Just Sent Disney an E-mail here's what I wrote

[JeffH]

Way to go!!!

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by wdwguide
.....Since your transmission was submitted electronically, we have deleted your
transmission without retaining any copies......

Sincerely,
Sharon A. Mecca, Paralegal"

If I ever recieved a response along these lines, I would be offended, disappointed - even angry! Now, Disney can't respond positively to every little idea that comes along. I can even understand a dose of paranoia after the lawsuit involving the Wide World of Sports. However, there is no excuse for a company insulting a customer (in Disney's case, loyal fans) in correspondence - especially when they are merely trying to be helpful to a company they care about.

If Disney cannot use outside creative ideas, there must be a better way than telling us you erased our message. Also, this serves as prime evidence why (in any company, not specifically Disney) the legal department should not be allowed to run the guest relations department. The lawyers and paralegals have a place, but they are trained to be concerned with law - not guests' feelings. The people that answer correspondence would, one would think, be trained to make people feel important and their comments were valued and appreciated (whethor true or not). Although I'm not convinced any company - including Disney - should be so quick to dismiss outside ideas without consideration, that's another debate.

 

[Laurajean1014]

WorknFire, which baddy are you?

I like the memo and hope someone will listen instead of just respond....

 

[WDWJunkie]

The only thing the disney company is listening to (at this very moment) is the bulls*&! that Eisner is dishing out. Ok we got a side road street fair, oh sorry it has a name, Dino Rama, and Mission: Space (cant judge the attraction this very minute, but my grandmother could run a mile faster than those construction workers are pacing) and as for our boy Figment, MickeysPhilharmagic and Reign of fire/beastly, we shall all see when the time comes. I'm not a hater of disney i love them and their parks but I'm not feeling the magic anymore.

 

[JeffH]

They've been giving those BS responses for quite a while, now...Even before Sports verdict.
It just doesn't make any sense considering the disclaimer (see below). If they simply kept the mail then their disclaimer would protect them, but by saying they 'deleted' it they, in essence, provide proof that they DID read the idea, and eliminate the protection that the disclaimer provided, especially if you or I publish the letter on, let's say, a Disney discussion board like this(which in itself 'logs' and dates the idea and ties it to the person). If Disney acted on one of our ideas received under the disclaimer, they could use it against us if we sued, whereas now we could claim that they read it on the discussion board (showing it was our idea before it happened) and stole the idea and they'd have NO protection. The way I see it they are cutting their own throat on several levels (fan input, diversified viewpoints and legally speaking). They should, instead, send an acknowledgement and reitteration of the disclaimer to further cement the protection, instead of elimininating it, and consider giving free passes and/or hotel stays to people who provide ideas, if used.

Disclaimer:
"Notice: By submitting comments and suggestions you waive all rights to them and make them available for unrestricted commercial use"

 

[JeffH]

Strangly, though, I've sent them many ideas over the years (even before e-mail, even before Eisner!) and despite having my letters returned (now that's a lot of trouble to go through to have thrown back in your face), I did notice a lot of my simple ideas utilized.
That's all I wanted to do, make the place a better place to visit next time.
If they really wanted to save money, they should start listening to our 'free' advice.

 

[JeffH]

That's why I'm here

 

[JeffH]

But still...
weren't most of those lawsuits, (e.g. Minature Worlds) based on the supposed presentation of the ideas/plans WITHOUT the disclaimer, though?
My point is that the disclaimer is great and would provide a level of protection against lawsuits. Yes, I understand that if I could somehow prove that WDW made millions off one of my ideas, I could sue anyway for compensation, despite the disclaimer, but still it would stand to some degree.

 

[WorknFires]

thedscoop, I do understand what you're saying and maybe I could understand their position a little better if I were suggesting something totally new that they may would like to look into building, but all I was suggesting is the return of an attraction that they already did (American Journeys)

I wrote a few months back telling them how much I hated to see the dinner at 1900 Park Faire changed from a villans dinner to a Pooh & Friends dinner. Instead of an email telling me to mind my own business, I received a pleasant call from a cast member thanking me for letting WDW know what it's customers like. I see no difference in letting them know who I want to see at dinner and what shows I'd like to see in the parks.

Hey... maybe that's the problem with getting the monorail extended... so many of us writing requesting it and they feel that they can't without saying it was all of our ideas and paying each of us royalties! LOL

Cheryl

 

[Another Voice]

The legal tactics that Disney is using has been standard Hollywood practice for decades. Within my group, we always refuse any unsolicited mail (especially if it appears to be a script) without even opening the package. I think someone in Disney is being less than smart with the ham-fisted way with how they’re applying it to this cause, but Disney Legal has never been a tactful or graceful group.

By the way, rumors say that the return of ‘American Journeys’ at Disneyland is on an extreme fast-track (things move very quickly now that Mr. Pressler isn’t allowed to drive on the southbound Santa Ana Freeway). The rumors further claim that the minimal construction required will begin very, very shortly. The effort is being driven by the Parks, not by Attractions & Resort Management so the efforts at WDW are different (and I haven’t heard much about them). Legal may not want to acknowledge people’s requests, but they occasionally have an impact.