I'm sorry, but I have to ask...

[dpuck1998]

"Originally Posted by wildeoscar
Indeed, it would be very one sided since one person gets to make and break rules as they see fit. Or can edit and ban the other."


I could be wrong but I think that wildoscar was trying to make the point that because these boards are moderated/private and you can be banned for "arguing" with a moderator that it makes it very hard to express your opinion at times. Therefore making it a one sided conversation. It is a very fine line to walk sometimes. Esp. on the internet when things can be taken out of context so easily.


I know I will be flamed for this but I feel it needs to be said:

A change I have noticed on these boards in the last few months has been from those going on the podcast cruise. They are very touchy and defensive of the podcast team and the board rules in general. People have to ask themselves why that is? Hey if I had to spend 4 days on a cruise ship with these people I would not want to rock the boat before hand either or that would make for one very uncomfortable cruise. Some of these people are truely loyal and really do share the same opinion as the podcast team/mods but others I believe have other motives. Glad to see that not everyone feels this way and is still willing to express their true opinions.

BTW: On most topics over the last 2 years that I have been a member of the boards I have agreed with them but when I have not and I felt very strongly about it I have expressed my honest opinion. I tryed to always be respectful while doing so but at times I think I came off as disrespectful or as a pot stirrer. Which was never my intention. Thus one of the reasons I have not been around much lately. My intention was never to offend anyone here and if I have I am sorry for that. I have talked to some wonderful people on these boards and had some great chats on a variety of topics. Not to mention all I have learned about Disney World.


Take care,

Kelly

What exactly would they have to gain? Being on a boat with them and 3000 other people, I'm sure I won't agree with them all the time. Perhaps they are just truly agreeing with them? Can you tell the difference? I can tell you there are plenty of times I've disagreed with fellow cruisers, just ask Disneybride! We still enjoy each others "company" and get along just fine. I'm not worried that when we met on the boat that we will hate each other and constantly run into each other over and over. In fact I think disagreeing sometimes makes us more likely to get along better in the future. The key is how you disagree and where you choose to speak up. What is the point in agruing over silly politics or "insert other useless topic here". I usually choose to close the thread and move on when I disagree. Fighting it out over the internet doesn't seem to solve much and there is a slim chance someone will change their mind because I type my argument that I cut and pasted from another website. I know I know, why am I arguing now?? Dunno...just felt like it

See and I still like you

 

[wishspirit]

"Originally Posted by wildeoscar
Indeed, it would be very one sided since one person gets to make and break rules as they see fit. Or can edit and ban the other."


I could be wrong but I think that wildoscar was trying to make the point that because these boards are moderated/private and you can be banned for "arguing" with a moderator that it makes it very hard to express your opinion at times. Therefore making it a one sided conversation. It is a very fine line to walk sometimes. Esp. on the internet when things can be taken out of context so easily.


I know I will be flamed for this but I feel it needs to be said:

A change I have noticed on these boards in the last few months has been from those going on the podcast cruise. They are very touchy and defensive of the podcast team and the board rules in general. People have to ask themselves why that is? Hey if I had to spend 4 days on a cruise ship with these people I would not want to rock the boat before hand either or that would make for one very uncomfortable cruise. Some of these people are truely loyal and really do share the same opinion as the podcast team/mods but others I believe have other motives. Glad to see that not everyone feels this way and is still willing to express their true opinions.

BTW: On most topics over the last 2 years that I have been a member of the boards I have agreed with them but when I have not and I felt very strongly about it I have expressed my honest opinion. I tryed to always be respectful while doing so but at times I think I came off as disrespectful or as a pot stirrer. Which was never my intention. Thus one of the reasons I have not been around much lately. My intention was never to offend anyone here and if I have I am sorry for that. I have talked to some wonderful people on these boards and had some great chats on a variety of topics. Not to mention all I have learned about Disney World.


