tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post116853735538993173..comments2024-02-08T07:33:49.907-08:00Comments on Re-Imagineering: Foundations for the Disney BusinessMr Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-8263900142868225462008-01-19T12:23:00.000-08:002008-01-19T12:23:00.000-08:00Why is it so difficult to understand what Shnemo i...Why is it so difficult to understand what Shnemo is trying to say? <BR/><BR/>Of course blogs are important and to an extent useful for swaying what Disney does, but they’re not going to bring back EPCOT Center or rid the Magic Kingdom of its seven Fantasylands. Using bogs which evaluate why Disney was so great is only the first step to making Disney great again. We’ve created a base and now working off of that base we must find a way to get even closer to the inner-workings of the company. We shouldn’t just abandon everything we’ve done, and you’ve done here on Reimagineering, but we need to continue “moving forward” if you will, rather than ONLY blogging. We can’t build upward without the base you’ve created, but we still need to build upward at some point.<BR/><BR/>At this point, the only thing Disney cares about is money, so the only way to convince them to do anything is to take control of their money. A boycott in the name of the Disney blogging and internet community is the only way I can see Disney ever listening strongly to our opinions. However, we will never be able to put together something as grand as that unless we can first agree that something more needs to be done.1983horizons1https://www.blogger.com/profile/11011014203964407464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169444925491301782007-01-21T21:48:00.000-08:002007-01-21T21:48:00.000-08:00...the Los Angeles Times and OC Register...As I've...<I>...the Los Angeles Times and OC Register...</I><BR/><BR/>As I've said, the WDW situation is completely different from the DL situation. There isn't the same sense of history and the AP holders aren't as engaged. Test Track is considered a great success. The sort of things you mention aren't present in the WDW environment.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169422673882808652007-01-21T15:37:00.000-08:002007-01-21T15:37:00.000-08:00>>The Orlando local media is about the only outlet...>>The Orlando local media is about the only outlet where this kind of talk could possibly be taken seriously. <<<BR/><BR/>Only recently, both the Los Angeles Times and OC Register jumped on the Disneyland's-Tom Sawyer Island-turns-to-Pirate Island story after it was reported on the net - - and that exposure helped alter the course of the project, potentially saving part of Disneyland history. <BR/><BR/>Nobody cares? Sure they do. People everywhere have an emotional connection to the Walt Disney material of their youth and want to help pass it on to the next generation. It's the corporate types that often tend to dismiss this idea, as they tout branding, product, profit and loss theory. They can miss the important emotional component that actually sells "Disney."<BR/><BR/>In major media, the light is better focused on that common emotional bond and product than net "personalities." Badly maintained facilities or poorly received attractions are not subjective, while people, priorities and politics can be.Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169403507035687742007-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:002007-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:00I'm fully convinced that, if given the chance, Cap...<I>I'm fully convinced that, if given the chance, Captain Schnemo would have hunted down Martin Luther King after his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech and begged him to stop with all the blustery words and high-minded pontificating...</I><BR/><BR/>No, you're not.<BR/><BR/>(And, <I>again</I>, I have never advocated that anyone stop blogging.)<BR/><BR/>What is so wrong with even considering the possibility of doing anything other than exactly what you have been doing (which has so far not produced visible results)?<BR/><BR/>MLK did more than speak words in a closed room to his friends, call it a day, and hope the innate goodness of them somehow managed to seep into the world.<BR/><BR/>Yes, things have changed in Disneyland, but DL is a fundamentally different environment from WDW, <I>and</I>, to the extent that the online community had any impact at all, it was not a result of <I>only</I> the kind of pontificating done in this blog.<BR/><BR/>As I have said repeatedly, I think this blog is important, but it's naive to think that the job is done and now all we have to do is wait for the sheer power of your words to overwhelm a multi-billion dollar corporation.<BR/><BR/><I>...by saying that 10 years of "blogging", as it were, has had absolutly no effect, you inadvertently diminish the endeavours made over the years and in this blog, as if they've been empty words.