WDW Social 'Media' and Conspiracy

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> When plans for the blowing alley by the Wide World of Sports were put on hold, I was hoping that the idea might be placed elsewhere. <<

<<I'm sure that was a honest mistake on Lou M's part to type "blowing alley"...>>

Well, PI used to get wild on Thursday/Cast nights before every night became one ... and Lou clearly has a lot of cast pals ... and there sure is something that's allowing him to have a lucrative business soooo ... not gonna comment further! ;-)

<<The jokes write themselves, right?>>

I can't believe I read right over that, Leo. I am ashamed to be your Spirit right now ... sigh ... sigh ...!!!

 

Originally Posted By leobloom

Oh, and Spirit, over on one of your favorite MAGICal boards, the webmaster/spin doctor was out in force today posting numerous messages defending Disney's plans for PI, assuring everyone that the plan was on track and that it would be the greatest thing since the expensive, broken animatronic had a strobe light aimed at it (or something like that). I glanced at what he'd written and was left thinking the webmaster doth protest too much.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Great analysis, Spirit. I've noticed the same thing -- I think it was when they raised ticket prices, the comments on the blog were just as you've observed. People were disappointed, but not giving up their Disney -- (Essentially: "You'll get my expensive, overpriced Disney when you pry it from my cold, dead hands").>>

Yep. I recall them being posted and then reading and thinking they really aren't that bad at all. Same thing here.

I think there was on post that I'd term 100% negative ... don't have it handy, but someone basically called Disney/Tom on this being the 3rd or 4th announcement of nothing ... if that is still even out there.

<<There's enough going on in this thread to fill several books, and the comments published on the official blog posts are an important part of this Disney-controlled message.>>

There are a few possible books in the LP pond right now

But on the subject of Disney controlling the message, I was talking to a friend earlier and he mentioned certain software programs that can sift words out and make online comments appear positive when not read thoroughly, and then companies can manipulate customer feedback based on that.

It came as a joke at first. Something about Duncan giving a Social Media presentation to Tom Staggs and saying that 86% of all comments on all Disney discussion boards today were considered anywhere from 'neutral' to 'highly positive' just based on looking for terms like 'MAGICal' ... how often do I (and others) use that in a mocking way? Computers don't distinguish sarcasm.

I am still 100% convinced Disney's Social Media strategy will bite them on the collectives asses and that it already is.

But maybe I'm wrong and Burbank and TDO are happy reading this thread and knowing how many others are as well ... who knows? ;-)

 

Originally Posted By asianway

Reading the MAGICal defense of mediocrity today was enough to get me to register over here-Im pretty much done there now. It almost sounds like Thomas Smith hacked the webmaster's account....

 

Originally Posted By ReelJustice

^^welcome aboard AsianWay

 

Originally Posted By leobloom

Welcome to the club, asianway! Not going to say that his defense of Disney surprised me -- especially given what's being discussed in this very thread -- but his insistence was startling. Even the pixie dusters who usually bend over backwards to defend the Mouse were critical of Disney on this one! Maybe that's why the British spin doctor had to step in and set everyone straight?

The conspiracies abound...

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Oh, and Spirit, over on one of your favorite MAGICal boards, the webmaster/spin doctor was out in force today posting numerous messages defending Disney's plans for PI, assuring everyone that the plan was on track and that it would be the greatest thing since the expensive, broken animatronic had a strobe light aimed at it (or something like that). I glanced at what he'd written and was left thinking the webmaster doth protest too much.>>

I'm sure he was. The sad thing is there are some very intelligent, knowledgeable, articulate voices over there, but they get drowned out by drooling fanbois and DoM. And instead of encouraging the type of discussions and debate we have here, he stifles it. He thinks by having on ex-Imagineer posting over there (likely getting fodder for a book of his own) that he is legitimized. I love some of Eddie Sotto's work and I think he is a fascinating dude for many reasons, but having him there doesn't deflect from endless fifth theme park discussions or 876-post threads on queues.

Worse, I'm convinced he shills for Disney. He was the one who posted that first 'Iger spotted at DAK' thread. Then never came back with evidence or explanations. He had to basically be forced to open a thread about the Parks being on the market (something he naturally disagrees with). He regularly makes threads disappear. He would argue with me regularly about how WDW's guest makeup (unlike every other Disney resort in the world) means they can't ever close anything to maintain/refurb it and they can't have seasonal entertainment because it would kill the vacations of once in a lifetime guests.

There are some great folks there, but the insanity ... oy vey!!!

Maybe someone at Disney told him to shill the PI 'plans' now that they have been leaked to seemingly everyone? the thing is Disney plans lots of things, often great things, but very rarely follows through on much of anything ... except building DVC.

BTW, I believe I heard they have quietly started GF DVC prep work ...

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Welcome to the club, asianway! >>

Agreed!!! The LP loves adding new Disney lovers (even those who practice tough love!) Enjoy your time here ... free drinks in the concierge lounge (wait ... Pierce is passed out in there ... someone needs to check him for a pulse!)

<<Not going to say that his defense of Disney surprised me -- especially given what's being discussed in this very thread -- but his insistence was startling. Even the pixie dusters who usually bend over backwards to defend the Mouse were critical of Disney on this one! Maybe that's why the British spin doctor had to step in and set everyone straight?

The conspiracies abound...>>

I think Steve has been backed into a corner bigtime because of his 'Disney can do no wrong' 'tude. Now, this fan campaign to point out how WDW is crumbling in many ways (real and metaphorically) started on HIS site. And not by so-called 'haters' like myself ... or just voices of reason like my good pal Mrs. Lee's wacko hubby! Just real forum members that have had it with one of their favorite places being treated and managed so poorly.