Take care,

Kelly

I am really sorry you feel this way Kelly! I know we have had some great discussions on the Dis, and I have missed you being around! However I am just as big a defender of the podcast as many of those going on the cruise, and I definitely am NOT going! Its kind of a chicken and egg thing, are they not saying what they feel because they have to spend time on a boat with them? Or is it that they do genuinely agree with the people on the podcast, and therefore want to spend time with them?

This isn't meant to be a malicious change, its meant to stop the hurt that people seem to feel they can dish out over the internet that they would never do in real life. I don't feel it takes anything away from the Dis that cannot be found somewhere else. I also don't believe that Pete has been in the least bit hypocritical, he has had a few rants about what money that was designated to be spent on tourism go- but that's what the podcast is about! Tourism in Florida!

I can understand the feeling of being a bit 'left out' of the cruise talk, especially with so much of it being around lately. However even the cruise threads are inclusive, I still post on them even though I'm not cruising!

We don't hate you Kelly, and I really don't feel you upset any one. However the people on this part of the board are going to be more touchy to what is said about Pete and the gang, mainly because we consider them friends even though we've never met in person.

All this new rule is saying is: don't rock the boat, and don't try and deliberately upset people. I understand that, the mods have enough to do, especially as they are volunteers.

 

[BeamsofLight]

I will post the recipe/bring it to the Podcast Cruise....it is yummy.

Now if only I could find a way to incorporate cake into it....

Please do post it as well as bringin' it to the cruise! I'm a lowly landlubber, here. And I'd be happy to help with research into incorporating cake. Mmmcakeresearch.

 

[dolcezena]

I have no idea why so many people are so adamant about creating drama. Waaaaah you can't talk about politics. Get over it. If that's why you are here, too bad. It's their choice. If you don't like it, leave. I've left plenty of places when a decision was made that I didn't agree with. I am the administrator for a very large movie website. Decisions have to be made. People will always complain. We banned politics for probably 6 years and the site was better for it. But what I didn't tolerate was people whining about our decisions. They have way more patience here for threads like this than I am haha. I just post the rule and move on.

I'm going to assume that you didn't mean my original post was "whining," & that you were referring to someone else's post. I was simply asking a question, as I have been off the boards for quite some time. As a result, I have no idea what had led to the decision to ban those topics from the boards. In the event that I do start whining about something, I will be sure to insert this ----->

One of the biggest problems about simply reading people's posts, rather than having face-to-face communication, is how easy it is for a person to put THEIR interpretation on another person's words. There are no physical cues to tell us if someone is joking, furious or sad. No voice inflection, no body language, nothing. And, if you've never communicated with someone before, you probably don't know what their sense of humour, morals, attitude, etc are like.

See, when I first read your post, I felt like it was quite hostile, but, as I don't know you, I can't assume you meant to be. It's my perception in the reading of your post that could lead to further bickering, hostility & drama....so I won't say anything more about it.

 

[metalis4ever]

I'm going to assume that you didn't mean my original post was "whining," & that you were referring to someone else's post. I was simply asking a question, as I have been off the boards for quite some time. As a result, I have no idea what had led to the decision to ban those topics from the boards. In the event that I do start whining about something, I will be sure to insert this ----->

One of the biggest problems about simply reading people's posts, rather than having face-to-face communication, is how easy it is for a person to put THEIR interpretation on another person's words. There are no physical cues to tell us if someone is joking, furious or sad. No voice inflection, no body language, nothing. And, if you've never communicated with someone before, you probably don't know what their sense of humour, morals, attitude, etc are like.

See, when I first read your post, I felt like it was quite hostile, but, as I don't know you, I can't assume you meant to be. It's my perception in the reading of your post that could lead to further bickering, hostility & drama....so I won't say anything more about it.

You make an excellent point regarding perception Even in person where physical ques i.e. body language can be observed along with tone the notion of perception is a complete fallacy. After all perception is just another word for ignorance....

