Showing posts with label Program Problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Program Problems. Show all posts

January 03, 2014

Grey Topics: Termination for Internet Usage

Disney college program internet usage


In this edition of Grey Topics, I want to go over something that made me really upset on the Facebook group the other day. Usually, I hold my silence, but I decided not to jump into the conversation no matter how much it pissed me off.

I would block out names but ugh I don't feel like it, besides what's the point when it's on Facebook. Closed group or not this is public. Sorry, not sorry.

BACKDROP:


Anyway, this was not the end of the conversation but it gives you a general idea of how this topic came up. The discussion got even more silly and ludicrous after the cut. There was also a conversation that came before this post.

The girl claims her room mate got termed for "streaming" content . . . not denying it, but shit that can't be the whole story. You just don't get termed for streaming a video or media. My god that's beyond rare!!! She claimed her room mate was only streaming.

Come on now! Her room mate didn't tell her everything. I mean you've only known her in person for 4-8 months!! She could have watered down the truth.

Note: After I completed this post, some else came back and post a questions about this again. And many people (again) refuted the possibility of this happening.

My Take on Her Story

I think she downloaded illegal content, now I mentioned the word downloaded. I believe, housing got a notice from their cable/internet service provider. You know, the notice that you get when you download a file and your internet and sometimes cable gets suspended. You call the cable company and they say your internet has been flagged for piracy . . . yeah that notice.

This had to happen. These notices include the name of the pirate content or file, for example "harry_potter_movie_DVDrip.avi"  . . . you get the point and it will also state the IP address that download the file.

All housing needs is the IP address to figure out which apartment tried to download the file. Everyone in the same apartment uses the same Wifi or ethernet cord therefore the same IP number.

The real question is how did they find out which person's computer it came from . . . that's the real question. I've said before that people only tell you want they want. It's never 100% . . . trust no one.

Not denying the story but she should have keep it mild and realistic. These stories make people feel like they can't do anything.  People keep forgetting we pay rent so were are still entitled to some privileges and privacy.

The Contract and You're Worthless

Okay, I really hate it when CPs bring up, "it's in the contract." We get it, but it's not that serious. Calm down. Don't thow that out when you have nothing else to say. They don't own us or our privacy (completely anyway). Having a contract doesn't mean your computer can be ransacked by housing without a proper notice. Which I doubt they can do that at all. Their is an internet usage policy, but it's no different than a contract for a regular Internet Service Provider.

Another thing that annoys me beyond belief is when I read  comments like this in the post thread: "we can be replaced easily", "they don't care if you get termed", "CPs are at the bottom of the food chain","you don't have any say or privileges", "you're just a CP so deal with","CPs are disposable", "deal with it or go home" . . . . . I'm like woah there!! O___O

To sum it up, some alumni claim, "you're a worthless piece of crap" according to Disney. That is false to an extent.

We're not EASILY replaceable.

Replaceable yes, easily NO. I remember when CPs would quit or get terminated at my location . . . NO ONE came in to take their spot. The hours are split amongst everyone, but that means Disney may need to pay overtime. That means more work for CPs and more stress for managers because there is less staff.

CPs only come in at certain times of the year. So, it's not like they can call in for more programmers because there is a system. CPs arrive in January and early February. More CPs will not arrive until April when the quarter programmers show up, but there are very few of them arriving. Then May/June is the start of the Fall Advantage, but we also lose CPs because this is the end of the regular Spring program. 

However, it's only certain times of year. So, until arrival season starts schedulers must make due with seasonal, full-timers, part-timers, and the remaining CPs.

They DO care about US.

Managers, security, housing, and bus drivers are not complete buttholes. They are not out to get you! They get paid to do their job not to get you termed purposely. I really sure housing has better things to do than to PURPOSELY get CPs termed. Housing is no different than any other apartment community management, they must keep resident occupancy at a certain number.

Many of them try to work with you and help you out. If you show respect, maturity and be courteous than you should have no problem encountering these individuals.

It's the same for work, if you apply yourself and show some responsibility then your managers will respect you the same. Of course, not all managers will give you the nod you deserve when you've worked hard, but you press on and maintain respect. Don't let someones bad attitude dictate how you should act.

Reciprocating Respect

Being a CP or at the bottom of the food chain, does not mean we should be disrespected and mistreated. Granted CPs work hard and are paid minimum wage, but ALL CPs knows this when they sign up. This is not NEW. Low pay and a ton of hours does not equate to being treated like shit. So cut the bull!

