Premium Members Lounge - what it is and what it isn't

[Pongo]

So... should this be limited to the PML or to cliques in general?

I'm sorry BJ, but all the PML is is a clique. The Prems who have the links/comments/etc regarding the PML is the exact same thing as non-Prems having references to their non-Prem cliques in their sigs. Just because it's in Chit Chat or in the PML doesn't make a difference, because both are the exact same thing. There is no difference between Chit Chat and the PML other then the fact you have to pay to get into one. Anyone can get in (it is only five dollars... thats a drink from Starbucks that you don't need...), and the people who participate choose to or not... the exact same way as in Chit Chat.

Cliques are going to happen on a message board, and there are plenty here. There's the PML, the VMK clique, the Imagineering Board Clique, the Universal clique, the MJ clique, the Wafflefest clique, the parents clique, the 20 something clique, the high school clique... and the list goes on.

If ONE clique cannot have stuff in their sigs, then none of them should. To be honest, just like life, if someone pays for it, they have an entitlement. That's not being mean... it's a fact. So if anyone should be allowed to have "inside jokes", it should be the Prems.

Chit Chat has plenty of inside jokes that most members don't know about. Everything in my sig was in the public forums... and every single one is an inside joke. Why people just can't leave the PML for what it is is beyond me... and it makes them seem really petty.

This post went longer then I was anticipating... but I hope it at least gets people to think.

I understand that cliques exist, but the "PML clique" is set apart from the "MJ clique" or the "Wafflefest clique" or the "Imagineering clique" or any other clique based on a public board or thread. Why is it set apart? Because if someone wanted to know the details about something the "Wafflefest clique" finds funny, all they need to do is search "Wafflefest" or look in the Wafflefest thread. Non-paying members can't do that with the "PML clique" jokes or info or whatever.

I think that is what creates this "us vs. them" mentality that everyone is talking about. The "us" can't see what the "them" is doing, when the "them" has free reign over all the "us" does and says.

Again. All IMO. I may be completely alone in this.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Jeff (won't quote your whole post, but here's my response):

If somebody feels the need to put PML paraphernalia in their sig or avatar, they can. I still think it's obnoxious, and the only reason I say it is because of the limited access. Anybody can read the posts in any of the other cliques around here. I might be able to put $5 a month toward a website, but I can't speak for every member of this site. That could be a lot of money for some people, or money they don't even have for the younger ones, so I don't know that everyone who isn't PML doesn't participate out of choice.

I saw a sig a while back that said "It's a PML thing. You wouldn't understand." I won't call a name, because I honestly don't remember whose it was. I just think that's the wrong way to show PML pride. But I don't set the rules around here, so it's my opinion...nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Eeyore]

These issues are all things that need to be hashed out. I'm very happy to see them being dealt with in such a respectful manner, lets make sure to keep it that way. :wave:

We may be different groups but we are all part of one community.

 

[LilDucky]

I understand that cliques exist, but the "PML clique" is set apart from the "MJ clique" or the "Wafflefest clique" or the "Imagineering clique" or any other clique based on a public board or thread. Why is it set apart? Because if someone wanted to know the details about something the "Wafflefest clique" finds funny, all they need to do is search "Wafflefest" or look in the Wafflefest thread. Non-paying members can't do that with the "PML clique" jokes or info or whatever.

I think that is what creates this "us vs. them" mentality that everyone is talking about. The "us" can't see what the "them" is doing, when the "them" has free reign over all the "us" does and says.

Again. All IMO. I may be completely alone in this.

Well, for 5 dollars (something like 16 cents a day) ANYBODY can come in an see "what the PML is scheming".

I think you'd be surprised at what you'd find: a bunch of folks talking about their children, work, school, health problems and so on.

The PML, in *theory* is a private board, but it's most definitely not, which is something that even members of the PML dont understand. I hate to sound like a broken record, but for a small amount of money, anybody can read this "private" board.

I know I dont share a lot of personal info (I have yet to post a pic of myself, despite having been in the PML for a year now :lol: ), because again, just about anybody can come in and read.

Bottomline: It's just not that private :lol:

 

[Legacy]

Jeff (won't quote your whole post, but here's my response):

If somebody feels the need to put PML paraphernalia in their sig or avatar, they can. I still think it's obnoxious, and the only reason I say it is because of the limited access. Anybody can read the posts in any of the other cliques around here. I might be able to put $5 a month toward a website, but I can't speak for every member of this site. That could be a lot of money for some people, or money they don't even have for the younger ones, so I don't know that everyone who isn't PML doesn't participate out of choice.

I saw a sig a while back that said "It's a PML thing. You wouldn't understand." I won't call a name, because I honestly don't remember whose it was. I just think that's the wrong way to show PML pride. But I don't set the rules around here, so it's my opinion...nothing more, nothing less.

Point taken. I know I have been guilty of it in the past, and I do agree that it does cause strain. However, it goes back to the argument of entitlement and choice. With 50,000 members on these boards, I am amazed that people seem so shocked when something identical to real life shows up here. Maybe it's because Disney is a "happy" place that doesn't sit in reality... but that doesn't mean that Magic has to mimic FantasyLand itself.

 

[cherrynegra]

I'm a premium member primarily because I found out that they have goat sacrifices on full moon nights where garyhoov dresses up like Philoctetes and leads PMLers in dance around the campfire. Good times. Good times.

Well, that and because I want to support Steve's great site.

:lookaroun

 

[DDuckFan130]

I'm a premium member primarily because I found out that they have goat sacrifices on full moon nights where garyhoov dresses up like Philoctetes and leads PMLers in dance around the campfire. Good times. Good times.