That thing hit at the same time I was attacking Disney for its Social Media practices, which also I'm sure hit close to home.

You add things like the Parks on the market talk and the exec restructuring and there's just no way to paint things positively. Disney P&R is in turmoil now and one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. And instead of mellowing out and letting people talk, he stuck himself right in the center. Maybe Marsha 'The Mom' should send him to his room without porridge or bangers and mash ;-)

 

Originally Posted By WDWVacationer

Yeah, a small area in the supposed DVC area has been walled off. Likely rerouting water, electrical and things like that.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Spirit's question is the real one. Why doesn't he come on any of the Disney discussion boards?

Lee McDonald does, why not Tom? He already has the authority to speak for the company on the Disney Blog.>>

Oh, almost forgot to get back to Mike's point here.

I'd love Tom to post here. I'd love for any official from Disney Social Media to come chat with us. We aren't that scary (well, Trippy is but he's been quiet of late).

Just like I'd love for all the whiney podcasters, bloggers and webmasters (and the fanbois who love them) to join in. I'll even apologize to anyone if I somehow hurt their feelings (things are lost in the cyberverse). So, c'mon let's have an LP Membership Drive!

I want to help make sure Gideon's education is paid for right through post-grad and even law or medical school

There's no reason why these folks refuse to post except one: they're afraid. This site has folks that agree, disagree or aren't even sure what they think ... and somehow we manage to function just fine (WE aside, and I don't advise any sane spirit to head down there.)

But that's just it, these people (let's focus on the paid Disney employees) honestly don't know how to deal with people in an open back and forth. Even simply saying there are some things they can't discuss isn't good enough (Leemac does that and we all love ... well, maybe not TDLFAN but he was on a long sabbatical ... or at least respect the hell out of him for that) as they so lack confidence in their abilities.

Having met some (but not Thomas Smith) I'm not surprised. But I'd like to think we'd be fair with the dude. If he's open and honest with us, that's all we can ask for, right?

C'mon all you lurkers, let's talk ...

 

Originally Posted By SeventyOne

<(not sure that figure is accurate at night, anyone else know?)>

It's not, $3 after 6:00.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<(not sure that figure is accurate at night, anyone else know?)>

<<It's not, $3 after 6:00.>>

That's about what I thought, but my last two visits to UNI this year were just at the parks with a separate visit to Royal Pacific for the best dinner I've had in O-Town in a long time.

So again, Disney lets a comment go that makes it seem like to do anything 'adult' at night at the competition it's gonna cost the price of a refillable mug to start!

Thanks for the info!

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

Well, I feel like I'm the one manipulating the mouse. Twice I have posted something concerning the mouse and within days the topic is addressed on Disney's blog.
First I used a photo of the Little Mermaid construction to show my concern about inferior rock work and a week later a video trumpeting the sculptors amazing skill. Coincidence? Then I started the thread about Hyperion Wharf being dead (info from Orlando United) an voila, a response to that thread. At least we known they are reading.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

^^They are always reading. That's my biggest issue. They troll, but won't talk. It feels very dirty.

I wonder how the rockwork in Radiator Springs is coming along?

I'm sure it's fine.

After all, if there were any problems, then wouldn't Al Lutz have reported them by now? ;-)

 

Originally Posted By ChiMike

>>OK, so I just skimmed through the 49 comments to my pal Tom's (we're buddies now, right?) blog post on The Official MAGICal Pixie Dust-Filled Disney Parks Blog regarding TSFKaPI.

Now, I'm sure you noticed that the words 'Hyperion Wharf' are NOT used a single time by Tom.

While the words 'Pleasure Island' are used multiple times.

He didn't respond to one person's questions or comments. Anyone want to ask him if P&R is on the market, so we can clear that whole thing up ;-)

<<

Great analysis Spirit. You answered my question in a way. I guess I was wondering if you thought he was loosening the post approvals in response to online pressure.

But now looking at your analysis, I get it....

I also loved how on the campground post the blogger (who I think is really trying to engage readers, so I give her an A+ for that) said she just figured out that there was a railroad at the campground due to her perusal of Smith's A to Z encyclopedia (Hyperion) but than later gives praise to Broggie's book in a response to a post.

So did she know about the campground railroad prior to Smith's book or not? Can't imagine she read Broggie's book that quickly. So cute reason to bring the subject up and nice plug, but why lie?

---

And this one day experiment is the reason why I don't go over there to read.

 

Originally Posted By ChiMike

>>Reading the MAGICal defense of mediocrity today was enough to get me to register over here-Im pretty much done there now. It almost sounds like Thomas Smith hacked the webmaster's account....<<

Welcome Asianway!

Great to have you here!

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

<<After all, if there were any problems, then wouldn't Al Lutz have reported them by now?>>

Don't be so sure. He still doesn't know that Baxter is no longer heading up the Matterhorn rehab.

I'm guessing Al only gets a very small slice of the extra large Disney deep dish pizza. And most of that slice is half-baked dough.

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

<<And you are letting Lou advertise his personal on the OFFICIAL company site and there's nothing fishy with that?>>

This has been going on for a long time! And his comment is also always one of the first - either he is never separated from his computer and constantly refreshing the Disney Parks Blog to see if there are new posts - or he might be aware when new posts appear...

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

Disney sends out links to the new post on Twitter. If you have your phone connected to twitter, you'll get an alert the second it pops up. Kind of a pain in the ....

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

EE, thanks for the explanation. So he only jumps directly to the computer as soon as he gets the Twitter alert - I guess I know too little about the twitterverse...