View Full Version : Miss Janet's House Poll #1
Lon Bellamy
12-05-2007, 18:42
Hello, my name is Lon Bellamy and I am a business development specialist assisting Janet Hensley in writing a new business plan for a project called The Erwin Hiking Center. Mrs. Hensley suggested that I should use this web site to obtain some history and information that is needed.
I would like to post a series of polls to collect some information that will be useful for writing a professional business plan. Thank you for your time.
Note:
Multiple choices are allowed and encouraged. If you feel you need to say something in reference to your experience with this service - please post a note to the thread.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 18:47
I'm one of the Administrators here and I think this is a good idea. Ms Janet has been a great service providor for many of us here and we are hoping that she gets a new Hiker Hostel open soon. If you have any questions as to how to set up a poll or where a post should go, I'd be happy to help you out.
Ron Haven
12-05-2007, 18:55
Hello, my name is Lon Bellamy and I am a business development specialist assisting Janet Hensley in writing a new business plan for a project called The Erwin Hiking Center. Mrs. Hensley suggested that I should use this web site to obtain some history and information that is needed.
I would like to post a series of polls to collect some information that will be useful for writing a professional business plan. Thank you for your time.
If this is inappropriate for this web site please feel free to remove it.I think you will get 100% cooperation here:sun
Lon Bellamy
12-05-2007, 19:00
Thank you for allowing us to use the web site for this purpose. I will try to keep the polls short and simple and I will let you know when you can remove them.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 19:03
Sure. And for the record (since I screwed up my vote) I have stayed there many times, as well as just stopped in there to use services without staying overnight. I also planned to do so in the future. I would have to say that the reason I am a repeat user and plan to be again in the future is the intangibles her place always offered. It isn't like any other hostel I have stayed at.
I goofed, also. I didn't realize this was a multiple choice poll until after casting my vote. I hae never stayed at Miss Janet's, but would happily do so, based solely on her reputation as a hostess for AT hikers. :D
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 19:09
I also goofed. I look forward to staying there and meeting someone who's good energy is felt and spoken of the length of the trail.:)
Jack Tarlin
12-05-2007, 19:17
I also goofed. Most polls here at Whiteblaze let you have ONE answer.
My true answer to your question would be:
I have stayed many times in the past at a hiker facility owned by Miss Janet Hensley, and would do so again in a heartbeat were she to open a new one.
hopefulhiker
12-05-2007, 19:22
Same Here..
Lon Bellamy
12-05-2007, 19:29
I have never written a poll for a web site. This is a new way for me to get this information. If there is a problem with how the poll is written, ie multiple choice options, maybe I should rewrite them. I tried to change them but the web site doe not allow me to edit the wording.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 19:30
I can edit things if you want me too. Just ask me here or PM me.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 19:53
Tell you what. Unless there is an actual comment about the place in one of these posts, I am going to strip off the attempts at starting a flame war between people that want more to complain about each other than they do a place that some have never even stayed at.
warren doyle
12-05-2007, 19:58
Good move Sgt Rock!
Lon Bellamy
12-05-2007, 20:22
I can edit things if you want me too. Just ask me here or PM me.
Is there a place to note that there are multiple choice options?
Is there a way to add another choice to a poll?
Poll # 1 should have a choice that will show if a guest that stayed at the business would stay again.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 20:26
I cannot add new choices but I can do the other. I think comments would be a good thing too.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 20:30
Turns out I could add poll options. I did and bumped my vote in those colums.
I have had the pleasure of staying at Miss Janet's in the past, and I plan to stay with her again whenever she opens a new hostel.
My experiences with Miss Janet have been nothing short of wonderful!! I truly hope that she is able to get a place up and running sooner than later!!
StarLyte
12-05-2007, 20:46
Miss Janet is a good woman.
Loved and respected.
I have stayed at her hostel. Let me rewrite that....I have driven down from Cleveland Ohio just to stay at her hostel....I didn't walk in off the Trail.
Lon Bellamy
12-05-2007, 20:50
It sounds like "Miss Janet" may have some fans here on this web site! I know she is excited about her plans and I am happy to be helping her with this end of it. I will be back online to see the poll tomorrow evening. If anyone has any questions or comments about Mrs. Hensley's project you can email me at:
[email protected]
Jack Tarlin
12-05-2007, 20:51
She has more fans than you can possibly imagine.
