TimeshareUK.com: RCI discuss GPN - Global Points Network (timeshare)

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Timeshare Points

RCI Timeshare Points have been around for over 3 years now. The system has not been without teething problems. The main benefit is that members buy points which they can use to exchange for a short break, a long break, for car hire, for other benefits. The value of the points is the main trouble-spot. Used on car hire in the Canaries, it might be considered poor value when you can shop around and use cash to make savings. The availability of weeks for exchange has also been a limiting factor.

MORPS (members of RCI Points System) discuss the deal by daily emails

RCI discuss GPN - Global Points Network

Timeshare User Group

GPN is due to kick off in April 2000. This discussion was found in Jan 2000 on Timeshare User Group (TUG) notice boards. This early discussion was rescued for you to see.

EARLY COMMENTS:

The basic info I have is that RCI wants to go to a points based system. I don't have a problem with that concept, but do with the $$$ charge for converting.
Split weeks are easier to sell - buyers see more flexibility...
Look at the big number of people who take 3 and 4 day cruises... likes to take 7 to 10 days ...
really stinks is that RCI can unilaterally do this without a membership VOTE ...
The debate on fees is going on here in Tennesse ...
[kpitch] Before RCI gets here, is the point program they're offering voluntary?...
[fletch58] Kathy... yes like the military :)
[sushitex] I think it's voluntary. Any clues to how much it's going to cost?...
[kpitch] Fletch, you mean we're being drafted?...
[WonkaI] I wanna be a drill sergeant in the RCI militia...

[21:07] [RCILLC] Hello TUG members. Thank you for allowing us to chat about the new service we're testing called Global Points Network, GPN. GPN points can be used for resort stays and other travel services including car rentals, hotel nights, cruises and more. GPN does not replace the weekly exchange and is only available through resorts that offer the GPN service to owners. We've seen points comments on the TUG chat posting and BBS and we're looking forward [TS_Queen] RCI: Will you be able to combine points from several resorts or weeks?
[21:14] [RCILLC] Yes. Points can be combined from any affiliated resorts for use within the GPN.
[21:14] [TS_Queen] RCI: will you be able to know how many points your week is worth before converting, and what it will buy???
[21:15] [TS_Queen] This is a moderated CHAT. If you wish to ask a question, you must relay it to the Moderator (me). You may do this by using the command /notice Mindy97 (type the slash, the word notice, space, then my nickname, then space, then the question), or in Talk City's browser choose 1 to 1 with Mindy97.
[21:16] [RCILLC] The point values are available at the resort that is selling the GPN service. The list also details what the point values are at other GPN affiliated resorts.
[21:16] [TS_Queen] How will you deal with clubs that already utilize points, like Sunterra? Will they be members?
[21:17] [TS_Queen] Ok, everybody, message me with questions
[21:17] [RCILLC] A points club can access GPN products and services if they affiliated with the network through a club to GPN conversion process.
[21:18] [TS_Queen] At some point do you think GPN will replace the traditional exchange system?
[21:19] [RCILLC] No. GPN will complement the weekly exchange system. There will always be demand for weekly exchange.
[21:20] [TS_Queen] Would the points club convert to GNP and no longer have their old system???
[21:20] [RCILLC] GPN won't replace existing points systems.
[21:22] [TS_Queen] Does RCI have any guidelines for the cost for resort/members to join, or is it at resort discretion?
[21:22] [RCILLC] It is at the resort's discretion based on the cost of implementing the GPN service at the property.
[21:23] [TS_Queen] Will GPN Points have the same "shelf life" as regular spacebanked weeks?
[21:24] [RCILLC] GPN points are good for use within a year and can be saved or borrowing one year forward and one year back providing a window similar to the weekly exchange system.
[21:24] [TS_Queen] When is full implementation expected?
[21:25] [RCILLC] We are currently planning on introducing the service to resorts in April 2000.
