it's funny how Pete himself says that he loves Disney but he will be the first to point out when he doesn't like something or doesn't agree. When Oscar (who i'm sure loves disney and is obviously a fan of the podcast) posts something he's noticed about the podcast, he gets attacked. it seems like most people on here are like the disney fans pete makes fun of - Disney can do no wrong.
i love the podcast. i listen every week. i don't think Oscar worded his opinion in the nicest way, but i do agree that there is more mention of Dreams Unlimited, etc now than for example last year. it all began with the Mousefest Meet. you can see for yourself if you listen to the podcast where Pete says, "I don't usually do this, but since the sponsors really stepped up with paying for the meet, i'm going to plug them more." i'm not saying it's good or bad. i'm just saying that it happens. that's all. i don't need anyone to write and say that i'm a bad person for noticing this.
A point well made.
However, I think we hit on the underlying issue Rex is having with the DIS and the podcast lately. It is my opinion that he feels like he should be on the show and have a job with the DIS/podcast and this is what's leading to his negative comments.
Rex, back when you said we 'jumped the shark' a while ago, that was the week we announced Teresa was joining the show. This week we announce that Leah is our newest team member and you have another negative/snarky comment about the direction of the show.
As a matter of fact I recall our first meeting at Bob's memorial service at the Gaylord Palms where you told Kevin and I that you were disappointed that Pete wasn't there. I thought it was because you really wanted to meet him but you went on to say you thought for sure Pete would hire you on the spot to replace Bob.
I think the 'slippery slope' here is when hidden agendas are used to conceal true intentions.
I am proud that the podcast has always been an open and honest discussion about everything in our lives. From personal opinions on Disney, to our personal lives, to our business relationships - we've always shared everything with our listeners.
You are taking a third hand comment not only out of context but changing the meaning to serve your purpose. Yeah there was interest, it was an idea planted by others and the topic would have made for good discussion. There were some that PMed me, and emailed you on that topic. I recall Kevin bringing up that some fans had brought up my contribution. I recall being invited to do a review with you and Kevin not long after Bob's wake. Did the topic of my "replacing" Bob ever come up? That was an hour+ meal, with conversation spanning many topics... But my joining the show or Dreams, etc. was never one of them. After getting a peek under the Kimono, I had no interest.
Yeah, after everything with that night of looking for Pete... it would have been nice to meet and chat. But Pete wasn't there, indeed John... wasn't Pete having a "reaction to some medication?"
There were a couple shows that came out in that time period that were extended interviews that were promoting one product. Regardless of not having any financial interest in the products being promoted... I spoke up to say, is this a good direction? Is this what people wanna hear? The show returned to the previous format.
I didn't even bring this topic up, the OP isn't a regular on the boards but a listener to the show that wanted to express concern. I agree with their points that "content" has moved a lot further into the show. I agree with comments on other parts of the disboards that some of the new policies are a double standard. Heck I made a joke that to get me to ride the doubleshot would take a very large donation to my foundation. Does anyone think I have a foundation? Pete took it as a personal attack that I was soliciting for donations. While GKTW is a great cause, I couldn't make a joke about donations to a foundation... there were several weeks where a large amount of time was dedicated to "soliciting donations". To paraphrase, "Common people, give more, shut me up".
I put myself out there, It cost a couple bucks to make the drive to win that cruise. Gas, Hotel, Park Admission. It was a fun adventure. I was lucky that I got to have some fun. While most of us work tedious jobs till we die, I got to be a part of something big and enjoy a moment in the spotlight. I can take the personal attacks, even if personal attacks are against the rules of the disboards. To reiterate my point... much like Disney, the Disboards, Dreams Unlimited and the Podcast are a for profit business. Giving stuff away is good publicity, excellent marketing. Taking the show on the tours and organized trips is selling tours at a time when travel is slow. It is good business.
Advertising and marketing are cost centers. Giving away product to promote is part of business. While they have incurred costs for these promotions, do you really think they are giving it all away with no expectation that it will attract more customers?
I re-read my post... change the object of criticism from the show to Disney and you have a "Pete Rant". In fact, let's try it...
It would seem that
Disney has slipped into the form of a long commercial. Times being what they are, having a ready made audience that is easily marketed to with events related to
Disney is an opportunity that is difficult to pass up.
You can be proud of the podcast; There is still content.
... do pete, walter, john, and kevin lounge around in kimonos at home? I'm getting a great mental image of this right now... I wish I knew how to photoshop their faces on this picture:
