Is it just me? There seems to be a lot less points for rent!

[FindingFigment]

I think it's ironic that I'm most likely to want to rent out my points when I haven't been active on the boards. If I'm planning a trip, I'm more active. So when I'm not planning a trip, I'm less active here, and that's when I want to rent out.

So when I need to rent out, I won't qualify to post my point for rent on the DIS!



Sue in Texas

Hey, that's a good point! I've been supportive of the changes to the R/T board even though they hurt me more than help (I'm a rentee and there is a lot less availability now) but your comment really makes me think about it from a different angle.

 

[Brian Noble]

Big draw backs I see are all money due at time of reservation, no changes, no refunds.

This is a huge risk for renters.

Sure. But, they are also getting a *substantial* discount over renting from Disney in most cases. Also, if there is a contract that specifies these terms, they can potentially buy a trip insurance policy that will reimburse them if they have to cancel their trip for a covered reason---i.e. something other than "we decided not to go."

 

[modified-54]

I too read the boards more often when I am planning a trip. We are DVC members and find ourselves short on points for our next trip. I tried to post a "points transfer wanted" post on the rent/trade board and found out that I didn't have enough posts to do so. Tried to add on points... use year is sold out. So that kind of puts us in a bad spot. Needless to say, we're not fans of the new post rules.

 

[WDWBlue]

Sure. But, they are also getting a *substantial* discount over renting from Disney in most cases. Also, if there is a contract that specifies these terms, they can potentially buy a trip insurance policy that will reimburse them if they have to cancel their trip for a covered reason---i.e. something other than "we decided not to go."

While a substantial discount over Disney direct, it is a premium from what a renter would have to pay from most any other DVC member renting points.

But that typical DVC member renting points has now moved on, because he has been effectively shut out of renting his points here.

There's only one winner, and it's not the disboards member seeking a DVC reservation, nor the disboards DVC member seeking to rent some excess points.

And trip insurance won't cover a person losing his vacation pick because of work scheduling, things of that nature.

 

[OhioDVC]

FYI, postings debating the board rules, (such as on this thread) do not count toward the Rent/Trade requirements. Also, the posts are evaluated for content. So something like "thanks" or other one word posts also are not counted for the rent/trade purpose.

Carol,

It seems like the rules are getting extremely intricate. How can one find out where they stand according to the opinion of the moderators as far as which posts are counting?

 

[wink13]

I think it's ironic that I'm most likely to want to rent out my points when I haven't been active on the boards. If I'm planning a trip, I'm more active. So when I'm not planning a trip, I'm less active here, and that's when I want to rent out.

So when I need to rent out, I won't qualify to post my point for rent on the DIS!



Sue in Texas

 

[Brian Noble]

it is a premium from what a renter would have to pay from most any other DVC member renting points.

Ah, sorry, I mis-understood. I thought you were talking about Member rentals generally, not David's in particular.

David can get more for his reservations for two reasons. One: he has good visibility and has done a fair amount of marketing, so people can find him easily. Two: he has a larger pool of points to draw from, so it is more like making a hotel reservation than "finding the right owner". There are some other "mega renters" on other sites who command price premiums for similar reasons.

As for individual owners---I was under the impression that most of those required full payment with no refunds as well. Perhaps I am wrong here.

In any event, I don't think that the New Rules have much of anything to do with David's sponsorship, though some have connected those dots. Rather, it appears to me that the DIS has long been uncomfortable with the tension between the "commercial" nature of rentals and the "community" ethos of the boards, and there have been many different rule changes over the past few years that seem to have been designed to resolve this tension. This is just another step along that path---and one that may resolve the tension by de facto killing the R/T board entirely.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I'm not speaking for all of the mega renters, but most collect an upfront deposit from the renter (usually 50%), and the remaining balance is collected just before check-in. So if the renter renigs,the renter loses his deposit (the owner gets it), but the renter is also protected in case the owner renigs on the reservation. As an owner, I don't like this scenario. I am more at risk as I may not be able to re-rent or bank the points should the renter not follow thru. That is why I require full payment well in advance of check-in. Also, then the mega renters have a distressed pool of points that they can try and re-rent for a fraction more than maintenance fees. I see a conflict of interest here. Again, as always, regardles of WHO rents your points, the owner still has full responsibility for damages, etc. If one really wants to rent their extra points, a little education will go a long way. I say get educated and do it yourself.

Ah, sorry, I mis-understood. I thought you were talking about Member rentals generally, not David's in particular.