</I><BR/><BR/>I do no such thing, I merely report the facts as they stand. Reality is there whether we like it or not.<BR/><BR/>I am encouraged to see that there have been discussions about these topics under the Iger regime, but so far things have continued to spiral downward at WDW. Projects which should have been dismissed out of hand have been given the green light and simple (and cheap) steps towards improving the parks have not been taken. (It also seems unlikely that Lasseter will be able to control himself and slow the random Pixarization of the parks.)<BR/><BR/>Surely it is possible that this is just the end of the Eisner era working itself out, but without evidence to the contrary, and with a proven track record of ineffectiveness, I do not understand why trying to actually accomplish something viewed as an attack.<BR/><BR/>I hestitate to bother to make other suggestions, given the way you have simply ignored mine (and those of digital jedi), but I will continue. I suppose I'll take a page from the bloggers, wish upon a star, and wait for someone else to make the dreams come true...?<BR/><BR/>Have you considered trying to package something for the Orlando Sentinel? (This should jibe well with the keep-doing-what-we're-doing plan.) The Orlando local media is about the only outlet where this kind of talk could possibly be taken seriously. Given that their economy lives and dies with Disney, they are averse to printing negative stories about Disney, but there are ways to go about it.<BR/><BR/>Contact the tech section of the paper and give them a free story about the Disney "blogosphere". That will make them seem trendy and in touch without having to generate much content on their own.<BR/><BR/>Or frame it as a human interest story...citizen reporters who visit the parks and (gasp!) have ideas about them.<BR/><BR/>At the very least, please take a moment to <I>consider</I> that this is not the absolute pinnacle of what you could do (and what you would enjoy doing) to work towards your goals.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169367246106195662007-01-21T00:14:00.000-08:002007-01-21T00:14:00.000-08:00I'm fully convinced that, if given the chance, Cap...I'm fully convinced that, if given the chance, Captain Schnemo would have hunted down Martin Luther King after his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech and begged him to stop with all the blustery words and high-minded pontificating, to quit while he was ahead, that there couldn't POSSIBLY be any way his words could affect positive change in the future!<BR/><BR/>The passionate debate this blog and others like it have inspired in and out of the Disney company since Bob Iger got down to business has been a joy to behold. <BR/><BR/>Positive change isn't going to happen overnight and there will be plenty of wrong-headed flops in the interim but there a healthy number of incredibly talented and intelligent creative leaders now wrapped up in the fold to warrant optimism. <BR/><BR/>And these are the very people who not only pay attention to 'internet conversation, ideas, analysis, criticism, watchdogging' but actively celebrate and solicit it.<BR/><BR/>All of us at Re-Imagineering are honored to keep on with the drumbeat.Mr Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169360736622809562007-01-20T22:25:00.000-08:002007-01-20T22:25:00.000-08:00The best use of the internet in the past has been ...The best use of the internet in the past has been to help shine a light of truth and information and inspiration on issues and problems with the actual product. Calls to action can be less successful or even divert eyes and ears from the discussion at hand.<BR/><BR/>These articles are read and taken seriously by enough people to have an effect on the merit of words, ideas, truths and pictures alone. <BR/><BR/>The effective authors use their words to support those who "get it" and let those who do not show themselves (and their work) for what it is - - sooner or later they always do. <BR/><BR/>Knowledge is powerful, which is why corporations dislike the opnness of the web so much. Unlike publicity and publicists and marketing, it can't be controlled or distorted, even by negative terms and associations or group facilitation. The passion persists despite all efforts to contain it.<BR/><BR/>Ten years of Truth online has done wonders for Disneyland - even if its been slow going - and hopefully the trend will continue across the company with Pixar in a leadership postion, and Bob Iger showing a management openness not seen in some years.<BR/><BR/>There is cause for optimism that at least some principles of Walt and Roy's "Foundations for the Disney Business" will continue.