Charity Cases

[DisFlan]

Anyone know this person's ebay name?


DisFlan

 

[LakeAriel]

Couldn't the moderaters just post a disclaimer?
Example "We do not endorse or recommend any person or member that represents themselves as tragic, needy or otherwise pathetic?" "Be aware there are people that will deceive and play on the softheartedness of the human soul...etc"

Something, anything?

 

[RobDoc]

The original purpose of the DVC Rent/Trade Board was to provide an environment where DVC Members could post their desire to rent reservations at DVC resorts using points they would otherwise be unable to use. It also afforded members an avenue to rent a reservation they were unable to use due to unforseen circumstances. That purpose/intent has not changed since the board's inception.

Since that time, there have been a few (emphasize few) who have found the board a useful place to exercise their entrepeneurial energy. They have noted weaknesses in the DVC system that allow for variation in the stated DVC policies regarding point transfers between members and have apparently used those weaknesses to their advantage. There have been a few (emphasize few) who have actually made reservations with the intent of renting them at a later date. (Some have tried to offer existing reservations for early December in January- the day after the 11 month priority began.) There have been a few (emphasize few) who have made multiple reservations during the F/W and offered them all at the same time- many have been at several resorts.

Over the last several years, there have been a few (emphasize few) who have taken it upon themselves to publicly expose those who they felt were exploiting the system, the DIS and mankind in general. Unfortunately, some of these vigilantes chose to use personal attacks as their method of choice- even after being reminded of the site guidelines. These few (emphasize few) have lost the ability to post on the site- per DIS guidelines.

In response to the comments/complaints made by many on the DVC Board (emphasize many) , some of the policies for the Rent/Trade Board were modified last winter to better reflect the intended purpose of that board. Limits were placed on the number of existing reservations that could be posted at one time (limit of 1) and on the number of existing reservations that could be posted each year (limit of two). These limits were chosen to still afford members the ability to rent reservations they find they are unable to use on short notice. Please note that these limitations affect existing reservations only and not offers to rent points or transfer. In addition, other activities have been excluded for a variety of reasons - such as exchanges may NOT be offered at all (including exchanges into DVC resorts). These changes were generally welcomed by many (emphasize many) as evidenced by the volume of PM's and emails received in favor of the changes. Actually, no complaints have been recieved- until after a warning has been sent bringing awareness to those who have exceeded these limitations.

A few (emphasize few) , have been very creative and have used a different username and repeated the same violations after being warned (some of these have even posted in this very thread - talk about the pot calling the kettle black! ).

Since we have no means to determine the intent of those who request point transfers, and no means (or desire) to determine or control the financial agreements reached between parties, we will not make any attempt to follow individual posters transfer/rental patterns- except as they pertain to our DIS guidelines and Rent/Trade policies.

It might be incorrect to assume that nothing has been done about these issues. At this time there are a few (emphasize few) who have lost their ability to access the Rent/Trade Board and a few (emphasize few) who have lost their ability to access the DIS. There may be a few (emphasize few) who have escaped notice.

We welcome the use of the Report This Post feature (lower left of all posts

) if you have concerns about the violation of any site guidelines or board policies. However, if you have an concerns about transfer rules or rental limitations, please direct those to DVC. Originally, the DVC transfer policy was ONE transfer (either in or out) per Use Year. That was changed by DVC a few years ago- without explanation- and could probably be changed back by DVC if enough make comment about the suspected abuse.

Some of the advice offered in this thread has been sound. Please use common sense when responding to requests for points. When using the internet, a healthy dose of skepticism is often a valuable premedication.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Imagine if even half the people who owned VWL booked for early December with the intent of renting out those ressies. It would make it impossible for anyone trying at the 7 month mark for that resort.

What a great idea... And look...the 11 month window for 2006 is right around the corner...hmmmm...

 

[TCPluto]

Thanks for the input Doc.

 

[fkj2]

Firstly, it's a shame that the mods would have to patrol any board as though posters can't be responsible.

Secondly, it will really be a shame if someone with a legitimate need either is afraid to post or gets routinely turned away. I know several years ago, I and several others here donated points to a mom, with young children, who was terminally ill and her friends and family wanted one incredible last memory of WDW. I still recall the feelings I had from knowing we had done such a kindness.

Posters who work the system will ruin it for everyone.

 

[CharlesTD]

I am sorry but I don't care what your story is if you are that hard up and can't afford to pay for even a value resort then I am not about to give you my points discounted so you can take little johnny to a place that financially you shouldn't be going.

 

[LakeAriel]

Firstly, it's a shame that the mods would have to patrol any board as though posters can't be responsible.

Secondly, it will really be a shame if someone with a legitimate need either is afraid to post or gets routinely turned away. I know several years ago, I and several others here donated points to a mom, with young children, who was terminally ill and her friends and family wanted one incredible last memory of WDW. I still recall the feelings I had from knowing we had done such a kindness.

Posters who work the system will ruin it for everyone.

How did you know it was for someone who was terminally ill?

 

[dianeschlicht]

How did you know it was for someone who was terminally ill?

This was a request that was made by someone on the DIS CB for a co-worker. She was from our area, and asked several of us in the area if we could think of a way to send this co-worker to WDW. We mentioned it on the CB, because she had been an occational poster there. One thing lead to another, and before we knew it, we were able to send her and her young children to WDW with an attendant for her then very grave condition. She passed away about 6 months later. The pictures taken of her and her family were posted both here and on the CB by those of us who were intrumental in getting everything planned. If you see the "DIS earth angel" tag under my name, that is where that came from.