[21:26] [TS_Queen] What happens when you own at more than one resort? You pay conversion for each one? Do you have to join under both systems if one resort is GPN and one is not?
[21:27] [RCILLC] You must pay a conversion fee for each week owned. However only one GPN membership fee is required... which includes membership to the weekly exchange, too. Remember the conversion fee is used to offset the cost of implementing GPN at the resort.
[21:28] [TS_Queen] How will points be assigned? What are the priorities that are considered for establishment of point value?
[21:29] [RCILLC] GPN points will be assigned for each interval based on time of year, the days of the week, the unit size and configuration of the unit (bedroom, kitchen size etc.), resort comment card scores, location and amenities.
[21:30] [TS_Queen] Are the priorities listed in order? Which are weighed most heavily?
[21:31] [TS_Queen] Will GPN need to be licensed in FLA (that from FEAII, the Florida Bureau of Timeshare)
[21:31] [RCILLC] The type of unit, the time of year and the resort location are the three factors that weigh most heavily.
[21:31] [TS_Queen] thank you
[21:32] [RCILLC] The GPN is currently filed and approved as an exchange program in Florida.
[21:32] [TS_Queen] If a member is GPN, and another is not, who would get priority for non-GPN week in spacebank
[21:34] [RCILLC] Priority for weekly exchange is determined by the like-for-like exchange process... which is based on the resort and when someone requests an exchange. Therefore it's going to depend on who asks when.
[21:35] [TS_Queen] How many resorts do you anticipate will "start the system" up?
[21:36] [RCILLC] We hope to have ten to 15 resorts affiliated to the GPN prior to the launch in April. We will continue to affiliate resorts after that.
[21:38] [RCILLC] What else can we answer for you this evening?
[21:38] [TS_Queen] I know this is a repeat, but please explain again who sets the conversion fee, any idea how much it will be, and who benefits from it
[21:39] [RCILLC] The conversion fee assures that the cost of implementing GPN within the resort is passed on to those who will use the system, thus, holding the line on maintenance fees increases for non GPN members.
[21:40] timeos2: *mindy97* will some new resorts be GPN only - no fixed weeks?
[21:40] [RCILLC] Resorts will set conversion fees based on the costs of implementing GPN within their resort. Fees will vary from property to property based on how the conversion occurs, how many weeks are being converted and other benefits provided by the resort as part of the conversion.
[21:42] [TS_Queen] Will the resorts be paying a fee to RCI for implementing GPN? WIll it be per unit, per resort?
[21:43] [RCILLC] There is an initial enrollment fee for a resort to sign up a week with the GPN which covers the first year annual dues and RCI's cost associated with set up for a new member.
[21:44] [TS_Queen] Can you tell us what figures are being used in the Beta testing?
[21:44] [RCILLC] Sure. $99 annual membership fee and $69 for a reservation of five nights or more.
[21:45] [TS_Queen] Each reservation???
[21:45] [TS_Queen] I meant conversion fees used in beta testing...
[21:46] [RCILLC] Yes for each reservation of five nights or more we are testing $69. For one night's reservation the fee we are testing is $15.
[21:47] [TS_Queen] Would small resorts, 10 units and less be likely not to join?
[21:47] [RCILLC] Conversion fees range from $700 to $3,000. However, the products and services and number of weeks included in that conversion vary significantly.
[21:48] [TS_Queen] So are there different packages of products included for some than for others?
[21:48] [TS_Queen] Tell us what might a typical package of products in GPN be, and why we would want it, please
[21:49] [RCILLC] We believe the flexiblity and desirablity of GPN will appeal to any resort. Resorts of any size can take advantage of the additional flexiblity and the expenses vary by size of property making it viable for any size resort to join.
[21:50] [RCILLC] Some resorts testing GPN provide additional bonus points for signing up or offer the conversion of current week via the purchase of additional weeks.