<BR/><BR/>But it will only happen if we help pass those ideals on to new generations and continue to give those ideas a platform. Collectively, we are the ones who keep the torch - - so we must keep that fire burning. We can't let the theories of the founding Disneys, the Nine Old Men, the Imagineers - the artists and craftsmen who created commercial miracles - dwindle to a distant memory.<BR/><BR/>Walt was seldom a >realist<, but always an >idealist<, and I hope we continue to follow his lead. Some have been keeping the fire lit for decades already. Like Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life," it may not always show, but over time, does make a difference. <BR/><BR/>Given the passionate discussion and debate in this thread on an article that dates back 30 years or more, I think the contributors to Re-Imagineering are right on track. <BR/><BR/>Keep shining the light, boys. The old ideas still draw a crowd. <BR/><BR/>Just think what could happen if applied to the new possibilities...Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169348552695506822007-01-20T19:02:00.000-08:002007-01-20T19:02:00.000-08:00I recognize you have the best interests of Disney ...I recognize you have the best interests of Disney at heart, Captain Schnemo. But while you mean well, by saying that 10 years of "blogging", as it were, has had absolutly no effect, you inadvertently diminish the endeavours made over the years and in this blog, as if they've been empty words. As if they've had no power. I'm certain that was not your intention, but it was the impact felt first, nonetheless.<BR/><BR/>I don't think anyone wouldn't jump feet first into a new, viable graduation of what we do here on this blog. I would, no doubt, be trampled by the authors of this blog trying to get on that line.<BR/><BR/> Maybe I'm being presumptuous here (more then likely) but maybe the next, or future, blog article(s) could be about just that. The options that the regular Guest, the past and present Cast member and the former Imagineer have to facilitate real, effective change. Protests? Signed petitions? Carefully placed moles?<BR/><BR/>I'm not trying to be silly with those statements, it's just this is new territory for me personally. I would be curious to see what the more experienced would ascertain to be more or less feasible in this area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169341153112352742007-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:002007-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:00It seems that you continue to misunderstand me.A n...It seems that you continue to misunderstand me.<BR/><BR/><I>A new idea is on the tip of your keyboard, but you haven't quite spilled it yet...</I><BR/><BR/>My intent is not come here with some great idea that will save the World, only to encourage discussion on the matter. What's being done is not working, and I think it's worthwhile to put some energy into thinking about what might.<BR/><BR/>Based on the assumption that change must come from within, perhaps some targetting of Lasseter personally might have some effect. He at least is willing to give lip service to "magic" (although I am not impressed with his actions so far), so he could be a logical starting point.<BR/><BR/><I>...to shut down internet conversation, ideas, analysis, criticism, watchdogging...</I><BR/><BR/>Never have I suggested that these things be shut down. I think blogs such as this one are important. Just keeping this line of thought active has value.<BR/><BR/>At the same time, on its own, these articles do not actually impact WDW. If something else needs to be done, it reasonable to imagine that the people who participate in this site would be the most likely to do something.<BR/><BR/>You've collected a group of people with a lot of passion and energy, and I hope that we can figure out a way to, as I said, do more than simply record and analyze the downfall of something we all treasure.<BR/><BR/><I>...pointing out the "geeks" (we know who we are and are comfortable with it)...</I><BR/><BR/>A geek who is comfortable with their geekdom should not take offense to being addressed as one. I take pride in my Disney geektitude and meant no disrespect by addressing my peers as such.<BR/><BR/>There are many things working against us and simply acknowledging that they exist should not be cause for conflict. As Clint said, we've got to "know our limitations" and then work from there.<BR/><BR/>I am encouraged by Kevin Yee's <A HREF="http://www.miceage.com/kevinyee/ky122806a.htm" REL="nofollow">Decling by Degrees</A> columns. They address problems which are on a much more practical level than those discussed here, but they present an indisputable picture of things that need to be done.<BR/><BR/>I don't know if there's a way to translate this report of tangible issues into the more philosophical realm that is discussed here, but Al Lutz gained access and credibility similar basic efforts and positive changes have been made at Disneyland that go beyond chipping paint and decaying signage. (Whether this is a direct result of Al's work is debatable, I suppose, but it gives one hope.)