Why all the negativity?

[TheVBs]

I'm newish here, and I would like to start this thread by saying that I've encountered many friendly, helpful and welcoming people here! They helped me make our last trip even better than I could have without coming here to ask so many questions. Thank you!

But, I'm often floored at the negativity and venom that crops up here. I don't have a lot of experience on forums, but I'm not entirely naive about them either. I know these things happen. I just did not expect them to happen so regularly on a site devoted to the Happiest Place on Earth. :confused:

I've done a lot of reading here and I've never seen a question that deserved hostility, yet it happens regularly. Is this really in the Disney spirit?

[2Epcot]

Generally speaking I think this site is much friendlier then many other similar sites online. Most questions get answered without attacking the person answering the questions. I have not been on this site as long as many others, but in the time I've been here, I've seen the same questions asked many, many times. I think people need to remember the person asking the question is new, or may have never seen the questioned asked. Sometimes people will joke or answer sarcastically because the question has been asked so many times.

[TheVBs]

You're right, most questions do get answered with positive, helpful responses. I definitely don't count joking as an unfriendly response. I don't belong to any other Disney forums, but the one or two others that I do participate in very rarely, if ever, have things devolved into something really negative. I assume that you've participated in other Disney forums that are less friendly? Perhaps I am so taken off gaurd by it here that it seems to happen more often than it really does? I don't know. I just know that I've been really shocked more than once by the venom that's cropped up here. I'd hoped that by opening a discussion on it, people might be able to express feelings calmly to clear the air. Too naive of me?

[Strmchsr]

The problem is that people will post things on a board that they would never say face to face. They seem to think that the relative anonymity of the web gives them carte blanche to say whatever they want. This is especially true when "sensitive" issues come up and everyone and their dog feels they have to voice a strong opinion about it (i.e. taking kids out of school, resort mugs, etc). Any time we see those sensitive topics come up we try to keep it under control or we lock the thread.

The other problem is when you're reading words you might interpret it differently than how the poster intended. With only words and no non-verbal clues we can mistake meaning.

That said, us moderators on Intercot try VERY hard to make sure this stays a friendly, family-focused site. If you see a post you feel is out of line then click the "report post" button. A message will be sent to the moderator(s) of that forum and they will take a look at it to see if it's inappropriate. There are several other Disney sites which tend to be very negative and we want Intercot to be known as a very positive place.

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

I apologize if I came across as negative in my resort cup thread. I was passing along a rumor which I heard last week to see if anybody else has heard anything.

Bad Missy_Mouses_Dad...I am putting myself on a timeout...with a pitcher of beer and pizza :mickey:

[TheVBs]

Everything you've said is true, people hide behind anonymity, there's a lot of passion involved and I have seen a lot of moderator announcements trying to keep things on track and I think you guys do a great job. I've never reported a post here because I'm not sure where the line is. I think it's obvious that spam and swearing would not be tolerated here and would get pulled pretty quickly. However on another site I'm on, personal attacks are not tolerated and will get reported, pulled and the poster would be given a warning. Basically, when I see someone here being accusatory, in other words coming right out and saying that a person is trying to cheat the system or making insinuations about thier level of class, that's upsetting. Everybody has a different opinion and approach, and I think it should be possible to express that without being accusatory or mean. I think I've identified the hot topics here and it's obvious that on some of these we'll all have to agree to disagree. ;) I guess, ideally, I'd like to see people express their opinion without personal attacks.

[Marker]

I totally understand your point of view. I have noticed the negativity before, and commented it. I guess I've grown to accept some of this simply as just the way these things go.

There are certain topics, Disney related or otherwise, that will almost always spark "emotional" responses. Sometimes is surprises me that people get so worked up over what seems to be merely a matter of differing opinions.

Some of my observations...

1) There are those folks who appear occasionally who seem to get their jollys by sparking up drama. Voicing points of view in opposition to whatever is said, seemingly without any logic or reason.

