The [Dis] Influencer- One Year Anniversary

[_caleb]

I'm just joking around. But I think two things can simultaneously be true- more than one person has had the TP handle, and TP isn't Al Lutz's ghost writer.

But also I'm just guessing here. I believe TP's denial of any affiliation with the Walt Disney Company beyond the occasional chat with the neighbor lady.

Oh! I did not know such a denial existed! Could you point me to it? Only reason I ask is because I was just doing to write a post asking TP directly if he had ever written or edited anything for Al Lutz or the ”micechat Team.”

Honestly, I’m not stuck on TP in particular. I’ve mentioned that even though I disagree with a lot of his opinions, I do enjoy his posts. I am, however, still thinking about how much of what I read is written by genuine fans and how much is directed to influence (one way or another) those of us who are trying to interact in good faith.

 

[_caleb]

Now wouldn't that be something.....



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You mentioned a while back that you know TP isn’t the Troy Porter named in the Snyder article. Are you aware of anyone who is or has posted here as part of an influence campaign?

 

[SuddenStorm]

Oh! I did not know such a denial existed! Could you point me to it? Only reason I ask is because I was just doing to write a post asking TP directly if he had ever written or edited anything for Al Lutz or the ”micechat Team.”

Honestly, I’m not stuck on TP in particular. I’ve mentioned that even though I disagree with a lot of his opinions, I do enjoy his posts. I am, however, still thinking about how much of what I read is written by genuine fans and how much is directed to influence (one way or another) those of us who are trying to interact in good faith.

It was in the Disneyland thread on the topic from a year ago, which I believe was deleted. I followed it in real time, so I saw quite a few of the posts prior to their removal from the mods.

I think most of us here on the Disneyland side who've had interactions with TP online for years don't believe the weird assertion that he's affiliated with Micechat in any way. I believe Dusty got involved as well and responded over on his site, but I can't remember exactly.

 

[_caleb]

By the way, what happened to t

It was in the Disneyland thread on the topic from a year ago, which I believe was deleted. I followed it in real time, so I saw quite a few of the posts prior to their removal from the mods.

I think most of us here on the Disneyland side who've had interactions with TP online for years don't believe the weird assertion that he's affiliated with Micechat in any way. I believe Dusty got involved as well and responded over on his site, but I can't remember exactly.

Yeah, I tried to follow both threads last year (the one on the WDW side and over here), but it was a lot to keep up with! I didn’t see an actual denial. Just something about innocent people being hurt if he were to be forthcoming.

EDIT: By the way, does anyone know why that thread was deleted?

 

[Figments Friend]

You mentioned a while back that you know TP isn’t the Troy Porter named in the Snyder article. Are you aware of anyone who is or has posted here as part of an influence campaign?

I don't personally know anyone here by name that is specifically posting on behalf of the Disney Company to influence public opinion or Park fan opinion.
However, I am aware of folks who work for Disney in various departments and roles watching this website Forum, and they have been for years.

And I'm not nessesarily talking about our Cast Member friends who post here....for which there are plenty.
I'm talking more about the folks in higher level roles coming on here to observe and sometimes post.

A few create accounts to interact with the Forum and in some cases defend the companies stance when certain hot topics arise.
I've clashed with a couple of them over the years, specifically when I first joined the Forum and expressed some real concerns.
There have always been such people within our midst, but they are 'anonymous' to most and post under alias accounts.

Anyone who has been here for at least ten years can probably figure out who they are based on postings, 'irritation level', and sudden comings and goings.
That's the 'beauty of the Internet' in today's times - anyone can pretend to be anything and hide behind a nickname and a perceived persona.
It adds to the fun of the uncertainty of knowing who you are really talking to.

I'm just a purple dragon, by the way.


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[Disney Irish]

I don't personally know anyone here by name that is specifically posting on behalf of the Disney Company to influence public opinion or Park fan opinion.
However, I am aware of folks who work for Disney in various departments and roles watching this website Forum, and they have been for years.

And I'm not nessesarily talking about our Cast Member friends who post here....for which there are plenty.
I'm talking more about the folks in higher level roles coming on here to observe and sometimes post.

A few create accounts to interact with the Forum and in some cases defend the companies stance when certain hot topics arise.
I've clashed with a couple of them over the years, specifically when I first joined the Forum and expressed some real concerns.
There have always been such people within our midst, but they are 'anonymous' to most and post under alias accounts.

Anyone who has been here for at least ten years can probably figure out who they are based on postings, 'irritation level', and sudden comings and goings.
That's the 'beauty of the Internet' in today's times - anyone can pretend to be anything and hide behind a nickname and a perceived persona.
It adds to the fun of the uncertainty of knowing who you are really talking to.

I'm just a purple dragon, by the way.


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It reminds me of that old game show "To Tell the Truth"....

 

[_caleb]

I don't personally know anyone here by name that is specifically posting on behalf of the Disney Company to influence public opinion or Park fan opinion.
However, I am aware of folks who work for Disney in various departments and roles watching this website Forum, and they have been for years.

And I'm not nessesarily talking about our Cast Member friends who post here....for which there are plenty.
I'm talking more about the folks in higher level roles coming on here to observe and sometimes post.

