Is the DIS REALLY 'different'?

[kild]

I read some ofthe replies today before I left work. I think it is pretty cool that everyone can form so many different opinions about these boards. But, that is with anything in life.

I came across these boards when I was researching my anniversary trip back in early April. I haven't left and have become hooked. This many people sharing the same love for Disney is great! My family gets tired of hearing about WDW, but you guys don't
Anyway, I never felt like I was on the outside looking in. Never even thought about cliques. I just posted when I saw something that I wanted to comment on.
Granted, most of my posts are lighthearted and have no real value. Ok, sometimes I make myself laugh, but that is beside the point.
I have only seen a couple of people be rude or hatefull - warning, this does not include the debate board - and they were chastised for acting out of line.
I look at it like this, the DIS is a public message board with thousands of memebers. None of the threads on the CB are reserved for "special" members only.
Enjoy the boards and have a good time.

 

[legs22]

Originally posted by kilee
You are tagged though. ???

I believe she just now got tagged on this thread after she posted about being tagless.

 

[wovenwonder]

I don't think the DIS is any different than what you can find on other bulletin boards. Not everyone is looking to expand your 'family and friends' thru the internet though. BUT for those that are looking to gain connections there are ALOT of great places out there to do so. I've gotten to know a few people on lowcarbfriends.com and I've gained a HUGE SENSE OF FAMILY at The Lodge message board. I'll be going to my first ever 'internet meet' when I go to a Lodge Meet in July and I am REALLY looking forward to meeting people that I've never met in person yet I feel like I know them so well.

So yes, the closeness happens in more places than just the DIS. Not all of the message boards out there are 'DIS knockoffs' -- many of them stand on their own merit.

 

[pjlla]

HOLY COW!! I'm TAGGED!!! I feel so special! .......P

 

[Bob Slydell]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
I guess my question is, are there other boards (I'm not leaving, LOL) that have as caringly and diversely knowledgeable community as we have here on the DIS?

Yes

 

[Lanshark]

I don't frequent but do occasionally visit other boards. They are DIS related and have a similar feel as far as community is concerned. The DIS has changed a lot in the past 4 years because it has grown so much. I have always viewed it as entertainment. When you keep it in perspective you can usually avoid hurt feelings.

I do agree that the cliques, inside jokes and negative undercurrents have increased a bunch.

 

[TLinden16]

The DIS is definitely different from other internet community's I've been involved with. You always say it, Dan--we're like a big family, and we certainly do go through rough times on occassion, but over all it's a warm and friendly place. It's a darn good place to be

I think the thing that makes the DIS so special is the people. There is a really great core of people who have been here for a long time, and they are all so kind and helpful to everyone. It's infectious, and it makes those of us who haven't been around as long want to help and be kind.

For my first year or so on the DIS, I was relatively quiet. I posted a lot, went to a lot of chats, but didn't really know that many folks. That started turning around when I went to DW last Dec. and met a ton of people. And you know what? I loved every single person I met! I probably met close to 50 DISers in those five days, and every single person was incredibly sweet. There wasn't a bad apple in the bunch, and I think that was the day that's when I realized what a special group of people I was a part of.

But it wasn't into January that I realized just how special this group was. When I was dealing with my mom's health issues and death, the support I got from the DIS was unexpected, and helped more than I can even begin to describe in words. Everyone was so patient with me as I really opened up about what I was going through the week she was in the hospital, and in the days after her death. The kind words and support through posts, PM's, and even cards mailed to my home is something I'll never forget. Someone was nice enough to print out the posts from that time for me, and I read them on occassion when I need to be uplifted. I actually read them last night, and they really make me feel good.

So, yes, I think the DIS is different, and I'm glad it is.

Karen

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good thoughts everyone, pretty much what I thought also. I think amongst Disney oriented BB's, nothing does come close to the DIS in size, and in the same breath, acknowledging size, by itself, means nothing really. I am amazed, as others have said several times here, by that size, and its accompanying activity, it does lead to much input and diversity. And, in spite of that diversity, it seems to run very smoothly almost all the time. Lots of concern and caring, generally well moderated, lots of features (though we always want more, LOL). And yes, I agree, not all message boards out there are DIS spinoffs, only a handfull I know of, maybe more I suppose. Goodness, there are thousands, maybe 10's of thousands of message boards, only a handful trace their roots back here.

Well, for me, the DIS sure has a special place in my heart, so many unique individuals I have come to know. Those either just here on the board, or with many, enjoying their company in person, and among them, some have become dear friends over the years. And I am glad to know, as I thought, that are many other 'DIS's' out there in the cyber world, bringing people closer together in this big world which every day seems to grow smaller.

