So what do you do?

[Dan Murphy]

It seems like this thread may stand for a time, I really hope it does. It sure sounds civil enough in tone and content that it should. I have looked here on this board this week, tough to believe what I was seeing.

I don't really spend much time on the community board much anymore; have not for about 2 years now. I spend more time on the other boards here, here on the DIS; what with the incessant thread hijacking that was a daily occurrence here on this board. But I still skim a bit to keep current, as well as post now and then for a personal update as to what is going on in my life. Some here may know my family is my life, and I do enjoy talking about them, as do many of us here.

I came to the DIS, back in early '99. Looking for information for our family's first trip to Disney World, to celebrate my wife, Marie's remission from Stage III breast cancer. Initially, I spent my time getting information from the wdwinfo part, not the forums part. I always saw the link there, 'discussions forums' and wondered to myself, who the heck would discuss anything on the Internet with other people, much less Disney stuff. One day, I clicked, lurked for a few days I suppose, and then asked a question (no registration needed then). Amazing, somebody, (Wilderness...now wm Bob, I think) answered it. I was stunned; somebody talked to me on the Internet. How cool is that!!!

I guess that was it for me, I have not shut up since, much to the chagrin of some. The DIS became a big part of my life....the people on it, the people, the people. The people are the DIS.

After we returned from Disney, where I got bit by the Mouse (my family did not), I continued to hang out here, enjoying friendships. Pete asked me if I wanted to be a co-moderator on the community board, with the one who was doing it alone then. She left, and I think another 5 or so...Rhonda, Bet, Lisa, Robin, Willy...were added in short order as this board became the busy place it is today. During that 2+ year stint I did have the opportunity to see and learn a bit what goes on 'behind the curtain'. After a run, I quit that volunteer job here and once again, just a poster, and have been, happily so, for the past 6 years since. Some here, and the other place discussed today, found me to be a PITA. Others thought I did alright. I can say I tried, tried to follow the stated guidelines. At times, I was the bad guy. But I always tried to be fair.

I have made a lot of friends here over the years, a lot. I have met a lot of people from here over the years, a lot. Whether at many trips to Disney World or Disneyland, here in Chicago at many meets over the years. If traveling on business (I don't travel a lot) I would always extend my stay and try and get a meet organized, and so often was able to, met many, many over the years. And families, DIS families. Nice families. There was DIS-Con, a huge success, lots of people. And DIS-Con II. A bit more shaky in the end, but still, people, DIS people, came together, had fun, with each other. I know over the years I have met up with several hundred people from the boards, some place or another. Many I have met many times; have become very, very good friends with. Because of this place, the DIS. Strange, isn't it?

My wife, Marie. She signed on, as Lady M, to the DIS, back when I when I quit the moderator stint. Maybe she thought I would edit her when I was one, LOL. She enjoyed posting here, actually has about a thousand posts I think. After about a year or so, things on the board were getting a bit snarky and she thought it in her best interests to give it up, though has been to many Chicago meets in the time after, so she does too, like the people. The people.

I have shared my family, my life, with so many here, in words, pictures, and sometimes a little music (yes, I know, some out there hate that , but I like it and so do others). You have seen us worry over our kids, seen me worry over Marie. You have seen me rejoice in good cancer follow-up exams, when there were signs of a possible recurrence. You have followed my son, Vince, going through his firefighting and paramedic training, and being hired as a full-time FF/Paramed. And his now getting married next month to Katlyn. You have followed my daughter, Natalie, marrying Ken, and having their son, our first grandson, Jeremy. I shared the joy of a dad/daughter trip of mine, with Natalie, back about 4 years ago. I was ecstatic, and you shared that joy. You followed Marie losing her mom a couple years back, the ups and downs of our dog, Doc, and his passing. I have shared, you all have contributed to our happinesses or comforted us in our sadnesses over the past 9 years. And to think I was worried about clicking on that 'discussion board' link, back there in early '99.

