Separate Boards a Failure?

[DisFlan]

Good point, Erin.


DisFlan

 

[Jimbo]

Erin summed up my feelings. It's been quite a while now, and things still need to be explained. If a goodly amount of people are still confused, is it their fault or is it the board structure that's the problem?

And I work just the opposite of jimminarik; I recently replaced my link to the "main" DVC Board with a link to the Planning board. I figure if there's anything interested posted on the DVC Board it'll get moved to this one anyway. And it usually works out that way.

I have to admit that I never understood the need for two boards in the first place. Surely there isn't so much volume that it became necessary.

 

[JimMIA]

I have to agree...somewhat. I do feel more of a need to "censor" what I say. Maybe not such a bad thing (I am sure many of you will agree), but I do find that I come to the boards "less" than I did.

But, here's one thing I cannot understand. Why do the UK boards get their own community board, and DVC does not (anymore). Maybe the "whole other country" necessitates this, and I just don't get it.

I still love the amazing resource that the dis is, but I really miss the "mindless escape" and silly friendships that I made here. It's still a great resource, but the laughs (at least on the DVC boards) are few and far between.



Beca

I have to agree with Beca. I don't feel any need to censor what I say, because I was only an occasional player in the fun threads, but I do miss the community feeling that was once here. The "Hanname" is definitely gone, and that's too bad.

I understand what happened and why. But I think if the situation had been handled much less clumsily, we would not have seen the loss of community. That was an unforced error.

Now I come here much less often than I used to. I do a lot of lurking, and I post a great deal less. The reason for my reduced participation is lack of motivation due to the change in the personality of the boards. I come to DIS to get info now, not so much to contribute. I rarely contribute to the "Should I buy DVC?" threads now, and when I do, it is usually just to post a link to earlier posts.

As for the separation of the two boards, I don't think it is a "failure," but I don't see any rational purpose for having the two boards separated as they currently are. General DVC info is helpful in planning, and planning info is helpful for gathering general DVC information -- What's the point of separation?

It seems to me that the jobs of the mods would be much simplier with one board.

 

[Pootle]

Just want to register my 100% agreement with ErinC.

 

[jarestel]

Disney World is maintained in part by an incredible, onerous, strict set of rules and barriers that keep people from being rude and destructive and annoying to others.

Well, you wouldn't know this from some of the posts on the theme parks and resorts boards detailing rude and annoying experiences.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree we could use a little "hanneme" around here. I didn't participate in a lot of the so called "fun" threads, but they did help to establish community. I do think that some of the long ongoing threads about non-DVC topics can get to be a little exclusive and might make newbies feel "in the dark", but they can always join in if they choose.

 

[tothebeach9]

But, here's one thing I cannot understand. Why do the UK boards get their own community board, and DVC does not (anymore).

Really? How do they decide what is OK for thier community board? Seems like buying into DVC is like becoming a member of a community.

Casbill's explanation makes sense.

 

[DisFlan]

I agree we could use a little "hanneme" around here. I didn't participate in a lot of the so called "fun" threads, but they did help to establish community. I do think that some of the long ongoing threads about non-DVC topics can get to be a little exclusive and might make newbies feel "in the dark", but they can always join in if they choose.

I likened the long, zany threads to a bunch of folks in one of the resort pools, with people both jumping in and climbling out at will. I could lounge at poolside and laugh at the ongoing antics, or I could dive into the fun. I never felt a "Keep Out, Private Party" sign had been posted.

Just reading those threads made me feel more at ease about posting replies on more mundane DVC topics. I'm no DVC expert, but I felt more confident about answering questions like "What's in a studio kitchen?" or "How do I get extra towels?"

I felt I could learn, help a little AND have fun. Is that a bad thing? And now? ...well, let's just say I miss the pool party.

DisFlan

 

[Jimbo]

It's really two separate issues, isn't it? One issue was the clamp down on off topic, "fun" threads. FWIW, I was kind of in favor of that. I prefer the DVC board to be devoted to DVC topics, and the "cliquish" community stuff belongs elsewhere. Plus it kind of got out of hand. But that's just me.