A few create accounts to interact with the Forum and in some cases defend the companies stance when certain hot topics arise.
I've clashed with a couple of them over the years, specifically when I first joined the Forum and expressed some real concerns.
There have always been such people within our midst, but they are 'anonymous' to most and post under alias accounts.

Anyone who has been here for at least ten years can probably figure out who they are based on postings, 'irritation level', and sudden comings and goings.
That's the 'beauty of the Internet' in today's times - anyone can pretend to be anything and hide behind a nickname and a perceived persona.
It adds to the fun of the uncertainty of knowing who you are really talking to.

I'm just a purple dragon, by the way.


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Thanks. I’ve not be here so long but I’ve certainly got a taste of the sort of posters you mean. Seems like the “irritated narrative correctors“ come through pretty randomly, and the “let’s get the the gang back together to let everyone know what Disney’s really worried about“ come through just before big news. Then there are the obvious fakers who are probably just stirring the pot for the sweet YouTube content.

It’s the “insiders who hold court” that bother me the most; all cagey and cryptic while never distinguishing their opinions from whatever they might actually know.

And I’m sure there are efforts from the competition as well.

 

[Figments Friend]

Thanks. I’ve not be here so long but I’ve certainly got a taste of the sort of posters you mean. Seems like the “irritated narrative correctors“ come through pretty randomly, and the “let’s get the the gang back together to let everyone know what Disney’s really worried about“ come through just before big news. Then there are the obvious fakers who are probably just stirring the pot for the sweet YouTube content.

It’s the “insiders who hold court” that bother me the most; all cagey and cryptic while never distinguishing their opinions from whatever they might actually know.

And I’m sure there are efforts from the competition as well.

The 'insiders' you are referring to behave that way to protect their sources.
One has to be very careful talking about certain things before Disney publically announces projects or changes in operations.
Oh sure....some 'pretend insiders' may capitalize on that to make it appear they know something juicy, but you can tell the real deal from the posers pretty easily with time.

When it comes to divulging 'insider info', a direct answer often leads to the 'Corporate spies' on here tracking down the possible source and jeopardizing said insiders' lead on further information.
Not to mention likely job termination of either party if the info is traced back far enough and either are employees.
So real insiders are careful in how they state what they wish to share to insure it doesn't get traced back to their source.
Thus the 'cryptic' messages sometimes.


Also, insider info is subject to the constant changes that happen during the process as Disney moves forward with any given task or project.
Happens all the time, and one minute a statement is fact and the next day it can then not be due to changes.
So that is another reason why you may get the impression of vague, veiled statements.
All a part of the crazy world of theme park entertainment!



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[MisterPenguin]

Something else to keep in mind is the games people play when being coy with information. This is not only true for the major players in this drama who don't want to fully fess up to who they are or what they're doing, but unfortunately, I've caught some of our most trusted insiders who know some of the who's who playing games with information.

For example, if you ask, "Is this the Jim who was head of Department X after Debbie left?" They'll say, "No."

And it's the truth... from a certain point of view. And that's because Jim was made head of Department X *a week before* Debbie left. So, they can truthfully say, "No," all the while hiding the information you were looking for, namely, whether this the Jim of Department X that you were looking for.

I can see the drama llamas playing such games, but when our trusted insiders do the same... I feel a bit betrayed since their answer rather obviously throws one off the trail... the very definition of being deceptive even though they 'technically' told the truth. I'd rather they would say nothing than play such a game.

 

[Rickster7]

How ‘bout those Wawa hoagies?

 

[_caleb]

The 'insiders' you are referring to behave that way to protect their sources.
One has to be very careful talking about certain things before Disney publically announces projects or changes in operations.
Oh sure....some 'pretend insiders' may capitalize on that to make it appear they know something juicy, but you can tell the real deal from the posers pretty easily with time.

When it comes to divulging 'insider info', a direct answer often leads to the 'Corporate spies' on here tracking down the possible source and jeopardizing said insiders' lead on further information.
Not to mention likely job termination of either party if the info is traced back far enough and either are employees.
So real insiders are careful in how they state what they wish to share to insure it doesn't get traced back to their source.
Thus the 'cryptic' messages sometimes.


Also, insider info is subject to the constant changes that happen during the process as Disney moves forward with any given task or project.
Happens all the time, and one minute a statement is fact and the next day it can then not be due to changes.
So that is another reason why you may get the impression of vague, veiled statements.
All a part of the crazy world of theme park entertainment!



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I understand the need to protect sources and identities. I certainly don’t want people who share inside information here to jeopardize their connections, relationships, or jobs just to share gossip on a fan site. And I have definitely seen efforts to figure out who certain members are after they post information, so I‘m sure the boards are being monitored.

I’ve been around long enough to see the patterns that differentiate posters that I trust from those I don’t. That doesn’t mean I agree with them, just that I believe they’re discussing in good faith.

Guess the only place we disagree is whether or not TP is the Troy Porter?

 

[_caleb]

Something else to keep in mind is the games people play when being coy with information. This is not only true for the major players in this drama who don't want to fully fess up to who they are or what they're doing, but unfortunately, I've caught some of our most trusted insiders who know some of the who's who playing games with information.

