I would disagree, to an extent. Disney uses the boards as unofficial feedback. By that I mean instead of using those people from "Research" that nab you and get your email for a survey. Think about it, feedback no matter how it is attained is useful. In a project such as this they make plans, do artist renderings, come up with site plans, etc. Now say a lot of people are up in arms about the destruction of the vegetation, they may take that into consideration and revise the plans.
Yes, they look for leaks. But even the leaks can be sanctioned by Disney, making them not really leaks but more tidbits of information they want known to generate interest and/ or feedback.
Simply saying Disney does not care about what we think or say is nonsense. This is feedback that they do not have to actively seek aside from browsing the internet. Are people such pixie dust inhalers that they think that Disney or any other corporation does not have people active on websites that discuss their product? That the company is perfect the way it is? Do you believe they invested billions in the last 7 years on a whim? No, they did research, they ghost wrote stealthy conversations online. They got feedback. Which is why they are going to spend billions more in updates and improvements. While the public may not always hold sway in the biggest decisions, they do hold sway on what they want. And if the public does not get what they want, they vote with their wallet. Examples as much as I hate to admit it.....Starbucks, people wanted it. More space for viewing of Wishes.....people wanted it. Princess meet and greets.....people wanted it. Wishes and Meet and Greets do not make direct money, but they draw in crowds which buy food, memory maker sales and merchandise.
How did Disney know? Research, at the parks, through surveys, and online discussion forums such as this.
I will give you an example, as a 30 year paintball player, I am active on many forums. Players write about their gear and the tournaments and the games they play all the time. The companies monitor these sites, they listen to their customers, they make changes, they make improvements. The result is happy customers, changes in gear, games, tournament formats, etc. Which in turn generates sales which generate profit. For me as a part time game producer, I have to listen to my customers, make changes, fix problems, show that I do care a lot about their needs and wants then adjust how I do things despite what I may think is a good idea. If I do not, people don't come, the field does not make money and I am out of business. While what I do is a lot of face to face, I have to get on Facebook and discussion forums nightly and read......a lot. And not just for my area, but across the country and even some international game producers and field sites. Keep the customer happy, get repeat customers and turn a profit, and then you will get more players, turn a higher profit.