I was treated wonderfully by management, despite the many times I foolishly called out. I got my requested days off and many of them said thank you, almost daily for the work I did.

It's not like this everywhere . . . of course not, but once again management must respect you and act like managers should when on the job. If you do your job, they'll do theirs (maybe lol).

As for the "deal with it or go home" . . . what do think will happen if YOU decided not to comply with Disney's policies. Polices that you read in the new hire documents, at casting, and/or traditions. You go home right? Right. 

We know about the hard work, long hours, under staffing, low pay, mean full-timers, incompetent managers, and so on. But, this is almost every job!  So, of course, if you don't like any of this, then yes . . . by all means go homeSad to say, this is real life and every job will have problems.

Back On The Topic

I've gone all off track! So we know downloading, sharing, and torrenting any copyrighted material is illegal . . . no shit. This is true! However, that's why many people do streaming. Streaming can be done from youtube, dailymotion, abc news, a blog, forum . . . anywhere on the internet.

To get termed for simply streaming . . . there is no way! Tracking down someone for watching a stream is very difficult and rare. If anyone is taken down for streaming illegal activity, it will be the website owner and hosting service. If you're doing the streaming, uploading or sharing then expect some problems.

I did some streaming of anime and videos with no issues. I've known MANY other CPs with no issues. Of course, not saying it can't happen, but I think housing is more worried about these underage drinkers. ^__^

Perhaps if she would have said downloading, that would've been way more legit. But, for real, come on now! I listen and take in everyone's stories, but I said in another grey topic, take these stories with a grain of salt.

On another note: Enough with the damn termination stories and scare tactics. Let these CPs live!






December 15, 2013

Grey Topics: Disney College Program Party Buses



I've been long over due for a Grey Topic! However, this topic must be one of the most debated topics of program hopefuls and participants. I'm talking about the Orlando Party Buses, Cast Kelvin Party Buses, and the Wil the Photographer party buses.

Anyway, I know you're thinking . . . why is the party bus such a hot topic? Well, because of the possibility of Over 21+ (Non-Wellness) participants getting terminated for alcohol. This can create some heated debates on the DCP related threads, post, and groups. 

The party buses allow 18+ party-goers to load the bus, and this is where the problem begins. You will see in some ads posted on Facebook, "free shots on bus", "bottles on buses for 21+", "discount drinks on bus" or some variation of free + alcohol. 

Now, again . . . How would you get termed for being on a party bus (a business), you're over 21, your not misrepresenting Disney, not being disrespectful to security or harassing people. 

Well, you can thank the underage drinkers for this nonsense. According to newer alumni (2012-2013 CPs), a person over 21 can be termed for being in the presence of underage drinkers, even IF, they do not know the individual(s) . . . someone on the FB groups, basically said it was Facilitation ( . . . of alcohol or drugs to a minor). 

Even though, you didn't provide the liquor, do not know the underage drinkers, or associate with them in any way. 

When they mention the above, the discussions becomes even more intense. Because it doesn't make sense to "normal" people. LOL!

To me, this has to be a DCP thing more than a Florida law thing. I believe, outside of Disney, the bus owner/operator would be charged or held responsible not the patrons/customers. The bus owner/operator maybe considered the Host (in the eyes of the law) , thus they take the fall for the charges. It's not the responsibility of the bus patrons to wonder who is or isn't underage drinkers.


So, you can see why this debate is such a hot topic. The newer alumni will claim: that Disney does not care, CPs are disposable, it's in the contract (to an extent), they don't know who gave the liquor - so they blame everyone, blah, blah, and blah.

Future over 21 participants are trying make sense of this policy.

Here's a little fact, that brings the discussion to the max:

The party buses stop outside of each Disney Housing complex: Vista's is at Walgreens/Chik Fil A, Chatham/ Patterson and the Commons stops are located outside the entrance gates.

So you're not even on housing property. Although, you can be termed for misrepresenting Disney (that's in the contract) and for acting a fool. You can also thank the "at-will" (we need no reason to fire you) law for this problem.

So, if I'm over 21 and walking up to the security gate and there is another group with a drunk under 21 person, security see's their ID and terms them immediately (yes some CPs are that stupid) . . . .  I get termed too just for being there . . . . just standing behind them waiting for security to see my ID? Even though, I was cordial and of age to drink?  - A weak example but it happens. -

Say,What?