For example, if you ask, "Is this the Jim who was head of Department X after Debbie left?" They'll say, "No."

And it's the truth... from a certain point of view. And that's because Jim was made head of Department X *a week before* Debbie left. So, they can truthfully say, "No," all the while hiding the information you were looking for, namely, whether this the Jim of Department X that you were looking for.

I can see the drama llamas playing such games, but when our trusted insiders do the same... I feel a bit betrayed since their answer rather obviously throws one off the trail... the very definition of being deceptive even though they 'technically' told the truth. I'd rather they would say nothing than play such a game.

Yeah, I think it’s that sense of betrayal (not to sound too dramatic) that bothers me. When you realize the person you’re talking with isn’t being honest, you realize they’re not in it for the same reasons you are.

 

[tirian]

Something else to keep in mind is the games people play when being coy with information. This is not only true for the major players in this drama who don't want to fully fess up to who they are or what they're doing, but unfortunately, I've caught some of our most trusted insiders who know some of the who's who playing games with information.

For example, if you ask, "Is this the Jim who was head of Department X after Debbie left?" They'll say, "No."

And it's the truth... from a certain point of view. And that's because Jim was made head of Department X *a week before* Debbie left. So, they can truthfully say, "No," all the while hiding the information you were looking for, namely, whether this the Jim of Department X that you were looking for.

I can see the drama llamas playing such games, but when our trusted insiders do the same... I feel a bit betrayed since their answer rather obviously throws one off the trail... the very definition of being deceptive even though they 'technically' told the truth. I'd rather they would say nothing than play such a game.

That’s why I miss the old “watering hole” days a decade ago. Yes, some users held court as @_caleb pointed out, but most simply traded gossip and then went back to life outside the ‘Net. Everyone knew to take it with a grain of salt, and most users did. It was mostly fans and legit WDI trading stories, and rarely true “insider info” other than refurbishment schedules. Things focused more on industry buzz, and times were simpler.

 

[MisterPenguin]

That’s why I miss the old “watering hole” days a decade ago. Yes, some users held court as @_caleb pointed out, but most simply traded gossip and then went back to life outside the ‘Net. Everyone knew to take it with a grain of salt, and most users did. It was mostly fans and legit WDI trading stories, and rarely true “insider info” other than refurbishment schedules. Things focused more on industry buzz, and times were simpler.

I don't understand. How do you monetize that?

 

[tirian]

Yeah, I think it’s that sense of betrayal (not to sound too dramatic) that bothers me. When you realize the person you’re talking with isn’t being honest, you realize they’re not in it for the same reasons you are.

I’ve said it before: I found this site because I was told to check it for opinions about a project at WDW. We were NOT spies or company shills; we weren’t encouraged to join or sway opinions. We were simply told to “see what fans think.” Then I learned many people, including my own boss, participated in the forums as fellow fans. They discussed, criticized, praised, etc. Nobody was getting paid to influence anything.

Corporate social media departments changed that in fan forums everywhere.

 

[tirian]

I don't understand. How do you monetize that?

I don’t understand your question. Are you talking about the ads or the blog entries? I’m talking about users on the fan forums.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I don’t understand your question. Are you talking about the ads or the blog entries? I’m talking about users on the fan forums.

[The joke is that *now* there are people reading such insider conversations and taking them to their monetized vlogs for personal gain. I was the voice of the clueless zoomer looking to get paid for my social media.]

 

[_caleb]

I’ve said it before: I found this site because I was told to check it for opinions about a project at WDW. We were NOT spies or company shills; we weren’t encouraged to join or sway opinions. We were simply told to “see what fans think.” Then I learned many people, including my own boss, participated in the forums as fellow fans. They discussed, criticized, praised, etc. Nobody was getting paid to influence anything.

Corporate social media departments changed that in fan forums everywhere.

This. I am so happy that CMs, former CMs, and even Execs participate here. I'm glad they can stay anonymous as they post their observations and opinions. I even like when they share "inside" information (knowing that things often change and rumors can be true yet not come to fruition).

I don't mind "Disney" checking in on what the fans think by lurking/participating here. I think I don't even mind them testing new ideas by leaking them (like with the Princess and the Frog overlay for Splash Mountain).

 

[lazyboy97o]

This is the part I am struggling with, because I am glad to be able to participate anonymously, even though I am none of the above. This article removed that veil of anonymity (or at least claimed to) with respect to TP. In response, other posters claimed to name the user names on this site of the author and his brother. While I can see an argument for both of those, I also see value in letting people remain anonymous. This is my dilemna.

You’re not really anonymous if you used to sign your name.

 

[tirian]

This. I am so happy that CMs, former CMs, and even Execs participate here. I'm glad they can stay anonymous as they post their observations and opinions. I even like when they share "inside" information (knowing that things often change and rumors can be true yet not come to fruition).

I don't mind "Disney" checking in on what the fans think by lurking/participating here. I think I don't even mind them testing new ideas by leaking them (like with the Princess and the Frog overlay for Splash Mountain).

That was long ago. I don’t know how many people care anymore.