2) I think sometimes folks will confuse a critique with simply being critical. They are not same thing. Some people just like to complain. Just listen to some people talk, some folks would have nothing to say if they weren't complaining about something.

3) Sometimes the line between fact and opinion get blurred. Opinions get voiced as though they were gospel truth, and opinions that are presented are interpreted by the reader as though it was fact. Either scenario can cause drama, especially when allowed to fester.

4) Some folks are just too darned emotinally attached to their opinions. If they don't like something, then NO ONE should like it, and if they do there must be something wrong with them.

5) Sarcasm - an entry typed with what seems to be an obvious touch of humorous sarcasm, can be read without hearing the intended sarcasm and instead sounds excessively critical. We forget that the "voice" with which we make comment, is not always read with the same intended "voice".

I'm sure that all of us have both been guilty of or have fallen victim to most of these at one time of another. Typically we all mean well. And like all families, sometimes we all get along great, and sometimes we don't.

Having played here for several years, I will say that in my opinion, the tone has gotten much more critical in recent times. To a newcomer coming in, who hasn't seen both sides, it could definitely feel like a more critical environment than intended.

But of course, that's all just my opinion. And even though I sometimes find the negativity to be tiring myself, and may even "take a break" occasionally, I always come back because, as Disney fan boards are concerned, this one is home, this one is where my Disney family is.

[hubbyofadisneyholic]

I think it depends on your expectations.
If you ask the "is it OK to?" type question, you have voluntarily opened the door and can't be surprised if some one responds with a "NO" and gives their view on the subject.
Is that being negative? I guess to the person hoping to get public acceptance for the action behind the question it is.

Somebody way wiser than me said something long the lines of "don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer"

There are definitely "hot button" topics that are guaranteed to stir up a hornets nest. ;)

[AuntKari]

I don't belong to any other sites. I don't think this site is negative or cruel or attacking or unfriendly at all!!! I think the people who have answered me have gone out of their way to help me make my trip for my sister's family everything it could possibly be!!! I am so greatful for the love, concern, excitement, joy, and help I have received!!! The "debating" subjects I have joined have been informative and I think we have a great opportunity to have Disney hear our voices about any of our disappointments or critiques. How can we all help each other if we can't critique? How can Disney improve on its problems if we don't share our concerns? I even asked a question about holding a place in line (as I am happy to miss anything and go hold a place in line for my sister's family) and everyone who answered that wanted to say "are you crazy!" answered me with an understanding that I didn't know how the lines moved and worked at Disney. No one was cruel!!! I can't thank all of the regulars and mediators enough for being here to assist people like me make my trip for my sister's gang a trip of a lifetime. I think this site is wonderful and I tip my hat to all of you who work tirelessly to help people like me. This trip is going to be so special!!! I may have to tell you all about it. Thank you, Aunt Kari

[5togetherWDW]

I have great appreciation / respect for the way Intercot is moderated. In fact, Intercot is the only forum site in which I choose to participate.
At times, I have seen that there are certain users who do like to stir things up. Generally, I avoid particpating in those threads.
When the water mister discussion started getting negative, I debated clarifying my post (I had said that my mother could not get her hearing aids wet -- another poster said what I had written was untrue, saying there wasn't enough water to bother hearing aids. I was tempted to respond detailing her specific medical needs and explaining the modifactions that we must make each day) -- but decided that there was nothing to be gained in so doing. At times, people make assumptions that are incorrect - thats natural. Since the posters had moved on to debating the use of sprayers / sprayers rights, I left the conversation and chose not to return.
Personally, I tend to think of the site as a family of sorts. Discussions on Intercot are like conversations being held at a gathering. Just as in my backyard -- when that loud mouthed cousin of mine gets on his /her soapbox, I wander over and visit with someone else.
Thank you, all, for keeping Intercot a family site -- :mickey:

[Piglet822]

I've never reported a post here because I'm not sure where the line is.