[21:51] [TS_Queen] If I have a "lock our unit" will I be converting one week or two, or is that up to the resort?
[21:51] [TS_Queen] make that lockout
[21:52] [RCILLC] That is up to the member who is doing the converting. Typically someone who owns a lock off would convert the entire unit and get points equitable to the overall size of the unit for use within GPN.
[21:52] [TS_Queen] Do you think that split weeks will be in big demand? How will this affect full week exchanges?
[21:54] [RCILLC] We believe within GPN there will be significant demand for durations other than seven days which is one of the reasons we created GPN. Today we are often told by our owners that they desire more flexibility than the week-for-week exchange currently provides.
[21:54] [TS_Queen] Will all the GPN weeks be only for GPN owners? Will any resorts only have points???
[21:55] [RCILLC] Within GPN if a member desires a 7-day stay they can always request that duration and it will be provided, if available.
[21:56] [TS_Queen] What happens with the weeks that are turned into points and used for Non-timeshare items? Air, car, etc.?
[21:57] [TS_Queen] Is it anticipated that some new resorts will be GPN only?
[21:58] [TS_Queen] Will there be a 45-day window (or less) with less points needed for "what's left?"
[21:59] [RCILLC] We will use points that are freed up due to someone within GPN accessing non-timeshare product (air, car,etc.) to offer to resorts for use by GPN members or perspective members to try the service.
[22:00] [RCILLC] We believe that some new resort s may choose to offer the GPN as their primary exchange service. Please remember GPN membership also includes a week-for-week exchange membership. So it's really like having the best of both worlds.
[22:00] [TS_Queen] If you join GPN, will you have to turn your week over each year? What if you want to use it???
[22:01] [RCILLC] We anticipate discounting of points for close-date available inventory. This will be done on a space-available basis and the specific procedures will be set after the beta test.
[22:01] [TS_Queen] The chat is currently moderated.
[22:01] [RCILLC] There are priority periods within GPN that will assure your ability to get back to your home week should you want to use it. There is no fee within GPN for this reservation.
[22:02] [RCILLC] We can go for another 15 minutes, if everyone is interested.
[22:02] [TS_Queen] This is a moderated CHAT. If you wish to ask a question, you must relay it to the Moderator (me). You may do this by using the command /notice Mindy97 (type the slash, the word notice, space, then my nickname, then space, then the question), or in Talk City's browser choose 1 to 1 with Mindy97.
[22:03] [TS_Queen] Will GPN appeal more to resorts still in development than sold out ones?
[22:04] [RCILLC] We believe the inherent flexibility of GPN will be attractive to all resorts -- regardless. many new resorts have flexibility built into their product. GPN flexibility would therefore appeal equally to resorts who were sold without that flexibility.
[22:05] [TS_Queen] Will points for a specific owned week always remain the same, or are they subject to yearly adjustment
[22:06] [RCILLC] We will annually assess the factors that drive point values in the GPN; however, we will only change points if we see a significant and permanent change of any of these factors.
[22:06] [TS_Queen] Will the 1 in 4 rule for exchanges cease to exsisit? How about regional blocks?
[22:07] [RCILLC] Currently we have no plans to implement these features into the GPN.
[22:07] [Mindy97] Please only message Mindy97 with questions
[22:08] [TS_Queen] Will members be able to purchase "one time" points from RCI to make up defecits for an exchange?
[22:09] [RCILLC] First of all, we would encourage members to borrow points from future years to make up the difference. Members may be able to purchase one-time points from their resort.
[22:10] [TS_Queen] Will resorts be turning the developer weeks into Points for deposit?
[22:10] [RCILLC] Can you clarify please?
[22:10] [Mindy97] OK, folks, if you have one *special* question, now is the time...I will try to get in a few more...
[22:11] [TS_Queen] Sometimes Developers spacebank unit/weeks at new resorts, making them easier to get into for us. Will they be banking points instead?
