plan a menu with my sub group of the Blue Crew and we all pitch $7 in.
 
Texan_Bill said:
Ryan, are you talking about all of Blue Crew or wihin our own little tailgates in Blue Crew???
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That was my next post.

Getting the ENTIRE Blue Crew together plum doesn't make sense (see the demise of FILO).

I'm just referring to the people in my corner - we shoot around menu e-mails a few days prior to the game, Lindsay and I go buy all the food, supplies and booze (and prep everything) and we ask that people bring $7; not everyone plays that way apparently and I would to find a tactful way to do so.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
Come by Blue Crew any time. The group in general doesn't really ask for anything other than BYOB. There is always plenty of food.

I just plan a menu with my sub group of the Blue Crew and we all pitch $7 in.
Click to expand...

I ended up paying up and not eating much cause I was to busy horsing around and drinking ... do I get a refund .
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
That was my next post.

Getting the ENTIRE Blue Crew together plum doesn't make sense (see the demise of FILO).

I'm just referring to the people in my corner - we shoot around menu e-mails a few days prior to the game, Lindsay and I go buy all the food, supplies and booze (and prep everything) and we ask that people bring $7; not everyone plays that way apparently and I would to find a tactful way to do so.
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Well speaking from the Orange Lot... there was a time when there was many sub groups like ya'll have, and one day it seemed as everyone got together, which wasn't bad, until someone decided that they were going to be the said group leader... bad idea.. well it lasted all of a year and everyone split up... was not a good thing... Things are better now, certain people are gone, but getting a bunch to "merge" when everyone has their own special thing about themself, only asking for problems !!
Good Luck on fixing your problem !!
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
I ended up paying up and not eating much cause I was to busy horsing around and drinking ... do I get a refund .
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Yeah, seems that we drop a lot of $ on stuff and just pick or whatever.. I cannot tell you the last time I had a plate of anything at our own tailgate.. Damn, Yankee, I am screwing myself !! 7 bucks, I am crashing yours weekly !!
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
That was my next post.

Getting the ENTIRE Blue Crew together plum doesn't make sense (see the demise of FILO).

I'm just referring to the people in my corner - we shoot around menu e-mails a few days prior to the game, Lindsay and I go buy all the food, supplies and booze (and prep everything) and we ask that people bring $7; not everyone plays that way apparently and I would to find a tactful way to do so.
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OKay cool. 'Cause my little tailgate handles our business very well. Gibbs goes shopping every Saturday (as do I). He tends to go in the morning and I go in the afternoon. RIght before I go in, I call him to see if he forgot anything that I can grab..

*****************************
BTW, TK, we accept no tips or money. We only wish people would bring what they want to drink, although there is usually plenty if someone needs something.
 
I'm glad you brought this up. I'm coming to the cowboys game. Bringing me my brother and 2 friends. How much should I bring and who should I give my money to? I've always felt welcome when I've been in the past. (shetexan I hung around and waited to say hi, but I had a kid and a long road trip home and thanks for the food/candy/conversation Joe).

I really just look forward to hanging out with some of the people on the board but I feel awkward not giving someone something. I don't know the groups (hell I don't know anyone's real name other than Joe and Ted) well enough to know who is where but I'd love to avoid the confusion. Does bringing money to one group mean that I eat there or what? I don't wanna sound rude, but I'd rather sound rude here and get straightened out than saying nothing and having everyone think I'm rude in person.

Any advice would be welcome.

Mike
 
Texanmike said:
I'm glad you brought this up. I'm coming to the cowboys game. Bringing me my brother and 2 friends. How much should I bring and who should I give my money to? I've always felt welcome when I've been in the past. (shetexan I hung around and waited to say hi, but I had a kid and a long road trip home and thanks for the food/candy/conversation Joe).

I really just look forward to hanging out with some of the people on the board but I feel awkward not giving someone something. I don't know the groups (hell I don't know anyone's real name other than Joe and Ted) well enough to know who is where but I'd love to avoid the confusion. Does bringing money to one group mean that I eat there or what? I don't wanna sound rude, but I'd rather sound rude here and get straightened out than saying nothing and having everyone think I'm rude in person.

Any advice would be welcome.

Mike
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If I understand Ryan correctly, (and is fairly typical of Blue Crew as a whole) I don't think he is asking for money from visitors, but those that actually share his spot.
 