I have seen DIS kids born here to DIS moms and dads. Seen DIS people get married, there kids get married, go to college, graduate, all levels of school. Seen DIS family and DIS'ers very ill, hurting, mentally and physically, some real bad. I have seen the DIS people hold these other DIS people up in support, prayers, good wishes, thoughts. It is a pretty caring community. Seen DIS relatives die, seen DIS folks die, quite a few now, lots of years. Actually have been to some of their services over the years. I remember one very special DIS'er, Sylvia, twice a year, her birthday, her date of death. These are people. People.

Over the years, I have butted heads with Pete, Alex, Kathy, and other moderators here. If I have, it has always been, from my perspective, in trying to have a better DIS. Though not always seen that way from the other sides, but that's okay too. I do get along fine with some though. I do think I can mention the existence of another board, seems to have been spoken enough about on this thread. It goes way back. A place to vent and talk, in ways and/or about others, that would not, nor should not, be tolerated here on this board. This is the DIS, and for me, and so many others I think, a cut above. That is what I saw here back in '99, and have tried to keep ever since. As for the other place, I know I have been the subject of, let's say 'discussion' over the years. I post a lot, say a lot, some people like it, some don't. I am fine with that. Heck, in all my 63 years, I know I have said a lot things others have not liked. As long as I don't have to be personally subjected to the scorn, I'm fine with it. I have had no love lost over the years for it, but have always respected the right to exist. Heck, the Net is like the universe, almost without bounds and limits, it is a big place, room for all. If some people like to be here and there, peace. I like it here. But I do not say they can't be there. Who am I to say that? Just me speaking here.

Well, I am getting tired, and as usual, given a platform, start to turn the word faucet on, full, LOL. If you are still reading, God bless, LOL

I am heading to Disney World again this Tuesday, and again, solo. And you know what? I will be there 8 days and am meeting up with people all eight days. People. People from where? The DIS. All of them. I am very much looking forward to each day there and sharing more time, with people. DIS people.

Trust me, the world, the Net, is big enough for all. Let's coexist. We are all just people, but DIS people, and to me, special.

Please.

Again, God bless.



Dan


PS: Much too long to proofread for spelling and grammar, please don't hold me too it. And I do hope this does not cause my departure, I do like the DIS, did not write to spite.

 

[KathyTX]

I look forward to hearing any explanation offered but I still can't help but feel skeptical about things.

I would expect nothing less.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

If the posts stay civil, with no attacks, they won't get poofed.

Thank you for allowing this discussion.

I know that many will choose not to not believe that or will use this as fodder for ridicule on that other forum, but I think that anyone who's dealt with me much will know that I tell it like it is. Love me or hate me, I'll tell you the truth.

That is appreciated.

 

[debbiedoo]

I have yet to read all pages, but I will write about how I feel

I came to the DIS right before I bought into DVC, have made many friends since, and have meet some in you IRL. I am going to be careful of what I say because you here lately do not know if what you say is the right or wrong thing.

I feel like my home away from home has been ripped apart, taken a lot of emotion out of me. I have never thought I would ever see anything this bad here at the DIS.

to all I know how you are all feeling

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

We've never implied (at least, never meant to) that all of the banned would involved in any legal action.

There's a lot of twisting of words and speculation, and I know that our silence has not helped to clear any of that up. That's why I'm anxious for us to be able to talk and explain.

Which leaves it open to interpretation that some of the banned could be involved in legal action. I think a lot of us are still worried about this talk that's looming over head of legal action, it's just not making sense. I know you can't answer anything right now, but I guess I don't get why it was brought up in the first place then, it was thrown out there and then nothing more can be said.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

It seems like this thread may stand for a time, I really hope it does. It sure sounds civil enough in tone and content that it should. I have looked here on this board this week, tough to believe what I was seeing.

I don't really spend much time on the community board much anymore; have not for about 2 years now. I spend more time on the other boards here, here on the DIS; what with the incessant thread hijacking that was a daily occurrence here on this board. But I still skim a bit to keep current, as well as post now and then for a personal update as to what is going on in my life. Some here may know my family is my life, and I do enjoy talking about them, as do many of us here.