You also make a great point regarding individual worldviews ..It is very important in my opinion to know ones audience I learned very quickly on here even when posting about Disney specific topics to tone down my writing to about a 5th - 6th grade reading level otherwise people become very defensive and assume since one is using larger words and complete thought out sentences that one is attempting to be condescending, rude or sarcastic. This isn't just on the Dis obviously this is in life, thankfully I am in a profession where I can use my writing skills to their full potential as I have the appropriate audience but in the past I have hit the wall of other people's "perception" head on.

I also don't agree with the fallacy some have expounded that talking about Religion and Politics in everyday life is somehow "taboo" in our society as I do it everyday....Outside of work of course as such topics are not appropriate for work but outside of that those topics are free game for me and I discuss them with anyone and everyone.....Personally I think it's only "taboo" to those who do not take the time to educate themselves on such topics in order to speak intelligently and civilly...Please note I am not attacking anyone just making a completely valid observation and stating an opinion based on said observations

No Religion, No Politics and No Swaps for Cash and above all as I did before so shall I again steal and modify a line from Pete Stay out of the damn Community Board!!!

 

[dolcezena]

Even in person where physical ques i.e. body language can be observed along with tone the notion of perception is a complete fallacy.

Too true. I had a fantastic manager at work who informed me that I often came off as being aggressive. I was stunned!! My natural speaking voice is low (for a woman), & I'm passionate about things, so I get loud. It was AMAZING what a difference it made in my work relationships when I made a conscious effort to speak more quietly!! Until they got to know me...then I became my pushy, aggressive, obnoxious self!!

I learned very quickly on here even when posting about Disney specific topics to tone down my writing to about a 5th - 6th grade reading level otherwise people become very defensive and assume since one is using larger words and complete thought out sentences that one is attempting to be condescending, rude or sarcastic.

This might explain why I got myself into trouble on the "Why It's OK that my 14 y/o uses a stroller at WDW" thread.
(See, this my humour. I made this thread up....but for me, it sort of symbolizes some of those nutso threads!)

I also don't agree with the fallacy some have expounded that talking about Religion and Politics in everyday life is somehow "taboo" in our society as I do it everyday.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!! Admittedly, I'm Canadian, but I'm pretty sure that one of the ideals that the US was founded on was the "free & open exchange of ideas." What kind of place would the US be today if the founding fathers HADN'T been willing to push forward their beliefs?

Now, before anyone jumps all over my butt, I am not demanding that I be allowed to debate these topics on the DIS. I understand (now) why the ban was instituted, & it makes total sense to me. If I want to have a place to argue about politics, I'm quite sure there might be a spot or two on this Inter-Web thingy that would allow me to do so!

 

[dolcezena]

Oh, & before I forget again...

Wow - Pete AND Kevin posted on MY thread! I feel like I just spotted Angelina Jolie at my local coffee shop! (Isn't there a fanning-myself smiley??)

Seriously though, if any of the mods, or the podcast team are still looking at this thread - I truly didn't mean my question as a criticism. I sincerely apologize if any of you took it as such, & I do understand why you would. It's pretty obvious that feelings run high about this topic!

You do a fan-freakin-tastic job on here, & I know, it all started with your love for the place that brings all of us to this site.....

CAKE SHOPS!!!

Ooops - I mean Disney....

 

[WaltD4Me]

"Originally Posted by wildeoscar
Indeed, it would be very one sided since one person gets to make and break rules as they see fit. Or can edit and ban the other."


I could be wrong but I think that wildoscar was trying to make the point that because these boards are moderated/private and you can be banned for "arguing" with a moderator that it makes it very hard to express your opinion at times. Therefore making it a one sided conversation. It is a very fine line to walk sometimes. Esp. on the internet when things can be taken out of context so easily.


I know I will be flamed for this but I feel it needs to be said:

A change I have noticed on these boards in the last few months has been from those going on the podcast cruise. They are very touchy and defensive of the podcast team and the board rules in general. People have to ask themselves why that is? Hey if I had to spend 4 days on a cruise ship with these people I would not want to rock the boat before hand either or that would make for one very uncomfortable cruise. Some of these people are truely loyal and really do share the same opinion as the podcast team/mods but others I believe have other motives. Glad to see that not everyone feels this way and is still willing to express their true opinions.

