I think most of the insiders here are pretty careful about not just dropping big things without an ok.
Unfortunately, that doesn't offer immunity or any freedom from consequences.
I think most of the insiders here are pretty careful about not just dropping big things without an ok.
Of course not.Unfortunately, that doesn't offer immunity or any freedom from consequences.
I get all of this and I get how what I said may have come off as entitled. To be clear, I have stopped caring or expecting any announcement at all. It’ll all happen when it happens.
Haha. Like you, I've stopped caring too. Not sure that's what they wanted but oh well.
I honestly don't think Universal (or any company) minds leaks as long as the info is favorable. They're getting free publicity every time the bloggers (and then the media at large) run stories on new attractions. People are talking about the Potter Coaster and the JP coaster and they haven't had to spend a dime.
And, here in Orlando, theme park news is big news. Every time a blogger posts new info/artwork it gets picked up by the Sentinel and all the local news channels and spreads beyond.
It’s a control issue, though. When bloggers are the ones releasing details then it’s the bloggers controlling the narrative, not Universal. More importantly - not Comcast.I honestly don't think Universal (or any company) minds leaks as long as the info is favorable. They're getting free publicity every time the bloggers (and then the media at large) run stories on new attractions. People are talking about the Potter Coaster and the JP coaster and they haven't had to spend a dime.
And, here in Orlando, theme park news is big news. Every time a blogger posts new info/artwork it gets picked up by the Sentinel and all the local news channels and spreads beyond.
I don't think they care.
Is a lack of an announcement really going to stop you visiting the parks? Does not knowing the HP coaster name or details result in you not wanting to visit and ride it?
No.
If plans are already made at other parks & resorts? Then yes, especially if vacation days and vacation dollars are already accounted for. Neither are unlimited and this is where planning comes in to play.
Is it, though? Do we know for sure what is coming this year? Did we know last year? Or the year before? Some official stuff will get released a few days before it’s supposed to, but blogs and fans aren’t posting images of stuff they’ve been given - hard evidence of knowledge - months in advance. Everything with HHN is couched with a speculative air.Real question. If they are that angry why is HHN completely leaked year after year?
It’s a control issue, though. When bloggers are the ones releasing details then it’s the bloggers controlling the narrative, not Universal.
Part of the issue, though, is that there is basically no narrative coming from Universal about a lot of these projects. You don't have to give away a ton of details, but I have to believe there are ways to keep the fanbase engaged in a way that would undercut the leaks (which there's a market for due to a general hunger for information) without endangering attendance in the short term (if that's truly their genuine concern).
Part of the issue, though, is that there is basically no narrative coming from Universal about a lot of these projects. You don't have to give away a ton of details, but I have to believe there are ways to keep the fanbase engaged in a way that would undercut the leaks (which there's a market for due to a general hunger for information) without endangering attendance in the short term (if that's truly their genuine concern).
I've said this before, but they have no desire to "keep the fanbase engaged". They don't want a Disney-style fanbase.
I've said this before, but they have no desire to "keep the fanbase engaged". They don't want a Disney-style fanbase.
The issue is not their problem though, it's the fans. As far as they are concerned, the business model has worked; and there is no evidence, from a business standpoint, that it's going to fail at this moment. No one has to like it, but at the end of the day - numbers don't lie.
This is all fine, but if their attitude is "We don't want fans to get hyped for these attractions until we announce a specific opening date," they should be prepared for their longtime and loyal guests to look at other avenues to start building excitement.
I do also think it's kind of rich for them to be so (apparently) upset about leaks when they unofficially provide Robert Niles seemingly the complete plans for attractions like Gringotts years before they open, with the understanding that Niles will share that information publicly. That seems like an odd double standard -- "We'll give you basically a scene-by-scene rundown of attraction X years away, but attraction Y opening in a couple months? Yeah, we're not telling you anything and you shouldn't even be asking."