PETE ARTICLE HERE!!! "Hard-Core Disney Fans Can't Be Corralled..."

[DisneyKevin]

For what it's worth, I DID join the DIS Boards SPECIFICALLY to post my comments and views about the article. I thought "forums" were for sharing thoughts and opinions, but I see things haven't really progressed much in a decade since forums were trendy and "cliques" would quickly develop. That said, I do find the forums interesting to read and helpful. I don't see Disney EVER doing anything at ALL like this, and that's not a bad thing. A "fan club" should be about celebrating what you love, not necessarily for exchanging trip reports, tips, etc. It's great you do that. Don't get me wrong (as so many have because they didn't like my opinion and views) -- but that's not really a "fan club." It's a different thing, and these boards certainly fill a need ... but it's not TRUE at all that because Pete isn't supportive of it, D23 is somehow invalid. That's a ridiculous statement, filled with entitlement and unpleasant self-worth. Imagine Disney actually coming out and saying, "Because we are not involved, DIS boards are ridiculous and should be ignored." They don't say that.

What I REALLY don't understand is why so many people here insist on not supporting Disney's efforts at having a fan club. If you would support it and encourage people to participate, instead of bashing it, "all boats would rise," as the saying goes. I've never, ever seen Disney say anything except, "We value the opinions of our fans." The fans, on the other hand, hardly say the same about Disney!

Again...everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Please be aware that there are guidelines in place for using the Dis Boards.

No one will remove your post because you have a different opinion.

Your post may get removed if you can't or won't follow the guidelines.

All of that being said....

Disney is a business. The purpose of the business is to make money. Disney does that by charging you to be a member of their "fan club". If that makes you happy, go for it.

As a fan, being happy with Disney's product doesn't necessarily mean being happy with Disney's practices.

I'm not all sure why you feel such anger at someone having a different opinion than yours.

One more time.....please be aware of the guidelines set forth by the Dis Boards and abide by them.

 

[k5jm]

The only HATE you see spewing was from Pete and his comments in the article, from my point of view. He doesn't exactly embody the Disney ideals now, does he?

If you don't see D23 "doing this," you haven't been paying much attention, I guess:

http://makethemagic.ca/?tag=d23

http://relevartzoob.com/2011/05/d23...-world-a-suite-tour-and-a-mickey-mouse-party/

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2009/06/d23-members-stay-up-all-night/

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/03/d23-members-mix-and-mingle-in-orem-utah/ (Yes, Orem, Utah -- interesting how everyone says D23 does NOTHING outside of Southern California)

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/02/a-night-of-classic-disney-animation-in-chicago/ (That's right, Chicago)

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/10/savory-sensations/ (Correct, Orlando)

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/07/d23-members-have-a-blast-with-the-rocketeer-2/

It appears D23 really does nothing for its fans.

I never said D23 never does anything for its fans. I believe the DIS offers an outlet for us to meet-up, go on vacations together, and share experiences that even D23 can not offer to its fans. D23 is a club that is driven by WDC Management.

I do not see the correlation between the D23 events and the events the DIS sponsors. The D23 events are similar to the Tables in Wonderland, invitation only, events and hard ticketed events at WDW and DL.

I admire that you want to defend D23, but I have a hard time understanding why you want judge the same fan base because they choose to not have the same blind following. The last I checked, I did not graze in a field and say baaaah.

 

[DisneyKevin]

A "fan club" should be about celebrating what you love, not necessarily for exchanging trip reports, tips, etc.

This is an opinion and not fact.

I, for one, disagree with you.

That is my opinion.

 

[k5jm]

That said, I do find the forums interesting to read and helpful. I don't see Disney EVER doing anything at ALL like this, and that's not a bad thing.

Disney does do "something like this".

http://family.go.com/community/grou...nture/?cid=15858&CMP=VAN-ABDFY10Q2FamComm0004

 

[jcb]

What I REALLY don't understand is why so many people here insist on not supporting Disney's efforts at having a fan club.

D23: $75.00 annually
Disboards.com: $0.00 annually
Making all sorts of friends who share an interest in Disney: priceless.

