The State of INTERCOT?

[RunDMV]

Having been here in one form or another since 1999, I can remember multiple posts with multiple replies on each section of the forum everyday. It seems that there is little more than one or two posts/replies day.

[missymouseworld]

Awhile back I remember reading the same type of question, and I believe the Intercot Master stated it is a slow time of the year on here, and then things pickup after the Holidays, etc. I can't remember what section I saw the post, but its there somewhere.....Wait, I remember now, it is under the Information Kiosk, What's the Deal/Threadkiller section.

[Disney4us2]

I sure hope not. People will come and go, then return. True that this is a hectic time of year. Hoping it will pick up soon. Through Intercot mini meets and Icot20, I've met so many nice members. Made some good friends. I couldn't picture if there was no Intercot .

[buzznwoodysmom]

I have noticed it as well. I've been around here for a while and it seems to be slower now than ever before.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

I blame Facebook, along with the other social media networks.

I HATE them all because there is no organization to the information a Facebook page may have, it's just a rambling mess. They aren't in any way better than a message board IMHO, but I fear the die has long been cast.

I sometimes wonder what I may be missing on Intercot's social media pages, but I have yet to take a peak.

[eam]

Also, there are those of us that read every day, but don't post. I love the information, and the living precariously through Intercot in between trips, but don't post often, or respond, especially since the "Thanks for this post"/"Like the Post" option has been added. I do that A LOT! And speaking of people coming and going, how many of us remember Aunt "I can't remember her name", who started those wonderful trip reports a few years ago and stopped posting right in the middle of her trip. I could hardly wait to get on Intercot every day to read those reports, and then they just stopped. Did anyone ever find out why? So very odd, and disappointing.

[John]

Kind of the nature of the way things are right now. If you look at any given post - there are a lot more reading of things than posting. Not sure how to change that. People browse more now than ever and seem far more disconnected from each other than ever before. They care more about making a statement than really engaging in a conversation or getting to know someone. Given we also don't allow flame wars and the such, we kind of are where we are.

20 people plus who are signed in have read this thread. 6 posted. 230 viewed (includes members and non members).

We get a lot of traffic from social to read posts like the ones Jason does but replies are few.

I'm open to ideas but I think it just related to how people consume information. Fighting the same thing in my "real world" job as well.

Oh, and it is a traditionally slow time of the year.

That said - if everyone who cared got 5 people they know to join - things could be different....

[PopPhan]

John, I think you summed it up pretty well. Lots of 'lurkers' but not many responding. I think that it is possible some are concerned about starting 'flame wars' if they don't agree with something stated in a post, so just bite their 'tongues,' read, and move on.

In my case, I tend to come for the information and cannot always respond due to lack of first hand knowledge. A lot of pre-trip research. Also, I have a bad habit of getting argumentative on the 'political' posts (which got me booted as a moderator, as well it should have -- Still apologizing for that mishap!)

One other thing...The addition of the 'Thanks for this post' and 'Like this post' options have lowered the actual typed responses somewhat. Those who would have written a 'Thank You' message and possibly expanded on it, have now just clicked the "Thank" and/or "Like" and not actually responded.

I still am a big fan of INTERCOT and promote it to anyone I talk Disney and Disney Parks with. I don't know if any have become followers, but I do suggest this site as the top site for Disney and Disney Parks information.

Keep up the great work and don't let a slow down, no matter the reason, stop you from sharing the love!!!

[MizMissy]

The posting has definitely slowed down. I love Intercot for the trip reports the most. And, I will admit that I was very disappointed when the big intercot meet was going on and someone asked about "live reports" and the poster was directed by admins to facebook or other social media for updates.
I mean, if the admins don't care enough to use this board for sending out information during an intercot gathering, I'm not sure how you expect others to use the board. I also did not find too many follow up posts about the meet.

[John]

The posting has definitely slowed down. I love Intercot for the trip reports the most. And, I will admit that I was very disappointed when the big intercot meet was going on and someone asked about "live reports" and the poster was directed by admins to facebook or other social media for updates.
I mean, if the admins don't care enough to use this board for sending out information during an intercot gathering, I'm not sure how you expect others to use the board. I also did not find too many follow up posts about the meet.

