DVDizzy Forum

[Edit. This is so not worth the time, trouble, or rudeness I apparently bring. UD is a nice community, it's not often that we come across these kind of attitudes (warranted or not), and I don't want to leave because some people apparently hate me, but maybe I do need a break. If I'm as rude as people are saying I am, a good month or two away would calm me down. So long, farewell, and happy posting. ]

I've said it before - this site should not function as a livelihood for anyone. Its niche status prevents anything more than marginal success. So what if Disney is producing less releases? Besides, a whole arena of Disney home video - Blu-ray Disc, which is the natural successor and ripe for dozens of reviews - is being snubbed and scapegoated due to the admin's resentment that it's to blame for the lack of DVDs. I won't even get into the many reasons of how freakin' ridiculous that is...

Escapay wrote:By the way, how's that Lost: Season Two review coming along?

Good one, smartass. Guess what? That screener was never even sent to me, so don't even try sloughing that off as my fault! I suppose I'm the one to blame when this site has no one to send LOST to review? I can't be the only person who watches that damn show.

By the way, how is that Sin City: Recut, Extended, Unrated review coming along? Seems like neither you nor Aaron could ever stomach it...

Remember what Thumper's dad said to him: "If you can't say nothin' nice, don't say nuthin' at all".

It's alright to use the feedback forum to say what you like/what you wish would improve about the site, but some of the comments were just downright mean. As far as the Blu-ray issue goes, I agree with Escapay & Aaron- the reviewers on UD aren't paid for their services (not with money, anyway), so you can't blame them for not investing in Blu-ray just yet. If Disney were to send them screeners, maybe they could find a friend with a Blu-ray player, but it's just unfair to say that UD sucks because the reviewers can't afford Blu-ray players.

Honestly, if you don't care about the non-Disney reviews, just don't read them. I initially had been upset about DVDizzy, but I've learned to embrace it. I don't read most of the non-Disney reviews, honestly, but I have read a few, and I'm grateful that the reviews are at the same quality as the Disney reviews.

Part of what makes UD so special is the community- we all just mesh well. The vast majority of us here still appreciate and care about this site. You must care about the site somewhat if you're still coming here to complain. How about you review some Blu-ray titles and see if Luke would use them...

A forum member warned me I might want to look at the aftermath of my post. I'm not so glad that I did...

Now I have come back for what I promise will be my very last post,
and last visit to the site...period. I am disappointed in the way
that people have reacted to what was a simple feedback/criticsm of the site.

First, I left my opinion only because I clicked on a section of the
forum called "Feedback." The thread is called
Non Disney Content on Ultimate Disney.

Normally, feedback means a person's OPINION.
And that's what I gave, MY PERSONAL OPINION.

I think everyone would agree we have the right to our own opinions.
If that wasn't enough of a reason for me to voice my opinion,
here are 5 more.

1. I have been a faithful forum member for over 4 years.

2. I HAVE offered to write reviews for UltimateDisney.com in the past.
and have written several reviews and news editorials for other sites.

3. I HAVE broken several news stories on this website.

4. I am a PROFESSIONAL graphic artist with a DEGREE and a job in that very field, who offered my services (and a full portfolio with Resume) as a graphic designer to Luke FREE of CHARGE...who said that he didn't want my help.

5. I HAVE asked about Blu-Ray before, and was told it would not be reviewed on this site. I own both a Blu-Ray and an HD-DVD player along with an HDTV and surround system and I AM WILLING to review titles...but these types of reviews aren't welcome here. So it seems neither am I.

6. This website is a BUSINESS. The website is not a Ministry, an outreach, or a non-profit organization or a news-only page. It's purpose it to get you to buy things. There are banners and ads to click on.
I'm sure not a lot of money is probably made here, and I think Luke deserves a lot more money then he's made...but for those who think this is something that Luke does out of the goodness of his heart...get real.
It may have started out that way, but eventually, you've got to pay
for the site itself.

So it is in my opinion that this website no longer serves
the purpose I originally intended to come here for.
That purpose was to see up-to-date news about Disney releases
and Early reviews and Cover art of all Disney films released
(regardless of the format) before the original release date,
so that purchases could be planned accordingly.