BTW: On most topics over the last 2 years that I have been a member of the boards I have agreed with them but when I have not and I felt very strongly about it I have expressed my honest opinion. I tryed to always be respectful while doing so but at times I think I came off as disrespectful or as a pot stirrer. Which was never my intention. Thus one of the reasons I have not been around much lately. My intention was never to offend anyone here and if I have I am sorry for that. I have talked to some wonderful people on these boards and had some great chats on a variety of topics. Not to mention all I have learned about Disney World.


Take care,

Kelly

I have to ask. Since you would like us to believe that you have given your honest opinions in the past, which I don't doubt, why would you think that others are not doing the same when posting their opinions? Just because you don't agree with someone's elses opinion doesn't mean it isn't also an honest opinion without an "ulterior motive." I do not assume that your opinions are colored by the fact that you are not going on the cruise.

In my experience this discussion board is not all that different from any other discussion board I have been a member of. They all have a board owner, board monitors and board rules. If there are boards out there with out rules or moderation, I honestly don't know of them. I've was involved with a few boards before this one and am currently active on another non-Disney board now and almost the exact same things go on. Board fights, people get points, people get banned, rules are made, people are outraged, ect, ect...believe me when I tell you, I have been on boards where things were MUCH worse than here, I have been on boards where things were quieter, but the basics are still just about the same, the board owner has the final say so. It's the nature of the beast. And even though I am not going on the cruise, I respect that, because as I said on an earlier post...Pete and/or really any board owner pays the bills, bears all the responsibility so therefore gets to make the rules.

 

[Launchpad11B]

You also make a great point regarding individual worldviews ..It is very important in my opinion to know ones audience I learned very quickly on here even when posting about Disney specific topics to tone down my writing to about a 5th - 6th grade reading level otherwise people become very defensive and assume since one is using larger words and complete thought out sentences that one is attempting to be condescending, rude or sarcastic.

It's shocking that anyone who comes to this board would consider this comment rude or condescending. Thank you for dumbing down your writing style to a "5th grade" level so idiots like me can conceive the points you're trying to make. If you're a writer with such advanced intellect perhaps you can figure out a way to express yourself on paper without implying your audience is incapable of understanding. Your point of expressing opinions is well stated. Your very condescending explanation of that point on this thread is in very bad form. Most who read your post will no doubt find it to be rude and insulting. Not because of your large words or complete thought out sentences, but because of your implying that others will react with anger or get defensive due to the fact that they couldn't possibly comprehend the points someone as smart as you is expressing. State your opinion and move on. Leave the judging of the folks reading your opinion off the written page. It comes across sounding mean spirited and arrogant.

 

[Matt@WDWR]

Well, I wouldn't say you as a person annoyed me. I will say that this thread has been posted in some way shape or form 50 times since the rule change. That's kind of annoying. But it is the people in this thread who feel they have an entitlement to posting on a privately owned site that is irritating. I talk politics on a few sites. If they don't want me to talk about them here, just don't. Stop whining about it and move on people.

 

[dpuck1998]

It's shocking that anyone who comes to this board would consider this comment rude or condescending. Thank you for dumbing down your writing style to a "5th grade" level so idiots like me can conceive the points you're trying to make. If you're a writer with such advanced intellect perhaps you can figure out a way to express yourself on paper without implying your audience is incapable of understanding. Your point of expressing opinions is well stated. Your very condescending explanation of that point on this thread is in very bad form. Most who read your post will no doubt find it to be rude and insulting. Not because of your large words or complete thought out sentences, but because of your implying that others will react with anger or get defensive due to the fact that they couldn't possibly comprehend the points someone as smart as you is expressing. State your opinion and move on. Leave the judging of the folks reading your opinion off the written page. It comes across sounding mean spirited and arrogant.

