FROM: Why Did Disney DO That?!? Published As Necessary

To Gush of Disney

Many people gush about Disney. While I'm sure Disney appreciates it, a 'gush' isn't very helpful, and the gusher comes across mostly as a tool. Lee Beatens never gushes, at least not in public, but he loves Disney. Can one love yet not gush?

- Lee Beatens, June 12, 2011

Gushing. This is one of the most annoying things in the known universe. It happens when a person has too high of an opinion about someone else or something. We've all been in the presence of a 'Gusher'.

The object of their love can do no wrong. They always have a selection of excuses for why their object might have seemed to do wrong in a particular circumstance. And they will vehemently defend their object beyond all logical reason or argument.

The Gusher shouldn't be confused with the average Disney Fan. Yes, the Fan will talk to anyone about their love of Disney characters, theme parks, and movies. And the Fan tends to group together with other like-minded persons, forming a 'community', within which they engage in discussions and debates on the finer points of the company.

It is understandable that we might confuse these two persons with one another.

I'm going to tell you the main difference so it won't happen again.

Positive to Negative Ratio

The Gusher is 100% positive. Now that's a ridiculously high percentage that few objects of gushing could hope to live up to!

This would include Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company. It's true that these two entities have contributed much to society. Much has been written extolling their virtues, the vast amount of which is hard to contradict. But is that any reason to gush?

No, because both Walt and the Disney Company have made mistakes as well. Walt was only human, and the company he left behind is subject to the same pressures and greed that are common in any multi-billion dollar enterprise.

So being 100% positive is unrealistic.

The 50/50 Disney Fan

Now most Disney Fans will waver between positive and negative feelings toward the company and its practices. Sometimes they'll lean more towards 70/30 for , or perhaps against, but that ratio can change day by day. And a person who is truly committed to the company will be equally expressive regarding both feelings.

Why is this important?

Because gushing doesn't inform. It doesn't motivate better behavior or products or experiences. It flatters but doesn't educate. Constructive criticism, however, teaches a person what they have done well and what they need to improve upon. And if the person criticized listens, everyone benefits!

So that's why I RANT.

But Does Ranting Work?

Consider the Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management at Walt Disney World.

Since the original show was replaced and the new 'owners' moved in, the Disney community has been very vocal with its disapproval! But years went by with Disney making no further changes.

Then the fire happened and the Tiki Room needed a makeover. Disney Fans went wild on the forums about what changes should be made. No agreement could be reached on the details, except for this: Get rid of the New Management!

In a sudden moment of clarity, Disney listened to its fans and announced a return to a version more closely based on the original. Exactly what Disney Fans had been calling for!

Does ranting work?

A Gusher will have a different answer to that question compared to a Disney Fan. But Disney needs our negative input as much as it needs our positive feedback if it's to grow and progress.

So the next time a Disney Fan throws his hands up into the air and screams:

"Why Did Disney DO that?!?"

stick your tongue in your cheek and your mind in gear and join in the discussion! Together, we can help to improve our overall Disney experience!

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