Talk about guilt by association. That chatter amongst DCPers is that apparently, this happens a lot at Disney during the program. Many participants innocently getting termed for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time or just at the cost of others shenanigans. 

Not, saying that it can't happen (of course it can) but think about this, like some people you may know. . .

-some Alumni may not be not telling the whole story - that's IF . . . they were even there for the actual event

-it may have happened to them personally, but they're telling you what they want you to know - 2 sides to every story

-they may be twisting a rumor or the truth to fit their story.

-they weren't there and are going off of rumors - "a co-worker told them" is a popular story source or "my room mates co-worker"

I think about this when I see a post dissing party buses. Like many things in life, you need to take it with a grain of salt. This doesn't mean disregard every opinion and story . . . . . I encourage everyone to listen to CP alumni's warnings and use their stories and experiences to help you make decision on using the party buses.

Because I do admit . . . The party buses can be sketch as hell. I've heard/read those stories and I took them all into consideration. Many say that they have seen people having sex on the buses (okay, you can't really get termed for fluffing - this happens in many nightclubs lol), people doing drugs (okay, this I believe and don't like . . . at all), underage drinkers (of course), and loud and belligerent drunks (this is typical).

Strangely though . . . The moment you mention "PARTY BUSES" on social media sites - they come rushing in with the scare tactics saying you'll get termed. I'm just like *rolls eyes* . . . enough already . . . we get it, we get it . . . tell me something I don't know . . . seriously. 

Many people on the social media sites, seem to be really immature or child like with their thoughts, like they can handle the fact that drinking, sex and other sinful things happen at Disney. This group of 2014 CPs seems more sensitive than past groups, but that's another post.

I know many of them are being helpful and that's cool. However, be wary of those that are NOT the party type/night club dancing type/drinking type that comment on this subject. I personally wouldn't want their opinion. Especially, if they've only seen the outside of the bus nor have they rode on one, but even if they did . . . it would be extremely biased because it's not their thing. LOL! 


My recommendations:


-Take the good and the bad into consideration. Sometimes, listening to others is not a good thing.

-Wait until the "Housing Meeting" to discuss the possibilities and discuss it with some security guards. The security guards see EVERYTHING!!

Yes, Disney Housing/Management is against them completely (no shit!!) . . .  could you imagine . . . the lawsuits that would follow if they said "the party buses are good option for your night off" . . . like seriously . . . do you really expect them to support the party buses.

They don't even support finding room mates on Facebook!!! This was posted on their Official Blog. LOL!

There are certain things they can't say and that's definitely one of them . . . it's for THEIR benefit - legally and financially.

-Pull your ID out sparingly. Apparently, this is how "people" know you're a CP and get your info. They can call housing anytime and report you or your group.

-After departing the party buses, separate yourself from the crazy drunks and CPs you don't know personally. The buses drop off area is outside the gates, so keep space between you and any threats.

-Use legit companies, two popular options are Wil the Photographer and Cast Kelvin Party Bus. Still be cautious, I've heard things about both of these.

-Try avoid popular nights like Wednesday (Bdubs Karaoke), Thursday (it's payday), Friday nights (day after payday). The best nights may be Monday, Tuesday and Saturday/Sunday (most CPs don't get weekends off) nights to use the party bus. This is not concrete just basing it off what I know and commons sense. CP days off are really scattered, so you can party any day of the week at all hours.

-The have many promoters so be wary of them and get your info from Official Pages and Websites.

-The Beach trips are WORTH it! These aren't as bad as the club nights because CPs have time to recover during the ride back after the drunk days/nights at the beach. ^___^ Many CPs on both sides of the fence recommend it.

-Go with CPs YOU KNOW are over 21.

-Use a taxi (split the cost) or take someone's car. The best option of course for those that have cars and spare change for a taxi.

-Take advantage of the House of Blues at Downtown Disney. Cast members over 21 get in free (under 21 must pay).

-Be careful what you post on social media sites. Remember all those CPs you added on Faceboom/Twitter/Instagram/Tumblr/ETC during the application season, yeah those same ones might report your page/pictures to housing for violations.

So, whatever you decided, make sure to be safe, choose the option that is best for you. Be smart!!