I came to the DIS, back in early '99. Looking for information for our family's first trip to Disney World, to celebrate my wife, Marie's remission from Stage III breast cancer. Initially, I spent my time getting information from the wdwinfo part, not the forums part. I always saw the link there, 'discussions forums' and wondered to myself, who the heck would discuss anything on the Internet with other people, much less Disney stuff. One day, I clicked, lurked for a few days I suppose, and then asked a question (no registration needed then). Amazing, somebody, (Wilderness...now wm Bob, I think) answered it. I was stunned; somebody talked to me on the Internet. How cool is that!!!

I guess that was it for me, I have not shut up since, much to the chagrin of some. The DIS became a big part of my life....the people on it, the people, the people. The people are the DIS.

After we returned from Disney, where I got bit by the Mouse (my family did not), I continued to hang out here, enjoying friendships. Pete asked me if I wanted to be a co-moderator on the community board, with the one who was doing it alone then. She left, and I think another 5 or so...Rhonda, Bet, Lisa, Robin, Willy...were added in short order as this board became the busy place it is today. During that 2+ year stint I did have the opportunity to see and learn a bit what goes on 'behind the curtain'. After a run, I quit that volunteer job here and once again, just a poster, and have been, happily so, for the past 6 years since. Some here, and the other place discussed today, found me to be a PITA. Others thought I did alright. I can say I tried, tried to follow the stated guidelines. At times, I was the bad guy. But I always tried to be fair.

I have made a lot of friends here over the years, a lot. I have met a lot of people from here over the years, a lot. Whether at many trips to Disney World or Disneyland, here in Chicago at many meets over the years. If traveling on business (I don't travel a lot) I would always extend my stay and try and get a meet organized, and so often was able to, met many, many over the years. And families, DIS families. Nice families. There was DIS-Con, a huge success, lots of people. And DIS-Con II. A bit more shaky in the end, but still, people, DIS people, came together, had fun, with each other. I know over the years I have met up with several hundred people from the boards, some place or another. Many I have met many times; have become very, very good friends with. Because of this place, the DIS. Strange, isn't it?

My wife, Marie. She signed on, as Lady M, to the DIS, back when I when I quit the moderator stint. Maybe she thought I would edit her when I was one, LOL. She enjoyed posting here, actually has about a thousand posts I think. After about a year or so, things on the board were getting a bit snarky and she thought it in her best interests to give it up, though has been to many Chicago meets in the time after, so she does too, like the people. The people.

I have shared my family, my life, with so many here, in words, pictures, and sometimes a little music (yes, I know, some out there hate that , but I like it and so do others). You have seen us worry over our kids, seen me worry over Marie. You have seen me rejoice in good cancer follow-up exams, when there were signs of a possible recurrence. You have followed my son, Vince, going through his firefighting and paramedic training, and being hired as a full-time FF/Paramed. And his now getting married next month to Katlyn. You have followed my daughter, Natalie, marrying Ken, and having their son, our first grandson, Jeremy. I shared the joy of a dad/daughter trip of mine, with Natalie, back about 4 years ago. I was ecstatic, and you shared that joy. You followed Marie losing her mom a couple years back, the ups and downs of our dog, Doc, and his passing. I have shared, you all have contributed to our happinesses or comforted us in our sadnesses over the past 9 years. And to think I was worried about clicking on that 'discussion board' link, back there in early '99.

I have seen DIS kids born here to DIS moms and dads. Seen DIS people get married, there kids get married, go to college, graduate, all levels of school. Seen DIS family and DIS'ers very ill, hurting, mentally and physically, some real bad. I have seen the DIS people hold these other DIS people up in support, prayers, good wishes, thoughts. It is a pretty caring community. Seen DIS relatives die, seen DIS folks die, quite a few now, lots of years. Actually have been to some of their services over the years. I remember one very special DIS'er, Sylvia, twice a year, her birthday, her date of death. These are people. People.

