Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts IV

[Lord_Vader]

What the high-end hotels lack is the resort/destination feel. But just wanting high end hotel experience is there.. Peabody, Ritz, Gaylord, etc. But none of those are destinations in themselves. I doubt building a ultra-lux hotel would drain those people away from the Poly/GF/etc. Why? Because they obviously aren't paying for the Poly/GF because of the ultra-lux services and amenities (they don't exist!). They pay because they want to be in the Disney bubble and can.

You hit the nail on the head... Guests stay at Disney Deluxe resorts because of location, location, location. It is the oldest rule in real estate.

 

[WDWDad13]

Maybe Ricky doesn't find everything at the parks to be the doom and gloom that a few around here want.

Why don't you all go start your own site about all the horrible things going on at WDW? Please, take your small group and build a site that highlights every little thing you find problematic. You all know SO MUCH MORE than any of the Disney social media employees, their "whores" and all those lifestylers, so your site should be a monster success in just days or weeks. Do it. Prove you actually have the all-knowing, superior capabilities you claim.

very much agreed

 

[71jason]

I love how among the straw-man arguments, we've somehow reduced a straight-up cash payment to mere "swag." This wasn't a Disney tote bag or a commemorative pin or a comped dessert--this was a $50 gift card, same as cash anywhere around the resort. Payola, plain and simple.

 

[WDWDad13]

I love how among the straw-man arguments, we've somehow reduced a straight-up cash payment to mere "swag." This wasn't a Disney tote bag or a commemorative pin or a comped dessert--this was a $50 gift card, same as cash anywhere around the resort. Payola, plain and simple.

lol so? It's probably easier for them to do it this way. What if he were given a $50 souvi are you saying that would be different? Couldn't he just sell it for the same thing?

And let's be honest here..$50 at Disney world is..nothing

 

[wm49rs]

Taking the $50 et al is one thing; disclosing it as part of one's review is another.....

 

[ToTBellHop]

Taking the $50 et al is one thing; disclosing it as part of one's review is another.....

It should be disclosed. It creates a clear bias. I now know that if Disney pays me $50 and the food is free, I, too, will love the updated California Grill.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Taking the $50 et al is one thing; disclosing it as part of one's review is another.....

If it wasn't disclosed, how do we know about it? If it wasn't disclosed and reported by someone else, how do we know it's true or was a payoff? If it wasn't disclosed what does it matter?

If I were to find out that someone got a $50.00 gift card from Disney and wrote a nice piece about them, would I be on the phone cancelling my reservations, screaming I was duped? Accepting something doesn't automatically alter one's perceptions. The changes are that they got the "gift" because they already saw things in a positive manner. Taking it, doesn't change anything or make what they are saying untrue based on their vision. Again, there is nothing to really talk about so we will build as much of a mountain out of this molehill as we can. Doesn't matter if it has any relevance at all. Let's just talk like it does.

 

[wm49rs]

If it wasn't disclosed, how do we know about it? If it wasn't disclosed and reported by someone else, how do we know it's true or was a payoff? If it wasn't disclosed what does it matter?

If I were to find out that someone got a $50.00 gift card from Disney and wrote a nice piece about them, would I be on the phone cancelling my reservations, screaming I was duped? Accepting something doesn't automatically alter one's perceptions. The changes are that they got the "gift" because they already saw things in a positive manner. Taking it, doesn't change anything or make what they are saying untrue based on their vision. Again, there is nothing to really talk about so we will build as much of a mountain out of this molehill as we can. Doesn't matter if it has any relevance at all. Let's just talk like it does.

Because Kevin Yee disclosed it in his review of the California Grill.....

And I never said it would alter someone's view. But it could impact their decisions, which is of course why Disney hosts this group of people.....

 

[Lord_Vader]

In my business, equipment manufacturers, software development companies, and others wine an dine us including at times, dinners much more expensive than Califonia Grill as a method to get face time with us. Companies give us Polo shirts, Nike golf wear, and much more yet NONE has ever altered my decisions or made even think twice about my opinion of their products, I am paid by my current employer to look out for its best interest, and they pay a lot more than the tokens/trinkets that suppliers are handing out.

A $50.00 gift card is SWAG, a pittance or token that could only serve as a thank you for your time. If any person would sway your opinion after a free meal at Califonia Grill and a $50.00 gift card then they have no ethics and are simply for sale and cheap.

 

[Goofyernmost]

It should be disclosed. It creates a clear bias. I now know that if Disney pays me $50 and the food is free, I, too, will love the updated California Grill.

You and everyone one else on the planet that is working with a free conscience knowing what they love and getting rewarded for the loyalty.

It isn't everybody's job to be the person that always caters to the weaknesses of others. If one cannot see all sides, then that is their problem. That doesn't mean that I have to point it out, especially if there is a good chance that I don't really see the other side. Everyone has their own agenda and focus. Not everyone is looking to contradict their own beliefs. And that goes for the positive side and the negative side, in equal proportions.