To report a post click on the triangle with the exclamation point in it. The moderators of that forum will be notified by email. You can also write a brief description of why you're reporting the post.

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

I think for the most part people here are very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful. There are times that what you post doesn't read the way you are trying to say it. I know I've been guilty of that before and I apologized to the person I inadvertenly offended. It certainly wasn't my intent.

My sis and I belong to a board that has to do with cruising and she was just saying how hostile people were to her post because she said something negative about Norwegian Cruise line. Apparently they thought if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all. So much for freedom of speech!

I do enjoy this website because of all the friendly people and hope it stays that way.

[TheVBs]

I think it depends on your expectations.
If you ask the "is it OK to?" type question, you have voluntarily opened the door and can't be surprised if some one responds with a "NO" and gives their view on the subject.
Is that being negative? I guess to the person hoping to get public acceptance for the action behind the question it is.

Somebody way wiser than me said something long the lines of "don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer"

There are definitely "hot button" topics that are guaranteed to stir up a hornets nest. ;)

I see this as a totally acceptable scenario, and you're right, if you ask the question you have to be prepared for the inevitable responses.

However, a few times I have seen new(er) people ask something about how things work in a given case - not an "is this cheating" type of question - and get almost flamed for it with some responses that were not just in the negative (as in "I don't thing you should do that") but that were actually insulting to the individual. Would you ever think that was really necessary? I know if that had been one of my first experiences here, I would not have stayed.

[TheVBs]

I do want to reiterate that I really like this site, most of the people here and have found it to be friendly and helpful! If I didn't, not only would I not continue to participate, but I would not go so far as to open a touchy subject in the hopes of making people take a moment to think before they write.

There's nothing wrong with having an opinion on how things should or shouldn't be done, it's just that it's never necessary to be insulting or mean to the individual asking. And I do realize that the written word can come across very differently than face to face. I'm sure I've faced the same problem, from both ends and will be careful in the future not to assume someone means to be rude. But this is why I think it's important to think for a moment about how our responses are framed and how it might impact someone reading it. To say, "I wouldn't do things this way because I really believe that's breaking the rules, or it might cause another guest some inconvenience" makes total sense. To respond, "I think that would be a stupid and tacky thing to do" just doesn't to me. I mean would anyone ever consider that a polite, helpful response?

And I do want to say again that I think this is a wonderful site. And I dearly hope the people who consider this site home and family, do not see this as an attack on the site. Perhaps I'm more sensitive to these types of comments because I'm new here and haven't encountered this kind of interaction on the other forums I belong to. I will definitely try to give everyone posting the benefit of the doubt.

Please don't be angry with me or offended that I'm hoping to discuss this. :cloud9:

[Marker]

And I dearly hope the people who consider this site home and family, do not see this as an attack on the site.

Not at all. I find this to be a very interesting discussion. In fact, I think it's good to hear what people's impressions are.

This is a very informative board, with some very knowledgable participants. There are also some highly opinionated folks as well. For the most part, the people who have been participants on this board for a LONG time are not the ones who insist on being overly negative. Not that they will agree with everything simply because it's Disney, on the contrary, they will absolutely voice their true feelings regardless of what they are. But they typically use reason, respect, and logic.

I have had some pretty passionate discussion with some folks here, and it is those folks that I hold to the highest regard. An intelligent disagreement grounded with logic and respect can be a wonderful thing. However, it's the moments where people become argumentative with no apparent regard for respect of opposing opinions, and come across as being negative, and disagreeing simply for they sake of being negative that can become tiring.

In my opinion, this is a very interesting discussion.

[TheVBs]

Thank you so much Marker! I really appreciate your comments, and I really appreciate all of the responses people have taken the time to give me.

Frankly, I am in awe of the amount of knowledge here, and how helpful people are.

Once upon a time I thought I was a total Disney nut - now I have new heights to aspire to! :mickey: And I can't even express how wonderful it is to be able to communicate with other people who enjoy it as much as we do.