 

[Justin Jett]

A "fan club" should be about celebrating what you love,

Please let D23 know this, so I don't feel the need to leave another D23 "celebration."

 

[SDSorority]

OK.

#1- Way to go, Pete! Before you came along, there was NO Disney fan club accessible to everyone (no, the Mickey Mouse Club does not count), so THANK YOU for creating the DisBoards. Thank you for creating an outlet for us to fuel our fire.

#2- Some of you may have not noticed- DISNEY LISTENS TO THE PODCASTERS AND WATCHES WHAT IS SAID ABOUT THEM ON THESE BOARDS. Why is there now resort specific merch? Why have changes been made to DCL? Coincidence? If you think it's a coincidence, you have been living under a rock. Disney is a business that values the opinions of its customers. WE, on the DIS, are some of Disney's BIGGEST customers. Why else would we care enough to fight over whether fastpass return times should be mandated, or if pool hopping should result in lost limbs? In the grand scheme of the universe, it all doesn't really matter. In OUR world, it does matter. In DISNEY'S world, it does matter. The Dis was around YEARS before D23 came around. Think Disney would have created D23 if there weren't UNOFFICIAL Disney groups around? Heck no. If they really want a "fanclub" to include all of their fans, they need to stop charging $35 - $75. This is why I don't support D23 either. DH was going to get me a membership for my birthday when it first came out, and I told him "don't waste our money".

#3- I'm sorry LuJoy. You are on OUR turf, saying bad things about OUR Pete. Careful. Many of us are very protective of Pete, and if you don't like what he has to say, well.... sorry buddy, stay off the Dis.


Was that too harsh? u Pete! You and the crew have gotten me through a lot of hard times and I will back you guys 100%. Always.

 

[DCTooTall]

Great article... I was wondering when it would be posted after meeting SCAK at the Dismeet on 10/1.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. It was great meeting everyone I came into contact with on the DIS boards. I know this will start some "lively discussion," as evidenced by the D23 fan(s) posting here, commenting on the story, and sending us angry emails under different names.

I had a hell of a time in Anaheim, rediscovered some old childhood memories, and now know more Disney arcana than I know what to do with. There are a lot of other stories I had to leave out, too. Hope this can start some discussion in this big and unpredictable community.

The print version is titled "The Mouse Who Loved Me: For hard-core fans, Disney can be a cruel mistress." The cover:

Also, feel free to send it to your friends. We like readers

Best,
- Stefan

Only 1 small complaint I have on the article...... The Singles Social Club forum actually was started as an offshoot of the "Official Singles seeking Singles Thread - Profiles Only" to try and give people a place to chat without cluttering up the big profile thread.

It's just kind of evolved into a fun loving group who enjoys a drink occasionally.....although I will freely admit that since it's a social group and we are all adults, sometimes we can be a bit on the debaucharous side.

Can't help but wonder if Darcy and Rachel tainted the impression of the group since they drug you to FW.

Hi LuJoy,

While everyone has the right to his or her own opinion, you might find it more helpful to send your comments to the person you are directly speaking with instead of posting them here for others to see. The purpose of this thread is to share (and albeit discuss) a news article. It is not to have a personal one-on-one debate with another individual. Please keep that to private message (PM).

Thanking you,

Nicole
DIS Unplugged Forum Moderator

That could work... except for that sometimes pesky Minimum Post count requirement to send PM's.

 

[donalduck]

That was a very good article.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi Everyone,

Please adhere to the DIS Posting Guidelines as this discussion continues. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion and, as long as it's expressed respectfully, you are adhering to the guidelines. The discussion here should focus on the content of the article or this thread will be closed.

If you have questions, please feel free to PM me.

Nicole
DIS Unplugged Forum Moderator

 

[LuJoy]

D23: $75.00 annually
Disboards.com: $0.00 annually
Making all sorts of friends who share an interest in Disney: priceless.

Then again, Disboards offer no magazine, no video updates, no special events that take place at the Studios or give the kind of access D23 provides, they don't send out special gifts or give you a membership card that comes with all sorts of discounts and benefits.

