Why have these boards turned nasty?

[kathyg]

First of all, I don't know where to post this. I will also post it in the Community Forum. But, it seems to me that a lot of these posts have turned really nasty. People criticizing others, flaming and arguing about really insignificant ideas. While everyone is entitled to an opinion, why can't those opinions be based in civility? Disney is about magic; it's about fun; it's about leaving all the bad in the world behind you for a few days and experiencing the joy of life.

That's why it amazes me when someone posts something and right away someone gets on their case for a minor point they didn't like. Why do people take these posts so personally? Like the OP who "borrowed" someone's pix without giving him credit; or the OP who couldn't understand the CM because English was probably not their first langauge.

I think we have all been in some situations with Disney that were less than favorable, and I don't give anyone wrong for expressing their disappointment. But, when it gets personal it spoils it for everyone else.

The purpose of these boards is to share one's thoughts and solicit one's opinions. I don't think that means "flame me if you don't like what I had to say". I come to these Boards for the magic....not the reality. If I wanted reality, I would read the boss's "Memorandum to All Employees". Now those are something I could definitely flame!

Anyway, guys, this is a happy place....please don't change it!

 

[jbdreamer]

I think people take things too personally around here. It's one thing to say something, but when it is in writing the words often sounds more harsh or serious.

 

[Karenj2]

Maybe they're just cranky 'cause they're not at Disney...

I never read any post where someone "borrowed" someone else's photo, but as a webmaster for three websites, I deal with that problem more often than I'd like to, and if the photos were taken by a professional (or a really good amature), then I can understand why they might have been upset.

However, I was always taught to say something nice or not say anything at all, so I agree that personal attacks shouldn't happen. (Disagreements can happen as long as they're respectful.)

Anyway, that's my $0.02.

 

[Jrabbit910]

I have to honestly say that I havent come across any "nasty" posts at all. I guess I have been lucky but I do agree w/ you and think a difference of opinions should cause people to take it to heart

 

[sameyeyam]

I have noticed there are just a handful of people that seem to surf this board and look for controversial subjects. It's really sad that they don't have anything better to do with their time then put others down or make them feel shameful because of their opinion.

If I don't agree with a poster, then I just unsubscribe and go to another thread that seems nicer. Unfortunately I'm new to this board and have had to learn the hard way, by getting sucked into a few of the more controversial subjects. Now I know if it gets nasty I just go elsewhere. Because the nice people on this board outnumber the nasty people about 1,000 to 1!

 

[MinnyGranny62]

Shirley

 

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

I think certain people thrive on the drama it creates. You can't control the nastiness of others, but you can control the way you react to it. Ignore the trolls!!!

 

[kathyg]

Totally in favor of that!!! There will always be a few bad apples in the bunch! That being said, these boards are a wonderful tool for those who are seeking answers to Disney questions.

 

[Darian]

Totally in favor of that!!! There will always be a few bad apples in the bunch! That being said, these boards are a wonderful tool for those who are seeking answers to Disney questions.

Hi Kathyg, these boards really are wonderful and there are so many kind, decent, helpful and compassionate people here. I've often thought that those "bad apples in the bunch" you mention are really unhappy people who can't stand the fact that there are others who ARE happy. So they try to change that and make everyone else as miserable as they are.

Its certainly unwise to overly generalize, as some folks who inadvertantly "whack the hornet's nest" with their posting may have done so innocently. When I was new to the DIS the topic of pool hopping was new to me. As was the firestorm about refillable mugs. At the time I had no idea those topics were so controversial.

I must admit though, I've also noticed the "nasty" trend on the DIS you wrote about in your first post here and it concerns me too. Do you think it would help if we politely remind people to be nice & polite to each other?

 

[the john]

People take jokes so seriously

 

[Luv'sTink]

Yep, Ive noticed.

 

[CrazyChik]

you can't really understand the tone people meant it in and some have different humour to anothers but for every nasty lot theres always a huge bunch of nice guys

 

[magicmirror]

In my opinion the DIS is a society, and in every society you have nice, rude agreeable and disagreeable people, and people that ride the fence, or stay on the side of the majority, or minority, on one and every subject. I have found that the good people outweigh the bad by a whole lot. Ask your questions, state your reason for your beliefs and you will be respected or argued with for it, just like in any society.
Always remember the good people do outweigh the bad, we don't have to agree for both you and me to be good people. Ignore the comments of the particularly rude ones, they just want to be heard, whether they make sense or not, most of the time. Have fun!! We don't all have to agree, but the ones of us who are particularly rude need to find a better outlet, the rest of us are just here to voice our opinions and enjoy our time here!! Ignore the ignorant!!! Have fun!

 

[kimberh]

When I first started posting on this board, I became involved in a hot discussion and I got so upset with a few posters. My husband reminded me that I would never see these people and some of them were just trying to get others upset. I signed off and I refuse to get that upset over someone else's ignorance again.
There are people out there just looking for the post to get fired up. We just have to refuse to participate.
They are probably the same ones that go to Disney and nothing is right! Have you seen those people in the restaurants or listened to them in the lines? I really try to tune them out but sometimes when they are yelling at their family, it's hard.
I did see the picture post that you are talking about.

 

[Linda/MA]

There are some people who just cannot handle any kind of criticism about WDW. I love the place, but everything there is not perfect. I like to read people opinions and sometimes I agree with them and sometimes I don't and sometimes I learn something. I don't see anything wrong with a little constructive criticism. Now, if someone comes here just to cause trouble, well that's another issue. I don't agree with that and those kinds of people are usually dealt with.

Another thing that bothers me is when someone brings up a topic that has already been discussed many times. Well, they may be new to the boards and not realize that. They shouldn't be chastised for asking about refillable mugs or pool hopping. Like I always tell my kids -- if you can't say something nice about someone, then don't say anything at all.

 

[Glendamax]

I am very glad that this topic is being discussed. I was so excited when I found another forum similar to this one, only to be attacked after my very FIRST post. One person chose to pick apart everything I said in a very mean and confrontational way. On these boards, while I have seen others become the victims of such posters, it has only happened to me once, and it wasn't as bad as what happend to me on the other site.

I too come to this site for fun, information, and maybe to help someone out - that's all. When someone posts something that I don't agree with, I don't flame them, or stalk them throughout the boards, I simply go to something else. Maybe there should be a "debate" section on these boards, so people who like to flame others can enjoy themselves.

 

[vellamint]

I agree that I have seen some really nasty threads lately and it is upsetting to me.......

that being said...

I am soooooo happy that you posted this as I was too "chicken" to say it on the above mentioned threads even though I have wanted to and wanted to and wanted to.

People should relax a little more around here sometimes. I have been around here for even longer than what my date states and have seen a change lately. And not for the better. I am really upset that "my" disboards has me dancing around words just so I dont get flamed. It was not like that and I hope it goes back to the way it was but that is wishful thinking.

I feel sorry for the "newbies" who post innocent questions and get jumped on.

Okay rant/vent over.....pixie dust and magic to all who come to this happy place.

 

[Linda/MA]

I too come to this site for fun, information, and maybe to help someone out - that's all. When someone posts something that I don't agree with, I don't flame them, or stalk them throughout the boards, I simply go to something else. Maybe there should be a "debate" section on these boards, so people who like to flame others can enjoy themselves.

There used to be a very active Debate Board on this site, but it has been gone for a while. I stayed clear of it -- things could get really nasty.