[pdrlkr]

If you pay attention they are usually the same people. :secret: And I'll bet none of them respond to this post. Almost all of the people on INTERCOT are great, it's just the few that are never satisfied that seem to stick out. Just enjoy the great things about INTERCOT and ignore the the others. :thumbsup: :mickey:

[BluewaterBrad]

Doesnt this happen in ALL groups, sites, etc.? 98% of members are great and helpful, but 2% of the members can make the group bad or negative? A couple of bad apples dont ruin the barrel in this case.:mickey:

[Ian]

Well ... the OP specifically mentions posts regarding "cheating the system" as examples of negativity and I can see that happening. INTERCOT never condones cheating the system and doesn't typically allow those types of discussions. I think that feeling has sort of permeated the general atmosphere of the site and it gets people a little heated at times.

But generally speaking, I think most of our conversations around here are fairly civil. Some get heated at times, but that's just natural when a bunch of people gather in one place where controversial topics are discussed.

Also bear in mind that not everyone is comfortable with the same level of confrontation and debate as others are. You may witness a conversation between two posters that appears to be heated and negative in tone to you, whereas the two posters consider themselves to be in a spirited debate on a topic.

Spirited debate is fine. Disagreements are fine. Negativity is even fine, in some cases, as long as it's not directed at a member.

Where INTERCOT draws the line is when it gets personal.

[Marker]

And if I may throw this in, for what it's worth.

There is a significant differance between being negative, and disagreeing. Supporting your side in a difference of opinion is fine (as long as it doesn't get personal and disrespectful).

What I view as negativity is the occasion where people just have nothing good to say about anything, always putting things in a negative light, or looking for drama, or conspiracy, where there isn't any.

But that's just my opinion.

[DisneyAggies]

I just have to say that I'm a member of LOTS of discussion groups/boards/etc, and Icot is the NICEST place I've found. Mods are on the ball when taking care of issues, things are kept family friendly, and overall people are SUPER helpful and nice.

I like it here! :mickey:

[JRocker]

Quite an interesting topic.

As many have mentioned, the most volatile threads cover a range of topics that seem to cycle through here every few months (strollers, ecv's, mugs, line jumping, etc.).

I think that it is in those threads where people seem to forget one very basic forum axiom; emotion is easily misunderstood.

I believe another shortcoming to this medium of communication is that people often do not read (comprehensively) the entire post. For example, I may say that I think x is definately the wrong thing to do, yet I will finish the post by saying that I don't let x bother me. Another poster will respond by saying that they think it's ridiculous that that people let a little thing like x get to them, and they just need to get over it.

But then again, with that example there could be another misunderstanding. Was that individual referencing my post and saying that they thought I was being ridiculous, or were they just voicing their opinion in a general sense?

The more I type the funnier this becomes. There are so many angles one post can be viewed from. Someone could even find the infamous Jorts thread offensive if they read it out of context.

Yes, there are a few on these boards that appear to be drama queens, but are they doing it maliciously or are they just offering up opinions for debate? In reality, only they know.

From my experience, this board is tame. That is a good thing. The moderators seem to err on the side of keeping it that way and they do a great job of it (sometimes going overboard, but that's fine :secret: ).

[TheVBs]

Lots of excellent points! I do agree that there is a difference between disagreeing and being negative. I also think there's a difference between being generally negative and directing an insult at an individual. And of course, those lines may be seen to lie at different places for different people. All sorts of things could factor in, as others have pointed out, how long you've been on the site, how well you know the people responding to the subject, etc.

I also enjoy a spirited debate and think several have been really well done here. However, I have seen posts, or a series of posts, that have really floored me by how ugly they've been. Now, I haven't been here nearly long enough to discover who's who, and how often they're on. Two scenarios stand out in my memory. The first is when a newcomer asks how something works - NOT with any apparent intention of trying to cheat - and is admonished for their thoughtlessness to other guests and their intention to cheat. Now, this actually happened to me. I simply responded along the lines of "thanks for the info, but don't assume my ignorance of how something works equates to an intention to cheat". Thankfully it was not my first experience here, or it might have been my last.