Look, I can totally appreciate (and I have SAID that!) what DIS Boards does. I think it's great, especially the more I explore.

But there's hate and vitriol spat at Disney because D23 doesn't do exactly what some particular people want it to do. We've all done "the math" about the cost of the magazine, etc. Many people here clearly disagree that D23 provides any value at all.

But it does. So does DIS Boards. I don't think Disney sees DIS Boards as "competitive" in any way (or probably would have taken steps to shut it down years ago), and probably genuinely likes what happens here because it brings Disney fans closer together.

But based on that article, Pete not only sees D23 as competitive, but wants to go out of his way to criticize it publicly. That's the part I don't get. So, you don't like it. I get it. You don't need to join it.

There are probably MANY DIS Boards members who are D23 members and happy about it, and vice-versa. Why anyone has to go to the media to complain about it is what's beyond me.

Let me say it again -- the more I see, GOOD JOB with DIS Boards! But instead of bashing D23, why not just say, "It's not for my kind of fandom?" Because clearly, it is for SOMEONE'S kind of fandom, including mine.

 

[jcb]

Disboards offer no magazine, no video updates, no special events that take place at the Studios or give the kind of access D23 provides, they don't send out special gifts or give you a membership card that comes with all sorts of discounts and benefits.

Just to clarify, as you are new, the DIS has offered "special events that take place at the Studios." Dreams Unlimited (of which Pete is a part owner) arranged for special events at Toy Story Mania in 2008 and 2009. The 2008 event was free to dreams customers. I was there. 2009 was a very nominal entry fee. I still at not being able to attend.

I don't speak for Pete but I've never thought he "bashed" D23 itself. I've taken Pete as seeing the flaws in Disney, particularly its arrogance about WDW customers, an arrogance which manifests itself in part via D23. If you were to listen to the podcast Pete's precise thoughts would be clearer (and clearer, and clearer).

My point was much more mundane. I don't need the membership cards, videos or special gifts that come with D23 membership. It just isn't worth it, especially since I have the DIS. That same $75 fee will buy me dinner (or part of a dinner) at WDW.

 

[Jeff & Stacy in NYC]

Much has been said on this topic, but we would like to add this anyway:

We love you, Pete!

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

This article makes Pete look horrible. Not very flattering that is for sure.

 

[lugnut33]

Disney nerd

 

[DisneyKevin]

Then again, Disboards offer no magazine, no video updates, no special events that take place at the Studios or give the kind of access D23 provides, they don't send out special gifts or give you a membership card that comes with all sorts of discounts and benefits.

Look, I can totally appreciate (and I have SAID that!) what DIS Boards does. I think it's great, especially the more I explore.

But there's hate and vitriol spat at Disney because D23 doesn't do exactly what some particular people want it to do. We've all done "the math" about the cost of the magazine, etc. Many people here clearly disagree that D23 provides any value at all.

But it does. So does DIS Boards. I don't think Disney sees DIS Boards as "competitive" in any way (or probably would have taken steps to shut it down years ago), and probably genuinely likes what happens here because it brings Disney fans closer together.

But based on that article, Pete not only sees D23 as competitive, but wants to go out of his way to criticize it publicly. That's the part I don't get. So, you don't like it. I get it. You don't need to join it.

There are probably MANY DIS Boards members who are D23 members and happy about it, and vice-versa. Why anyone has to go to the media to complain about it is what's beyond me.

Let me say it again -- the more I see, GOOD JOB with DIS Boards! But instead of bashing D23, why not just say, "It's not for my kind of fandom?" Because clearly, it is for SOMEONE'S kind of fandom, including mine.

You need to do some research before you post.

2008 = the Dis took over Toy Story Mania for an evening. Offered a seminar
with Marty Sklar and Lee Cockerell.
2009 - The Dis took over Toy Story Mania for an evening.
2010 - The Dis hosted a Podcast cruise with approximately 700 of it's listeners. On board entertainment included a private concert by Jody Benson (the voice of the Little Mermaid) and chat with Imagineer Bob Gurr and Disney publicist Charlie Ridgeway. All of this at no additional cost to the participants.