Due to the new types of reviews, that aren't Disney focused
I feel that Luke and Aaron are working too hard
and spread too thin on content that is unnecessary.
In fact it simply duplicates what is already readily available
on other websites.

I am also aware that another problem is Disney's
home video unit itself, which has chosen to devote more
time to Blu-Ray for it's more adult product,
while choosing standard DVD for re-issues of titles
for the umpteenth time, or teen/kids/"tween" content like
"That's So Raven: the Totally Unnecessary
Mixed Up-Mashed up, Like-Wow!
Super-Cool 18th Special 'Dition Edition"

In short if you think I am attacking the site itself, you are wrong.
Just the recent direction it has taken.

But now I have said my peace, and knowing that I am in the minority here, I will respectfully leave the website with this post.

As always on a forum, you should feel welcome to post back...
but do so knowing that I will not be reading the responses.

If you want, feel free to bash me to your hearts content...I'm gone.
I care about a lot of the people on this site and the things they do,
and I feel like the site could be so much more if just a little more effort was put in by volunteers like me, instead of those running the site chose to pile it all on themselves.

But evidently others here don't care about me, my personal opinions,
nor any of the information/news I've brought to the site, or anymy numerous attempts to offer free services that might have brought a
touch of quality and professionalism.

If the members of the site don't care I'm gone, so be it.

So to all of you here...seriously...enjoy the site!

But know that if nothing changes soon,
one day in the near future I believe you'll click on
UltimateDisney.com and find out that there's nothing here.




Finally, I'd like to say something personal
that's been a long time coming:

Escapay...
in all the time that I have been at UltimateDisney,
you have easily been the rudest and most frustrating people
I've ever been FORCED to communicate with on this
or any other web forum, and personally, I'm glad that I won't
ever have to deal with you again. In fact, I will not even dignify
any of your posts with an answer, instead I will take a
"turn the other cheek" attitude, and just tell you that
many of the accusatory statements you have
made towards me both here and in other threads
were totally unwarranted, immature, false and untrue.
In fact, you are the second major reason that I will be leaving this site.
Just keep being you. Maybe someday you can run this site...
i think that would be incredibly fitting.


And now I'll end four years of wasted time at
UltimateDisappointment.com with a quote from a very recent
Disney Film..."Enchanted"

I'm angry. I'm angry......I'm Angry!

I think That1Guy has a right to complain. He's basically "a consumer" of the website. However, he needs to also remember, that as a consumer, this is a business. Luke is operating this as a business, and at the end of the day, its up to him what happens here. That1Guy does not have a paid monthly subscription to this website - he uses it for free (unless of course he donates regularly or buys through the click-throughs). Therefore he has a right to complain but no right to demand. Theoretically the purpose of the 'feedback' would be to let consumers tell Luke if he's going in the wrong direction. But of course it all depends on "demand" - maybe more people are responding to the DVDizzy.com content - who knows.

Anyway, it's sad to see people go, but that's the way it is. I think he was trying to give constructive criticism, and the interchange became heated when Aaron tried to give reasoned explanations for why things are the way they are. Perhaps it is just best to let such comments go unanswered, rather than create any bad feelings?

I think everyone here does a tremendous job of reviewing and I can't begin to imagine the amount of time/effort that it takes to produce them. Just so Luke doesn't think they are entirely useless, I've actually spent hours looking at the older live-action reviews, learning about other movies I previously had never heard of. I'm sure others have used them as well.

As an aside, it's sad to see Paka coming here and bagging on the site- I don't know what happened to create the bad blood between this site and Paka/Deathie - I used to really enjoy seeing their frequent posts in the forums.

As I said in my edit...

This is so not worth the time, trouble, or rudeness I apparently bring. UD is a nice community, it's not often that we come across these kind of attitudes (warranted or not), and I don't want to leave because some people apparently hate me, but maybe I do need a break. If I'm as rude as people are saying I am, a good month or two away would calm me down. So long, farewell, and happy posting.

Scaps

Wow.

First off, let me just say that we are all giving our opinions on here. It's not like only That1GuyPictures is allowed to give his opinions, and it's not like only the rest of us can. We gave our opinions about his posts- that gets me mad how he's saying how he has the right to his opinions, but once we voice ours, he gets all upset.

