Rumor Sources

[_ZJ]

Is there any system in place, either here, or on another forum or site, that actively tracks who shares news/rumors, and subsequently how accurate they are? Almost like a tracker or leaderboard, for lack of a better word, that "rates" credibility?

I've noticed over the years that several sources are often ridiculed for making claims that never come to fruition, and sometimes those that even have a decent track record have to answer critics. And I'm not talking just about this site, but across twitter, other sites, etc. An example would be Jim Hill: he seems to get picked on a lot around here. I don't know if it's justified or not, so a handy reference of sorts would be interesting (to me anyway).

Sites that cover other topics, such as MacRumors, regularly keep track of who predicted what. And, when the official news finally hits, they let you know how everyone fared. It is certainly helpful to me, as I'm not always able to follow every page of lengthy threads. It helps me know who to pay extra attention to. Plus, I think it might help settle a few friendly arguments that often take place

Just a thought... Curious if there is already something like this, or if not, if there is any interest in it. Thoughts and discussion welcomed! Thanks for reading.

 

[Rteetz]

wdwthemeparks.com

 

[_ZJ]

wdwthemeparks.com

Awesome, thanks!

 

[No Name]

Actively tracking who shares rumors is good, which is what wdwthemeparks.com does wonderfully.

But I don't like a leaderboard method of who was right and who was wrong.

Plans change all the time. I have no doubt that what @marni1971 or @Magic Feather or many others say is true today. But it might not be true tomorrow. And it is their fault for sharing a plan, if it doesn't come to fruition? Would you rather them hold back what they know, for fear that they'll be perceived as having "poor sources?"

If you need help visualizing, lets use the UK pavilion ride rumor as an example. Martin and others are sharing what they can, but there's a chance Disney will scrap the plans, and nothing will come to fruition. Then, was Martin's info wrong? Did he have poor sources? No. But the problem is, a leaderboard method would say "yes."

My point is, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
I know there have been a crapload of shetchy rumors lately, but once you've been here long enough, you get to know for yourself who's to trust.

 

[marni1971]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

 

[ford91exploder]

Hmm this thread sounds like TDO looking for leakers. If so pretty bloody obvious...

 

[LAKid53]

Disney bus drivers - an impeccable source of info....

 

[_ZJ]

Solid points, @egg thanks for posting. Hadn't thought about that.

I think, though, that people like @marni1971 are great about clearly saying "as it stands now," or some other qualifier that lets you know things aren't in stone. Some seem more sensationalist, worried more about getting attention than simply sharing knowledge. It is this type of differentiation that interests me. I think the aforementioned WDW theme parks.com site will go a long way towards that for me, and I look forward to referencing it going forward with so many rumors spinning through the mill.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

Can you shoot some lotto number picks my way please. IM so I dont have to share. You do get a cut though.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

The leading source of all Disney rumors......

 

[LAKid53]

The leading source of all Disney rumors......

Uh, that's what I said several posts back....

I get some of my best info, em rumors, from Disney bus drivers....

 

[Bacon]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

Pssst. I'm ganna do that for now on thank you good sir

 

[wannabeBelle]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

 

[NormC]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

That's Frank.

 

[IanDLBZF]

There are some folks here who have access to "The Hub" (Disney's Internal System), so I'm sure that's where they hear some of the rumors. Other times, we hear about WDW rumors through other sites, like with Corless, or even on Social Media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter). You oughta be careful about who to trust though, especially with Jim Hill or Tom Corless.

 

[Surfin' Tuna]

Disney bus drivers - an impeccable source of info....

This is my favorite, because it is always reported with such an authoritative air. It often starts with, "I heard from a source..." Wouldn't we all expect the bus drivers to be in the loop that the top most levels?

 

[SteveAZee]

I make it all up. Sometimes I get lucky.

I think that's someone else's job.

 

[Surfin' Tuna]

This has never happened to be before tonight, but on the weekly Epcot trip a CM shared a rumor with my wife and I. She said, "I heard a rumor they're bringing back the parade this summer." Instead of amazement as her inside knowledge, I asked (for this thread) "where did you hear that?" She just looked at me as if I should never ask such a thing. I assume she must be dating a bus driver or something to have such inside info.

 

[IanDLBZF]

I make it all up.