<BR/><BR/>The point is that even though Al continues to preach to the converted, he also worked out a way to communicate realities to Disney. At the very least, he made the point that not everything that comes from an Internet fan site is nonsense to be ignored. He got those with the power to make change into the habit of checking online articles and actually <I>responding</I> to them.<BR/><BR/>Whether or not we have an angle to play here (in terms of WDW) is not known to me, but I would hope that no one is hostile to the idea of looking for one.<BR/><BR/>Nothing wrong with a little brainstorming.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169330616714710352007-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:002007-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:00Captain Schnemo offers:>>I'd simply like to see al...Captain Schnemo offers:<BR/><BR/>>>I'd simply like to see all this energy transferred into something functional<<<BR/><BR/>>>I was hoping that there might be some motivation to move beyond this phase.<<<BR/><BR/>>>I think it's time to start thinking outside the box.<<<BR/><BR/>>>We need to figure out what we have that can make a difference.<<<BR/><BR/>>>I thought perhaps people might be interested in a little innovation<<<BR/><BR/>Okay, Captain, you have our interest. A new idea is on the tip of your keyboard, but you haven't quite spilled it yet...<BR/><BR/>In this thread, we have been inspired by Walt and Roy's "Foundations of the Disney Business," and now you are offering something new and positive - - a new approach to acheiving these things in today's stubborn business-centered atmosphere - - That's great!<BR/><BR/>Beyond continued negative suggestions: to shut down internet conversation, ideas, analysis, criticism, watchdogging and historical inspiration (your opinions in that regard are duly noted) or pointing out the "geeks" (we know who we are and are comfortable with it) and reminding us how certain Disney execs may feel negatively about creative passion (something many of us know all-too-well and first-hand) or stressing the futility of it all while profits are high (we hear you) or underscoring our powerlessness (got it) - - Beyond these "realist" projections - you clearly have something important and positive you want to add. <BR/><BR/>I'm sure we all welcome fresh approaches to Re-Imagineering. We seek inspiration by the definition of the blog. <BR/><BR/>What is your proactive idea to affect positive change - - to compliment and perpetuate the Foundations of the Disney Business?Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169303367963426172007-01-20T06:29:00.000-08:002007-01-20T06:29:00.000-08:00I've never sensed a bigger "Can't Do" attitude in ...<I>I've never sensed a bigger "Can't Do" attitude in my life. Walt would have thrown him out of the board room before he'd gotten the cap off his pen.</I><BR/><BR/>Walt was an optimist, but also a realist. You can't deny that 10 years of people saying what's been said here has had almost no effect in WDW.<BR/><BR/>You also can't deny that Disney execs think we are crazy and should be ignored, <I>and</I> that this strategy is currently working out just fine as far as they are concerned.<BR/><BR/>You need the ability to understand what is motivating the other side if you ever expect to accomplish anything. Know your audience, as Walt did. You also need to realistically understand how you are being perceived.<BR/><BR/>What I'm saying is that this blog is very good, as have been many of the other things that have been written in this vein for at least a decade by myself and others. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with this sort of writing, only that an honest analysis of the situation is that it's not doing enough.<BR/><BR/>Some are so beaten down that they think the greatest thing they can hope for is the removal of something they don't like (eg, the Wand, the Hat, etc.).<BR/><BR/>savedisney.com had Roy. We need to figure out what we have that can make a difference.<BR/><BR/>I thought perhaps people might be interested in a little innovation, just as Walt always wanted to move beyond his past accomplishments.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169259110298161782007-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:002007-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:00I'm left scratching my head while reading Captain ...I'm left scratching my head while reading Captain Schnemo's comments. I've never sensed a bigger "Can't Do" attitude in my life. Walt would have thrown him out of the board room before he'd gotten the cap off his pen.