You make a good point and in retrospect, that probably was a mistake.

[BrowncatP]

Intercot is not dying but has slowed down in posting new information compared to other WDW web sites. This site(Intercot) now seems to be a day or so behind the other WDW sites that are out there.

[John]

Intercot is not dying but has slowed down in posting new information compared to other WDW web sites. This site(Intercot) now seems to be a day or so behind the other WDW sites that are out there.

To be fair, we probably never have been the "breaking news" site except for a few occasions I can remember over the years.

Why? Because the whole staff here is volunteers. Other sites do this for a living and even pay people to be site reporters, social media leads etc... we here (including myself) all have other jobs that put food on the table. Because of that, we post best we can as soon as we can.

We have always relied on the community to keep everyone informed. Users post info, staff posts info etc and we share with each other. Honestly, it's what's made this site great.

So, it's up to all of you along with all of us it's up to us to keep things online, informed and strong.

[VWL Mom]

To add to what John said, I will not post something as fact unless I can confirm it on an official Disney site or through the news. These days that's become harder since the rumor mill runs faster than the news. If something does appear extremely credible though I will post it under Rumors and note the same.

[magicofdisney]

I fully believe it all boils down to the direction of social media as a whole. 10 years ago, I primarily connected with other Disney fans through message boards. Today, I have FB, Instagram, Twitter...ad nauseam. This not only pulls individuals from the message boards, but it also allows them to, in effect, weed out those they don't necessarily want to interact with online. As I see it, the message board was the starting point but will not be the end point.

[Maleficent_vf]

I'll respond with a slightly different take. I have been a Disney fanatic for seemingly my entire 50 years. I have never been a frequent poster on Intercot, but over the years have followed conversations, trip reports, etc. with interest in anticipation of our next trip to WDW or just to keep up on the magical changes. Since our last trip in 2013, I have become less enamored with the direction WDW is going. It is less magical to me (I've gotten more jaded). "The Disney Difference", that synergistic environment within The Company that let's them create a product and market it it until you can't stand the sight of it any longer has really turned me off. The easiest example that comes to mind is the conversion of Maelstrom into a Frozen-themed ride. Not everything at WDW, especially outside the Magic Kingdom, needs to promote a Disney movie. The closing of Ellen's Energy Adventure to be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy ride is another. While EEA was in desperate need of an update, I'm not excited by the Guardians theme. Is The Company really that afraid of allowing their creative teams to develop something brand new and original for the parks? On the other hand, I am watching with interest to see how the Star Wars-ification of Hollywood Studios comes off. That could be an outstanding addition and one that fits the movie theme of that DHS, though it isn't something that would draw me back to WDW.

What it boils down to is that I'm less interested in the entire Disney realm in the past 5 years than I have been in my previous 45. As a result, I follow fewer conversations on Intercot and post even less (if that's possible).

[Speedy1998]

Part of it may be the nature of the boards. I know I went from checking intercot everyday to checking once a month or so, because I got tired of seeing the same questions (mostly about FP then FP+) posted over and over. About a year or two ago I started visiting everyday again, but don't spend as much time here as I once did. I usually just look to see if any new post interest me. If not I go somewhere else.

[PopPhan]

The easiest example that comes to mind is the conversion of Maelstrom into a Frozen-themed ride. Not everything at WDW, especially outside the Magic Kingdom, needs to promote a Disney movie. The closing of Ellen's Energy Adventure to be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy ride is another. While EEA was in desperate need of an update, I'm not excited by the Guardians theme. Is The Company really that afraid of allowing their creative teams to develop something brand new and original for the parks? On the other hand, I am watching with interest to see how the Star Wars-ification of Hollywood Studios comes off. That could be an outstanding addition and one that fits the movie theme of that DHS, though it isn't something that would draw me back to WDW.

Not trying to start an argument, or make light of your point, but what needs to be understood is that, with the number of 'sponsors' they have lost over the past 10 years (or so,) they are trying to turn over attractions and such as quickly as possible (even if it DOES seem to be at a snails pace) and are using IP (intellectual property) to do it. That means that rehabs and replacements are coming from what 'properties' are popular at the time and that they can 'turn over' quickly.