We at the Blue Crew experienced one year a girl taking money from people walking up, I think she just pocketed the money when she and her hubby just walked up to boot. She was told to quit doing it, then she ended up in a hummer room at a Christmas Party one year and Went away for good. Between me and Billy we put in about a lot of dollars a game and happy to do it. If I aint got it I aint bringing it. We have never asked a person for donations in the blue crew and I do not believe we should. The blue Crew is about 69 cars strong and to get all these people to agree aint going to happen. We have now implemented the 50/50 so it is a way to get poeple to give money and they might win it back. It was successful yesterday and with time it will be very successful. Yankee you can tell your guys to pay you to subsidize your menu but that would be between yall. and that agreement should be between you and your friends as your hosting them. I also do not feel the need to have tip jars all over and the 50/50 takes care of that. We had a problem yesterday that the tickets were called and 3 people were not there. We just re called another number till we got a number that was correct. Somebody collected a substantial amount for tailgating
 
Texanmike said:
I'm glad you brought this up. I'm coming to the cowboys game. Bringing me my brother and 2 friends. How much should I bring and who should I give my money to? I've always felt welcome when I've been in the past. (shetexan I hung around and waited to say hi, but I had a kid and a long road trip home and thanks for the food/candy/conversation Joe).

I really just look forward to hanging out with some of the people on the board but I feel awkward not giving someone something. I don't know the groups (hell I don't know anyone's real name other than Joe and Ted) well enough to know who is where but I'd love to avoid the confusion. Does bringing money to one group mean that I eat there or what? I don't wanna sound rude, but I'd rather sound rude here and get straightened out than saying nothing and having everyone think I'm rude in person.

Any advice would be welcome.

Mike
Click to expand...

I can't speak for others, but I never feel visitors (visitor = a few games, not 10 games) need to pay or bring food.

I feel visitors are entitled to any extra food. My group usually has a little, but the Blue Crew main tent has TONS. I doubt anyone would ever tell you to bring money or food but it can't hurt to ask them. *edit* Joe just said above you are welcome to anything from Blue Crew, so no need to worry Mike!!
 
Texan_Bill said:
If I understand Ryan correctly, (and is fairly typical of Blue Crew as a whole) I don't think he is asking for money from visitors, but those that actually share his spot.
Click to expand...

Yup - if you don't receive an e-mail from me telling you to bring me $7 and giving you the menu, you're not the subject of my post :)

But I'm still open for advice as how not to piss my friends off!

My problem is not moochers but those not wanting to contribute in a way that maximizes our game day consumtption.
 
Damn, you called my ticket?? :strangle:

As far as charging money? No, never. Heck I've been known to give an extra ticket away without charging for it. It ain't about that for us. I have my deal worked out with my peeps and that's as far as it goes.

Joe and I texted each other about the liquor for our Game Day shots and without a word I picked up what was needed from Specs. That's just how we roll!
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
Yup - if you don't receive an e-mail from me telling you to bring me $7 and giving you the menu, you're not the subject of my post :)

But I'm still open for advice as how not to piss my friends off!
Click to expand...


When you send the e-mails asking for the $7, why don't you ask them if they are going to donate cash or bring food? If they want to bring food, get all that settled prior to your shopping. If they want to bring food, try to get dtails on what they are planning to bring. Re-inforce the idea that you are happy to do the shopping for all if they will just contribute to the cost.
 
:thinking: as stated before a menu would be cool and then letting folks pick what to cook from that. Any thing that is not left can either be kicked into some kind of find IE... 50/50 fund or stuff for the tailgate fund. I'm always down for whatever. I tend to like to cook up some different things from time to time so I'll probably still bring some extra of something or another.
 
We were the lucky ones that benefited from the 50/50. But I am looking at mesh tarps and other things to buy with the proceeds to enhance the tailgate.

This probably needs to go in another thread, but we sent our generator with TedC and it has plenty of horsepower to handle more fans. If anyone has big fans, bring them next time.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
Yup - if you don't receive an e-mail from me telling you to bring me $7 and giving you the menu, you're not the subject of my post :)

But I'm still open for advice as how not to piss my friends off!

My problem is not moochers but those not wanting to contribute in a way that maximizes our game day consumtption.
Click to expand...

Sometimes you just gotta grab the bull by the horns and tell them how it is.. a friend will understand and adapt.. if they have problems or take it personal, then ya know what, you know they are more about them then the group in general.. I wouldn't sweat just saying how it is, as that is the easiest and the best way to get it across...You want things to change, that will get it squared away.
 