Basically, if you've met her, you're a fan.
I've never met her and I'm a fan! :banana
It sounds like "Miss Janet" may have some fans here on this web site! I know she is excited about her plans and I am happy to be helping her with this end of it. I will be back online to see the poll tomorrow evening. If anyone has any questions or comments about Mrs. Hensley's project you can email me at:
[email protected] have never stayed at her place, or met her, but I would like to give you a point of insight. Janet has spent years creating fans on her own, and this website has helped to inform others of her good character. I would say that you can get unbiased feedback here even though it may seem as though the folks here would back her regardless. In other words, don't doubt the admiration you will read. She has worked hard to deserve it.
orangebug
12-05-2007, 21:15
Miss Janet has run an excellent hostel, but does need work on her business plan. My primary problem is her generousity. If she fails to charge enough for services, she won't stay in business.
I don't think she needs to be as expensive as the local Holiday Inn, but she does provide more shuttles, advice, food, entertainment and other intangibles than any other hostel I've visited (with the possible exception of Bob Peoples). Please help her gain the confidence in her trademark and product. I'd sleep with Miss Janet any day of the week, and so would most any experienced hiker.
Lone Wolf
12-05-2007, 21:17
Hello, my name is Lon Bellamy and I am a business development specialist assisting Janet Hensley in writing a new business plan for a project called The Erwin Hiking Center. Mrs. Hensley suggested that I should use this web site to obtain some history and information that is needed.
I would like to post a series of polls to collect some information that will be useful for writing a professional business plan. Thank you for your time.
Note:
Multiple choices are allowed and encouraged. If you feel you need to say something in reference to your experience with this service - please post a note to the thread.
Encourage Miss Janet to charge a set fee for stay, food and shuttles. No work for stay. No alcohol allowed. No overcrowding, 20 bunks, 20 hikers. no exceptions. a start
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 21:21
Miss Janet has run an excellent hostel, but does need work on her business plan. My primary problem is her generousity. If she fails to charge enough for services, she won't stay in business.
I don't think she needs to be as expensive as the local Holiday Inn, but she does provide more shuttles, advice, food, entertainment and other intangibles than any other hostel I've visited (with the possible exception of Bob Peoples). Please help her gain the confidence in her trademark and product. I'd sleep with Miss Janet any day of the week, and so would most any experienced hiker.
Inappropriate at best. All the way around.:( Rock?
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 21:22
Encourage Miss Janet to charge a set fee for stay, food and shuttles. No work for stay. No alcohol allowed. No overcrowding, 20 bunks, 20 hikers. no exceptions. a start
Good ideas.
Skidsteer
12-05-2007, 21:23
Inappropriate at best. All the way around.:( Rock?
Seemed sensible to me.
Skidsteer
12-05-2007, 21:25
Was it the sleep with Miss Janet part?
There are T-shirts that say that. A joke.
orangebug
12-05-2007, 21:26
Inappropriate at best. All the way around.:( Rock?Sorry, but I think I am trying to get her (and keep her) in business for the longterm.
I apologize if I have insulted, but would like to understand what I've done inappropriately?
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 21:28
I didn't see anything wrong with a suggestion to improve the business model. The posts I removed earlier were because of the flame war that was a brewing.
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 21:34
My B. Sorry everyone. When I'm wrong I'm wrong. . . I'm wrong. :o
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 21:35
Naw, you are good Warraghiyagey. You are ever vigilant.
Skidsteer
12-05-2007, 21:36
My B. Sorry everyone. When I'm wrong I'm wrong. . . I'm wrong. :o
Eh. No biggie.
Lone Wolf
12-05-2007, 21:43
Hello, my name is Lon Bellamy and I am a business development specialist assisting Janet Hensley in writing a new business plan for a project called The Erwin Hiking Center. Mrs. Hensley suggested that I should use this web site to obtain some history and information that is needed.
I would like to post a series of polls to collect some information that will be useful for writing a professional business plan. Thank you for your time.