In addition, the Dis puts out multiple weekly Podcasts.

This all done with a membership fee. There is no cost to join the Dis.

While the Dis doesn't offer a membership card for discounts, I can guarantee that our members have learned how to save more money at Disney by reading the Dis than any discount ever offered.

 

[DCTooTall]

While the Dis doesn't offer a membership card for discounts, I can guarantee that our members have learned how to save more money at Disney by reading the Dis than any discount ever offered.

Unfortunately it also works the other way....


I've also learned how to spend a lot MORE money at Disney thanks to the DIS then I ever did by Disney's advertising...

 

[LuJoy]

I don't speak for Pete but I've never thought he "bashed" D23 itself.

No, I guess it's not bashing to publicly say in a newspaper "D23 is edited due to Dis Board policy."

 

[dansyr2514]

Just for the record, I like the disboards, I like the podcast, I like Pete....but that doesn't necessarily mean that I have to like or dislike everything he likes. Every one has an opinion and everyone is allowed to voice their opinion. I happen to agree on the general opinion Pete has for D23, it's not for me. It offers no value for me. For others that it does...great!!!
I also don't necessarily believe Pete was talking for everyone on the disboards.
Also, my guess would be that Pete was probably approached to do an interview because the disboards is a huge fan community. I'm just guessing, but Pete doesn't sound like the type to track down reporters and make them write an article about him.
Lujoy, I'm curious how you found out about the disboards. I noticed you only have a couple of posts. I do hope you stick around and find out that although we all love Disney here, we all do have our own individual opinions.

 

[LuJoy]

Lujoy, I'm curious how you found out about the disboards. I noticed you only have a couple of posts. I do hope you stick around and find out that although we all love Disney here, we all do have our own individual opinions.

I found out about it through being a D23 member and a friend (who, ironically, I met on the Facebook D23 page) sending me a note about the article, which was the first time I had heard about DIS Boards.

I like it, but it's very park-focused (as, it appears, is the intent). What I like about D23 are the articles that it posts about ALL of Disney, the Disney Geek, the Armchair Archivists, the magazine (which I LOVE getting) and the discounts. I have used the SuperShuttle and THQ discounts recently that they just posted and I will probably use the Brookstone discount for Christmas. I love that they do that.

DISBoards fill a need. But so far, at least, I haven't heard Disney come out and say "DIS Boards is edited due to Dis Board Policy." For a so-called fan to say that is what REALLY irked me and made me want to write. I am happy no one has taken down my posts, and I am not meaning to offend anyone, though ironically it was by BEING offended that I came here in the first place.

BTW, some people say "Oh, I can get the magazine anywhere and save money." They don't carry it near where I live, and even if they did I don't want to go out to the bookstore every three months, pay more than $17 (including tax) and also NOT get the little gift, which I collect on my bookshelf. I like D23. I'm sorry other people don't. But I'll say it again -- why go OUT OF YOUR WAY to say something so negative, and to be so PERSONAL about it? When he said in that article "without me there they're not the biggest anything," it just struck me as SO rude and SO uncalled for.

I'm new here, as so many have pointed out (as if it's a bad thing), so I don't know Pete at all, but that article wasn't flattering to him. Still, it brought me here, I enjoy it (and have already spent too much time on it, I think!), and I also happen to not like but LOVE D23 and being a member, even if ALL I got out of it was the magazine on my doorstep and four or five free gifts a year.

It's also funny, I'll just say, because the mailman now knows that I'm a big Disney fan and when it comes he brings it straight to my door, rings the doorbell and gives it to me like it was "special delivery." That's not Disney doing it, it's my mailman ....but it's because of how special Disney is that he does it.

I think D23 has a LOT OF ROOM for improvement. Based on the way people have responded to me being angered by that article, I'd say DIS Boards probably has room for improvement, too. (And, not being a Florida resident, those events don't mean anything to ME, so I guess it works both ways?)