 

[LakeAriel]

You mean your area of Minnesota? That is a wonderful thing if you are local and can organize it and verify. My condolences to her and her family.
I watched as my son went through chemo and radiation and ALL the other kids he got treatment with died. That is why it especially burns me up when fakes appear on these boards with sob stories for another "free" trip to Disney or wherever. They do make it difficult for those truly in need. With Make A Wish and other organizations mentioned on these boards there are numerous ways to grant someone's wish through secure channels. The need is great, be sure your generousity is going to those that need it. A stranger on any online boards is risky.
That said, I am glad your experience was so positive and you could be someone's "Dis Earth Angel"!

 

[dianeschlicht]

LakeAriel, I would never have done any of if without some form of verification. I was sent pictures of the family and actually talked to the mother on the phone prior to us proceeding with this project. It was a very sad story, because after the mother died, her parents, who had been caring for the kids the whole time she was ill ended up in a custody battle with the previously missing father.

 

[LakeAriel]

If you notice in the past few days there is another similair story posted. This one wants to bring 8 family members. These boards are perfect for finding the best deal on resorts, meals, tickets, events etc. Beyond that when people play the sympathy card people need to be aware. As someone else said if 8 people want to take an ill loved one to Disney pool your resources and just do it. If it isn't affordable that money needs to be put to better use.
You are smart and verfied, you know the vast majority fall for these stories everyday. A phone call isn't enough. Look recently 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami, there were thousands of arrests made of people pretending to be victims. It is a very sad fact of life. My point is don't ever stop caring, don't ever stop giving, just make sure your resources are going to those that really need it.(and there are millions) That is best done through Cancer research, Make A Wish, the Red Cross, your local blood bank etc.

 

[DisFlan]

I am sorry but I don't care what your story is if you are that hard up and can't afford to pay for even a value resort then I am not about to give you my points discounted so you can take little johnny to a place that financially you shouldn't be going.

I agree. Vacations are nice and WDW is a great place, but (as some people seem to think) it isn't a right - nor should it be expected to come with a hefty discount. A Disney vacation is purely a luxury item. To me, it's pretty simple - if you can't afford a WDW vacation, don't go.

I certainly support charitable donations, but I won't do it with cheapo points.

DisFlan

 

[TCPluto]

I am sorry but I don't care what your story is if you are that hard up and can't afford to pay for even a value resort then I am not about to give you my points discounted so you can take little johnny to a place that financially you shouldn't be going.

The request that started this thread does not fit this scenario. They have been to WDW about ten (10) times in the past year.

I PM'd the person and she stated that they had plenty of money. She said she simply wanted to get accommodations, and didn't see anything wrong with including her families health situation as an enticement for deeply discounted rental rates.

In an earlier thread for the same accommodations, she asked DVC members to "take pity on her", and rent her the points at a deep discount. At that point, it would seem, it was about the money and not simply the accommodations.

Using her family situation to elicit "pity" from DVC members, is very disturbing to me.

Maybe she should take "pity" on some less fortunate family, like one that has never been to WDW.

 

[JimFitz]

The request that started this thread does not fit this scenario. They have been to WDW about ten (10) times in the past year.

I PM'd the person and she stated that they had plenty of money. She said she simply wanted to get accommodations, and didn't see anything wrong with including her families health situation as an enticement for deeply discounted rental rates.

In an earlier thread for the same accommodations, she asked DVC members to "take pity on her", and rent her the points at a deep discount. At that point, it would seem, it was about the money and not simply the accommodations.

Using her family situation to elicit "pity" from DVC members, is very disturbing to me.

Maybe she should take "pity" on some less fortunate family, like one that has never been to WDW.

People like this disturb me. Always looking to get over, or get the best deal. She should be ashamed of herself for using her daughters surgery as a ploy for sympathy.

She would never see points from me. I hope she gets stuck at the POP.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

People like this disturb me. Always looking to get over, or get the best deal. She should be ashamed of herself for using her daughters surgery as a ploy for sympathy.

She would never see points from me. I hope she gets stuck at the POP.

Any onsite resort is too good for her. I hope she gets stuck OFFSITE.

 

[Jim5150]

I just hope you that rent points don't let this discourage you to the point that you stop all together. This will be my second time renting and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. I can stay at OKW for what I usually pay to stay at All Stars....

My advice, just don't reply or get involved with these "charity cases."

 

[CharlesTD]

The request that started this thread does not fit this scenario. They have been to WDW about ten (10) times in the past year.

I PM'd the person and she stated that they had plenty of money. She said she simply wanted to get accommodations, and didn't see anything wrong with including her families health situation as an enticement for deeply discounted rental rates.

In an earlier thread for the same accommodations, she asked DVC members to "take pity on her", and rent her the points at a deep discount. At that point, it would seem, it was about the money and not simply the accommodations.

Using her family situation to elicit "pity" from DVC members, is very disturbing to me.

Maybe she should take "pity" on some less fortunate family, like one that has never been to WDW.

Well somone like that should be blaclisted from the rent trade board especially if they are trying to cheat people out of money for their points when they know they have enough money to pay the going rate did I see somone post they then rented out points for 12-14 dollars a point? If that is the case I say we call tehm on it and let everyone know on teh rent trade they are lowlife scum renting points on the cheap and re renting them at a premium I hate people like that taking advantage of somones generosity for their own personal gain.

 

[CarolA]

Well, I don't think she should be banned. However, she doesn't sound like someone I would like to know. I mean how would you feel if you were the family member with the problem. Used????

She'll get what's coming to her.

I think the lesson to be learned is when you get the message that someone wants to rent your points do some research. I think my posting if I have to rent will say "If you have rented repeatedly in the past, please don't respond. I would like to help someone who has not had this opportunity." That's the way my office gives away baseball tickets.

 

[spiceycat]

Thanks Doc for looking into the matter.

and explaining Dis plan in dealing with people.