GlassHalfFull said:
We were the lucky ones that benefited from the 50/50. But I am looking at mesh tarps and other things to buy with the proceeds to enhance the tailgate.

This probably needs to go in another thread, but we sent our generator with TedC and it has plenty of horsepower to handle more fans. If anyone has big fans, bring them next time.
Click to expand...

Talked to Amy's uncle who owns bullshirts and H&H tents. He said he's going to see what he can do about finding a sponser and maybe getting that tent for free and maybe even goods and such ;)
 
I know that there isn't the expectation that I bring something necessarily but I do want to contribute. I'm going to try to make 4 games this year cause who knows when I get moved away and can't make them anymore and I'd really like to contribute. The only problem is I travel with two dogs and at least 3 people so I'd love to bring food but it gets a little cramped. maybe I'll just start stuffing 1's in people's pockets. Um... er... do the cheerleaders have a tailgating crew? J/k.

In all seriousness. One of the guys coming with me next week is a pies fan... no way I expect him to be fed for free!!!!



Mike
 
GlassHalfFull said:
We were the lucky ones that benefited from the 50/50. But I am looking at mesh tarps and other things to buy with the proceeds to enhance the tailgate.

This probably needs to go in another thread, but we sent our generator with TedC and it has plenty of horsepower to handle more fans. If anyone has big fans, bring them next time.
Click to expand...

Now, that 50/50 is a very cool idea!! I love it!! The beautiful thing is that it will actually go towards group equipment (i.e. tents, signs/banners, etc.)

I know you know that Katie, but it was for the benefit of those that don't know what the 50/50 is for.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So contribute to the conversation and support the Texans :fans:
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There are plenty of people that hate when I contribute to the conversation!!! I'm better off sitting in the corner looking old!

BTW where is spec? I haven't seen him anywhere.

Mike
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
Yup - if you don't receive an e-mail from me telling you to bring me $7 and giving you the menu, you're not the subject of my post :)

But I'm still open for advice as how not to piss my friends off!

My problem is not moochers but those not wanting to contribute in a way that maximizes our game day consumtption.
Click to expand...

It's been my experience that the ones you are closest to will stiff you first . Why , I think it's human nature but you have to be upfront and say if you want to participate , here's what we do . They'll either like or not but they'll respect you .
 
The Blue Crew motto has been bring what you want and just a little more.

I kind of like the way we do it (unorganized) because you get to try someone's favorite dish. Last tailgate Big Toro brought some really great breakfast tacos, Dissacks does some great chicken, Joe does some great fajitas, don't get me started on Katie's Crack Weenies, and I can't wait to see what the next tailgate will bring.

To me organization is too hard and not quite as fun.

The 50/50 is just something we are doing for equipment and banners. It will not subsidize food or drink.

The first thing we are looking at is a big azz Blue Crew flag and flag pole.

Katie- I have two BIG fans.

Mike- Don't even try it. The last one who tried stuffing ones in my pocket married me. Just bring what you want to drink, if possible, and come out and have a great time.
 
Tedc said:
The Blue Crew motto has been bring what you want and just a little more.

I kind of like the way we do it (unorganized) because you get to try someone's favorite dish. Last tailgate Big Toro brought some really great breakfast tacos, Dissacks does some great chicken, Joe does some great fajitas, don't get me started on Katie's Crack Weenies, and I can't wait to see what the next tailgate will bring.

To me organization is too hard and not quite as fun.

The 50/50 is just something we are doing for equipment and banners. It will not subsidize food or drink.

The first thing we are looking at is a big azz Blue Crew flag and flag pole.

Katie- I have two BIG fans.

Mike- Don't even try it. The last one who tried stuffing ones in my pocket married me. Just bring what you want to drink, if possible, and come out and have a great time.
Click to expand...

And that's why Blue Crew is the best!
 
So if I want to show up and just mooch, I should find Ryan? :) (j/k. of course)

I'd like to come hang out for a game or two. It's looking like this might be my last football season in the States for a while.
 
Tedc said:
The Blue Crew motto has been bring what you want and just a little more.

I kind of like the way we do it (unorganized) because you get to try someone's favorite dish. Last tailgate Big Toro brought some really great breakfast tacos, Dissacks does some great chicken, Joe does some great fajitas, don't get me started on Katie's Crack Weenies, and I can't wait to see what the next tailgate will bring.

