Why the BIG changes at the Dis? Why now? I have a theory.

[nikjd68]

It seems there have been a lot of changes at the DIS lately. For instance:

--The Dis will be taking part in Mousefest for the first time.
--The Dis will be inviting guests, including podcasters, on Dis Unplugged
--I see other websites like "touringplans.com" not getting blocked like they used to
--Plus, all the changes to the show itself (chat, phone-in, etc.)

Although some of these may have been in the planning stage for a while (Pete's new toys) it seems we have learned about a lot of things since Bob's death, especially the broadening of the show to include more guests and going to Mousefest.

It seems, at least to this observer who, admittedly, has very limited facts, that the Dis is becoming more open and trying to become part of the larger Disney community of websites, podcasters and fans. This comes after it seemed that the Dis was on an island separate from other sites and podcasts.

If the above is true, then why? It seems that Bob's death has pushed alot of this forward. But was it to fill the void Bob left behind or was it Bob who felt that the Dis could function on its own and to avoid contact with other Disney sites and podcasts?

I don't mention any of this demean Bob or his memory or any other member of the Dis. I only mention this because as a religious listener to the podcast (I spend three hours a day commuting and sometimes listen to the Unplugged shows several times in one week) I have noticed the above changes and that they have come all-of-a-sudden. And I simply wondered "why?"

 

[tinkbutt]

I think we all know that in this day in age anything to survive must evolve and shape its own path I mean look at the very first show in 06 big difference in a few months time there too.

Pete knows what works and what doesn't. I think he is just trying to improve the show and make sure that he honors Bob's memory by making the show the best it could possibly be.

look at the out poor from Bob's fan's we all loved his character and for that we should keep improving the one thing that brought true friends,and happiness to his life and not let it fall by the waits side.

IMHO!

LOVE YOU PODCAST CREW!!!!

 

[checkwriter]

To me this is nothing more (or less) than The Dis emulating Walt, who famously stated "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

I welcome the changes. Some will work, some won't, but the worst thing the folks at the Dis could do would be to forever keep things just the way they were. That's a recipe for stagnation.

 

[abish19]

In my experience, a crisis can become a catalyst for change.

I like the changes to the DIS that have come about. Bob has ALWAYS been a huge part of the entire Disney community, as evidenced by the heartfelt good wishes from other podcasters and webmasters upon his passing.

Bob, Pete, and the rest of the Podcast team want to spread the magic. They want to share the passion they have with the whole world. Perhaps the best way to do that is to reach out, to make changes, to try new things.

I imagine that the whole team went through a lot of introspection after Bob was gone, and I for one am grateful that they have chosen not just to carry on, but have the courage to do more.

Having given my opinion, I'd love to hear the reason why in Pete's words, if he gets a chance to read and respond!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I guess it is like the saying if you are not growing you are dying. So hence bring on the changes I love them!!!!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I feel that this is a natural direction taken, with several things influencing it. I think there has been a desire shown by several DISers and listeners to be more inclusionary to other Disney sources and 'casters...this may have encouraged Pete to take this direction. Maybe the outpouring of caring shown by other venues has influenced it. Maybe a desire to let old separations fall, and allow growth into an expanded community.

I would not ever suggest that Bob has held them back, however...that to me seems ludicrous, knowing Bob's penchant for rampant friendliness and outreach to total strangers! No, more that Bob's passing has forced certain things to change, and this change has naturally evolved to be more inclusive, as it probably would have anyway in time.

 

[nikjd68]

I would not ever suggest that Bob has held them back, however...that to me seems ludicrous, knowing Bob's penchant for rampant friendliness and outreach to total strangers!

The only reason I would question the above is that in one podcast Bob did take a shot at the UG. He mentioned guidebooks that are not updated every year. The UG famously is not fully updated every year (they take a page or two in the guide to explain the reason(s)).

Again, I am not taking a shot at Bob. All I am saying is his passing seems to have "allowed" many of these changes to occur in a very short period of time.

 

[tinkbutt]

again I don't believe it is because of bob passing in several podcasts before you hear them talking about several ideas and new exciting things to come! I just think these things are just now hashed out. It is just an unfortunate happenstance that bob couldn't see them come about!

 

[Lewisc]

Tour Group Mike used to be banned, now they're a sponsor. Sorry but I don't think the changes are all that BIG but rather the kind of changes that DIS is known for.

 

[kab407]

I've got to agree with Mindy and Kate on this. I think the shift in direction of the show and the addition of new content was something planned long before Bob's tragic passing. Pete putting a new studio in his home was the first indication to me of this. Knowing these guys, ideas are well thought out and planned before we hear anything about them.

 

[drakethib]

Didnt Pete mention he had hired a new publicist which was one of the reasons that he went out to Cali?

I agree with the others, I believe many things were in place before Bob's passing. If anything, I believe the response from the community was just positive reinforcement

 

[fightinfire21]

I want to chime in here with my OPINION. I think maybe the DIS team has become a little more receptive of the other Disney Communitys since Bob's passing and I think it might be because of the support/condolences they recieved may have "opened their eyes" so to speak. A

s far as Bob goes. I never met him, but after listening to him on the podcast since it's beginning I have to say I think he would have embraced this idea and REALLY enjoyed it. Again, just my opinion

 

[andrewilley]

The UG famously is not fully updated every year

I can see no reason why it should be - unless Disney World completely changes every year, anyway! Anything that is correct and accurate does not need to be rewritten.

Andre

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I think this has very little, if anything, to do with Bob's passing and alluding to his holding everyone back is ridiculous. The show and DIS has and always will evolve over time to include new things. I have full trust in Pete and his crew.

 

[alebisi]

I miss Bob as much as the other Disers, he was a wonderful and innovative person, he was open to everyone and to changes. I think Bob passing just made us realize how loved he was and how one person without knowing him could touch your life in that way.
I really don't care WHY Pete made changes, I am just happy as longer as they make the DIS more fun and interesting, keep doing the amazing job crew! we love you!

 

[WaltD4Me]

The only reason I would question the above is that in one podcast Bob did take a shot at the UG. He mentioned guidebooks that are not updated every year. The UG famously is not fully updated every year (they take a page or two in the guide to explain the reason(s)).

Again, I am not taking a shot at Bob. All I am saying is his passing seems to have "allowed" many of these changes to occur in a very short period of time.

If you are referring to a comment Bob made on one of the podcasts that I'm thinking of, he wasn't taking a shot, he made a general statement that is quite true. The guidebooks can't keep up with all the changes like the websites can, they have to be written and published and by the time they hit the shelves, there are bound to be changes and new information. Which is the case anytime you are talking about print media versus the internet.

And I seriously doubt his passing "allowed" anything. It maybe moved some things that already being discussed into the forefront though. Pete had already met with a publicist before Bob passed away and I can see a publicist's hand in some of these changes.

 

[wishspirit]

I miss Bob as much as the other Disers, he was a wonderful and innovative person, he was open to everyone and to changes. I think Bob passing just made us realize how loved he was and how one person without knowing him could touch your life in that way.
I really don't care WHY Pete made changes, I am just happy as longer as they make the DIS more fun and interesting, keep doing the amazing job crew! we love you!

So true!!

My sentiments exactly!

 

[KarlMal]

My husband has been a faithful listener for the last 2 years and I only recently started listening (post Bob)to the podcasts on my own ( he downloads them to to my ipod) on my way to work. Having not known the show before, I absolutely love the podcasts and the way the team interacts together. The information is helpful and the opportunities to meet the pod cast crew, ie the cruise and mousefest etc, can only increase the listening base. great job guys!!