For the past few weeks Ive read about
DVCs decision to enforce the points transfer provisions of our contracts. Clearly, DVCs decision is causing problems.
Its always unfortunate when the actions of some (e.g., the commercial renters) ruin things for the rest of us. Yet, this type of thing happens regularly in our lives. Yes, the majority sometimes suffers at the hands of the minority. Regarding the commercial renters, to some, the commercial renters are entrepreneurs just taking advantage of an opportunity, to others the commercial renters are rule breakers, and others may not care one way or the other because we arent personally affected (or so we thought). I am clearly in the we arent affected by this camp. I have never transferred or rented points and I am unlikely to do so in the future. Therefore, at first blush DVCs decision to enforce the transfer provisions of our contract has not affected us. But wait, perhaps we were affected by the commercial renters we just didnt know it.
Yes, I can see because DVC failed to enforce the point transfer policy it enabled the e permitted the entrepreneurial commercial renters to take advantage of the situation in an effort to make some money. Clearly, this isnt something that DVC wittingly encouraged and clearly our contracts prohibit this type of thing but some people see rules, laws, and contract provisions differently than others. Some found the door open and they decided to go for it. Now, we are all dealing with the results of their actions and DVCs failure to enforce the rules.
So I have a few questions (in no particular order):
Are there any specifics on the extent of the problem? (e.g., are there any facts)
Why did DVC wait until now to enforce the points transfer provisions of the contract?
Did DVC just recently become aware of the problem or have they known for a long time?
What reason (s) did DVC give for enforcing the policy? (I didnt get the email notice stating DVCs intention to enforce the transfer policy.)
What is the root cause of the problem? (1) DVCs failure to enforce the provisions of our contract? (2) DVCs inability to keep track of points in a manner that would disclose abuse of the policy by one or more individuals? (3) User abuse of DVCs leniency? (4) All of the above?
Frankly, its unclear to me how to attack this issue. It could be that for now, the only way is to attack it is to do exactly what DVC has done. In the long term, DVC could enhance its system to keep points tied directly to their original DVC property. But in the short term its possible that they make the best decision they could given the nature of the problem.
Clearly, people are being affected by DVCs decision to enforce the points transfer policy but what is the solution (absent a better points tracking system)? DVC put itself in the position of being damned if they didnt enforce the transfer policy and damned if they did. DVC could have maintained the status quo and allow a few (commercial renters to control the prime vacation times or it could enforce the transfer policy to put the commercial renters out of business and potentially freeing up prime time for the rest of us while also negatively affecting innocent bystanders who arent commercial renters but do transfer points a few times a year, or every few years.
hurry, change the locks, the barbarians are @ the gate. 