I'm not sure if I should go along with you at risk of being a butt-kisser because we are on the cruise or I might be tossed in with the 5th graders

I do think this horse is dead and we should start our hijack, just like good Middle School kids!

 

[metalis4ever]

It's shocking that anyone who comes to this board would consider this comment rude or condescending. Thank you for dumbing down your writing style to a "5th grade" level so idiots like me can conceive the points you're trying to make. If you're a writer with such advanced intellect perhaps you can figure out a way to express yourself on paper without implying your audience is incapable of understanding. Your point of expressing opinions is well stated. Your very condescending explanation of that point on this thread is in very bad form. Most who read your post will no doubt find it to be rude and insulting. Not because of your large words or complete thought out sentences, but because of your implying that others will react with anger or get defensive due to the fact that they couldn't possibly comprehend the points someone as smart as you is expressing. State your opinion and move on. Leave the judging of the folks reading your opinion off the written page. It comes across sounding mean spirited and arrogant.

I am sorry that you feel this way when I clearly stated that I did not mean to be rude or condescending. Furthermore the demographics of this site are wide range therefore in order to capture all audiences one would need to be weary of the reading level after all there are plenty of children (5th grade and up) who frequent this site. I will not apologize for my words for I clearly stated I was not attacking but merely make my opinion known based off of my observations. However I do apologize that they caused such a response from you...But I do thank you for your reaction because at least I know that someone read it...Have a nice Day

BTW Let the record show that I never said "dumb down" as you did I said "Tone Down" which there is a clear difference...Have a Disney Day

 

[mommyceratops]

I understand that discussion on religion and politics not being on the board for the simple fact that most people disagree and all it ends up in is a name calling debate with hurt feelings.

If you want to debate such hot topic buttons then go to another board. It does not need to be done on a family board when children and teens can see an example of how adults should not behave.

I have to send my love and respect to the moderators and owner of the boards for putting up with people who have mote points and can't keep their mouths shut.

I would like some ice cream on a warm brownie please...

 

[dpuck1998]

I would like some ice cream on a warm brownie please...

YUM!

 

[Madi100]

YUM!

Hmmm, a good brownie with ice-cream. Maybe everyone should have a piece today. I hear it takes the bitter tastes out of your mouth.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Okay, so I saw this thread the other day, but felt it wasn't worth replying to because I knew what direction it was heading. However, I just want to bullet a few of my ideas and then move on to more important things...like the fact that schoolbread is highly underappreciated over here due to the cake pushers.

..It is very important in my opinion to know ones audience I learned very quickly on here even when posting about Disney specific topics to tone down my writing to about a 5th - 6th grade reading level otherwise people become very defensive and assume since one is using larger words and complete thought out sentences that one is attempting to be condescending, rude or sarcastic. This isn't just on the Dis obviously this is in life, thankfully I am in a profession where I can use my writing skills to their full potential as I have the appropriate audience but in the past I have hit the wall of other people's "perception" head on.

1. As a fifth grade reading teacher and certified reading specialist, I am very bothered by the fact that this comment was made. I understand that it is important to know one's audience when you are writing. However, stating that posts need to be "toned down" to a fifth or sixth grade reading level is absurd IMHO. There are many intelligent individuals who frequent these boards. This includes those who hold several degrees --- masters, doctorates, etc. They use complex sentences. They use "large" words. And, quite honestly, their writing is not that of a ten year old. I could Lexile or use any number of reading tests on posts from various boards on the DIS to support this.

2. I come to the DIS with the attitude that I am "off the clock" and I am sure many others do. If I don't put a comma in the correct place will my opinion/information in a post still be valid? Yes. If I use a single syllable word instead of a multisyllabic term will others still understand my point of view? Yes. I would never expect people who come onto a message board site to create posts as if they were submitting a college dissertation. If they choose to write "simply" then that is their choice. If they choose to do otherwise that is their choice also. But, do not lump them all into a category by implying that posts using big words and sentences will not be interpretted correctly.

To the OP...