David can get more for his reservations for two reasons. One: he has good visibility and has done a fair amount of marketing, so people can find him easily. Two: he has a larger pool of points to draw from, so it is more like making a hotel reservation than "finding the right owner". There are some other "mega renters" on other sites who command price premiums for similar reasons.

As for individual owners---I was under the impression that most of those required full payment with no refunds as well. Perhaps I am wrong here.

In any event, I don't think that the New Rules have much of anything to do with David's sponsorship, though some have connected those dots. Rather, it appears to me that the DIS has long been uncomfortable with the tension between the "commercial" nature of rentals and the "community" ethos of the boards, and there have been many different rule changes over the past few years that seem to have been designed to resolve this tension. This is just another step along that path---and one that may resolve the tension by de facto killing the R/T board entirely.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Carol,

It seems like the rules are getting extremely intricate. How can one find out where they stand according to the opinion of the moderators as far as which posts are counting?

I do not moderate on the DVC Rent/Trade Board, so I can't help you out here. I only know what they have posted in recent months about these changes, like other folks.

You can contact one of that board's moderators via pm or email.

 

[MrsNick]

Although I don't have plans to rent my points out (ever! ) I have to chime in that I think the 50 post requirement is a bit steep.

To tell the truth, I read a lot more posts than I submit because many times I don't think that I would be saying anything that other posters haven't already said. I wouldn't want to clog a thread if I don't have anything meaningful to add (or waste time typing it, lol).

But, hey it isn't my candy store. As I already said, it doesn't affect me but it could affect others who, like me, don't post much but who are engaged members of the board.

 

[cheezNE1]

Although I don't have plans to rent my points out (ever! ) I have to chime in that I think the 50 post requirement is a bit steep.

To tell the truth, I read a lot more posts than I submit because many times I don't think that I would be saying anything that other posters haven't already said. I wouldn't want to clog a thread if I don't have anything meaningful to add (or waste time typing it, lol).

But, hey it isn't my candy store. As I already said, it doesn't affect me but it could affect others who, like me, don't post much but who are engaged members of the board.

I agree. I'm more of a listener than a talker in life. I try to contribute what i can, but i think my expertise in DVC is way below what most of the members here know. I enjoy coming here and get many useful info, but unfortunately i'm still an amateur when it comes to dvc and not much knowledge I can offer.
I don't fine the 50 post requirement steep. It can be 5 post or 500 post, It really doesn't matter to me. I rent out my points if I can, and if not, so be it. I don't rent out to make money, but just a way to get rid of my unused points or something to offer to those in need of them and hopefully when I needed point myself, i can find it here. But it's just kinda disappointing to see a posting quota on a friendly board like this. But then again, i'm no expert in this forum either. It is what it is.
Look on the bright side, now that there's limited points for rent on the R/T, and price per points gone up, so it's a plus for those frequent poster now on the R/T.

 

[lundve]

I was unaware of the new rule recently when I submit a thread for a points transfer wanted. Fortunately I was 47 posts into my 50 posts and easily wrote replies to 3 more posts.

I have not ever used Davids' service because I am more familiar with DIS having done a couple rentals and transfers over the last 7 years as members. I would opt for a large transfer over a rental any day because I am a control freak.

 

[HelenaJanelle]

Although I don't have plans to rent my points out (ever! ) I have to chime in that I think the 50 post requirement is a bit steep.

To tell the truth, I read a lot more posts than I submit because many times I don't think that I would be saying anything that other posters haven't already said. I wouldn't want to clog a thread if I don't have anything meaningful to add (or waste time typing it, lol).

But, hey it isn't my candy store. As I already said, it doesn't affect me but it could affect others who, like me, don't post much but who are engaged members of the board.

I tend to read a lot more posts than post. I am a fairly new DVC member and don't feel I have much to add.

 

[dclfun]

I'm not comfortable with the mega- rental people only because I don't like the idea of someone making money off renting other's DVC points. The owner still has the risk if the renters trash the place, leave with a $ balance, etc even if someone else is screening or matching buyers to sellers. As to the value of points to dollar,I've said for a few years that renting my points for $10 each wasn't gonna happen but there's been an expectation that someone can get a great vacation from a DVC member any time they want at a very low cost. It's about time that the price per point went up. There's also been an expectation that renters can get the hard to get places too, and sorry...those ressies should go to members who purchased points. I know...people can do what they want with their points and my feelings will never be considered, but I have no problem being honest either with how I feel about the whole rent/trade thing. Also, if the DIS wants to set rules in place then if I ever do want to rent my points, which I doubt, I have no problem following them. ---Kathy

 

[UConnJack]

There is no question it is because of the new rules. I think an activity requirement can be a good thing, I just think it was set much too high. Many people are not active posters even though they have been members of this site for many, many years. The bar was just set way too high, and it will be the end of the R/T board.