[22:13] [RCILLC] Yes developers will be banking unit weeks represented by points. We anticipate they will use these points for member or new owner incentives. This inventory would be available for reservation within GPN by any GPN member.
[22:13] [TS_Queen] How will all this affect "instant escapes?"
[22:14] [RCILLC] Instant Escapes is a program offered through RCI's weekly exchange. Instant Excapes are available to any GPN member and should therefore be unaffected.
[22:15] [TS_Queen] Will we be able to see point values online? Only if we are a GPN member, or everybody?
[22:16] [RCILLC] We anticipate the GPN directory will be online for GPN members to view within RCI's website sometime this year.
[22:16] [TS_Queen] Will non members have any sort of view to assess if they want to join?
[22:17] [RCILLC] There will be GPN information on the website available to anyone who visits the site. Specific information should be obtained from your resort.
[22:17] [TS_Queen] What percentage of member/weeks do you anticipate eventually migrating to the GPN?
[22:18] [RCILLC] We are still testing the product and really don't know at this point in time.
[22:18] [TS_Queen] Greg: Its a moderated chat...
[22:18] [RCILLC] We are ready to wrap up. How about one more question?
[22:18] [TS_Queen] you can't talk right now, but soon we will open it up...
[22:19] [TS_Queen] RCI: Please tell us what you think the most popular features of GPN will be for established members
[22:19] [TS_Queen] Meaning: Why should we convert???
[22:20] [RCILLC] The increased flexibility in the duration of stay, the size unit and the access to network partner services such as airline tickets, car rental, cruises and hotel nights with your points.
[22:21] [TS_Queen] I'd like to thank RCI's staff for attending our chat tonight. They will make a closing statement, then the chat will become open to everybody again. Thank you!
[22:22] [RCILLC] In summary, travel studies and RCI member comments tell us consumers are asking for more flexbility and options from their current week of timeshare than ever before. We are committed to providing this flexibility within the GPN. We strive to have all members -- weekly and GPN -- satisfied with their timeshare ownership. Thanks for taking time to chat with us!!
[22:22] [TS_Queen] Thank you!
[22:22] [TS_Queen] The chat room is now being opened to member comment
[22:22] TS_Queen sets mode: -m
[22:23] [Mindy97] Ok, everybody can talk now!!!!!!
[22:23] [qksk] what did i miss?
[22:23] [Mindy97] Go at it!!!!!!
[22:23] [qksk] LOL
[22:23] [art] Boy, he took 'dodging' lessons from Clinton!
[22:23] [SeaPinesSnob] Brandon finally goes to bed early and enter a commercial
[22:23] [dawnkirschner] GPN sounds to me like a way to get owners to fork over just a "little more money" to developers. Why should we pay additional fees for a product that is already paid for? This is VERY similar to Sunterra's Club and that didn't work.
[22:23] [Mindy97] You can get a transcript on the website tomorrow...I want to read it myself
[22:23] [LeeBln] Thanks mindy and RCI for doing this.
[22:23] [TStimes2] Fern you did a great job THANK YOU
[22:23] [KauaiMark] Well, GPN souns a lot like a combination of Marriott points combined with FF point system
[22:23] Mindy97 curtsies
[22:23] [dawnkirschner] thanks Fern!
[22:23] [art] okay everyone.. who's for this conversion, and who's against it? I'm AGAINST
[22:23] [tonygman] And its not FREE
[22:24] [fletch58] Art.. it was a woman I bet !! lol
[22:24] [CAtraveler] us too.
[22:24] [Mindy97] who was a woman, fletch?
[22:24] [buffmom] thanks fern, I must have been doing something wrong, did you see any of my questions, cause I did not see mine posted?
[22:24] [BullDoug] Just one more question for RCI (G) Thanks Fern
[22:24] [silent-g] Yes Fern you did great should do Presidential debate next!