 

[flynnibus]

I love how among the straw-man arguments, we've somehow reduced a straight-up cash payment to mere "swag." This wasn't a Disney tote bag or a commemorative pin or a comped dessert--this was a $50 gift card, same as cash anywhere around the resort. Payola, plain and simple.

What the gift 'is' - is insignificant to the principle. Remember.. the claim is merely taking the freebies taints you. No where have people said 'well, taking SMALL stuff is ok, but if you cross the threshold.. then you're a '. The idea of free meals, cruises, hotel stays are far more valuable than a stupid gift card.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Because Kevin Yee disclosed it in his review of the California Grill.....

And I never said it would alter someone's view. But it could impact their decisions, which is of course why Disney hosts this group of people.....

Of course that's why. So what is the discussion about? They have done nothing wrong, they took no oath or pledge to never accidentally or otherwise, deceive the public. If the name of the Blog is CBS NEWS, or NBC NEWS, etc., they have a responsibility (that they probably would ignore for the sake of ratings anyway), to the public to let them know the degree of seriousness they need to take in what is being told. I have never seen any evidence of that being the case with a blog.

 

[scout68]

Maybe Ricky doesn't find everything at the parks to be the doom and gloom that a few around here want.

Why don't you all go start your own site about all the horrible things going on at WDW? Please, take your small group and build a site that highlights every little thing you find problematic. You all know SO MUCH MORE than any of the Disney social media employees, their "whores" and all those lifestylers, so your site should be a monster success in just days or weeks. Do it. Prove you actually have the all-knowing, superior capabilities you claim.

Slow your roll dis.
I dished exactly 0 tags.
I claimed 0 capabilities.
I never assumed to know more.


I simply asked a question.

and because stating this again seems appropriate:

I never indicated any one person or site.
The Pay for Perks (let's call it a hobby) folks were the target of my inquiry.

 

[wm49rs]

Of course that's why. So what is the discussion about? They have done nothing wrong, they took no oath or pledge to never accidentally or otherwise, deceive the public. If the name of the Blog is CBS NEWS, or NBC NEWS, etc., they have a responsibility (that they probably would ignore for the sake of ratings anyway), to the public to let them know the degree of seriousness they need to take in what is being told. I have never seen any evidence of that being the case with a blog.

I never discussed oaths, network or cable TV. But if one runs a Disney site purporting to be a "leading source" of information, and that information is tainted by the freebies being doled out by Disney, the yes, it should be disclosed. If the product being discussed is strong enough, there shouldn't be any problem letting people know what they were given.....

 

[Lucky]

My employer bans us from accepting any gift worth $50 or more, and requires us to report any gift worth under $50. This and other rules are to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest.

 

[WDWDad13]

geez people... I don't care if he was given a free ice water or $100,000.... he can still review and say whatever he wants just as others can including us on here. If you believe everything anyone says regardless of what you call "gifts"...then you are a sucker

Look... on my honeymoon my wife and I stayed at the Beach Club Villas... we had some pretty big issues with our room and in addition got very sick for a couple of days which messed up our plans, dining reservations, etc. Disney found out about this and reimbursed us for our lost dining (we were on the dining plan) and gave us 3 free nights for our next Disney trip in a deluxe resort. This doesn't mean this skewed my thinking and decided to rant and rave about how awesome the beach club villas were... in fact we haven't stayed there since.

my point is... so what if they got anything... they don't have to tell us, they can review it however they like...and we're welcome to believe it, eat there, or not eat there, period

again...these guys like them or not take a lot of their time to share with us Disney news, information, etc. so I have no problem getting a little friendly thanks back from Disney

 

[scout68]

[quote="
If I were to find out that someone got a $50.00 gift card from Disney and wrote a nice piece about them, would I be on the phone cancelling my reservations, screaming I was duped? Accepting something doesn't automatically alter one's perceptions. The changes are that they got the "gift" because they already saw things in a positive manner. Taking it, doesn't change anything or make what they are saying untrue based on their vision. Again, there is nothing to really talk about so we will build as much of a mountain out of this molehill as we can. Doesn't matter if it has any relevance at all. Let's just talk like it does.[/quote]


It matters (to me) if the recipient of the "gift" gives nothing but glowing reviews.

I thought the dead hoarse needed another beating.

 

[flynnibus]

My employer bans us from accepting any gift worth $50 or more, and requires us to report any gift worth under $50. This and other rules are to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest.

standard practice is most companies that are skitish of scrutiny or anyone who deals with government. government is very strict on the gift guidelines. On everything from travel, lodging, food, gifts, etc.

 

[WDWDad13]

My employer bans us from accepting any gift worth $50 or more, and requires us to report any gift worth under $50. This and other rules are to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest.

fan bloggers & podcasters v/s a private sector customer of the business you work for is different don't ya think?

 

[flynnibus]

It matters (to me) if the recipient of the "gift" gives nothing but glowing reviews.

See fallacy #2 - If you don't report negative things, you are tainted and controlled