Have a nice weekend everyone, hope some day we all are able to meet up.

 

[TLinden16]

Hmm. Where could we hold a 60,000 person meet? Better that number--most people will bring at least one person with them. How long do you think it would take Dan to shake hands and say hello to everyone

Karen

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by JenBlaze
the whole "tag fairy" thing honestly does nothing but make the tagless feel like they don't belong.

I love the "tag fairy" thing. It's great fun to see what others have. I've never been tagged and yet I still very much feel like I belong and I've only been on DIS for less than a year. In no way does being "tagless" make me feel like I am a second class member here.

I noticed that you don't have a huge number of posts considering that you have been on DIS for two years. I think the most important thing about "belonging" is to jump right in and post. I don't do the "clique" group postings - yet. I might at some point but I don't feel like I am excluded it's just that I haven't jumped in myself to those groups.

 

[aprincessmom]

The DIS may be special to you for your own reasons, but that doesn't make it an internet icon. You can find a board or chat room, large or small, sweet or nasty, for just about any subject you desire. They are all communities and they all feel they are "special".

ITA!

I joined a board when I got pregnant. Just went and found a mom/parent board and dived in. I was made to feel welcome there and even though we had differences of opinions, people really did care about each other. We've met up in real life, gone on vacations together, shared outgrown clothes and toys, taken care of each other physically and emotionally through sicknesses, divorce, death...the whole 9 yards. I am close to many of these people in real life and consider myself fortunate for having met such remarkable and loyal women friends. Nine years later I am still pleasantly surprised at how much like family they feel to me and how my life has been enriched by them.

What's interesting for me is the friendship and acceptance that people talk about on the DIS...for the most part I haven't experienced it as others have. Not for lack of trying and I must say that there are a few people here whom I have connected with and am thankful for having met them...they are truly wonderful people both here and in real life!

There is a true sense of caste system here. I'm not saying that's a bad thing...it happens in RL, too, and I think, by nature, humans live in a very hierachical structure. It stands to reason it would exist here. I don't necessarily show up at a board like this to make life long friends...always a benefit but not a requirement.

It's not to say that I don't enjoy DIS...I certainly do. I just don't believe the experience that Dan and others have had here is as uncommon as they might think.

 

[Celluloidgal]

I've only been here a little while (sucked in by skporter!)
I'm on one other discussion board. And this one is "different". Not better or worse, just "different".

It is a little clique-ish. But, so is the real world. You can choose to try and break into a group or not. I haven't really tried yet. I have enough to keep me busy already, so I just ignore clique-ish type posts.

Concerning Tag Fairies - I was excited to be tagged so soon! I didn't expect it, so it was really exciting!!! It didn't make me feel unwanted not having one. Its fun to read all the tags and anticipate when you might get one...hang in there!

And yes, everyone seems to be friendly. Of course I haven't been flamed yet!

Sorry, long post.

 

[grinningghost]

I have been to LOTS of other boards and there were none that were like the DIS. None.

This is the ONLY board where I would do exchanges. The people here are so genuine and warm - you actually feel you can trust them. I have never felt that warm and fuzzy at another board.

Yes, it's different and I am so happy that I found it. It's really like a second family to me.

 

[piglet too]

When I first found the DIS, I was planning a trip that was supposed to start next week. A lot of things happened and now our trip is tenative for next May. But I won't leave the CB because I have made some new friends and feel welcomed here. I like knowing that I can find out what is going on in the world in a fun way. I also just love how everyone is here for one another.

I do have another board I post to, a May 2002 moms board that I found after my daughter was born. I had been a part of the June 2002 moms-to-be board but felt like moving when Lauren came a month early. As much as I liked the ladies I shared my pregancy with, I LOVE the ladies form the May board. I have met several of tehm, and in fact go to Cleveland when ever I can to visit with three of them. I consider them very close friends, and would even call the three from Ohio, my closest friends.

This board here may not be "unique", but it is very special. I am so thankful to have found it and to have been embraced the way I have.

 

[Mimi Q]

The DIS forums are the only BBs I read or post on, so I really can't answer your question. I just wanted to say I love the DIS. If you ever need advice or an answer to a question, you can find it here. A very warm, friendly place for the most part.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I haven't been coming here that long, only a couple of months, but I do think the DIS is different. I post on another Disney related board, and the tone just isn't as friendly or the same. I also participate in child-related message boards, and they aren't as great as the DIS either!

Steph

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I just got tagged! Thanks Tag Fairy!! I posted earlier on this thread about my feeling that the tag fairy should "share the wealth" and not give several to one person. Therefore, I am willing to give up a couple of my tags so that someone else might be tagged.

P.S. please don't take away my "conscience" one. I love it.