<BR/><BR/>As this blog started in the halls of Pixar and grew, I can only say that if it was ONLY read by the generous handful of Disney Park aficionados that work there and fanned its flames then it would have served its purpose. <BR/><BR/>I've always known that the Pixar contingent 'gets it' but it's SO refreshing to find so many other passionate Imagineering fans also get it. <BR/><BR/>That SaveDisney.com moved mountains is reason enough to keep the debate open.<BR/><BR/>Disneyland is still your land.Mr Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169251630475225662007-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:002007-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:00How do you put a price tag on the smile brought to...How do you put a price tag on the smile brought to a child's face when a cast member, after seeing the child's name, proclaims loudly to Mickey that 'Sam!', has finally arrived to see him and have his photo taken?<BR/><BR/>While we've bitched, moaned and complained about the paint, the attractions, the trash cans and the rest of the infrastructre, what about the staff? Walt himself said that you could build the most amazing park in the world, but its the people that make it happen. The Decade of Disney, greatly expanded WDW; but it had a terrible side-effect. The expansion placed the company in the dire position of needing 50,000 staff. They gave up the right to SELECT who they hired for they're current situation - "Give us a reason why we shouldn't hire you." The result is that the quality of the average cast member has declinded. I challenge you to stay at the Ritz-Carlton and then stay at the Grand Floridian. The contrast is nothing short of depressing. You may argue that the Ritz is "THE RITZ" and that no one can match them, but remember one thing - There was a time when DISNEY was the pinnacle of service placed there by the staff that they hired upholding Disney Tradition not because they were told to, but because of who they were.<BR/><BR/>David H<BR/>Cast Member '93 - '03Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169209386396382932007-01-19T04:23:00.000-08:002007-01-19T04:23:00.000-08:00...the power of our words has impact on every sing...<I>...the power of our words has impact on every single person who reads them.</I><BR/><BR/>True, but when the audience is a self-selected one such as this, these words are of limited power.<BR/><BR/>I agree with the sentiment that these outlets allow us to shape our words and ideas and help us to work out for ourselves just what exactly is wrong with Disney. I know a lot of people can see that something is off, and thoughtful media like this open their eyes and help give shape to their thoughts.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, as I said, this has been going on for years now, and there aren't a lot of ideas here that I haven't seen expressed a decade ago. I think it's time to start thinking outside the box.<BR/><BR/>I understand the value of this as planting seeds, and the long term aspect is potentially important, but I've been watching this kind of thing go on for a very long time with no results except for the sharpened minds of those who have no power to effect change.<BR/><BR/>Given the amount of energy that's put into projects like this, however, I was hoping that there might be some motivation to move beyond this phase.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169173113813934412007-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:002007-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:00digital jedi: The Force is most definitely with yo...digital jedi: <BR/><BR/>The Force is most definitely with you!Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169169932847927732007-01-18T17:25:00.000-08:002007-01-18T17:25:00.000-08:00---------------------------------There was a serve...---------------------------------<BR/>There was a server error when I posted this originally. I'm double posting just ensure it went through. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused<BR/>---------------------------------<BR/><BR/><B>Captain Schnemo said:</B><BR/>>><I>how do you propose going about getting the right person to get it?</I><<<BR/><BR/><B>Merlin Jones said:</B><BR/>>><I>Shine a light on those who step-forward to build...</I><<<BR/><BR/>Perhaps that is the fundamental question and answer. At the absolute very least, the opportunity to come here and express our distaste for the inversion of philosophies so nicely gathered together in this article, gives us a place to refine our sensibilities, our choice of words and ability to express ourselves for a time when it will truly make a difference. <BR/><BR/>But beyond that, there is, again, an intangible quality that cannot be quantified by simply forcing the regime at Disney to "see the light". There is the invisible impact our words have on the people who do read this, and who, one day, will have the power to invoke change.