The other, separate, issue is having two boards. There's a "Disney Vacation Club Forum" and a "DVC Planning Board." The first board's description is "Join our ever growing list of DVC members as they share information and tips on the Disney Vacation Club timeshare." The second board doesn't even have a description.

So based on that description, you'd think that a question on how to call MS from Europe falls under "information and tips" and would go on the first board. And you'd be wrong. The same holds true for DDE questions, transportation questions, booking questions, etc.

It looks to me like the "Disney Vacation Club Forum" is mostly suitable for prospective members. But that doesn't seem to make sense, either. You don't just want prospective members there, or there won't be anybody to answer question (except mods).

Maybe it's not true that half the posts have been transferred, but I'm pretty sure the DVC Forum has the highest percentage of transferred posts. That indicates that the split just isn't working.

 

[The DIS-DVC Team]

Yes, we're listening.

Just to let you know, we have a number of exciting things we're planning for the DVC-boards during 2006.

We are aware of the confusion over the board 'names' and will be addressing that topic, along with several other things.

Look for some exciting things to come...

 

[greenban]

Yes, we're listening.

Just to let you know, we have a number of exciting things we're planning for the DVC-boards during 2006.

We are aware of the confusion over the board 'names' and will be addressing that topic, along with several other things.

Look for some exciting things to come...

Thanks Guys!

Nothing makes a user feel more apreciated that to know that the powers that be value their thoughts and opinions!

-Tony

 

[JimMIA]

I likened the long, zany threads to a bunch of folks in one of the resort pools, with people both jumping in and climbling out at will. I could lounge at poolside and laugh at the ongoing antics, or I could dive into the fun. I never felt a "Keep Out, Private Party" sign had been posted.

Just reading those threads made me feel more at ease about posting replies on more mundane DVC topics. I'm no DVC expert, but I felt more confident about answering questions like "What's in a studio kitchen?" or "How do I get extra towels?"

I felt I could learn, help a little AND have fun. Is that a bad thing? And now? ...well, let's just say I miss the pool party.

DisFlan

I agree, but there is much, much more that has been lost.

For example, how many of us rejoiced with tinkgrl in her two great quests -- to get a Service Dog, and meet Johnny Depp? And what about the sharing of a baby due soon, or the "prayers needed" posts? We rarely see those any more -- in fact, tinkgrl hasn't visited since 11/05.

Those were just as much a part of the community as the fun, silly threads. In fact, they were more indicative of the camaraderie of a large group of people who share two common bonds -- DVC ownership, and DIS membership. We see some of that -- for example, the Christmas tree sharing -- but not nearly as much as we used to.

Now, the boards have become just an information exchange with the mods providing most of the answers. For that, we don't need two boards.

 

[JohnNJ]

Yes, we're listening.

Just to let you know, we have a number of exciting things we're planning for the DVC-boards during 2006.

We are aware of the confusion over the board 'names' and will be addressing that topic, along with several other things.

Look for some exciting things to come...

Will you be addressing why posts and full threads are mysteriously deleted?

 

[greenban]

Will you be addressing why posts and full threads are mysteriously deleted?

I'll address that one.

My poll was directly linked to another site. That violates DISboard policy and that is totally my fault.

I was not aware of how that might be unfair and skew the results of a poll to one side.

Also, I was given the courtesy of an explanation from a moderator, which I appreciate.

-Tony

 

[DisFlan]

I agree, but there is much, much more that has been lost.

For example, how many of us rejoiced with tinkgrl in her two great quests -- to get a Service Dog, and meet Johnny Depp? And what about the sharing of a baby due soon, or the "prayers needed" posts? We rarely see those any more -- in fact, tinkgrl hasn't visited since 11/05.

Those were just as much a part of the community as the fun, silly threads. In fact, they were more indicative of the camaraderie of a large group of people who share two common bonds -- DVC ownership, and DIS membership. We see some of that -- for example, the Christmas tree sharing -- but not nearly as much as we used to.