And, Escapay, I'm assuming that that last post was legit, but without your avatar, I can only assume. If it's worth anything, you're one of my favorite members, and UD would not be the same if you left for good. Just because one person doesn't like you doesn't mean that the rest of us don't. You're such a valuable member to the community here, and I'd be sad if you left just because one person (who won't even post again) doesn't like you.

blackcauldron85 wrote: And, Escapay, I'm assuming that that last post was legit, but without your avatar, I can only assume. If it's worth anything, you're one of my favorite members, and UD would not be the same if you left for good. Just because one person doesn't like you doesn't mean that the rest of us don't. You're such a valuable member to the community here, and I'd be sad if you left just because one person (who won't even post again) doesn't like you.

I completely agree. Escapay, you add something to this forum. Really, you do. I don't think you're rude at all, I just think people don't like being told they did something wrong, and that's not your fault. Seriously, without you we'd have two million topics on one subject.

Oh my. It appears things have kicked off on this thread.

I think both sides have raised valid points. And ultimately people don't like change. I don't like change. I think a lot of us don't like change at all - that's why we still like Disney. It is a throwback to happier, simpler times. Even if the Disney film in question is new, we like it to have some aspects and qualities as Disney films from our childhoods.

It is going to be hard to make the extra content on DVDizzy stand out against the many DVD review sites out there - from stuff like DVDTimes to local newspaper websites which post DVD reviews. But that's not to say Luke or any other reviewer shouldn't do them. I have intermittent interest in the site's non-Disney reviews, but I have interest. And deep down inside, with the films the site does cover, every single poster on this thread must of had interest in at least one of the non-Disney reviews that has been published. Maybe if only to disagree with the review's conclusion.

I can understand people being upset when non-Disney content is published, but as has been shown, its not at the expense of Disney content. As has been repeatedly stated, Disney is at fault for the lack of Disney updates to the site. And its not as simple as Luke et al not jumping on the Blu-ray bandwagon. Sure, there would be more reviews (but perhaps not substantially... would day and date titles be reviewed in a single DVD/BD review for example) but Disney aren't exactly flooding the market place with "Disney" branded (rather than Buena Vista etc) Blu-ray discs.

None of the reviewers having a Blu-ray player is also more complex than it first appears. Player prices may be going down, but if a proper review of Blu-ray content is to be posted, most likely the reviewers will need to invest in better audio/video equipment too. I'm sure any one reviewer could buy a PS3 (or stand alone player) but would they be able to review the PCM soundtrack, or the full 1080p image?

I'm not sure why things have got so heated. However at risk of contributing to the heat, I will say this. I know that myself to a certain extent (and others to a larger extent) feel somewhat "abandoned" by Luke. Paka used the words "zealots and apologists" - without Luke himself being more visible, that is can be sometimes how the site - especially the forum - seems.

If Luke posted more often (or perhaps kept a semi-regular updated blog or something) explaining his current activities, future plans and future hopes, perhaps more of the Disney orientated people would understand. They can't demand more Disney content if they see Disney hasn't sent him anything. Or demand pre-release reviews if they see Disney only sent it over two days before release (or whatever).

I also think it would bring back a lot of the old style feel of the forum if Luke (and Renata) posted more. Especially as Escapay seems to have taken a leave of action.

Escapay wrote:As I said in my edit...

This is so not worth the time, trouble, or rudeness I apparently bring. UD is a nice community, it's not often that we come across these kind of attitudes (warranted or not), and I don't want to leave because some people apparently hate me, but maybe I do need a break. If I'm as rude as people are saying I am, a good month or two away would calm me down. So long, farewell, and happy posting.

Scaps

That's crazy Escapay - don't leave! I think the best thing for us all to do when these posts happen is just ignore them. Ok so this guy attacked you and maybe you haven' gotten along with him but you mean alot to the vast majority here. This guy is leaving - why are you leaving then? Don't let it get under your skin. As for the whole situation, had we all just ignored the guy, it would not have escalated and that was the point I was trying to make. Well I guess if you're gone, you're not reading this.... So I hope you'll be back soon.

blackcauldron85 wrote: If it's worth anything, you're one of my favorite members, and UD would not be the same if you left for good. Just because one person doesn't like you doesn't mean that the rest of us don't. You're such a valuable member to the community here, and I'd be sad if you left just because one person (who won't even post again) doesn't like you.