[22:24] [mbhwky] Fern: Timeshare owes you much. All of us owe you even more for tonights performance (literate though it was)]
[22:24] [fletch58] kidding about the RCi person
[22:24] [art] Great job Fern.
[22:24] [tonygman] Yeah who was a woman ?
[22:24] [Mindy97] I posted as many questions as I could, Lisa. Surely I got one of yours...
[22:24] [slc--shelley] yes Fern...thanks!
[22:24] [SeaPinesSnob] Who invited him/her anyway?
[22:25] [MoTowne] I just want to know who is going to charge $3,000 to convert - and who will be willing to pay it?
[22:25] [Mindy97] Greg: Who invited RCI? Me, I guess.
[22:25] [art] For a while, I thought that my messages were sent to you that they were posted directly.. then I realized that it was just an "echo" of what I had written.
[22:25] konasteve stretches and tosses some mac nuts at Fern..... you deserve em :)
[22:25] [Sleepie50] Sure would like to know how my resort would stack up to others before converting to points
[22:25] [SeaPinesSnob] Fern - ignore my e-mail, I now know what a moderated chat is
[22:25] [Mindy97] Melinda: I think our resorts will have to charge us much less...
[22:25] [art] Not Me MoTowne
[22:25] [WasSwizzler] Thanks Fern ;)
[22:25] [Mindy97] thanks, konasteve
[22:25] [Xraylin] If they did not answer a question, i take it they have no answer yet?
[22:25] [buffmom] thanks Fern, i was not sure if I was doing it right, you sure did a stand up job!!
[22:25] [LeeBln] I'm guessing that this is being sold to developers first, then HOAs later. Developers won't ask owners first.
[22:25] [qksk] i did have to miss much of the hour, but will review the chat log. what i saw... Fern you did a great job.
[22:25] [Mindy97] Greg: I already got it, that's why I posted to you in the chat room
[22:25] [mbhwky] Fletch, with his M's will be at the top of the heap. Better hustle Fletch- takes a lot of overtime to cabbage on to $3000.
[22:26] [richardRAVC] I reserve judgement..Though for $3000 I better receive an around the world air ticket. :)
[22:26] [MoTowne] They won't be getting $3k from us, that's for sure... even without the regional block & 1-in-4
[22:26] [KauaiMark] Sleepie, You won't unless you sign up for GPN. That's the catch-22 part.
[22:26] [fletch58] Mel.. most marriott's are II
[22:26] [SeaPinesSnob] Oh, thanks but I'm certainly not going to be known as a comp-u-geek anytime soon
[22:26] [Mindy97] I think you will get to see what your resort will "buy" before you convert
[22:26] [art] For $3k, they'll give you an opportunity to check out a timeshare in Branson or somewhere in Tenessee
[22:26] [slc--shelley] seems to me like your own HOA Board of Directors would be the first stop to control the conversion fee
[22:26] [slc--shelley] =)
[22:26] [WonkaI] Boy, if RCI implements this program in a big way - it's very risky. I'd never invest $3000, and will probably drop RCI. I wouldn't want to be a second-class RCI member and give them a quality deposit.
[22:27] [fletch58] MO. i coul buy 1o more weeks with 3k ! lol
[22:27] [buffmom] fern, I do believe you really do type over 100 WPM to be able to keep up with that
[22:27] [mbhwky] Fletch: I allus said thar wuz a ray of sunlight in ever' cloud!!
[22:27] [Xraylin] time to join the small exchange companies
[22:27] [slc--shelley] sounded like RCI wouldn't receive the $3000 but the home resort of management company would
[22:27] [qksk] 10 II weeks Fletch
[22:27] [slc--shelley] home resort or management
[22:27] [art] I may stick with RCI for a while.. but I am not at all happy with II... can NEVER find anything there, but I fear that unless you own a GC resort (which would be willing to invest in this program), that you'll be left in the dust.
[22:27] [fletch58] CI weks will be there for a long time I bet
[22:28] [LeeBln] Yes, but the home resort has to charge it because if ITS costs, much probably to RCI.
