I certainly do, yes. Because when I first bought
DVC, I didn't know a lot about it. I knew what the guides had told me and I had been watching it for some 5+ years but it took me a long time to decide to invest in it. And although not on this board, I had some friends and family who told me I should see if I can get a refund. And you know what?
I FELT HORRIBLE. I didn't ask them for financial advice. I only wanted to share MY JOY about what I had joined and what I was looking forward to. I was EXCITED to talk DVC with others. I wanted to know EVERYTHING and I wanted to share it all! I was excited to learn from others, and if they didn't know, at least 'talk shop' with like minded people! Why didn't they understand that and support MY DECISION? Instead - LIKE YOU, they assumed that I was ignorant and didn't have the ability to make my own choices and just be happy for me.
THANKFULLY, It was my Financial Adviser (of ALL people) who told me this: he told me he was not a fan of time shares in general. DVC although better than most, is still a time share. It's not right for everyone. At the time, he wasn't sure if it was right for me. HOWEVER, he said I had the cash to do it (it wasn't going to bankrupt me) and if I felt happy with my purchase, then I should be happy with it and I should ignore anyone who says otherwise. In other words, he told me not to get a refund. That same Financial adviser by the way although still no fan of time shares has acknowledged that it was the right choice FOR ME. He said like a gym membership - they make sense if you actually use them (which many of his clients don't).
But the point is this... I kept it despite the so called and unsolicited advise of others who told me that I was stupid and ignorant (and no matter how you try to ice it or how much good you THINK you are doing, that's what you are effectively telling someone and THAT'S HOW THEY FEEL). And I am SSSSOOO Glad I did. Because it has been one of the best purchases I ever made (that and lunch for my wife on our first date are my top two).
So yes... I know how he feels, which is why I am so passionate on here about it. Because again - no matter what good you THINK you are doing in your mind - you are really making that person feel hurt. You are calling them stupid and ignorant (even if that is not your intention) and instead of welcoming them into a family and a home, you are making them feel like a dejected outcast. I know because that's how I felt in the same situation.
The most depressing thing about it in my opinion is that you are too blind yourself to see the harm you are doing. All I can hope is that at least ONE PERSON on this board after reading this
thinks twice before greeting a new member with negativity. then maybe this rant will have done some good.