Well said BC, well said.

I was just noticing the beautiful graphic up in the upper left corner (the Dalmations with one representing UD and the other DVDizzy - I think everyone here should take a look at that. Too many members have been expressing intolerance for the new DVDizzy stuff. You know what I think this is all about? People hate change and they feel threatened by it, like somehow the forum community is threatened by the existence of the new content. Its just an emotional gut reaction and people need to stop and ask themselves what is so horrible about references to other types of DVDs on the site. I mean really, it is kind of silly when you think about it.

I think some people who are complaining about the DVD Dizzy are blowing things out of proportion a tad. If you don't like it so much don't go to those areas of the site it's really that easy, just stick to the areas you like instead.

Paka, I have no idea who you are or who That1GuyPictures is but why in the world are you coming back NOW of all times and complaining I haven't seen either of you very active the last few months is it? So why should you come here and start complaining and making demands if you just came back after being gone so long. Things change, sites expand get over it. Yeah, that's harsh but it's one of those days, and I'm not in the mood for giving condolences to people who come here and act negatively just because they feel they have the right to. Oh, and FYI Paka, calling Escapay a Smartass in your post is considered a personal attack which as we all know isn't tolerated but I doubt you care

Moving on, Escapay get your picture back up there and don't let people's opinions make you leave! You have a lot more friends here than enemies, and to them it's their loss of someone great for a friend

All this forum needs is a little cooperation between the forum users, and mods to make things better. Perhaps if some users here were willing to give Escapay's ideas a try it would be better than sitting here doing the same old same old. The saying goes "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained".

So that should cover everything, Luke, Aaron I'm with you 100% if it weren't for this site I'd be lost when it comes to Disney DVD's and even some things Disney

Albert/Scaps/Escapay wanted me to post this for everyone:

"Hi guys, it's Scaps. Sorry if my abrupt departure startled you all a bit. The incident with T1GP had NOTHING to do with me leaving, but it prompted me to leave earlier than I expected and in an unfortunately noticeable way. Often I'll take breaks from UD and not let anyone know, and usually it goes unnoticed (if I'm lucky). I'm sorry if my post made it seem like I'll be gone forever, I won't. I just need some time away from the internet, where I can be regular old Albert and not have to live up to the Scaps persona. In the meantime, sing in the rain, burn tree-killing DVD condoms, and have fun. "

Albert

Glad to hear he's not gone forever, he brings a lot to this forum. See ya soon Scaps.

Now I feel foolish for sending Scaps that PM...

Oh well, glad to see you're still around!

2099net wrote:I know that myself to a certain extent (and others to a larger extent) feel somewhat "abandoned" by Luke. Paka used the words "zealots and apologists" - without Luke himself being more visible, that is can be sometimes how the site - especially the forum - seems.

If Luke posted more often (or perhaps kept a semi-regular updated blog or something) explaining his current activities, future plans and future hopes, perhaps more of the Disney orientated people would understand. They can't demand more Disney content if they see Disney hasn't sent him anything. Or demand pre-release reviews if they see Disney only sent it over two days before release (or whatever).

I also think it would bring back a lot of the old style feel of the forum if Luke (and Renata) posted more. Especially as Escapay seems to have taken a leave of action.

Thank you for the very diplomatic explanation - this is something that I had not even considered. So it is more than just objecting to having to share the site with the new content, but the fact that it's taken Luke/Renata away from interacting more with forum members? Which is probably a function of both of them having to spend so much time developing basically "2" websites, or at least content for 2 types of websites. I don't know frankly how he has managed to create the tremendous amount of quality content and yet keep such an active presence in the forums anyway (not to ignore the fact that several of you contribute quality work as well). I mean that is just astounding to me. I suspect they are just overwhelmed, and that time has to come at the expense of something else, which perhaps means posting less frequently. I'm not going to speculate, since I don't know, but the obvious is that doing the extra site content does take a lot of free time that they probably used to have more of.