[22:28] [art] Does ANYONE here like this points idea? One that will cost us four figures?
[22:28] [Mindy97] Shelley: I think 75% of the money is going to go to the resort...JMHO, though, no facts
[22:28] [mbhwky] RCI meant it to sound like your resort was doing the gouging. You should know better. RCI will charge the resort and they will have to pass it along.
[22:28] [MoTowne] Fletch - only 1?
[22:28] [slc--shelley] can't be much of a cost if RCI only expects 10-15 resorts initiallly?
[22:28] [dawnkirschner] Did he mean conversion cost of $700 to $3000 per week or resort?
[22:28] [richardRAVC] Hey look on the other side of the coin. If they make it to expensive they lose!
[22:28] [slc--shelley] very true richardRAVC
[22:29] [buffmom] i like things the way they are. sorta like I liked the old online system, If it aint broke don't fix it
[22:29] [qksk] did anyone ask if rresorts could pass the increased costs along in maint fees?
[22:29] [Mindy97] dawn: per unit week for members
[22:29] [silent-g] I wonder what resorts will start GPN?
[22:29] [slc--shelley] so the first home resorts to sign up may have an advantage on negotiating a low conversion cost
[22:29] [mbhwky] $700 - $3000 per week.
[22:29] [Mindy97] kathyq: they say the conversion fee would cover extra maint costs (ie maid etc)
[22:29] [dawnkirschner] Fern: that's what I thought - that's a huge investment!
[22:29] [SeaPinesSnob] as the kid who came in late, what's "GPN"
[22:29] [shagnut] holy moley lots of people
[22:29] [Mindy97] brb, need coffee...
[22:30] [Mindy97] somebody count the people pleawe
[22:30] [slc--shelley] Mindy97 i understood that the initial conversion cost was to offset the cost of the home resort to convert their present system
[22:30] [art] For those of us who bought resale, this will double or triple our investment. I own 4 weeks and none cost me over $1000.
[22:30] [silent-g] Global Points Network
[22:30] [qksk] so, to be a points resort, resorts have to provide additional services, meet criteria?
[22:30] [Xraylin] the MFs are bound to increase for these GPN resorts for these split wk check-ins
[22:30] [mbhwky] GPN=Global Points Netwoek
[22:30] [KauaiMark] I wonder if TUG will be "allowed" to post GPN values as supplied by TUG members...
[22:30] [buffmom] qksk, it appears that for the people that do not join GPN they are supposed to retain current maint fees and only have normal increases
[22:30] [CAtraveler] hiya shaggy
[22:30] [shagnut] hi ca and buffy whats going on lots of people
[22:30] [qksk] Hi leslie!
[22:30] [SeaPinesSnob] thanks gang, that's what I guessed. Gee, another points system to bash
[22:30] [buffmom] anyone know of any of the resorts that are already in. the 15 they were talking about?
[22:30] [WonkaI] How will this affect resales?
[22:31] [MoTowne] xray - unless RCI passes part of the $15 per day fee on to the resorts - nah!
[22:31] [CAtraveler] Shag, an RCI spokesperson was on
[22:31] [shagnut] hi kathy never seen so many people whats the topic
[22:31] [silent-g] if it aint broke don't fix it!!
[22:31] [mbhwky] O.K. Tonyg, let's hear it!!
[22:31] [art] At the risk of repeating myself again. Is there ANYONE who supports this program here?
[22:31] [slc--shelley] time to take a look at our home resorts RCI contract and ask some questions of the HOA Board...
[22:31] [BullDoug] I was told HGVC only wants $799 to convert Bay Club Weeks to their points system
[22:31] [qksk] had a moderated topic tonight Leslie... GPN with an RCI rep
[22:31] [shagnut] oh, i just got back from inventory
[22:31] [SeaPinesSnob] Shag, don't worry I can in late too
[22:31] [WonkaI] art - not me
[22:31] [tonygman] it
[22:31] [buffmom] not me
[22:31] [mbhwky] I would support it if it weren't for the gouging price of conversion.