Over the years, I have butted heads with Pete, Alex, Kathy, and other moderators here. If I have, it has always been, from my perspective, in trying to have a better DIS. Though not always seen that way from the other sides, but that's okay too. I do get along fine with some though. I do think I can mention the existence of another board, seems to have been spoken enough about on this thread. It goes way back. A place to vent and talk, in ways and/or about others, that would not, nor should not, be tolerated here on this board. This is the DIS, and for me, and so many others I think, a cut above. That is what I saw here back in '99, and have tried to keep ever since. As for the other place, I know I have been the subject of, let's say 'discussion' over the years. I post a lot, say a lot, some people like it, some don't. I am fine with that. Heck, in all my 63 years, I know I have said a lot things others have not liked. As long as I don't have to be personally subjected to the scorn, I'm fine with it. I have had no love lost over the years for it, but have always respected the right to exist. Heck, the Net is like the universe, almost without bounds and limits, it is a big place, room for all. If some people like to be here and there, peace. I like it here. But I do not say they can't be there. Who am I to say that? Just me speaking here.

Well, I am getting tired, and as usual, given a platform, start to turn the word faucet on, full, LOL. If you are still reading, God bless, LOL

I am heading to Disney World again this Tuesday, and again, solo. And you know what? I will be there 8 days and am meeting up with people all eight days. People. People from where? The DIS. All of them. I am very much looking forward to each day there and sharing more time, with people. DIS people.

Trust me, the world, the Net, is big enough for all. Let's coexist. We are all just people, but DIS people, and to me, special.

Please.

Again, God bless.



Dan


PS: Much too long to proofread for spelling and grammar, please don't hold me too it. And I do hope this does not cause my departure, I do like the DIS, did not write to spite.

Dan, I hope that you have a great trip and I just wish that we would be able to chat to you again but we will be about a month behind you. So are you going to be going later in the year again?

 

[Lintasare]

I am not going to quote Dan's post because of the length but I want to say Dan, that was a very well thought out and well written post. Thank you for that.

And to WMKathy, thank you for your honesty with us. I know many appreciated it.

 

[Aisling]

Trust me, the world, the Net, is big enough for all. Let's coexist. We are all just people, but DIS people, and to me, special.

Please.

Again, God bless.



Dan


PS: Much too long to proofread for spelling and grammar, please don't hold me too it. And I do hope this does not cause my departure, I do like the DIS, did not write to spite.

Thanks for posting your feelings, Dan. You're a good man.

 

[Buckalew11]

We've never implied (at least, never meant to) that all of the banned would involved in any legal action.

There's a lot of twisting of words and speculation, and I know that our silence has not helped to clear any of that up. That's why I'm anxious for us to be able to talk and explain.

I'm very neutral about this whole thing but, in all honesty, the thread posted the other day certainly gave the impression that the original banned members had done something illegal and something worthy of the DIS seeking legal council. It really made people wonder what on earth they had done.

 

[maddhatir]

Thank you...... and

This thread went 19 pages of what needed to be talked about. FEELINGS.

If you want to talk legal stuff, and get this thread locked or deleted, please go start your own thread.

ITA....

 

[LeftCoaster]

I would expect nothing less.

Didn't you post something earlier about keeping this thread civil? Or does that not apply to a mod?

 

[Va-bear]

I am very glad that Kathy mentioned that no one was trying to imply that those that are banned were involved directly in a suit. My guess, and it's a TOTAL guess, w/ a bit of possible logic thrown in, is that the baning is related to the time last weekend that many of us were misdirected over to another site. I know when it happened to me my very first reaction was "wow, someone is VERY skilled on the computer....and it REALLY is wrong that someone used those skills to kidnap me and so many others..." I didnt think for a minute, and still dont, that anyone "higher up" in the DIS made that happen as many have suggested; that just wouldnt make sense.

The 'legal action' is probably against those that perpetrated that pirating. The banning of others may mean they were simply "witnesses", in one form or another, (maybe they commented, unbeknowst to them, on a thread started by one of the "troublemakers".) Also, if they are admited members of both boards there could be a conflict of interest issue (I'd be willing to bet a large sum of money that Pete, et al, doesnt care at all what other boards we frequent - doesn't stike me as the big brother type - but that some legal types have suggested these bans..) .... so it could be in the DIS's best interest that those witnesses not post until things are cleared up.....even though we miss them all. Just my guess, but so far. the only scenario that makes any sense of a wacky week.

 

[grlpwrd]

Splash, I like you and I want this thread to continue so here I am again.