But you know, as with having just participated in the forums Xmas gift exchange, this is really a unique community - unlike any I've seen on the web - people trusting and buying gifts for others on this website - how many communities do that? In my case, because I don't know so many of you as well, I'm buying a gift for what is in effect, a complete stranger. I know many here know each other very well or at least are familiar with each other's backgrounds (of course controversial off-topic subjects have probably contributed to a great deal of sharing). The point being is that this is something of a "family" here, even if people in the family don't always get along. Therefore, I can see how Luke's absence could lead to feelings of abandonment. People here spend an awful lot of time in the forums and needless to say, it basically generates a certain amount of responsibility to continue to post regularly. I think people should just understand that Luke has had to spend a great deal of time on the new content. If they feel there is a void because he's not posting as much anymore, they should fill the void in some other way. Look within - there are plenty of people here in the forums to interact with. Give Luke some breathing room. I don't like the new content either, but he has to do what he has to do. This is a business and for this site to survive, he's made it clear he has to branch out. Most of us use this bandwidth for free.... who's going to pay the bills?

Perhaps we should consider shutting down this thread, since it has lead to so much infighting. The critics can just email the administrator (Luke) with their comments, right? However, if this thread is to continue, I think the harsh comments should just be ignored. Everything that can be said about this topic has been already said. This thread is really only useful for Luke to see what people think and for him to make his decisions based on the feedback. There's really no reason for members to start getting into fights over this. Well, that's about all I can say on this topic.

blackcauldron85 wrote:Albert/Scaps/Escapay wanted me to post this for everyone:

"Hi guys, it's Scaps.... I'm sorry if my post made it seem like I'll be gone forever, I won't.

Albert

Well that's a relief; thanks for relaying this message, BC.

Wow. I haven't visited the feedback forum in a while, and I just read this whole post.

I wanted to publicly say that I think Luke does a great job on this site. Nobody can blame him for wanting to expand the website beyond Disney, especially in light of the fact that Disney DVD releases have been few and far between (and the ones we do get are sub-par of the ones we used to get years ago). I haven't noticed a reduction in posting of timely Disney DVD news. It would be easier to view items on the front page if there were links with subject headings, similar to digitalbits.com. Overall, I love this site and don't know what I would do without it! I don't post as much as I used to - primarily because for the past 6 months I've been enrolled in college full time, in addition to my 5 kids and full time job. But I still check this site almost daily and it's been a great comfort to me to have Disney DVD news and dicussion at the tips of my fingers.

Thanks to everyone who makes it a reality!

kbehm29 wrote:I don't post as much as I used to - primarily because for the past 6 months I've been enrolled in college full time, in addition to my 5 kids and full time job. But I still check this site almost daily and it's been a great comfort to me to have Disney DVD news and dicussion at the tips of my fingers.

Thanks to everyone who makes it a reality!

Well thanks for adding to the positive here - I think we all depressed ourselves with how this thread went so negative. (Notice no one has posted since!) You sure got a lot on your plate - I'd be overwhelmed with just the 5 kids, let alone the F/T job and college. Good luck with your studies and see you in the happier threads.

Guess I'll put my opinion here.

When I first heard about UD, it was in 2004 and I was scouring the imdb forums. Someone brought up UD and called it just a place for Disney geeks to go. So naturally, I went.


I didn't discover the forum for nearly two years, but after looking at it for a little while, I decided to join. When I first heard UD would not be a Disney-only site anymore, I was offended! Silly, huh? But after adjusting with it, I accepted it and it made sense. There's just not enough Disney information anymore. Sometimes it took a week for a new newsbreak to hit the site, and now, isn't it kinda pathetic that the only thing we can get excited about are sequels? My signature is proof of that!

Anyway, I welcome DVDizzy! I like that now I have the ability to read non-Disney movie reviews on this site when I'm thinking about buying/renting a non-Disney movie. It's great! Although, I really can't wait to see DVDizzy get it's own page.

I actually agree with everything you wrote, UmbrellaFish (except I found UD through a search engine...!). The reviews of non-Disney movies are still the same UD quality we know and love, so there's really more to love. I recently decided to upgrade my favorite non-Disney movies from VHS to DVD, so I'll be utilizing the DVDizzy reviews...