Note:
Multiple choices are allowed and encouraged. If you feel you need to say something in reference to your experience with this service - please post a note to the thread.
no offense lon, but janet doesn't need to pay for a "business development specialist". she needs to consult with dr. phil and learn not to be so nice all the time especially to leech hikers which flock to her in droves and suck her dry. the trail is loaded with them
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 21:48
Phew. Thanks guys. It stinks having to admit one is wrong. :o :o
Or just a big stupid head.
SGT Rock
12-05-2007, 21:49
Naw, I reckon if you never saw the T-Shirt it would come as a shock to see someone say they wanted to sleep with Ms Janet.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-05-2007, 21:52
Phew. Thanks guys. It stinks having to admit one is wrong. :o :o Or just a big stupid head.
::: Dino curls a loving tail around Warraghiyagey and admit she thought it was inappropriate until she remember the T-shirts :::
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 21:59
::: Dino curls a loving tail around Warraghiyagey and admit she thought it was inappropriate until she remember the T-shirts :::
Thank you.:) :)
orangebug
12-05-2007, 22:01
Dah-Yam.
I think anyone who knows anything about me (any SORUCKs?) or has met LadyBug would know that "sleeping with Miss Janet" should be taken literally. I'm as boring as she ain't.
warraghiyagey
12-05-2007, 22:04
Naw, I reckon if you never saw the T-Shirt it would come as a shock to see someone say they wanted to sleep with Ms Janet.
So where do I get this t-shirt. And more importantly, does it come in wicking material? Should look good with my kilt.
SOBO8
I've stayed with Ms. Janet and even arranged my section hike to end at her place, so I could start there the next year. Would I stay again? In a heartbeat. Any place she opens, anywhere on the trail, will be a huge success simply because it will be Ms. Janet running the place.
I have never stayed at her place, or met her, but I would like to give you a point of insight. Janet has spent years creating fans on her own, and this website has helped to inform others of her good character. I would say that you can get unbiased feedback here even though it may seem as though the folks here would back her regardless. In other words, don't doubt the admiration you will read. She has worked hard to deserve it.
I second that opinion and I too have stayed there. Last year when I was sick and needed someone to talk to, she listened.............
I don't think the multiple choice option is working WRT this poll. I know I screwed it up.
generoll
12-06-2007, 07:19
yeah, for we literal minded folks staying at Mrs Janets is not an option. She's closed.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-06-2007, 08:56
I messed up voting as well - could you add one to "would staty at Miss Janet's in the future"?
As others have noted, Miss Janet is a respected and loved member of the AT's hiking community. I would think that virtually any hiking-related business she would start would not want for patrons.
Hikers tend to be a frugal lot so prices would need to be reasonable, but high enough for Miss Janet to make a comfortable living.
The Erwin area needs a hiker-friendly hostel and the addition of a conference-type facility would be a boon to the local economy IMO. Consider what NOC (http://www.noc.com/) does in bringing people and business to it's remote location. Can you imagine how many extra $$$ something like a regional ruck or a mini-gathering would bring to the businesses in Erwin?
SGT Rock
12-06-2007, 09:02
Adding that other choice is sort of throwing off the numbers as well. Since a person cannot go back and add that vote - there were plenty of people that voted when this started that cannot go back and add that they would stay there again.
The only reason I didn't stay at Miss Janet's is because she was at capacity - bummer. But, I did have breakfast!
NICKTHEGREEK
12-06-2007, 10:42
This is the only such establishment I'd stay at should the opportunity arise. Legendary lady
Jim Adams
12-06-2007, 11:13
I stayed at Miss Janet's during my thru hike in 2002. I was having knee problems and she took care of me as if she was my mom.(even though I'm much older than her). Since those days in May of 2002, she has been family. I have stayed there several times since on my trips to and from Georgia even though the Georgia destination is only 3 hours from Janet's. It doesn't matter that it is close proximity to and from my destination in what amounts to a 1 day trip. The friendship and visit is worth every penny!
Would I stay again?...every chance I get!
geek
Bluebelle
12-06-2007, 12:17
Tree and I were lucky enough to stay at Miss Janet's house last year during one of the cold and snowy fronts that went thru in April. She was great! Very knowledgeable, provided 3...maybe 4 shuttles to us within as many days...and we stayed in the hostel 2 or 3 nights.......:sun very supportive. I am sure her reputation will keep the hikers coming to her for both lodging, shuttles, medical advice and attention, and info. She can really help anyone along their journey.
I have not yet stayed with Miss J, but I will!! (only because I haven not hiked up in the area where she is!!)
I haven't stayed there but I did call on the phone last year and sang Happy Birthday to her!
Miss Janet provided me a "paid" shuttle back to the trail from Elk Park in 2000. I would use her shuttle service again if available.
I would probably NOT stay at some future hostel of Miss Janets, simply because I don't particularly like hostels. I prefer to pay for private accomodations where available.
I was looking forward to staying there in 2008, but was quite upset when I found out she closed and may not be open in 2008. Her reputation precedes her, as I have only been in the AT hiking community for about 8 months, and I am yet to hear anything bad about her hostel.
Kirby
skyhiker2
12-06-2007, 20:35
I Love Miss Janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't see an option "I plan to stay if I can set up my tent in the backyard."
SawnieRobertson
12-06-2007, 23:15
Messed up as well. When I was on my hike, Ms Janet was shuttling. I practically lived in her van and would now stay at her hostel at the drop of a hat if given the opportunity. I did enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner there in 2006, I hope she can open SOMEWHERE muy pronto,--Kinnickinic
River Runner
12-07-2007, 01:56
I voted that I have been a guest at Miss Janet's, because she kindly invited my friends, their daughters, and me to Easter there. (One of my friends was thru hiking and his wife and I were section hiking.) Due to our being a large group in the midst of thru-hiker season, we did not stay so that individual thru-hikers could.
Her hospitality was fabulous, and I hope to stay with her in her new Hiking Center some day when I go back for more section hiking in that area.
minnesotasmith
12-07-2007, 02:01
She has more fans than you can possibly imagine.
Basically, if you've met her, you're a fan.
And, that's exactly true IMO.
I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.
Her place was where I spent the Thanksgiving right after completing my hike. I needed other hiker people, and that was where to go to be with them.
Lon Bellamy
12-07-2007, 20:58
no offense lon, but janet doesn't need to pay for a "business development specialist". she needs to consult with dr. phil and learn not to be so nice all the time especially to leech hikers which flock to her in droves and suck her dry. the trail is loaded with them
The Small Business Administration is a free or low cost service, Mrs. Hensley has paid less that $10 for printing costs.
It is truly amazing how good the response has been to the poll questions. The information will be useful as Mrs. Hensley and I continue to work together on her business plan. But I don't think I have any pull with the producers of Dr. Phils program. She will just have to learn to no sometimes.
I may have to try to get started hiking again. Your members make it sound like it is a great thing to be doing.
warraghiyagey
12-07-2007, 20:59
I may have to try to get started hiking again. Your members make it sound like it is a great thing to be doing.
You can't go wrong with a hike in front of you, regarless of how far you go. Enjoy!!
Ms. Janet's House is an icon for hikers on the AT. I loved my short stay with her, meeting other hikers, eating wonderful food and just resting and relaxing. For me staying at her house was as much a part of the trail as GSMNP, Max Patch, Tinker Cliffs, etc. When I was there it felt like being home.
I think for many hikers they feel the same. They feel they belonged at the house and returned and returned. Anybody that gave it much thought knew that Ms. Janet did it out of love of the Trail and the hikers. She was not making a living doing it. Like all of the other hostels on the trail, making a living off hikers is impossible. I pray that the new project works out for her and her family. God knows she deserves the that.
HighTech
12-11-2007, 11:40
I stayed at Miss Janet's during my thru hike in 2006. I was having shin splint problems and she took care of me as if she was my mom. I walked up to the door, and within 2 minutes of meeting her, I felt like I was family. And, I mean that seriously. I for one, am anxious for her to get another place up and running, so I will be able to stay there on upcoming hikes in the area. I would agreee that she needs to set up a set rate schedule for stays, food, shuttles, etc, and not let some of the free-loader type hikers, take advantage of her. I would be more than happy to do whatever I could to help her get things up and running.
Would I stay again?........Is the Pope Catholic?
HighTech 06' GA->ME
Miss Janet is the best! :) :sun :banana :D
SGT Rock
12-11-2007, 18:17
Poll closed by request.