Well, that and because I want to support Steve's great site.

:lookaroun

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Those are fun times :lookaroun

Gordon!!! :kiss:

 

[ogryn]

The PML does do great breakfast buffets... no ADR's required either... always a plus :lol:

 

[Pongo]

If you are, or were not, "jealous of the PML," then why the controversy with your signature less than a week ago, and this thread that Steve had to starte, which sparked it ?

I agree that certain things should stay behind closed doors. Signatures are not one of them. If they bother you so much, then uncheck the box to display signatures in your User CP.

I am willing to answer any and every question you have about the "controversy", but only in PMs. For the most par it was one big misunderstanding.

And I don't want to make signatures invisible because it's not all signatures that I dislike seeing. Only one or two from time to time. And I like having a signaure myself.

 

[wdwmagic]

And I don't want to make signatures invisible because it's not all signatures that I dislike seeing. Only one or two from time to time. And I like having a signaure myself.

I think you need to put some perspective on this. There are 40,000 members here. There is no way you, or anyone here, is going to have a full understanding of every member's signature. I know I certainly dont have the slightest clue what a lot of them are about. As long as they are not offensive, that is no problem.

You just have to accept, that amongst such a large group, there will be groups formed, where inside jokes and information will exist. The PML is not the only way for these groups to form. I know there are several other forums that contain largely members from this forum, and they exist as independent bodies. Are you going to take the time to join all these other forums, so that you know every single inside joke and piece of information that takes place there? How baout instant mesenger, do you want to be privy to everything that is said in those private messages as well? This is getting silly, but I think it illustrates a point.

My best advice to you, is to be a bit thicker skinned, and dont think you have to be part of everything that takes place in such a large community, and if you dont like a signature, ignore it. If its genuinely offensive, report it, and it will be looked at.

 

[Nemo14]

We could probably debate this thing for another 2000 posts or so, but I don't think any good would come of it. Personally I'm not going to shut off signatures just for the sake of a few. That's just not the point at all. I enjoy reading them, and I think they at times speak volumes about the person who posts them. Most of us here seem to be on the same page, as far as consideration for each other is concerned, and I think any further problems with this should probably be addressed as PM's. JMHO!
Thanks for keeping the flames down!

 

[The Mom]

Just another reminder.

Let's not get snippy with each other. It appears that mistakes were made, which resulted in ruffling some feathers, but everyone involved has corrected them. No need to rehash anything, or start pointing fingers.

This thread was started simply to clear up any misunderstandings about the history and purpose of the PML, and to reiterate the point that it is NOT supposed to be viewed as any sort of staus symbol, but only a way of thanking subscribing members by giving them a couple of extra perks. Period.

I was there when Steve established the PML, and every argument raised today was raised then. Steve knew that the very existence of the PML would irritate some people, but he also knew that few people would subscribe without at least a couple of perks.

His choice was to either put up with the grumbling forever (new singer, same song), or close the site. I ,for one, am willing to listen to the PML bashers if that's the only way wdwmagic can continue.

Steve has done an incredible job of making this site grow over the years, and he gets very little thanks for it. If anything, he has to endure abuse, whining, and insults frequently. I often wonder why he keeps it going, especially after some of the things I've witnessed.

But I'm thankful that he does. Steve, here's to you. :sohappy:

 

[e4ymod]

I'm a premium member primarily because I found out that they have goat sacrifices on full moon nights where garyhoov dresses up like Philoctetes and leads PMLers in dance around the campfire. Good times. Good times.

I LOVE THOSE!!!!:sohappy:

Well, that and because I want to support Steve's great site.

:lookaroun

Oh yea... that too.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Well, that and because I want to support Steve's great site.

:lookaroun

Gordon :sohappy: :wave:

 

[tigsmom]

The PML does do great breakfast buffets... no ADR's required either... always a plus :lol:

:lol:

:lookaroun

 

[tigsmom]

Just another reminder.

Let's not get snippy with each other. It appears that mistakes were made, which resulted in ruffling some feathers, but everyone involved has corrected them. No need to rehash anything, or start pointing fingers.

This thread was started simply to clear up any misunderstandings about the history and purpose of the PML, and to reiterate the point that it is NOT supposed to be viewed as any sort of staus symbol, but only a way of thanking subscribing members by giving them a couple of extra perks. Period.

I was there when Steve established the PML, and every argument raised today was raised then. Steve knew that the very existence of the PML would irritate some people, but he also knew that few people would subscribe without at least a couple of perks.

His choice was to either put up with the grumbling forever (new singer, same song), or close the site. I ,for one, am willing to listen to the PML bashers if that's the only way wdwmagic can continue.

Steve has done an incredible job of making this site grow over the years, and he gets very little thanks for it. If anything, he has to endure abuse, whining, and insults frequently. I often wonder why he keeps it going, especially after some of the things I've witnessed.

But I'm thankful that he does. Steve, here's to you. :sohappy:

Very well said! :sohappy:

I became a PM to help support a site that I probably spend way too much time visiting, but I can't help it. I have learned so much , made many friends and, hopefully, have helped a few people along the way. The PML could disappear tomorrow and that would be fine with me because that is not why I'm here.
Steve, I've often said I don't know why you put up with all of us and the things that go on here, but I am so glad you do. Thanks! :wave:

 

[MsSnuzi]

Just wanted to get my thanks in to Steve for the GREAT site and all his work to keep it the best on the net. Thanks to the Mods too for all that you do!!
:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

I love you guys . . . :lookaroun

 

[Wilt Dasney]

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[Wilt Dasney]

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[Laura]

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