The second scenario was really horrifying and involved a wheelchair/scooter discussion. The amount of venom was shocking, and incredibly ironic considering some posters were arguing that everyone whether they needed assistance or not had to be considerate of everyone else, all while being incredibly ugly and inconsderate to other posters.

I do realize that in the arena of forums/message boards, I'm rather inexperienced and have been fortunate to belong to a couple of exceptional ones. And I would like to say again that people here have been overwhelmingly welcoming and helpful! I guess to some degree I suffer a bit of a disconnect when I think of the Happiest Place on Earth and people being almost frothing at the mouth angry over a refillable mug.

As others have said, one of my favorite things about going to WDW is how much more I interact with the other guests than I would at any other destination. There's something about being at Disney that seems to get most people in the spirit of going that one extra step to be friendly or helpful to a complete stranger. Although I didn't anticipate how heated some of the disagreements would get here, the (mostly rare) personal attacks or the cynical nature of some of the comments, I do see that extra special element here of family and going the extra mile to help someone out.

[Disney Doll]

I think sometimes the been there done that crowd forgets what it is like to be new. I have noticed that sometimes innocent questions are answered a little harsher than necessary. But, yeah cheating the system discussions always get a little heated. Nobody likes to think that things are unfair or that someone is finding a way to go around the rules. I think that's basic human nature. And wheelchair/scooter debates have always been the worst! I think you've just had the misfortune of stumbling across some of the worst topics as far as negativity goes. For the most part, people here are great and 'm glad you're not planning to let a few bad experiences scare you off. :mickey:

[Ian]

The thing about the wheelchair/scooter debate is that it's very, very polarizing. There aren't many folks in the middle of the road.

Either you know someone who needs to use one (or maybe you need one yourself) so you don't see what all the fuss is about using them or you don't fit that category and are more focused on those that abuse them in the parks.

And then it gets worse, because everyone seems to speak in generalities. Someone will say, "There are people in the parks using scooters who don't need to use them and are only doing it to take advantage of the system."

Now look ... like it or not, that's an honest, fair assessment of the situation. I think everyone can agree that it's pretty obvious that some people abuse the system with scooters.

But inevitably, someone takes offense to that statement and responds with, "You can't tell just by looking if someone needs a scooter or not."

Which is also quite true. And the thing is, the two statements aren't mutually exclusive. Realistically speaking, I can tell you there are times when I was just about 99.9% sure that someone was in a scooter who didn't need it. And there have also been times when I was 100% sure as I've heard people openly discussing it. But I can also tell you there have been times when, at first glance, I've assumed someone was abusing the system and I was later proven to be wrong.

But neither side can just find the common ground and say, "Hey, I see where you're coming from." It has to be a rigid stance where nobody who disagrees with them is right or even has the slightest shred of validity to their argument.

And honestly, this is a societal thing now. Everyone just trots out their talking points and babbles at one another without ever actually taking the time to stop and listen to what the other side is saying.

Truthfully, I think if everyone would just shut up and listen for a change, we'd realize that most of us agree on 80-90% of most issues and that there's common ground where we can all coexist.

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

I agree wholeheartedly Ian. My big mouth has gotten me in trouble too many times on the disney busses. I will always let women or children take my seat, w/o exception. A few times I got up to let a woman/child/etc take my seat and a "man" took the seat. The dw has smacked me in the head a few times for expressing my opinion to him. I usually apologize to the person for whom the seat was intended.

Long story short...we don't always agree on everything, or have the same views. Even on something as wonderful as Disney...

[Ian]

Absolutely. I totally agree.

Heck, I remember a thread where some gentlemen were offering the opinion that they would always give up their seat to a lady and they were FLAMED by a few of the women on the board for being sexist!!!

If that can "offend" someone then pretty much anything can!