[22:31] [_DrJIM_] nor I
[22:31] [tonygman] lucky you-greg
[22:32] [MoTowne] It sounds like FF and Sunterra owners may not have to "convert"
[22:32] [qksk] and Fern was the moderator with the mostess...
[22:32] [CAtraveler] us either
[22:32] [buffmom] the only thing appealing to me was the air, but I have flyer miles for that
[22:32] [slc--shelley] place to control that would be your home resort mbhwky....imo
[22:32] [art] I hope that someone can forward this transcript for RCI then.. this is a clear mandate AGAINST the conversion
[22:32] [lambcfp] I own 4 weeks al II and one with Disney and the points are very flex. I like them
[22:32] [SeaPinesSnob] Art - I don't know the facts vote against just out of principle
[22:32] [mbhwky] Tonyg: A little more than "it", please.
[22:32] [WonkaI] The air conversion would be just like cruises are now
[22:32] [qksk] not a good deal Wonka?
[22:32] [tonygman] sh---melevin
[22:33] [art] What principle SeaPinesSnob?
[22:33] [TStimes2] Fern, I count 33 people on line, right now Earlier there were 38 people
[22:33] [WonkaI] right not a good deal
[22:33] [SeaPinesSnob] Hey Fletch, long time no hear. How's the rottie? over 120 lbs. yet?
[22:33] Mindy97 is back with another cup of coffee
[22:33] [slc--shelley] depends MoTowne, on how much FF and Sunterra think their owners are interested..more interest = more conversion dollars
[22:33] [buffmom] shelley, I agree, sounds like they will be the ones determining how much we pay?
[22:33] [shagnut] i don't think i want points too much too figure out
[22:33] [Sleepie50] If the prices were kept down, I might like the convrsion. I could get 5 days at a nicer resort with a lower
[22:33] [KauaiMark] I think I counted 40 chatters at one point..
[22:33] [SeaPinesSnob] Art - I've never been known as a "points" supporter
[22:33] [Sleepie50] end one
[22:33] [_DrJIM_] Fern we had 46 people at the highest count.
[22:34] [buffmom] I already like getting the holiday weeks in the bigger units with my studios, I bet I won't get that anymore
[22:34] [qksk] a fraction DrJ of those who will read the chat log
[22:34] [shagnut] what the heck did i miss
[22:34] [tonygman] greg-what do you support ? atheletics ?
[22:34] [Sleepie50] Also, I sorta like 2 3-4 day trips compared to a full week
[22:34] [_DrJIM_] true
[22:34] [BullDoug] I like the idea but not the cost. AND they said it is PER WEEK. Then again they wouldn't actually say HOW MUCH.
[22:34] [Mindy97] 46 people? WOW!!!!
[22:34] [WonkaI] shag - the complexity of points is a big issue. Lots of people just won't want to deal it...you're not alone.
[22:34] [slc--shelley] Sleepie50...your home resort...your elected Board that represents YOU will decide the conversion...input from owners will be necessary to keep the cost down
[22:34] [Mindy97] I tried to invite all the "avid timeshare members of TUG." Thank goodness all of them didn't come
[22:34] [buffmom] shaggie lol
[22:34] [shagnut] how much per week to convert
[22:34] [SeaPinesSnob] Tony - only "girls" soccer - where they take off their shirts (opps, let's not go there!)
[22:34] [art] Wow, that must be a record.. 46 people and nobody trying to hit on anyone! LOL
[22:35] [mbhwky] Points complexity is the intriguing factor. The conversion cost is the downer!!
[22:35] [WonkaI] shag - $700 to $3000
[22:35] [shagnut] hi buffy getting closer to vacation time
[22:35] TS_Queen glares sharply at art !
