When did the Budget Board become the off-topic board?

[Pixiedust34]

I always thought that the Budget Board was made for posts concerning saving $$ in any way, not just for Disney trips.

After all, the more we save (whether it's in groceries, free kindle books, gas, movie rewards, coupons and groupons, etc.), the more $ we do have for extras such as anything Disney related. If I save $5.00 in groceries because of a tip I read here, that's $5.00 that can go toward Mickey.

 

[JB2K]

I had been away from DIS Boards for a while, but when I returned I immediately went to the budget board for some new ideas. It seems to have become the catch-all for all kinds of non-budget questions & off-topics. I would like to respectfully suggest that DIS Boards reevaluate the boards so that they are easier to navigate by topic. Thanks.

Agreed - this forum seems to have become anything but it's intended purpose -- seems the owners/operators of the website are attempting to find some sort of a solution that's amicable to all.

In fact, as we speak, there's another "Vote for my Kid" thread that just resurfaced. Budget, indeed...

 

[Marionnette]

Maybe it's just me, but from the titles alone I can see a budget tie in for most of the threads you cited as examples of OT posts.

No, it's not just you. You can spin just about anything in order to pretend that it is "budget-related". Basically, if it has any effect on your wallet, then it is budget-related. And that's why so many of those subject lines appear here. So many posters feel that if they can justify calling their post "budget-related" then it belongs here instead of on a more appropriate board.

One could take those same threads and put them on the Family Board and make a valid argument that they belong there. The baby shower and teen party ideas could just as easily fit in on the cooking forum.

Plenty of people feel that this board is their "home". And I'm sure the same could be said for many of the other boards on the disboards. But if you post about restaurants on the resorts board, it's going to get moved to restaurants. Even if you're asking about a resort restaurant. It keeps things orderly and makes the board easier to read.

I know that you can always skip the topics that don't interest you, but when threads like those listed by katieelder push questions like "Need help working the numbers for a cheap trip" and "How inexpensive can we do a last minute trip to Disney?" down the page without an answer like they did last night, one has to wonder why this board even exists on a Disney planning website.

 

[LilyWDW]

Agreed - this forum seems to have become anything but it's intended purpose -- seems the owners/operators of the website are attempting to find some sort of a solution that's amicable to all.

In fact, as we speak, there's another "Vote for my Kid" thread that just resurfaced. Budget, indeed...

I will point out that "Vote for..." threads are against the board rules if the person posting will benefit or have personal gain from winning.

For sale ads are strictly prohibited on any of the DISboards. Anyone posting such ads will have their post deleted. This same policy applies to links to your ebay/auction listings . "For sale" posts includes requests for donations (see below). In addition, "Vote for me" posts are not permitted on the DIS. This includes requests for support in an online contest, sweepstakes, lottery or other event designed to yield personal gain.

 

[cats mom]

I know that you can always skip the topics that don't interest you, but when threads like those listed by katieelder push questions like "Need help working the numbers for a cheap trip" and "How inexpensive can we do a last minute trip to Disney?" down the page without an answer like they did last night, one has to wonder why this board even exists on a Disney planning website.

I just checked out the 2 examples you listed. Don't you think the fact that they were both VERY broad requests contributed to them being largely ignored?

It reminds me of 2 threads posted within 15 minutes of each other on another board I visit. I'm paraphrasing, but basically:

Thread A
Got a job offer, office would be at X intersection, looking to buy a house in X price range, would like a commute of X minutes or less, have one child entering middle school who is very involved in X sport. Looking for insight and suggestions on where to live. (all the X's were filled in)

Thread B
We're a family of 4 who have always wanted to live in X county. Where is the best place to live?

The person who posted thread B got all bent out of shape because they got 1 request for more info, a few snarky replies, and then their thread dropped off the front page. But there were tons of helpful responses to thread A. Honestly though, what did they expect?

I think people here are really good about jumping in and helping when someone says I've already decided on X and Y but need help with Z, or they ask for specific information. But it's a bit difficult to help someone who basically says please come up with the plan/numbers for my entire trip given limited info. Yes?

 

[diznee25]

I know for myself, there are only a few boards that I'm comfortable posting on. The Community board can be rough, so I tend to stick with the budget board. It's where I'm most comfortable, and the one I tend to surf the most.

This could be the reason for some people posting "off topics" here. Maybe this board is their favorite.


diznee25

 

[Happiest mommy]

I like it the way it is, sure there are a bit of stuff on here that I don't care for I just pass it up and read what interests me, I have gotten good advice and tips here

 

[kaytieeldr]

Maybe it's just me, but from the titles alone I can see a budget tie in for most of the threads you cited as examples of OT posts.

I considered that. But I didn't just go by the thread titles. If the title didn't clearly indicate or imply something money-related, I opened the thread and read the first post. There were actually several more threads I could have included if I'd been basing my list solely on the thread title; but if I saw the word 'budget', 'money', 'save', 'discount', or anything similar, I omitted that thread from my list.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Understood. But what's the general objection to having a community/off-topic Budget Board sub-forum right here on (directly under/connected to) the existing Budget Board?

Again - this works well on

• Theme Parks Advice & Strategies
  • Theme Park Community
• disABILITIES
  • disABILITIES Community Board
• Camping at Disney World
  • Camping Community Board

I'm still confused why so many people object to a Budget Community Board attached to the Budget Board for off-topic threads