To me organization is too hard and not quite as fun.

The 50/50 is just something we are doing for equipment and banners. It will not subsidize food or drink.

The first thing we are looking at is a big azz Blue Crew flag and flag pole.

Katie- I have two BIG fans.

Mike- Don't even try it. The last one who tried stuffing ones in my pocket married me. Just bring what you want to drink, if possible, and come out and have a great time.
Click to expand...

Ted, I would also like to mention Andrew's pulled pork... That was pretty money this past weekend....

That said, thank you for pointing out the general point of "Blue Crew"!!!!

THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!!!!
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
That was my next post.

Getting the ENTIRE Blue Crew together plum doesn't make sense (see the demise of FILO).

I'm just referring to the people in my corner - we shoot around menu e-mails a few days prior to the game, Lindsay and I go buy all the food, supplies and booze (and prep everything) and we ask that people bring $7; not everyone plays that way apparently and I would to find a tactful way to do so.
Click to expand...

Not that I'm a regular these days......but, I'll mention that JT hooked me up with the serious guys @ Oakland. With them, they just ask for $20. You get a wristband, and you're good to go. I thought it was extremely fair, and it seems to allow them to do some really special things. Had an awesome time with them and will hopefully see them again this season....with equal results for tailgating but much better results for our Texans.

Looks like I'll be back for MNF @ Houston. I'll be happy to contribute to the festivities.
 
eriadoc said:
So if I want to show up and just mooch, I should find Ryan? :) (j/k. of course)

I'd like to come hang out for a game or two. It's looking like this might be my last football season in the States for a while.
Click to expand...

NO!!! You come find Ted, Joe or Bill............ Afterall, Ryan is a yankee! :)
 
It has ALWAYS been an honor to take care of those who spend hours on the road just to get to a game!! The Blue Crew has NEVER and will never ask you for money! We take care of opposing teams fans also, even "pie" and "meatball" fans!! That's just what good fans do for each other. What we do WORKS, and I'm ok with it, esp since we have gotten so large. I think most of us bring extra drinks for those who come and don't want to drag along a cooler. Heck, I brought 24 cans of beer to the Colts game and I don't drink!! I brought home 20 cans!! It's in my refrig and will return to the "pies" game!! Don't hesitate to ask for one!!!:drunk: Always extra soda's, water, gatoraide, etc.

We've been doing this since day one, and the Blue Crew has just gotten larger and larger. One of the reasons is because of our laid back, feel at home, type atmosphere. If you're hungry or thirsty and didn't bring anything for that day, it's not a problem, just dig in and ask someone for a drink, we'll find you one.

One suggestion for you Ryan, if you want your group to contribute money, is to ask for it ahead of time. Send them all an e-mail and tell them you will be collecting money for the Giant's tailgate at the Cowboys tailgate. Then you and Linds can be prepared to do what you want. If that doesn't work, then I'm not sure anything will. Maybe one Sunday you should just tell them all you are joining the big group and bring your stuff over to the middle. See how they like that. lol All of you are welcome anyway!!
 
We have made some adjustments at my truck with the tables and we will make others to accomodate what we need to to let the Blue Crew Grow. I keep my grill at the back of my truck cause I usuall have to cook horse or cat or porpous and best of all Cowboy this next tailgate. overall we have become great friends who enjoy football and fellowship while doing what we do. We have a special situation being that we average 50 to 100 people during the shots and that should grow with the team winning.

Yankee you should talk to your people and just tell them that every week it is tight and that they might try to help because they are there every week. If you want me to tell them I will do it for yall. They should help you out but they do not need to specifically help the Blue Crew we are self sufficient.

This thread and this board is a huge help in resolving these issues maybe you should have your friends read this thread, I cannot wait for the Cowboy Game so we can do it again.
 
Joe Texan said:
Yankee you should talk to your people and just tell them that every week it is tight and that they might try to help because they are there every week. If you want me to tell them I will do it for yall. They should help you out but they do not need to specifically help the Blue Crew we are self sufficient.
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I don't think this is a plea for money. If I am reading correctly, it seems to be more about having a sensible menu and one that works well together. When you tailgate is small group:fans:, you need to be concerned with that. If everyone brings a salad, you ain't cookin nuttin!
 
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