This is a big site and the world will not end because of it.

I agree with this. I was just recently denied a post because I had only posted 37 times in the past 6 months, despite being a member for 7 years with almost a 1,000 posts (very few of which were R/T posts).

I too supported rules to keep the R/T board from just being a commercial operation for people with no interest in the DIS community otherwise. However, the rules that they decided to put into place recently are way too strict, unless their goal is to kill the R/T boards all together.

I think the problem with this rule is using posts over the past 6 mths to judge whether a person is a valuable and legitimate part of the community. It takes no account of how long someone has been a member and what their long term posting history and quality has been. It shuts out long-time members and contributors that for some reason may not have posted much in a particular 6-month span, while favoring new members who may or may not actually be interested in being part of the community. IMHO, a better and simpler rule would be to require membership for at least six months, and then maintain a certain posting rate. Each member has their average daily posting rate on their user stats, so it seems it would be very easy to administer and track.

 

[cheezNE1]

I agree with this. I was just recently denied a post because I had only posted 37 times in the past 6 months, despite being a member for 7 years with almost a 1,000 posts (very few of which were R/T posts).

I too supported rules to keep the R/T board from just being a commercial operation for people with no interest in the DIS community otherwise. However, the rules that they decided to put into place recently are way too strict, unless their goal is to kill the R/T boards all together.

I think the problem with this rule is using posts over the past 6 mths to judge whether a person is a valuable and legitimate part of the community. It takes no account of how long someone has been a member and what their long term posting history and quality has been. It shuts out long-time members and contributors that for some reason may not have posted much in a particular 6-month span, while favoring new members who may or may not actually be interested in being part of the community. IMHO, a better and simpler rule would be to require membership for at least six months, and then maintain a certain posting rate. Each member has their average daily posting rate on their user stats, so it seems it would be very easy to administer and track.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

 

[mmjm]

There are valid points for both sides of the discussion. The current plan does seem to exclude long time members who don't have a lot of regular posts. In may case I will regularly review postings though out the year to see whats going on at WDW, my favorite resort, check restaurant reviews, etc and many times I will not post a response, I could be that I don't have anything to offer, or the questions were answered 3 times already so it doesn't make sense to post a response. I realize this is not an adding information to the discussions but it does represent some level of regular participation. Maybe DIS will modify their requirements at some point. I'm sure the cost of maintaining the chat bds is not cheap so I would be willing to pay a fee for posting a rental or transfer thread.

 

[Billary41]

Most definitely too high a requirement. With needing 50 posts the prior 6 months--and spread evenly on top of that, it almost assures Daddio of cornering the market on these boards. I'm sure his business has soared. I have nothing at all against David, especially being a paid advertiser, but come on now--50 posts? I've been a member for 9 years, and recently discovered that I can't post on there anymore, because I don't post a lot often enough. I'm working on them, but it will be awhile yet. About the time I get up to 50, I hope they don't yank the board or raise it to 100. I'm trying for a post a day--and this is today's!

I was a member here about 6 years. After a time, I somehow was logged out and lost my sign on as I couldn't remember my password (old-timers disease). I've since been a very active, non registered reader. On most topics, whatever I would have to offer has either already been posted or is posted soon after I see it.

After joining back then, I had purchased a resale contract with 270 banked points that had to be used in 8 weeks! I posted a for rent add and got rid of all of the points in fire-sale fashion. Several families got great 3-7 day bargain price reservations (I think at $5 per point). I stayed and participated for quite a while, before I lost my password.

That couldn't happen now. A significant advantage to these boards has been removed, in favor of one commercial operation dealing points.

That's not to say it's fair or unfair. Those that operate this board can do whatever they want. It is what it is.

 

[Starr W.]

I don't think posting just a or other sundry smilies should count toward your 50.

Nor should those posts, wishing you pixie dust when calling at the 7 month window.

 

[DVCconvert]

I don't think posting just a or other sundry smilies should count toward your 50.

Nor should those posts, wishing you pixie dust when calling at the 7 month window.

Add to that:
wait listing wishes
One word answers to "what are my chances?" posts
Voting in polls (without meaning commentary)-if that counts now