Princess Jes
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2013
Nikki, it’s been a very long time between drinks, and I know we definitely didn’t always see eye to eye, but this was so well said, especially the last couple of sentences.Hi Everyone,
For months, I’ve debated “coming out of the woodwork,” so to speak, and posting here. It’s been eight years since I last wrote for wdwinfo and the Unplugged blog and moderated this exact board. It’s been 10 since Julie and I recorded our shopping segment at the same studio (more footage with Dustin was recorded at that time but never made it to air). It’s been 12 since I attended someone’s wedding at his home. It’s been 14 since I was made into a flattie (do people still do those) and brought on what I believe was the first ever podcast cruise. I could go on and on. Hundreds of us battled it out on Toy Story Mania into the wee hours of the night; we volunteered at Give Kids the World, and for many years, raised thousands to help sustain its efforts; there were more cruises, trips to Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, and countless hours spent in the Florida parks. Friendships were formed, some for a lifetime, others only on the surface level.
One thing always held true during those years: as much as he may have wanted it to be, it was never all about him. He didn’t create that magic. The people did. They were the ones who were truly invested and, based on the replies I’ve read here, remain to be this day. Sure, many have come and gone, but the sentiment is still there even as fractured as it may be at the moment.
I too have a story. There’s not a person that doesn’t whether they were on-air talent, a writer, editor, producer, etc. With that being said, I think we need to give everyone some grace right now. They didn’t create the monster. Making demands or offering critiques is unwarranted. Let them have space to process and move forward in whatever capacity that is to come. This is a truly gut-wrenching situation. I have full faith that things are happening behind the scenes; give them a breather so things can be squared away. Adding onto an already toxic situation will not do anyone good. You have absolutely every right to be hurt and angry, but don’t place those feelings on the wrong people.
@Teleclashter and Ryno still share rooms, and I know my company has team members share if they’re on conference or something, so it’s common practice not only out in the “real” world but also within the DIS specifically. So I don’t think it’s fair to say that other employees should have known due to sharing rooms… it still happens today.Setting any cringiness aside, and not validating any of the allegations (I wasn't there), I just find it hard to believe that anyone in Werner's circle would simply look past the sharing of a hotel room or cruise cabin as being purely a platonic or cost-cutting measure, particularly with a subordinate.
Werner's whole schtick is flamboyance and (borderline) ostentatious displays of everything he considers to be a projection of wealth and success. There's zero chance he'd say "Hey, let's all double-up and share rooms to save some cash. I'll go first" (as someone upthread has suggested). If you read through the histories, Werner was always staying in the best suites and cabins on every trip. Having a platonic subordinate sharing a room to save a few bucks is ludicrous. He's more "You two share the bunk beds in that interior cabin, while I have the Concierge Royal Suite that sleeps 7 all to myself". Peasants'.
I know we’ve spoken recently, but to say we miss you in the DISboards FB group mod team is probably understating things.I hope this is allowed to stay but I understand if it’s not.
Rteetz here…
I have seen some discussion of myself here. I wanted to chime in. First and foremost, I commend the courage and bravery of those who have endured such horrific things. I am glad these people are in seemingly better places.
As for myself I also feel I’m in a better place. I loved my time here at the Dis. From curating the rumors and news forum, writing for Wdwinfo, moderating the Disboards Facebook group, guest appearing on podcasts and whatever else. I met dozens and dozens of people through this site and fandom. Many of which I am happy to say are still friends to this day. I’d never trade that for the world.
My departure from here wasn’t all that great. I tried to bring reform and change. Maybe I didn’t go about that in the right way. I was young (albeit still am). I’ve learned a lot. I’ve grown a lot. I’d like to think I’m wiser.
Pete certainly said some hurtful things to me. I tried to take the high road. Sometimes that’s not easy.
I have nothing but respect for the likes of Corey, Craig and the rest of the team. They were always incredible nice to me. I know this is an extremely tough time. It may get worse before it gets better. I do truly hope for them and their families it does get better.
Thanks,
Ryan
I’m sorry things went the way they did and I’m sorry you weren’t spared the abuse that seems to be so routinely dolled out in this company.
Speaking of legends returning!!!I'm just so sad.
The DIS, both the show and these boards, were such a huge part of my life from around 2014 through 2017. I posted way too often, watched (or listened to) every episode, and built connections with people I didn't even know, both through the boards and with those on camera as well.
So I'm sad that something that brought me so much joy, especially during times when I really needed it, had behind it such a dark cloud that was invisible to nearly everyone. I'm grateful to Dustin and Sean for telling their stories, and I support current (and former) team members who were just doing their jobs without completely knowing what was going on. I'm sure that hearing the full extent of these details is leaving their stomachs in knots.
Pete was always the face of The DIS, but truth be told, everyone else was its heart. And it saddens me that those hearts, especially the hearts of the victims, have been broken in multiple ways.
Miss you Bob, I mean… llama.