Now, the boards have become just an information exchange with the mods providing most of the answers. For that, we don't need two boards.

Oh, I agree with you. There have been any number of things I would have liked to share, but I wanted to share them here, not have them moved away.

A dearly loved canine member of our family died unexpectedly while we were at BWV last October. I was beyond bereft and wanted to run here for a bit of solice from friends - but I knew it wouldn't be considered "DVC" enough. I was far from home, I'd been GONE when my pet died - without me - and my heart was breaking. I finally opted for the Community board. They were very helpful, but it just wasn't the same.

There just HAS to be room for things like this on our DVC boards - somewhere.

DisFlan

 

[erikthewise]

Yes, we're listening.

Just to let you know, we have a number of exciting things we're planning for the DVC-boards during 2006.

We are aware of the confusion over the board 'names' and will be addressing that topic, along with several other things.

Look for some exciting things to come...

A very welcome post from a "new DIS member"! (You know, 3 posts and all...)

There are really two issues here.

The separation of the boards is one. While having two DVC boards is not necessarily a bad thing in itself, I spend a lot less time on the main DVC board now, hence a lot less time answering questions from newcomers. It used to be a place to exchange information AND say hi to friends and have a little fun. It's easy to underestimate the psychological barrier of switching to another forum; it's much easier to answer a question or two if they are right in front of your eyes than if you have to go looking for them on a separate forum.

The other, and perhaps more important, issue is whether a DVC Community is to be permitted (or even encouraged?) on the DIS. It seems to me that in principle it would be a positive thing, not only for its own sake (which may not interest the DIS management), but also to further the DIS goal of being an information exchange (as I pointed out in the previous paragraph).

 

[Beca]

Oh, I agree with you. There have been any number of things I would have liked to share, but I wanted to share them here, not have them moved away.

A dearly loved canine member of our family died unexpectedly while we were at BWV last October. I was beyond bereft and wanted to run here for a bit of solice from friends - but I knew it wouldn't be considered "DVC" enough. I was far from home, I'd been GONE when my pet died - without me - and my heart was breaking. I finally opted for the Community board. They were very helpful, but it just wasn't the same.

There just HAS to be room for things like this on our DVC boards - somewhere.

DisFlan

I think we talked about this in December, when my Baby Dog of 18 years had to be euthanized while I was at WDW...it's tough!! I'm sorry you didn't feel that you could post it...that's really sad, too. But, I'm sending you a big, belated hug...it's a really poopy thing to have to deal with.



Beca

 

[DisFlan]

I think we talked about this in December, when my Baby Dog of 18 years had to be euthanized while I was at WDW...it's tough!! I'm sorry you didn't feel that you could post it...that's really sad, too. But, I'm sending you a big, belated hug...it's a really poopy thing to have to deal with. Beca

Thanks, Beca. A hug to you, too.

That was (sigh) a really, really bad day - in the happiest place on earth.


DisFlan

 

[Pinnie]

Yes, we're listening.

Just to let you know, we have a number of exciting things we're planning for the DVC-boards during 2006.

We are aware of the confusion over the board 'names' and will be addressing that topic, along with several other things.

Look for some exciting things to come...

I think we just solved the mystery of the DVC Billboard!!!

Seriously, I am a teacher and agree with the poster that stated if the message isn't getting across, we need to restate it. I also miss the sense of "DVC Community" that used to be here. It just feels so "clinical" now, IMHO.

I still visit here, however, but am afraid to post because I am not sure "where" my post will belong>

pinnie

 

[JudithM]

Personally any sense of community that I felt on the DIS boards (DVC & the Cooking, Crafting, Scrapping board) are long gone. The warm & fuzzies are not here any more. Many of us on both of the above mentioned DIS boards have found friendlier (warmer & fuzzier) places to visit, gather & share info, etc. I don't read the DIS or post on the DIS nearly as much as I used to read & post. I know life changes, & there have been changes to the DIS, but I "vote" with my keyboard .