3. I have visited several message boards in the past and have found the DIS to be the most welcoming and honest. I'm not exactly sure why you feel that threads having to do with hobbies (scrapbooking, etc.) other than Disney do not belong here. On a teacher forum I belong to, for example, there is an entire section devoted to playing games, craftmaking, and so on. I guess you could call it their version of the creative forum and community board. I think it is a great idea to have parts of a themed board devoted to other interests. Afterall, Disney fans enjoy other hobbies and might like to talk to a fellow Disney fan who shares that same interest. I honestly see nothing wrong with that.

With all of this being said, I would like to thank Pete, the mods, and the rest of the crew for everything they do on a daily basis. I know it can be frustrating at times, but you are providing an amazing service to those who come to the DIS for peace, comfort, and entertainment.

 

[wilde_oscar]

With all of this being said, I would like to thank Pete, the mods, and the rest of the crew for everything they do on a daily basis. I know it can be frustrating at times, but you are providing an amazing service to those who come to the DIS for peace, comfort, and entertainment.

I'll chime in some more, even though I probably should keep what I know to be unpopular opinions to myself. The moderators do a difficult task, and do it better than most of us would... dealing with petty bickering over things we have little control over, or whining about a photopass share in the big scheme of things don't really matter. The economy sucks, people are scared, and a semi-anonymous place to vent is human nature. I have gotten my hand smacked for sarcasm before, and been asked to tone down some jokes... I know I can push the limits.

Here is an answer about what August at WDW is like I gave recently...

very late august is the beginning of low crowds... but it is hot, set your oven on broil hot, inside of the furnace hot, melt your glasses off your face hot. You will notice the crowds thin out at mid day, because all the water in their bodies have evaporated and they burst into flames.

I do my best to steer away from politics, cause most of the time I don't care. But when folks go off on a tear about a topic, it is my pet peeve that they at least get the fundamental facts correct. This will show my age, but Gilda Radnor did a bit on Sat. Night Live, about a little old woman that would hear something, misunderstand, then rant and complain till Chevy Chase would tell her she completely mis-heard and mis-understood. So where am I going with this? I have meet a lot of you at events, and now I hear your posts, in your voice. Strange but I hear Mindy's laugh in my head in the middle of reading a lot of this stuff. So for some of us, the communication is very different than being letters on a screen. It is easy to misunderstand someone, when you can't read what they wrote in their voice. I have a good friend that writes for a major news publication, and when I read his work, I hear it in his voice... sometimes the news becomes funny, because I catch a turn of phrase he uses and know what he wrote, and what he means is not the same thing.

So we have the benefit of familiarity on this board.

So the moderators have to maintain a family friendly board, and do so while at the same time, mostly not interjecting personal opinions or remarks. I've seen moderators make comments that I take the wrong way. So what, there is pretty much no spam, most of the time the posts are on topic and for me it is a great release to spend a couple hours on the theme parks boards answering questions. it is a small part of life where my OCD ADD comes in handy.

One of my points for much earlier in this thread has been repeated several times. This is not a public forum where free speech rules apply. There is no point is saying, get over it, Pete's house-Pete's Rules, etc. Because the moderators do their task well (I don't say job, cause they don't get paid) this is still a good corner of the internets.

Some of us are going to disagree sometimes... because Pie is still better than cake. and everything is better with ice cream.

 

[jcb]

Rex,

Well said - but I'm not sure what is worse, you admitting you hear voices in your head when you read the boards or the fact that you hear Mindy's laugh.

Oh, nevermind.

 

[wilde_oscar]

found one of the skits I referred to.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/2364/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-emily-litella-on-violins-on-tv

 

[Tonya2426]

YUM!

But Kim asked for a warm brownie and this clearly is just a room temperature brownie or the ice cream would be melting and getting all gooey and yummy.

Darn, now I am going to have to go to the store and buy ice cream and come home and make some brownies. You people are gonna be the death of me!!! (But at least I will die with yummy brownie and ice cream in my tummy.