The other thing I've noticed ... and this is sort of on the other side of the fence ... is that in addition to being a society of black and white positions on issues we also seem to have developed an over-sensitivity to things.

There are many, many times when I see someone express their opinion only to immediately be told by someone else that they were "offended" by their opinion ... for all appearances simply because the person's opinion was different than their own.

That's not a reason to cry "offended", if you ask me. People need to lighten up a bit and stop looking for reasons to be offended. It's like a national obsession these days to search for things that offend you. Last time I checked, the Constitution didn't carry an amendment guaranteeing you "Freedom from Offense."

[Marker]

There are many, many times when I see someone express their opinion only to immediately be told by someone else that they were "offended" by their opinion ... for all appearances simply because the person's opinion was different than their own.


Now don't let this go to your head Ian, but I totally agree with you. :cheers: Hope you're not offended by that. :laughing:

[Dopey's Girl]

I belong to another message board site, and I refuse to post on it. If you aren't one of the "in crowd" you get flamed for anything and everything (trust me, I know!).

I think that is what I like most about intercot. Are there times we don't agree on issues? Sure there are, but I think in the end, even if we don't agree about something, most of the people are here for our mutual love of all things Disney, and try pretty darn hard to respect one another's opinions. I know I always try to respond to posts with one thing in mind. Would I say this in an email to my mom? If not, I either find another way to reply in a nicer way, or I don't respond at all.

And in the event it does get heated, and takes a personal turn, the great Mods step in and shut things down.

I really love it here, and the people are the number one reason why!

[Familyof4]

Unfortunately, with anything, there are negative comments. In some ways, I think that what may seem negative may be trying to help someone...That is me trying to put a positive spin on it:-) I just try to ignore them and use the board for what I need...which is info on Disney. You can keep it the happiest place on earth for you if you do the same;-) good luck.

[Ian]

Now don't let this go to your head Ian, but I totally agree with you.:faint:

[Mendelson]

Wow, this whole discussion is really, really banal, to the point of making me vomit.

In fact this whole thing is dumb.
I hate this place.

Later, losers.

[Dsnygirl]

Wow, this whole discussion is really, really banal, to the point of making me vomit.

In fact this whole thing is dumb.
I hate this place.

Later, losers.
:rotfl: :funny:

I have to say, I've really enjoyed reading through this thread. I've been around here 4 years now (this month is my anniversary -- I just realized it!! :D) and have seen threads where I couldn't believe how childishly some posters reacted to others, I've seen people get flamed that I both felt bad for or heartily agreed w/ the flaming, and I have been the recipient of comments that I took too personally and either over-reacted to, or just chose to not say anything at all and just leave the thread b/c I knew it was wiser to just keep my mouth shut than to try to explain why I'd been misuderstood and just make things worse. ;)

(And to the OP, I think I've seen some of the recent posts based on how you've described them - new folks asking basic questions and the assumption being made immediately that they were trying to cheat something vs. just asking how something works. Unfort., I think that once people have seen a number of others try to "get around something", it becomes almost second-nature to assume that the next person asking the same question is of the same mind, when they most likely aren't, but they end up bearing the doubt from a previous situation and get "flamed" falsely. I've also seen people come back and apologize for jumping on someone when this is the situation, or others tell them to hang in there and not give up posting... seems to go in cycles sometimes!)

All that being said, I have also seen the best threads here... people being so incredibly kind and/or helpful... people reaching out to others who are hurting in the most amazing ways... some of the best stories that have brought tears to my eyes have been on here, and have reminded me of how great the people on here are, and how great we all can be if we just try.

For those reasons alone, I always return... this was the first site I found help when I needed it, and it's been my "Disney home" ever since then.

It's been really interesting to read everyone's take on this thread... some really good perspectives and honesty, and that's awesome! :thumbsup:

[Ian]

I think I've seen some of the recent posts based on how you've described them - new folks asking basic questions and the assumption being made immediately that they were trying to cheat something vs. just asking how something works. Unfort., I think that once people have seen a number of others try to "get around something", it becomes almost second-nature to assume that the next person asking the same question is of the same mind, when they most likely aren't, but they end up bearing the doubt from a previous situation and get "flamed" falsely.This is, unfortunately, probably very true. I think I've been guilty of it myself.