I'm not entirely sure that's what it implied or if that's what was willingly inferred. I'd have to re-read the original statement and I'm not going to spend time looking for it.

In any case the point is moot. Aside from what business owners think is right about groups investing time in posting to a board, very few of us actually put any money into this enterprise. Therefore, since we have no financial stake in the DISboards, we really have no reason to expect the owners to behave in any particular way. While it's nice and considerate for them to speak about whatever legal agendas they're persuing, legally they don't have to tell us a blinkin' thing.

Now if we were stockholders that would be a different story and we could demand answers. But that's not the situation here.

I'll be happy for everyone if/when the owners of this board clarify what created this recent flap. But I won't demand it. I am, after all, just a guest in someone else's home.

I am not familiar with you as a poster here and it is unsettling that suddenly you appear and include rebuttals or explanations.

I may be the only person sensing this, but it feels odd to me that you have been active so suddenly here.

....Or perhaps it's just because I have been walking on eggshells all week. (!!!!) I am on edge. Ugh.

 

[Buckalew11]

Dan, excellent post. From the heart.

Have a wonderful trip. Wish I was going and we could ride TTA and chat awhile!

 

[douglisa]

There are only just a few people there that I have made friends w/ that are being banned or are chosing to cross over to the dark side. I decided to see what it's all about. I guess when I saw myself being torn apart because of a stupid mistake I made I decided that I like it right where I am. Yes it would be nice to express myself w/ as many expletives as I would like, but I like the fact that if some low life decides to be hurtful I can then report them if it is bad enough. I did not like alot of the malicious conversations there. It was as if they have nothing else to talk about so they look for peoples inadequacies and expound upon them. Intelligent thoughtful people do not need to bring others down to make themselves feel better or amuse themselves. A friend of mine told me that she would not be on DIS anymore as she would probably be kicked off because of this mess. What a loss....some of the others, not so much.

 

[glass slipper girl]

Didn't you post something earlier about keeping this thread civil? Or does that not apply to a mod?

Thank you, Left Coaster. I read that and started to say something but didn't thinking maybe I was just being paranoid and reading too much in to things.

Kathy, I may have posted snark earlier, but I am sincere in saying that I do look forward to any explanation offered. I still have concern that this is a "you'll be hearing from my lawyer" stall tactic because it happens so much in life that it's a total cliche. Maybe I'll be proven wrong. Time will tell I suppose.

Edited to add that I do appreciate you, Kathy and Mary Jo, responding and trying to answer questions as best you can for right now.

 

[douglisa]

I'm struggling too. Shortly after I discovered this board, my son died. I remember sharing with a complete group of strangers how he was going to the hospital, and then having to update everyone with the horrible news. The amount of support I got was overwhelming. Since then, I found this to be a place where I could come and just vent, cry, laugh, or whine, a place where I felt I could really be myself. Sharing my story with others helped me through my grief, since it was hard to talk about it with friends and family. I had a cyber family here, from the posters who always seemed to know the right thing to say, the ones who constantly made me laugh, to the ones who got on my last nerve. I appreciated them all, and now many of them are gone, for reasons that noone will explain. Threads calling the powers that be out on this are immediately banned (much like this one probably will) and even innocent threads are disappearing. This is no longer my "home away from home", and it really bums me out. People have been tossed from this board just for visiting another one, or defending those that have been banned. The pixie dust is gone.

I don't like to be forced to make decisions either, but just by posting this it will probably have been made for me.

 

[TCPluto]

Didn't you post something earlier about keeping this thread civil? Or does that not apply to a mod?

That's where tone and expression are needed to decipher the real meaning of a statement (and often lost in writing), I don't think for a minute that she was being rude or uncivil.

I think she was saying that the poster was a reasonable person for expecting loose ends to be tied up, so it all made sense.

 

[glass slipper girl]

I think she was saying that the poster was a reasonable person for expecting loose ends to be tied up, so it all made sense.

I hope that is the case.

 

[paigevz]

Not that WMK needs me to defend her, and not that I haven't had issues with mods/webmasters before, but the smiley with that post and the tone of it suggested to me that she was actually giving a compliment there.