<BR/><BR/>Think of all the great historical figures of whatever culture or aristocracy you hail from. In each of those individuals lives, were the words of other people who empowered them, inspired them to attain whatever laudable or seemingly unachievable goal their heart desired. <BR/><BR/>Often, great change does not come about as a result of facts or figures presented to the powers-that-be in document form. Rather, great change comes about from the words and thoughts of other people, from their justifiable complaints all the way down to their minor gripes and grievances, that shape the minds of one or two individuals who took it all in, and who use that knowledge for building better tomorrows. <BR/><BR/>It's unlikely that we'd ever see a change in the hearts and minds of a group of businessmen who's sensibilities are firmly built on the foundation of quantified stats and figures. But never underestimate the power your words have on those who do understand the "unquantifiable"; the "magic", if you will. We come together and complain, gripe, maybe even bitch every now and again. But when we do, the power of our words has impact on every single person who reads them. At some point, those words will have a greater impact on Disney then we could ever imagine, then any document or fact sheet could. Someone, or a group or someones, is listening intently. Someone who will one day hold the place and position to invoke the proper change and make Disney great again. <BR/><BR/>If you think about, our words may be shaping the next Walt Disney.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169168548562339512007-01-18T17:02:00.000-08:002007-01-18T17:02:00.000-08:00Captain Schnemo said:>>how do you propose going ab...<B>Captain Schnemo said:</B><BR/>>><I>how do you propose going about getting the right person to get it?</I><<<BR/><BR/><B>Merlin Jones said:</B><BR/>>><I>Shine a light on those who step-forward to build...</I><<<BR/><BR/>Perhaps that is the fundamental question and answer. At the absolute very least, the opportunity to come here and express our distaste for the inversion of philosophies so nicely gathered together in this article, gives us a place to refine our sensibilities, our choice of words and ability to express ourselves for a time when it will truly make a difference. <BR/><BR/>But beyond that, there is, again, an intangible quality that cannot be quantified by simply forcing the regime at Disney to "see the light". There is the invisible impact our words have on the people who do read this, and who, one day, will have the power to invoke change.<BR/><BR/>Think of all the great historical figures of whatever culture or aristocracy you hail from. In each of those individuals lives, were the words of other people who empowered them, inspired them to attain whatever laudable or seemingly unachievable goal their heart desired. <BR/><BR/>Often, great change does not come about as a result of facts or figures presented to the powers-that-be in document form. Rather, great change comes about from the words and thoughts of other people, from their justifiable complaints all the way down to their minor gripes and grievances, that shape the minds of one or two individuals who took it all in, and who use that knowledge for building better tomorrows. <BR/><BR/>It's unlikely that we'd ever see a change in the hearts and minds of a group of businessmen who's sensibilities are firmly built on the foundation of quantified stats and figures. But never underestimate the power your words have on those who do understand the "unquantifiable"; the "magic", if you will. We come together and complain, gripe, maybe even bitch every now and again. But when we do, the power of our words has impact on every single person who reads them. At some point, those words will have a greater impact on Disney then we could ever imagine, then any document or fact sheet could. Someone, or a group or someones, is listening intently. Someone who will one day hold the place and position to invoke the proper change and make Disney great again. <BR/><BR/>If you think about, our words may be shaping the next Walt Disney.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169162718161170192007-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:002007-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00>>We SHOULD be faulting them for building poor att...>>We SHOULD be faulting them for building poor attractions. If their parks and entertainment are BRILLIANT wouldn't it be worth the cost? (Within reason of course).<<<BR/><BR/>That does seem to be the model for the future. But then the lowball offerings like the Poohs and Buglands really become even bigger issues, as well as closure of classic attractions and abandoned facilities and fewer shows or poor maintenence. The whole show needs to click.<BR/><BR/>Still, one hopes the Disney experience remains affordable to all income levels. Walt certainly was the great populist.Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169146203026661342007-01-18T10:50:00.000-08:002007-01-18T10:50:00.000-08:00Captain Schemo said: >>I consider myself to be a D...Captain Schemo said: <BR/><BR/>>>I consider myself to be a Disney "fanboy", in the best sense of the word.<BR/><BR/>He also said:<BR/><BR/>>>Disney fanboys<<<BR/><BR/>>>powerless Internet nerds<<<BR/><BR/>>>mutual consolation society<<<BR/><BR/>>>purists grumbling<<<BR/><BR/>>>lunatic doomsayers<<<BR/><BR/>>>regular civilians<<<BR/><BR/>>>such a person to be taken seriously<<<BR/><BR/>>>a huge waste of energy<<<BR/><BR/>Un huh.Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169141723951392202007-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00Merlin, I agree with almost everything you have sa...Merlin, I agree with almost everything you have said in your comments, I just disagree with the value question.<BR/>I believe that Disney is still a good value (compared to all the other entertainment choices).<BR/>I agree that Disney shouldn't be "doing what everyone else is doing", but we shouldn't fault Disney for selling Cokes for $3. We SHOULD be faulting them for building poor attractions. If their parks and entertainment are BRILLIANT wouldn't it be worth the cost? (Within reason of course).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169118290769688622007-01-18T03:04:00.000-08:002007-01-18T03:04:00.000-08:00First of all, merlin, you're completely misinterpr...First of all, merlin, you're completely misinterpreting my intent. I consider myself to be a Disney "fanboy", in the best sense of the word.<BR/><BR/>[It should be noted that I'm talking about WDW here. I realize that improvements have been made at Disneyland, in part due to contributions from the Internet, but the Disney corporate culture seems different there.]<BR/><BR/>WDW is much worse off now than it was when people began complaining about it, pretty much at the dawn of the popularization of the Internet amongst regular civilians. The "shining a light" argument is philosophically sound, but so far has had zero impact.<BR/><BR/><I>Why should it bother you if writers strive to convey a more optimistic vision for Imagineering?</I><BR/><BR/>It doesn't bother me at all. I've been doing it for years myself. I'd simply like to see all this energy transferred into something functional as well as intellectually stimulating.<BR/><BR/>Forgive me if I'm a little cynical here, but I've seen purists grumbling about this kind of thing for ages and when there is a response at all from Disney (which is almost never), it is always dismissive. And, in fairness, they have a certain right to be smug, when you consider their profits.<BR/><BR/>So the question is, how do we change our image from a bunch of lunatic doomsayers to constructive criticizers worthy of attention? Is it even possible as long as profits are up?<BR/><BR/>As you've said, what it takes is a man on the inside to spur change, but what conditions are present that would allow such a person to be taken seriously? Is there anything we can do at all to promote this?<BR/><BR/>Internet campaigns that focus on concrete issues such as chipping paint, burnt out light bulbs, and filthy eating areas have had some success, but how can we convince WDW that a Monsters, Inc. attraction is <I>Tomorrow</I>land is completely asinine?Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169080168696587962007-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:002007-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00>>how do you propose going about getting the right...>>how do you propose going about getting the right person to get it?<<<BR/><BR/>Shine a light on those who step-forward to build, as well as on the usual opportunistic hatchetmen. Shine a light on the work, good or bad, in context of relevant ideals.<BR/><BR/>>>Disney stock is way up. WDW is a creative cesspool, but a massive cash suction device.<<<BR/><BR/>As we have seen in the past, if seeds are not planted in the good times, it all comes crashing down in the bad. <BR/><BR/>>>Disney fanboys have been saying this kind of thing for at least a decade now, to no effect (at least in the case of WDW).<<<BR/><BR/>Internet watchdogs have had a huge effect on Disneyland - - and with the SaveDisney campaign. <BR/><BR/>>>I wonder if this isn't all just a huge waste of energy.<<<BR/><BR/>Why should it bother you if writers strive to convey a more optimistic vision for Imagineering? <BR/><BR/>>>I don't mean this as a criticism of the blog or any of the writers here,<<<BR/><BR/>Don't be disingenuous. Your language ("fanboys") betrays it.<BR/><BR/>>>just as analysis of what we're doing here.<<<BR/><BR/>As I see it, we're perpetuating concepts toward a better tomorrow. How about you?Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169072605186667322007-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:002007-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00Champions make changes. leaders inspire nations to...Champions make changes. leaders inspire nations to win even against all odds. Steve Jobs stepped up to lead his company to the future. He is doing it. He is the Walt of technology. Bob Iger has to be just as passionate and lead his company to it's next plateau. Everything about Apple is a reflection of Job's unflinching passion for his vision. Bob needs the Disney mantra and can rise to the occasion too. He has shown promise thus far. Let's inspire the management that's there to seek a higher (and long term) more profitable ground, encouraging them by celebrating their near term successes and point out that quality gets results. Not just pointing out their failures. Steve Jobs does not look back at the Newton. His products are out to change the world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169069840965643952007-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:002007-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00It takes a PERSON, not a SYSTEM to "get it."I agre...<I>It takes a PERSON, not a SYSTEM to "get it."</I><BR/><BR/>I agree, but how do you propose going about getting the right person to get it?<BR/><BR/>Disney stock is way up. WDW is a creative cesspool, but a massive cash suction device.<BR/><BR/>Almost all of us agree with the basic premise of this blog and that there is more money to be made by acting in a manner more consistent with core Disney ideals, but Disney fanboys have been saying this kind of thing for at least a decade now, to no effect (at least in the case of WDW).<BR/><BR/>Other than the intellectual exercise of documenting Disney's decline, I wonder if this isn't all just a huge waste of energy.<BR/><BR/>I don't mean this as a criticism of the blog or any of the writers here (who I largely agree with), just as analysis of what we're doing here.Captain Schnemohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15112333068173312142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169061351704892712007-01-17T11:15:00.000-08:002007-01-17T11:15:00.000-08:00>>We can blog til the cows come home, but until we...>>We can blog til the cows come home, but until we can come up with a concrete (ie, monetary) argument, I don't see us being much more than a mutual consolation society. They made the calculation to ignore us long ago, and it seems to be working out just fine for them.<<<BR/><BR/>But real money is being left on the table. They are successful, but could be even moreso.<BR/><BR/>The problem is that money men can "prove" these qualities won't be worth it in advance of taking the risk - - because that is the pre-existing theory of the managers and what is taught in MBA school. Surveys can be easily crafted to prove any point.<BR/><BR/>But with Disney, its the immeasurables that matter.<BR/><BR/>Whenever they break out of the conservative reinvestment pattern with artful material (or simply doing the right thing), they tend to "surprise" themselves with even more profits. For example, before Disneyland's 50th, the financial types were moaning and groaning about refurbishing costs for "old" stuff paying any dividend - - but a bit of paint turned to gravy in ways they couldn't have predicted on a spread sheet. <BR/><BR/>With Disney products, unlike dry goods and pharmacueticals, emotion turns to money, but accountants will never understand that part of the WDP equation -- even Walt never expected them to.<BR/><BR/>It takes a PERSON, not a SYSTEM to "get it."Merlin Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397520005969644808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-1169037124487667932007-01-17T04:32:00.000-08:002007-01-17T04:32:00.000-08:00Regarding my earlier comment about the faded WDW e...Regarding my earlier comment about the faded WDW entrance sign...<BR/><BR/>I drove by the entrance yesterday and was quite surprised to see that it had been painted - after only 3 months. However, and this probably won't be shocking, the I noticed that while they did paint the one side, the company didn't paint the other. So now one side is a nice bright purple and the other faded purple. <BR/><BR/>Please refresh my memory, wasn't there a time where the company would have gone out and checked the paint on the other five* entrance ways as soon as a problem came up with just one and then taken steps to fix them all?<BR/><BR/>(For you WDW trivia buffs - Main Entrance, Epcot, LBV, Osceola Prkwy and Western Beltway)<BR/><BR/>David H<BR/><BR/>P.S. I have half the mind to send Meg Crofton a gallon of paint as a donation. (Hmmm...what if we all did that and sent them right to her Team Diseny address?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com