The example that comes immediately to mind is the, "My cousin's, sister's, boyfriend's, Mom's, Uncle's, cat groomer told me that Disney is building a new theme park in my back yard!!" posts. A good many of those poor people probably have a legitimate desire to learn whether or not the rumor they've read or heard is true and yet, like as not, they just get made fun of and humiliated for believing such a thing.

Not good, when you think about it, because it certainly isn't putting our best foot forward to new members ... not exactly welcoming them with open arms, is it?

I think I'll make a mental note to look at the post count of folks who start threads more often ... make sure I'm making new members feel as welcome as I possibly can.

And, as a staff member, making sure others are doing the same. :thumbsup:

[Mendelson]

Ian has made me feel bad more times than I can count, which is why this place is awful.

Plus when I said that I'd seen Walt's frozen head in my pet groomer's freezer, I was scoffed at.

[Dsnygirl]

Ian has made me feel bad more times than I can count, which is why this place is awful.

Plus when I said that I'd seen Walt's frozen head in my pet groomer's freezer, I was scoffed at.

Will you PLEASE stop making me get out the screen cleaner?!? :D

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

Thank you, Dsnygirl (sp).

[Mendelson]

Will you PLEASE stop making me get out the screen cleaner?!? :D

???

I'm making you sneezy? Well, we need at least one Sneezy, since everyone else is so Dopey.

[Dsnygirl]

I think I'll make a mental note to look at the post count of folks who start threads more often ... make sure I'm making new members feel as welcome as I possibly can.

And, as a staff member, making sure others are doing the same.
Ian, I think I told you this once in person, but you're okay!! :thumbsup: :)


???

I'm making you sneezy? Well, we need at least one Sneezy, since everyone else is so Dopey.
Have you never laughed so hard at a post you... ummm.... needed to then wipe off the screen?? Hmmm... I know someone else must have, as I didn't come up with that myself... :cool:

Sorry... didn't mean to get us off topic.... back to the regularly scheduled programming...

[Mendelson]

Have you never laughed so hard at a post you... ummm.... needed to then wipe off the screen?? Hmmm... I know someone else must have, as I didn't come up with that myself... :cool:



Well, I've laughed so hard that I've wet myself...if that's what you're doing on your screen I really have to question your desk configuration and/or your physiology. :D

[VolMickey]

I have to admit, I've strayed and looked at other Disney fan discussion board sites, but there has been nothing more positive and truly community-like than Intercot. Everyone has a bad day, but generally this is a great, informative and very much appreciated source of information exchange, I think.

Stay positive, even in tough times. After all, we're talking about our favorite place on earth (apart from home).

[Mickey91]

I think there are "seasons of disagreement" here. Usually they are sparked by an announcement by Disney changing something that is near and dear to most frequent visiters. Things like character meals, smoking policies, movies that won't be released, price increases, removal of iconic shows, etc....These are some of your love/hate topics, and therefore a very heated debate can get underway.

But for the most part, this is one of the most wonderful families you will be a part of. If you ever need help through a trying time, these people cry with you and share their stories with you and let you know that there are thousands of people worldwide that are praying for you and helping you through it. And, at the same time these same people are there to "pat you on the back" and rejoice with you when things are going very right. I love my Icot family!!! :mickey:

[TheVBs]

Thanks for all the contributions to this discussion! I didn't know how it would be received, and you've all given wonderful and insightful responses.

I do think I happened to come across a flurry of controversial subjects/negative posts early on, as someone mentioned. Since it was before our trip, I was a little worried about whether or not I would get preoccupied with negative activities at the resort (Is that a current mug they're using for a refill? Does that person really need to use that scooter?). I'm very pleased to report that I never once thought to look at a mug or monitor another guests activities. :D Even when we encountered two guests who blatantly broke the rules or were overtly rude, they barely caused a blip on our radar.

