OT-Sick and tired of judgement on Disney sites

[theworldneedscolor]

Sorry, this is not directly related to Disneyland

I am just so tired of all the arguing on the DIS and another message board I frequent. And it's not just friendly debate; people totally attack each other for having a different point of view. There was a thread on the other site about complaints/compliments you have made at City Hall, and I told the story of my mom's bag getting soaked on Splash after she asked a CM working the ride if she should take it on. Everyone got on my case, telling me it was all our fault, we should have seen the water and known we would get wet, etc, etc etc.

It's just so frustrating. I, and most other people, come to these sites to talk about Disney and help each other. It is really upsetting to see the way people treat each other. And it's not just hot-button issues, although those are atrocious. That's to be expected. But normal conversations turn nasty at any second! It makes me scared to share my opinion/stories at all.

Sorry for the rant. I am pretty upset right now.

 

[tweak89]

Anonymity breeds bravery! Something you just have to deal with on message boards and the internet in general.

Not that it is justified, but you should ALWAYS be prepared for the worst when posting here or on ANY message board. You need a thick skin when adventuring across the landscape that is the world wide web.

I could make millions if I could make this a reality:

 

[BryANDJessMom]

KWYM...I think it is easier to be critical when you are not face to face. Seems like some of the filters people normally would have disappear!

I try to focus in the majority of posts that are positive and helpful instead and just ignore the critical ones, hard sometimes though!

 

[lucysmom]

Amen, Sister (or Brother!) This world needs a little patience. I hope your day gets better.

 

[mmmears]

Try not to take it personally. Sorry it happened. It does seem to happen quite often on online boards, though.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Thanks for all the kind replies, everyone. I try to ignore it, but sometimes it really gets to you, KWIM?

I legitimately laughed out loud at the troll spray

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

So where would she even have left her purse/bag? I would worry about just plopping my purse/bag down while I got on a ride. Hummm -- Think this over before you post. For the sake of this actually being a real event and for sake she would not just leave her purse where she got on ride-- why did she not leave her bag/purse with a trusted person before hand --- she knows it is a water ride.


No flames just my opinion---

Sorry, this is not directly related to Disneyland

I am just so tired of all the arguing on the DIS and another message board I frequent. And it's not just friendly debate; people totally attack each other for having a different point of view. There was a thread on the other site about complaints/compliments you have made at City Hall, and I told the story of my mom's bag getting soaked on Splash after she asked a CM working the ride if she should take it on. Everyone got on my case, telling me it was all our fault, we should have seen the water and known we would get wet, etc, etc etc.

It's just so frustrating. I, and most other people, come to these sites to talk about Disney and help each other. It is really upsetting to see the way people treat each other. And it's not just hot-button issues, although those are atrocious. That's to be expected. But normal conversations turn nasty at any second! It makes me scared to share my opinion/stories at all.

Sorry for the rant. I am pretty upset right now.

 

[hootey]

It happens a lot! I/you can make a good natured comment about an observation or experience and some people will take it as a personal attack! Hey, try to take a post in good spirit unless, it is obvious the post is an attack. I have read numerous post on this forum and others that did not make any sense at first. Simply come back to it later to see if it has been clarified or ask/post a question about it I know I have been interupted numerous times while posting/answering forums/e-mails and have made some honest mistakes or hurried through leaving things very unclear as to the full meaning of my message. Thank You, that is all, as you were....

 

[pennyring]

You complained about getting wet on Splash? Really?

What did you imagine would happen on a water ride?
What kind of resolution were you hoping for by complaining?

I'm not trying to be rude, I just don't understand how this could be considered a legitimate complaint.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Of course we knew we would get wet on Splash, but we hadn't been in 8-10 years and didn't do online research at the time. So we didn't know that we would get soaked all the way through our clothes and our bags filled with water. We were getting close to the front of the line, and my mom asked the CM how bad it was, and if she should go on with her bag. They said we would be fine, not get very wet at all, the bag would be a-okay. If they had said we would get really wet, we would have taken turns holding the bag, or figured out another plan. We got on, and my mom being a little wary, kind of tucked it under her shirt. Like I said, we got DRENCHED. When my mom turned her bag upside down, water poured out. We were frustrated, but took it as a lesson learned. The next day we were being photographed by a Photopass guy, and he noticed the water damage. He insisted that we go talk to the City Hall people, which hadn't even occurred to us. We went, not expecting anything, but just wanted to let them know that they should re-enforce to the CMs that when a guest asks if they are going to get wet, they should be clear that they will get very, very wet and should consider leaving personal belongings off the ride. The woman at City Hall woman was not very polite to us at all, which was discouraging. Over all, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth regarding customer service, excluding the photographer who was very nice and helpful.

But this really wasn't the point of the main post. I was just using it as an example of what I have seen over my times using these messenger boards.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

It happens a lot! I/you can make a good natured comment about an observation or experience and some people will take it as a personal attack! Hey, try to take a post in good spirit unless, it is obvious the post is an attack. I have read numerous post on this forum and others that did not make any sense at first. Simply come back to it later to see if it has been clarified or ask/post a question about it I know I have been interupted numerous times while posting/answering forums/e-mails and have made some honest mistakes or hurried through leaving things very unclear as to the full meaning of my message. Thank You, that is all, as you were....

I know this happens too. I have seen it and I have had things I have said misinterpreted as well

There are other times when people are just really rude. I think it definitely has to do with being behind a screen. I can't imagine people saying these things to their friends face-to-face. I've noticed it a lot less in the DL section of the DIS, but in other areas and other websites it's pretty bad.

 

[Malcon10t]

I think often people aren't trying to be rude, they just can't understand and try to get clarification.

In your case, not everyone gets soaked on Splash Mountain. It really depends on your log. Some just get a few splashes, some get soaked. Did you tell the CM "This is an expensive purse, and water will ruin it?" If not, I doubt the CM even thought about it that way.

Splash Mountain is a water ride. Walking through the queue, you see people going down the drop getting wet, you see people walking out in various stages of damp clothing, there are signs that say "You are going to get wet." Even if the CM said "It should be ok", if the purse would be damaged by water, I wouldn't risk it. Just like I wouldn't risk my cell phone or camera.

That said, you must have gotten a really poorly weighted log, as we have never had a log that got so wet it filled up all out bags with water. My kids have gotten pretty wet, but never had their bags fill with water.

Splash Mountain was built years before Grizzley. Perhaps the dampness of Splash led them to put in lockers at GRR. But there really isn't space to install short term lockers near SM.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Now I understand your fustration a bit better. I agree the CM can not say your will not get soaked as I am sure they are well aware that placement of guests almosts insures that guests in front of boat will get soaked. Being unable to ride most water rides/coasters I am the "Holder of the bags". I wait at the exit just to see how wet they get-- lol. But again The CM should have told you more then likely you would get wet.

The CM at guest services should seem concerned at the least. Make notice of the CM's name next time you ever have to aks a question similar to the SM one just so you can say who you talked to.

The one water ride I can enjoy is pirates and even there I have been known to get wet at the double falls-- go figure. I carry a messenger bag that i scotch guard before each trip. So far so good. I also have items that inside of bag in ziplocs just incase--- I worry more about rain getting bag wet.

Tell your mom its not end of world -- disappointing but easy to get on with -- go buy a new hand bag -- or better yet being a good daughter-- daughter to mom gifts are sweet .

Of course we knew we would get wet on Splash, but we hadn't been in 8-10 years and didn't do online research at the time. So we didn't know that we would get soaked all the way through our clothes and our bags filled with water. We were getting close to the front of the line, and my mom asked the CM how bad it was, and if she should go on with her bag. They said we would be fine, not get very wet at all, the bag would be a-okay. If they had said we would get really wet, we would have taken turns holding the bag, or figured out another plan. We got on, and my mom being a little wary, kind of tucked it under her shirt. Like I said, we got DRENCHED. When my mom turned her bag upside down, water poured out. We were frustrated, but took it as a lesson learned. The next day we were being photographed by a Photopass guy, and he noticed the water damage. He insisted that we go talk to the City Hall people, which hadn't even occurred to us. We went, not expecting anything, but just wanted to let them know that they should re-enforce to the CMs that when a guest asks if they are going to get wet, they should be clear that they will get very, very wet and should consider leaving personal belongings off the ride. The woman at City Hall woman was not very polite to us at all, which was discouraging. Over all, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth regarding customer service, excluding the photographer who was very nice and helpful.

But this really wasn't the point of the main post. I was just using it as an example of what I have seen over my times using these messenger boards.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

I think often people aren't trying to be rude, they just can't understand and try to get clarification.

In your case, not everyone gets soaked on Splash Mountain. It really depends on your log. Some just get a few splashes, some get soaked. Did you tell the CM "This is an expensive purse, and water will ruin it?" If not, I doubt the CM even thought about it that way.

Splash Mountain is a water ride. Walking through the queue, you see people going down the drop getting wet, you see people walking out in various stages of damp clothing, there are signs that say "You are going to get wet." Even if the CM said "It should be ok", if the purse would be damaged by water, I wouldn't risk it. Just like I wouldn't risk my cell phone or camera.

That said, you must have gotten a really poorly weighted log, as we have never had a log that got so wet it filled up all out bags with water. My kids have gotten pretty wet, but never had their bags fill with water.

Splash Mountain was built years before Grizzley. Perhaps the dampness of Splash led them to put in lockers at GRR. But there really isn't space to install short term lockers near SM.

Yes, we probably should have known better, and that's why we accept part of the blame. But we did express concern to the CM, so I think they also take part of the blame. Oh well, there was nothing to be done about it. Next time we will know to bring a plastic bag, or use the lockers. It is annoying that they aren't anywhere near Splash, though.

Yeah, it was definitely poorly weighted. It was all reasonably sized adults, and we were somehow seated at the front. Never again we will make that mistake!

At our local theme park they have a log ride, and they provide bins right before you get on the ride to place your belongings, like bags, cameras, hats, etc. The CM loading the logs watches them and makes sure they go to the right person. They also have ponchos. It's a great system, I am always very impressed with them It's just a bunch of teenagers working a summer job, but we have always received excellent customer service!

Anyways, like I said, this really wasn't the direction I had wanted this thread to go, so let's try to wrap up the Splash convo.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Now I understand your fustration a bit better. I agree the CM can not say your will not get soaked as I am sure they are well aware that placement of guests almosts insures that guests in front of boat will get soaked. Being unable to ride most water rides/coasters I am the "Holder of the bags". I wait at the exit just to see how wet they get-- lol. But again The CM should have told you more then likely you would get wet.

The CM at guest services should seem concerned at the least. Make notice of the CM's name next time you ever have to aks a question similar to the SM one just so you can say who you talked to.

The one water ride I can enjoy is pirates and even there I have been known to get wet at the double falls-- go figure. I carry a messenger bag that i scotch guard before each trip. So far so good. I also have items that inside of bag in ziplocs just incase--- I worry more about rain getting bag wet.

Tell your mom its not end of world -- disappointing but easy to get on with -- go buy a new hand bag -- or better yet being a good daughter-- daughter to mom gifts are sweet .

Thank you for understanding. Since I mentioned it in my first post, I probably should have just explained the whole story then! I was frustrated with the Splash CM, but it was the one at City Hall that I really have a problem with. They are supposed to be there to deal with your customer services issues. I don't expect them to be able to solve everything, but I expect kind words. Not "Oh. Well, there's nothing I can do about that. Next guest please!"

I like your scotch guard idea. We will probably bring plastic grocery bags. Although, our town banned them so I'm not sure where we could get some...

She did buy herself a new bag, it is very pretty

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I've got a really off beat, off the wall, and downright weird sense of humor. Unfortunately my DH shares the same kind of humor. I was flamed off the DL boards over 1 1/2 yrs ago, so now I keep my off the wall sense of humor toned down, and am more careful about what I say, as to not offend anyone with my strange sense of humor. Sometimes the internal edit button doesn't work as well for some people on the boards, and it can get one into trouble when you least expect it. Also I no longer respond to those who do take offense to something I say, as everyone is entitled to their opinions whether I agree with them or not. I've recently discovered that life is too short to take some of the petty bickering that does happen to heart. Life is for living to the fullest and not for taking minor slights to heart.

 

[Baliezer]

I read through the thread on the other board and did not see where anyone was attacking you?

 

[BELLEDOZER]

It happened a long time ago, and so I've learned my lessons of the past, so that I may be a member of this board. I'm currently recovering from a pretty major crash, and will take months for me to regain my health to what it was before the crash. It could have been a great deal worse than it was, but it's given me a new perspective on life that I did not have before the crash. The crash may affect the rides I can ride on my upcoming trip in Nov, depending if I heal fully from the crash. So when I say life is meant to be lived, it comes from experience. Worst crash I've ever been in and walked away from (relatively speaking). Have a great day!

 

[theworldneedscolor]

I read through the thread on the other board and did not see where anyone was attacking you?

I don't think I said "attack" regarding this particular incident, but I could be mistaken. What I was frustrated with was that no one else's complaints and compliments were being questioned, until I posted my story and then multiple people told me how it was my fault. I felt like they were being rather condescending, and making assumptions, like that I was expecting to get something out of complaining, even when I stated that we were not looking for compensation. I don't think it was necessary for them to tell me that my complaint was stupid and unnecessary. Everyone has their own interpretation though. Maybe I was reading too much into it, after having seen so much rudeness in other threads. I could be a sensitive person. Or they could have been being rude. Each person who reads it will probably have a different opinion.

Other topics are where I have seen the real attacks though. People can be downright nasty

Can't we all just be nice? At the very least, I think some people need to be reminded that "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."

 

[dragonflycurls]

I think it's very two sided as well. There may be trolls and meanies but I think people need to develop tougher skin too. Some people want to come here to vent and think people will just pat them on the back and agree with them. When the person doesn't get the response they wanted, everyone is being judgemental and mean.