[22:35] [qksk] got a few of us rabid one's too Fern
[22:35] [slc--shelley] lol BullDoug...how can RCI predict what the HOA's will say is a necessary cost to offset this conversion process??
[22:35] [Mindy97] kathy q: I like that
[22:35] [shagnut] are they crazy? on top of mfs?
[22:36] [lambcfp] Disney Points stink for the concierge hotels IE 40 pionts per night well for one night thats about $ 195 .00 wich isn't bad but you have to all the $75. disney exchange fee What a screwen.
[22:36] [WonkaI] slc - the conversion cost will be the maximum a resort thinks they can get away with
[22:36] [mbhwky] Caus' RCI can predict how much they intend to stick the resort for.
[22:36] [shagnut] hey pwrshift
[22:36] [slc--shelley] exactly Wonka
[22:36] [buffmom] wonk was trying to sell me his dk for string bikinis before this is implemented
[22:36] [KauaiMark] Shag, don't forget the annual membership fee to be a GPN member
[22:36] [Sleepie50] be patient and pick up the points on resale [S]
[22:36] [silent-g] lot of the answers sound like "reading RCI book" or a contract, just facts not lot of answers-doubletalk
[22:36] [MoTowne] They said you have priority to get your own week back - but from previous info, it looks like you really only get priority into your own resort - along with all other owners there.
[22:36] [art] good idea Sleepie!
[22:36] [slc--shelley] and "a resort" is US....we are the homeowners' association...if we choose to make an impact
[22:36] [dawnkirschner] sleepie - if they do it like Sunterra, you won't be able to
[22:37] [shagnut] i hope that rci knows we will go elsewhere
[22:37] [tonygman] konageek--is that you hula ? :)
[22:37] [art] Where shag? I've tried trading with II.. and NEVER get anything
[22:37] [konageek] not in this or any other lifetime tony LOL
[22:37] [shagnut] i didn't even convert to sunterra thought it was too much
[22:37] [buffmom] art, I agree with you
[22:38] [SeaPinesSnob] Terry - you still in here?
[22:38] Mindy97 *winks* at konageek !
[22:38] [slc--shelley] sorry shagnut...but I think that you are missing the point....RCI doesn't make the decision if you go elsewhere it will be your home resort/HOA Board/management company
[22:38] [Sleepie50] I liked the way Fairfield run their weeks. That I could see.
[22:38] [silent-g] yes
[22:38] [shagnut] its as if they want us over a barrell
[22:38] [buffmom] you go fern
[22:38] [art] RCI IS the powerhouse. The resorts should be contouring their programs to meet RCI, NOT the other way around.
[22:38] [dawnkirschner] me either Shag, and look what a mess it is now - class action lawsuits, and fraudulent bookkeeping practices
[22:38] [WonkaI] shag - I converted to Sunterra for $195, but II comes with it (with Sunterra Pacific). I wonder how many points DK will get?
[22:38] [LeeBln] I'm guessing that new resorts will automatically put selves into GPN and sold-out ones will stay out mostly. The new ones will use it as a selling gimick, which is what WMark and Sterra do now.
[22:38] konageek sends Fern a pound of kona coffee for being such a good moderator :)
[22:38] [TStimes2] Yes, but could RCI restrict your trading to ONLY RCI - maybe you can't go anywhere else
[22:38] [SeaPinesSnob] Terry - I'll be down your way in March, how far are you from the Mouse
[22:38] [qksk] someone in one of the strings... or maybe several people pointed out this may be just the thing to strengthen some of the smaller exchange companies
[22:38] [WonkaI] Leebin - I think you're right
[22:38] [pwrshift] If RCI is the powerhouse why did Marriott go with Interval?
[22:39] [silent-g] about 45 minutes
[22:39] [SeaPinesSnob] what direction?
[22:39] [Mindy97] what do you think about Sunterra being RCI but Sunterra Europe be

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