And Mendelson, I'm offended by your sarcasm ... :funny: (couldn't find a smilie with it's tongue sticking out) ;)

[Ian]

(couldn't find a smilie with it's tongue sticking out) Here, let me help you with that ...

:razz:

[TheVBs]

Thank you Ian!

[Dsnygirl]

Well, I've laughed so hard that I've wet myself...if that's what you're doing on your screen I really have to question your desk configuration and/or your physiology. :D
Now, see?? How does one ignore answering that?? Screen cleaner, please!! :funny:

[BPATSMouse]

As you can see I'm new to posting on this site. I have been reading and using suggestions from Intercot for 2 plus years. I know this is a simple philosophy but if I don't like what is being said or the direction a topic is going I move on. This is a very friendly site and it shows by how this topic is being dicussed. I have a lot of respect for those of you "seeing" what can be done to improve an already awesome site.:thumbsup:

[Stickey]

At times the level of negativity can be disappointing. However, discussions may offer opposing positions, and a difference of opinion on an issue should not be automatically labeled as "negative." This site is strengthened by the exchange of intelligent ideas and informed opinions.

Constructive criticism of Disney is appropriate. It cannot be assumed that every action taken by Disney management is done in the best interests of its guests. Conversely, there are some who appear to dislike anything built during the Eisner era. Others can sometimes be overly nostalgic and believe that Disney has continued to go downhill since the golden days of the 1970's and 1980's. Thus, there are often two sides of a discussion which will depend on an individual's experience and expectations.

[gueli]

Well, I've laughed so hard that I've wet myself...if that's what you're doing on your screen I really have to question your desk configuration and/or your physiology. :D

your killing me:goof:

I enjoy a good healthy debate. I have been involved with some of the hot topic threads (the wheelchair/ecv comes to mind). I have seen people state that they are visably upset by something someone wrote. I have a great deal of empathy for those who are suffering hardships.
I tend to believe in the positive aspects of people. I don't take anything personally (even when Ian insults my QB). Oh I may argue,I may win or I may lose (yes, Bret Favre is sooo done). But I am here for the conversation, mostly about my favorite place.

So why all the negitivity?
Because some people need a place to vent. mostly I don't think they are trying to hurt/insult anyone- they say what their feeling at that moment.
Because some people are stirring the pot :stir:

But in the end, all that matters is what YOU do. What attititudes you have towards your fellow intercotee's. Let others flame:flame:, get angry :blowup::rant: or rant.

I like the people that will lend you a hand, give you an idea or share an expierence (good or bad). I also like the ones who will engage you in a healthy debate.

I think we all need a group hug now :grouphug:

except for you Mendelson, as I don't want to get wet:silly:

[diz_girl]

I agree that Intercot has a very supportive group of people. But I too have seen many people get flamed :flame: for seemingly innocent questions or statements. Like, if you're a newbie who has a refillable mug question, look out! :scared: Maybe more people should take up Ian's suggestion about checking the number of posts by someone who started or responded to a thread, since they could be a newbie and not know better.

I love Intercot and I've been wanting to give my fellow Intercotees a hug for a while now, so here goes.:grouphug:

[pdrlkr]

And I'll bet none of them respond to this post.

We'll I guess I was wrong! :blush:

[pink]

I feel like the people of Intercot are friends I've never had the pleasure of meeting. I remember a few hard times in my life when I posted non-Disney related topics and everyone gave me the warmest, kindest most honest advice. I actually saved the thread and I occasionally look back on it to cheer me up.

We may agree to disagree sometimes but this website is the most mature and considerate I've ever come across. There are some other unmentionable boards out there on the web where users spew negative uncalled for responses and despite the fact that they're strangers, it's still hurtful.

Intercot creates a safe, friendly Disney environment. I'm here to stay. :mickey: