Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey But if they are appearing on the official Disney Parks blog, isn't it obvious that they are being compensated in some way by the company? I wouldn't expect them to be unbiased, either. If they're blogging FOR Disney, their views are skewed towards Disney; I don't understand why this is shocking or cause for people to be up in arms. It's a company-sponsored blog, not the NY Times.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Disney is providing employee benefits to independent bloggers?<<< Yep. The proof is in the pudding. They fly them out to events, put them up in hotels... ...and some have been given MainGates.
Originally Posted By PotNoodle <<There are also tons of non staff bloggers, many of whom receive perks as "journalists" like special event access for free, free rooms, free previews, etc. One hopes that they remain objective in their blogging, though there are many who believe that is hard to do when receiving free things from the company.>> This. These are not people working for the Disney Blog. This is Joe Blow getting perks and compensation for blogging about his experiences at WDW. Although, people must disclose the compensation in their review (per the FTC), I still question the validity of the review. I would think once one got some perks, one would want freebies to continue, so the glowing reviews ensue and the cycle begins. I don't read any of these blogs. I want an impartial voice.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<The proof is in the pudding. They fly them out to events, put them up in hotels... ...and some have been given MainGates.>> Do they post on THEIR blogs, or do they post on Disney's blog?
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Yet again, bloggers are not bound by an ethical code like professional journalists. Much like PotNoodle and sjhym, I read blogs with a grain of salt. Many blogs that I have read are obviously NOT impartial. Again, they are not the NY Times.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Do they post on THEIR blogs, or do they post on Disney's blog? <<< THEIR blogs, yes. They certainly aren't the NYT, but still, it's unethical and allows for a whole cottage industry to pop up.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey If they are receiving compensation and they don't own up to it, then it is unethical. However, if their review says something like "I attended a preview of (__X___)" then I personally would tend to believe that some sort of compensation is implied. Without repeating names HERE, are their names included in the previous Social Media thread? I'd like to see what type of endorsements they're making.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>If they are receiving compensation and they don't own up to it, then it is unethical. However, if their review says something like "I attended a preview of (__X___)" then I personally would tend to believe that some sort of compensation is implied. <<< If that's your qualification, which I think is a perfectly acceptable one, yes, it is unethical. And yes, the old thread is a good read.
Originally Posted By leemac <<They fly them out to events, put them up in hotels... ...and some have been given MainGates. ...not to mention a company ID. >> Whoa - really? I've no idea how that flies with HR who are very strict when it comes to issuing CM ID cards - even actual CMs struggle to get new cards with a truckload of hassle. I've no idea how HR can upload a fake employee in SAP to get a ID card issued. Same with silver passes/MG passes. I'd be extremely skeptical that that is happening. Freebies I can understand.
Originally Posted By leemac <<even actual CMs struggle to get new cards with a truckload of hassle.>> WITHOUT a truckload of hassle.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Whoa - really? I've no idea how that flies with HR who are very strict when it comes to issuing CM ID cards - even actual CMs struggle to get new cards with a truckload of hassle. I've no idea how HR can upload a fake employee in SAP to get a ID card issued. Same with silver passes/MG passes. I'd be extremely skeptical that that is happening. Freebies I can understand.<<< From what I understand there are at least two blogger/podcasters that have been given this. I know what you mean about HR being strict, and seemingly that line of thought is from Burbank. This is Orlando's/TDO's doing.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I know what you mean about HR being strict, and seemingly that line of thought is from Burbank. This is Orlando's/TDO's doing. >> WDW Co. operates the same SAP HR system as all of WDP&R - there is no way there can create exceptions without it being sanctioned right up the food chain. I'd be absolutely floored if that was the case.
Originally Posted By leobloom >> From what I understand there are at least two blogger/podcasters that have been given this. << I bet I can guess who one of them is.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<Ok, I went back and read the original thread and I don't understand the outrage.>> <<Let me amend my first post - I didn't read the WHOLE original thread, just the first few opening salvos.>> First, if you are interested in the topic of social media, I would really recommend to read more than just the first few pages of the original thread. It went on for two and a half months and the over 1000 posts are nearly all on topic. It discusses all kind of different aspects of social media and Disney's relationship with it. I found it fascinating. It went so much further than just the Star Wars event which was the original event that sparked the thread. <<MANY companies are using bloggers to promote new products, and many (if not most or all) are using bloggers that have a history of being complimentary to their products. If you were started a bakery and are looking for bloggers to promote your products, are you going to send a sample to someone who's routinely criticized your baking in the past and cross your fingers for a good review? NO! You're going to send it to someone who likes your product.>> The question really is what are bloggers? You say they aren't journalists – and I think most people agree. But why do people read what bloggers write? I think the answer is to a certain extent in the term “Social Media” (which I actually don't like at all...). The word “social” implies that there is a personal relationship between the people engaging in it. So the blogger is more like your neighbour and the blog post is like word of mouth. Now I would agree that some people will be sceptical about anything a blogger posts, but I would consider such a person extremely cynical. I think most people expect bloggers to be individuals who report their personal view on things. But isn't it likely that this personal view is influenced by the fact that the blogger is reviewing something which he or she has gotten for free? That's why some blogs have disclosures about what they got for free. And I must say that I was rather impressed recently when I read a review of MNSSHP on one of the established websites which provides all kind information for WDW and which has a number of bloggers posting content as well (not naming the website in question since Doobie requested that we do not discuss specific people) and the post started with a disclaimer that the website had been invited to cover the party as media and therefore the ticket for the party had been paid by Disney. It wasn't hidden as some general disclaimer or at the end of the review. But not everyone is so upfront and that's where one of the issues with the whole social media thing lies. I think Spirit explained it really well in post #144 of this thread (not the original one) with his “Brand Y” example. And no one says that it is only an issue with Disney. I think that's why many people found the topic so interesting, it is a general issue, but we discussed it with a view to Disney. And Disney's situation is rather unique. The example of a bakery you use does not really fit. There might be people who like this bakery's cake – but Disney isn't only selling cake, but rather wants to offer a whole lifestyle and there are people who are trying to live a “Disney lifestyle”.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>WDW Co. operates the same SAP HR system as all of WDP&R - there is no way there can create exceptions without it being sanctioned right up the food chain. I'd be absolutely floored if that was the case.<<<< Get ready to be floored. They created exceptions and Burbank is pretty ticked. Or at least they were. Don't know what's happening now.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I bet I can guess who one of them is.<<< It's really not that far of a reach. LOL
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<The question really is what are bloggers? You say they aren't journalists – and I think most people agree. But why do people read what bloggers write? I think the answer is to a certain extent in the term “Social Media” (which I actually don't like at all...). The word “social” implies that there is a personal relationship between the people engaging in it. So the blogger is more like your neighbour and the blog post is like word of mouth.>> I said MOST aren't PROFESSIONAL journalists. They aren't bound by ethical constraints like professionals are (or are supposed to be). Most people operate blogs of their own volition. <<Now I would agree that some people will be sceptical about anything a blogger posts, but I would consider such a person extremely cynical. I think most people expect bloggers to be individuals who report their personal view on things. But isn't it likely that this personal view is influenced by the fact that the blogger is reviewing something which he or she has gotten for free?>> As a responsible consumer of the media, you should ask questions about anything posted in traditional or new media, but especially bloggers. You said yourself that their personal view will likely be influenced if their reviewing something that they've gotten for free - you're being skeptical yourself. <<First, if you are interested in the topic of social media, I would really recommend to read more than just the first few pages of the original thread. It went on for two and a half months and the over 1000 posts are nearly all on topic. It discusses all kind of different aspects of social media and Disney's relationship with it. I found it fascinating. It went so much further than just the Star Wars event which was the original event that sparked the thread.>> I am a graduate student working on my masters in mass communication. I spend five to seven nights a week thinking about social media and traditional media. I don't have time at this moment to go back and read two months of postings - I have three papers due by next Tuesday. I came here to give myself a brain break.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<Whoa - really? I've no idea how that flies with HR who are very strict when it comes to issuing CM ID cards - even actual CMs struggle to get new cards with a truckload of hassle. I've no idea how HR can upload a fake employee in SAP to get a ID card issued. Same with silver passes/MG passes. I'd be extremely skeptical that that is happening. Freebies I can understand.>> This is why I want to do some investigatin' on my own!
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey And Bolna, I apologize if my post sounds snippy - I didn't mean it to be. I'm a wee bit stressed out right now.