Add to that, kids are more inclined to excitement over newer, flashier attractions, so Marvel, Pixar and newer Disney Animation titles are big 'grabs' for them. EPCOT has lost a lot of its original concept over the years, so to bring in the crowds and keep them returning, new and flashy wins out over real substance. I was a big fan of Maelstrom, myself, but the rehab to Frozen Ever After was a major plus to the attraction. The big loss was the Norwegian 'history' that the original ride had.

It was a major shock to see that they had teamed with Cameron to do the Pandora area, as they have (or had at the time) no real connection. Given the time, and the input from Cameron himself, the area turned out pretty well.

Disney already had a tie in with LucasFilm with the Indiana Jones attractions, and Star Tours, so when they purchased LucasFilm, it was understood that a lot of LucasFilm properties would be melded into the parks. I fully expect 50's Prime Time Cafe to be rehabbed into something from American Graffiti in the near future, but what do I know....

[Kairi_7378]

I lurk here almost every day. I don't visit the World nearly as much as most of the members do, so I tend to not reply to a lot of the posts.

I will agree with other posters who have said that a lot of the questions for a while pertained to FP+. This is still the case on other boards I visit. (Well, that and the renovation status of CSR.)

I do wonder if a lot of members are not visiting the World because of all of the construction that is going on now. I think that things will pick up more in 2018/2019 as people are looking for information about the new attractions and restaurants from like-minded fans. (We had originally planned on going back this summer but are seriously considering waiting a few more years for the work in Epcot and DHS to be complete.)

[#1donaldfan]

I had noticed the slowing trend as well, but never said anything. I am typically on here during the week and never turn on a computer over the weekend .... other than my phone. I can't really say what it is that makes it seem slower. For me, I answer posts in matters that I have first hand experience or have first hand knowledge of. Intercot still has a wealth of knowledge to give people and not just to the new but to us old, crusty, been to Disney a million times kind of person. I may not learn something new each time I log on, but I do keep learning from here. I do not think the Disney trend is to not visit until the construction is completed because construction at Disney will NEVER be completed and we all know it's always crowded. I can remember WAY back when there were decidedly slower times to go, not now tho. Since the first time I took my kids, to now, there is always something new to see or eat or do. Always. Anywhoo ... Disney and Intercot are to me, like PB&J !! Kepp up the extraordinary work !!!

[Giggy]

I think it is a mix of reasons, I think in general message boards have slowed a bit with the rise of other social media which maybe is seen as more accessible (just need a FB or Twitter log in) and a larger base of posters who respond quicker. Then again I don't like the last point about Facebook, if you look at a post with 700+ responses already there feels little point in posting as no one will likely see or reply to your post anyway so it is fairly meaningless. Intercot for me meanwhile has more of a community feel and there names I recognise who have posted over the years.

Poster numbers will also vary depending on time or year, if there is a lot going on in WDW, etc. My own experience is I post a lot less when I am busy in my every day life (when work is very busy or around holidays) and that I post a lot more when I am planning a visit or just back from one. My Mum and sister are both members on here but very rarely post or even visit if we don't have a trip planned so may have even a few years away before posting again.

[Cinderelley]

The posting has definitely slowed down. I love Intercot for the trip reports the most. And, I will admit that I was very disappointed when the big intercot meet was going on and someone asked about "live reports" and the poster was directed by admins to facebook or other social media for updates.
I mean, if the admins don't care enough to use this board for sending out information during an intercot gathering, I'm not sure how you expect others to use the board. I also did not find too many follow up posts about the meet.

I felt the same way when I read that. Also, I had asked how intercot got started in one post, and I was referred to the Podcast. I understand that companies want to advertise their newest thing and a lot of intercotees are excited with the podcast, facebook page, twitter stuff, etc. It just really isn't my thing.

Intercot used to feel like a big family, and I'm sure that a lot of people stay connected and talk through social media. There isn't anything wrong with that. It is my choice to stick with just the discussion board. I do miss seeing posts by people who used to post frequently - Big Blue and Hairy, DizneyFreak, etc. Sometimes they could be controversial, but I like seeing both sides. I do much better mentally when I am prepared for the "bad" instead of thinking everything will be sunshine and roses.

I also enjoy when there are multiple answers to questions. If they all say the same, I know that is generally what to expect. If more people say they like it than people say they didn't like it, then I assume it will probably be something we should do. If it is split down the middle, I will weigh how important it is to the group. If there are more negatives than positives, I will probably skip it. So yeah, I appreciate your view point even if 100 other people have answered before you.

I also like hearing the voice of experience/wisdom/knowledge from others on here. For instance, Fangorn recently gave me an idea about how to try to buy APs that I never would have thought of. It was a simple solution, but I never would have come up with it on my own.

[baldburke]

Awhile back I remember reading the same type of question, and I believe the Intercot Master stated it is a slow time of the year on here, and then things pickup after the Holidays, etc. I can't remember what section I saw the post, but its there somewhere.....Wait, I remember now, it is under the Information Kiosk, What's the Deal/Threadkiller section.

http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?207354-What-s-the-Deal-Thread-Killer

From the Thread Killer himself I must say that I really like our little Intercot Community much more that what is seen on social media or at least Facebook. I'm member of a DVC group, an Aulani group, Tikiman's Poly group and a WL group. More often than not I end up just scrolling through vs. reading the threads because people are either just silly or rude. I like our little moderated and walled community knowing that the Mods do their best to keep it respectful. Yes we still get questions about the quickest way to get from A to B but that's okay because we were all newbies once. Although I still view Intercot as my best source for Disney info because we have people that are very well connected and they are thoughtful in both their content and presentation. Intercot rocks!

[texas211]

For me, its been just less interest in disney. Still have it obviously, as I come here. Just not as much. The parks, and the direction they are going in, just have less long term interest to me. Plus, with the changes (star wars, etc) I look at fewer trips in the future, as I don't have the interesting in dealing w/ that.

[Cinderelley]

For me, its been just less interest in disney. Still have it obviously, as I come here. Just not as much. The parks, and the direction they are going in, just have less long term interest to me. Plus, with the changes (star wars, etc) I look at fewer trips in the future, as I don't have the interesting in dealing w/ that.

I think this holds true for a lot of people who have come to expect a certain level from Disney, and it just isn't there any more. I love going to Disney with my kids, but I think now it is mostly out of nostalgia. My oldest son is attending Embry-Riddle. When I was contemplating what to do as a celebration when he graduates, I decided on another Alaskan cruise. It seems like a better vacation to me now. He loves Disney (even drove out to California last November to spend a few days at Disneyland with me), but the quality just isn't there any more.

[texas211]

Exactly.

I like Hawaii quite a bit, but have to talk myself into the 10 hr flight from DFW to Hawaii.. Plus they recently made smoking on the beaches illegal, however, they may undo that. I like Vegas as well, but not really a long vacation place to me. Good for 3-4 days, and then I'm ready. Only so much gambling I want to do, though smoking cigars and scotch in Vegas is pretty nice.


So yeah, I think w/ that and the changing of the dynamic in general. Disney is focusing on the less nostalgic, and more of the entertain me now and always crowd. The newer generations. This is a medium that isn't compatible w/ those groups.

Also, the topics. Star Wars or Star Wars :)

And to Bald, I like controversy, and therefore some of the mod'ing is what I don't like. Over the top to me, but I do agree there are lots of great folks on here, so its worth the nanny state to interact.

[joonyer]

I think it's a combination of Disney's primary target demographic staying young, while us old fashioned bulletin board users (not just on Disney sites) keep getting older. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and the other even newer social media platforms that I know nothing about are where the internet traffic is these days. Bulletin board forums are for old fogies, I know, 'cause I'm one of em. :D
That being said, If there was an Intercot mobile app, I'd bet the posts here would go up. Like I heard on a TV ad this week; a child using a tablet saying to grandma "what's a computer?" Gotta stay young, or get old!

[Isabella]

Intercot for me meanwhile has more of a community feel and there names I recognise who have posted over the years.

Intercot has always been for me sort of like the TV show, "Cheers", a place where everybody knows your name. It's intimate enough to get to know people better than FB, but with enough diverse input to be entertaining and valuable.

Intercot also has the opportunity to actually meet in person and actively sets up meet and greets regularly.

Intercot people are kind, for the most part. Grumpy may be a Disney character but he rarely shows up on this site. AND when he does, people actually acknowledge they were wrong or rude and apologize! On Intercot people are people not numbers or avatars. I have seen others asking how their children were, or checking on people.

Intercot is a place filled with people who adopt the mantra, Any day at Disney is better than not being at Disney! We all know it's not perfect, but it is so much better than the "rat race" of life and for just a moment we are a child again, playing with our friends. Except this time we actually understand how precious being able to do this is!

Well, I certainly didn't intend to get all soppy but I love this 'ol site and am so glad its a safe place to go to sit in a circle and say... "Hi, my name is Patty and I am addicted to Disney" and be completely understood!

Thank you John! Thank you Intercot staff! Thank you!

[TikiLounger]

I just want to say that I've been a member of Intercot since 2006. Typically, I visit and post when we have an upcoming trip and I'm never disappointed with the information. I DO feel like somewhat of a thread killer at times but, apparently, I'm not the only one. I think it's just the nature of things now that social media has taken over our lives (I'll add here that I'm not a Facebook user and never plan to be one. When I say "our lives', I include mostly everyone else, but not me personally). Anyway, I want to thank you all for still being here and I'll add that I've found a new (new to me, but not really new) way to enjoy Intercot. Podcasts! they're so fun!

[TikiLounger]

Next trip is Aulani, btw. November! Yay!

[missymouseworld]

I DO feel like somewhat of a thread killer at times but, apparently, I'm not the only one.

No, you are not the only one.....but that's another thread.:mickey:

[baldburke]

Next trip is Aulani, btw. November! Yay!

You'll feel right at home at Aulani! It feels like Disney, enjoy!

[TikiLounger]

You'll feel right at home at Aulani! It feels like Disney, enjoy!

Hmmmm...now why would you say this? Hahaha! Yes...I'm expecting lots of tiki-goodness...Disney-fied! :tikki:

[SBETigg]

I used to post quite a bit more than I do now. The difference? I had more to say. I haven't kept up with some changes, so I don't want to spread misinformation or answer with an outdated comment. I still love Disney and go as much as ever, but I couldn't give you the best answer about anything now, and I used to be fairly up on things.

Also, I'm less opinionated as I age, so I certainly won't tell you the "best" or "worst" of anything, because every experience is different. I love one thing you hated. You hate something I loved. It happens. And mainly, we have more outlets with social media. I'm taking in and sharing information on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. It used to be just keeping up with everyone here.

I try to keep in touch and pop in and comment now and then, anyway, but my attention is more divided. Overall, though, I'm glad I can still pop in and hooray, well done, to John and all the volunteers who keep it going. Thank you!

[texas211]

Ha, I get more opinionated as I age.

[TinkerbellT421]

I used to consider myself a pretty average regular who would pop in everyday and post a reply or read the most recent threads. And to be honest, I don’t know when or how that stopped. Maybe it’s because the most time is spent on my phone and fb just became easier? I really don’t know. But something this morning told me to come on and browse because it has been so long. I missed everyone, I missed reading the threads, missed reading everyone’s comments and opinions, whether good or bad. I can tell you that with social media in general I have become sick of the constant arguments of people with guts behind computer screens, I’m sick of no one being able to like something or someone without being bashed for it because it’s didferent opinions than someone else’s, sick of the negativity. I don’t know about anyone else but that just irritates and literally just puts me in a funk. I find myself everyday becoming more and more disinterested in social media, everything about it. So, with that being said, I find the closeness of forums more appealing again so will probably start becoming more of a poster again. I hope you missed me :)

[John]

I used to consider myself a pretty average regular who would pop in everyday and post a reply or read the most recent threads. And to be honest, I don’t know when or how that stopped. Maybe it’s because the most time is spent on my phone and fb just became easier? I really don’t know. But something this morning told me to come on and browse because it has been so long. I missed everyone, I missed reading the threads, missed reading everyone’s comments and opinions, whether good or bad. I can tell you that with social media in general I have become sick of the constant arguments of people with guts behind computer screens, I’m sick of no one being able to like something or someone without being bashed for it because it’s didferent opinions than someone else’s, sick of the negativity. I don’t know about anyone else but that just irritates and literally just puts me in a funk. I find myself everyday becoming more and more disinterested in social media, everything about it. So, with that being said, I find the closeness of forums more appealing again so will probably start becoming more of a poster again. I hope you missed me :)

We missed you. I am kind of hoping there is a backlash on social media that causes a resurgence of community forums for the reasons you mentioned. I find Facebook and Twitter really reinforce all the negativeness in life... when there is so much good out there.

Glad to have you back.

[Jeff]

I find Facebook and Twitter really reinforce all the negativeness in life... when there is so much good out there.
.

Very true!

[TinkerbellT421]

We missed you. I am kind of hoping there is a backlash on social media that causes a resurgence of community forums for the reasons you mentioned. I find Facebook and Twitter really reinforce all the negativeness in life... when there is so much good out there.

Glad to have you back.

I have missed you guys too!!!
The DBF and I aslo belong to a Toyota forum now too...there is a ton of activity there as well.
They don't even have a FB page.

I am really starting to see a trend of some social media outlets dying, with that being said, I really hope the forum life comes back. I'm purposely going to be making a mindful effort to get back here everyday and I may even start ignoring FB all together.

[Cinderelley]

I find Facebook and Twitter really reinforce all the negativeness in life... when there is so much good out there.

I think it really depends on what you do on Facebook. If I explore beyond my own little world, it does get pretty negative. Most of my time on Facebook is spent catching up on what friends and family do. When I am travelling, there are stories about my day from my stuffed animal, Barksy. If Barksy doesn't check in, I hear about it from friends and family. We have an unofficial prayer chain. It is an easy way to stay in touch with so many people that cuts down on the time spent on phone calls. When the negativity does creep in from outside sources, I've spent enough years playing an online MMO to know how to troll someone until they get angry enough to leave.

[texas211]

I've spent enough years playing an online MMO to know how to troll someone until they get angry enough to leave.

Yeah, that's it. It's not your real life professional training :)

[Cinderelley]

Yeah, that's it. It's not your real life professional training :)

That gave me a good laugh. Unfortunately, you can't threaten haters on Facebook with catheters and rectal tubes.

[Giggy]

As a Medical Resident (I think that is the US equivalent of my doctor grade, in UK it's Senior House Officer) that made me laugh! :D

[TheVBs]

This thread was a really interesting read!

It's been three years since our last Disney trip, when we were typically going every other year. There were a few different factors involved in causing that, but it wasn't because we're less enamored with Disney. But, it means I ended up not keeping up with things here like I had before. Now that we have a trip booked, I'm checking in regularly to see what the discussions are like.

I agree with the social media/forum comparisons. It's like eating a bunch of junk food (Facebook), instead of sitting down and having a decent meal (Intercot). While I follow a couple of Disney groups on FB, I rarely read anything there. I only joined FB a few years ago because family members were nagging me to join so that I could share more pictures of the girls. It definitely is a great resource for doing that! However, it's also a mess. I would take breaks of several weeks at a time just for my mental health. I wish I could still do that, but I foolishly created a community group in response to a local issue, and am the sole moderator of 1300+ people. Let me tell you, my appreciation level for the mods here was always high, but now is in the stratosphere. I've also created very strict rules to maintain civility. It ain't easy.

I've peeked at many other WDW vacation resources, and honestly, nothing compares to Intercot. We've had many vacations that were better than they would have been because of information and opinions here. Sometimes it's just a small thing that adds to the magic of the trip, and sometimes it's something that flat out makes the whole trip a success. Coming back here, I have been browsing more than posting, but I'm going to sign in every time and make an effort to comment where appropriate. Lurking is a weirdly easy habit to fall into and a weirdly hard habit to break.

[Cinderelley]

As a Medical Resident (I think that is the US equivalent of my doctor grade, in UK it's Senior House Officer) that made me laugh! :D

Good to know there's another warped medical professional here :P