The "homer vote"...
I just go to parks to have fun, but too am sick of "experienced" enthusiasts over-analyzing the coasters they ride.
Another thing that upsets me is that they treat park chains like many ignorant people treat political parties. They only go to Six Flags ( or Paramount, or Cedar Fair) parks as they click the "select all" button while voting for all democrats (or republicans, or independents) in the booth.
Instead of enjoying several parks they stick to only one chain because they may have had a bad experience (or a not-so-bad experience that they make out to be a bad one) at one park.
I have always thought that living close to an amusement park would be awesome, but as I look at it from another view, I'd never want to be one of those people that are coaster snobs. So I guess being 2 1/2 hours away from the nearest big park isn't that bad.
*** This post was edited by CPgenius on 6/27/2001. ***
Another thing that upsets me is that they treat park chains like many ignorant people treat political parties. They only go to Six Flags ( or Paramount, or Cedar Fair) parks as they click the "select all" button while voting for all democrats (or republicans, or independents) in the booth.
Instead of enjoying several parks they stick to only one chain because they may have had a bad experience (or a not-so-bad experience that they make out to be a bad one) at one park.
I have always thought that living close to an amusement park would be awesome, but as I look at it from another view, I'd never want to be one of those people that are coaster snobs. So I guess being 2 1/2 hours away from the nearest big park isn't that bad.
*** This post was edited by CPgenius on 6/27/2001. ***
GregLeg said:
"I'll admit that at times it probably seems like I'm drifting into the "experienced snob" category, "
Drifting? Nah, more like a Perilous Plunge type descent. yuk-yuk-yuk :)
Sometimes I wonder about that too. I mean, I know there are some rides that I really dont care for (e.g. Volcano). But aside from my Raptor and Hulk hating (which I hope everyone has picked up that it is mostly in jest...) I dont really say much about the rides other than to say *I* dont like them. HOWEVER, if the day ever comes when I say something like "Anyone who doesnt think Kraken is the most perfectly designed steel coaster is a 'snob'" please feel free to check me.
Which brings me to another CB specific point; can we try and tone down a little of the hypocrisy here? I'm guilty of it and many others are too. Let's just be mindful of that. I mean, I know many here are from the USA so hypocrisy is in the heritage, but let's work on it. D'accord?
lata,
jeremy
--who notes that GregL is one of the "good ones" who will perhaps be a 'friend' and not just an acquaintance
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DJ play my mutha(bleepin) song!
Thanks for putting how I've felt for a while into words, Jeff. Despite my relatively high member number, I've been here since the virtual beginning. Observation was how I enjoyed this site. Not until recently did I feel I could sign up and really contribute something of value. But anyway, for the people who signed up in the past year or so, go back and look at the topics and the manner in which those topics were discussed. It was intelligent, courteous, and very informative to a new coaster enthusiast like myself. Then come back to the present, and see how a lot of things have gotten out of hand. The difference is obvious. The people who have been around a while are the best example of how a coaster lover's attitude should be. Less criticism, more intelligent, courteous discussion.
Jeff said:
"The initial attraction to this site wasn't by either of the above groups. It was the middle ground people, who regardless of the number of coasters they have been on are nuts about the "hobby."
::steps off soapbox::
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Six Flags America? No, no! My name means "Sarcasm-For-All"
2Hostyl said:
who notes that GregL is one of the "good ones" who will perhaps be a 'friend' and not just an acquaintance
Jeremy, I've considered you a friend since that day you came up and said "Hi" at Cedar Point... We probably won't always see eye-to-eye on certain things (I DO happen to like Raptor, for instance ;) ) but that's part of what being individuals is all about...
That goes for the rest of you nuts, too ;)
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--Greg
http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/
Lots of good words, folks...I am coming to believe that the so-called nit-picky enthusiasts are:
A. Stuck-up park know-it-all's
B. Terribly annoying to ride with
C. Delayed adolescents
D. In need of a good la*
Why can't we all just enjoy how blessed we are that parks, companies, etc., have made the Amusement Industry a thrill-seeker's market. Have we become spoiled, compacent, etc?
I remember being happy if a park added a new ride every three to five years.
Get a life and grow up! Better yet, get off the internet, and develop a life outside of the computer screen.
A. Stuck-up park know-it-all's
B. Terribly annoying to ride with
C. Delayed adolescents
D. In need of a good la*
Why can't we all just enjoy how blessed we are that parks, companies, etc., have made the Amusement Industry a thrill-seeker's market. Have we become spoiled, compacent, etc?
I remember being happy if a park added a new ride every three to five years.
Get a life and grow up! Better yet, get off the internet, and develop a life outside of the computer screen.
2Hostyl said:
"
Some PPP attendees last year griped that there were too many "GP" members there.
What the hell are they special PPP attendees? Nobody else can ride coasters when they're around? We can do without crap like that.
The other things that people should spend less time on is this "six flags vs. cedar fair/dorney vs. hershey/phoenix vs. comet" bulls***. Why do people have to tear other coasters/parks down just to make themselfs feel good about their favorites? If you don't like it, walk to another coaster, and move on with your life. Don't blast something someone else loves.
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"Nippy!! Where the hell are ya?"
Sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but I too happen to like my job. Yes, a good day at work is better than SFGL. Yelling "AYE, GET YA ICE CREAM HE-AH; ICE CREAM, GET YA ICE CREAM!" is fun.
Den is cool
_________________
"Yuri needs a lot of sleep" MXPX
http://fly.to/christopherpeeper
Den is cool
_________________
"Yuri needs a lot of sleep" MXPX
http://fly.to/christopherpeeper
Like I told Greg in an earlier private conversation.
Opinions are opinions and should be considered as such.
If you don't agree with someone's opinion about a ride or a park, there's no need to jump all over them and say they are wrong. Opinions CAN NOT be wrong. Opinions CAN NOT hurt anyone. Facts CAN NOT be wrong. Stretched yeah, but I think most people try to keep it as real as possible.
I know for myself, I'm very careful of what I say on these boards (or don't say them at all) because people are so quick to defend or what's the term, "bash" you. I know that's not why I joined last year.
Can't we all just play nice together. Afterall, it really is just about having fun, isn't it?
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Christ how do you kids do it
Opinions are opinions and should be considered as such.
If you don't agree with someone's opinion about a ride or a park, there's no need to jump all over them and say they are wrong. Opinions CAN NOT be wrong. Opinions CAN NOT hurt anyone. Facts CAN NOT be wrong. Stretched yeah, but I think most people try to keep it as real as possible.
I know for myself, I'm very careful of what I say on these boards (or don't say them at all) because people are so quick to defend or what's the term, "bash" you. I know that's not why I joined last year.
Can't we all just play nice together. Afterall, it really is just about having fun, isn't it?
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Christ how do you kids do it
I've had similar experience to those that Jeremy describes at enthusiast events, and it's amazing. I overheard similar conversations at SRM. What a bunch of ungrateful bastards, considering the way the "family" treats you like house guests there. Way to show gratitude. I told my volleyball girls about SRM the next day and they would have loved to have gone. Maybe next year they should be invited.
The best times I've had at parks were with 70% non-enthusiasts, where we ride, stop for "beverages," ride some more, go back to the hotel, tie one on and have a cigar. Oh, and look at hoochies all day. That's a good time. I dig coasters, but really they're an excuse to periodically participate in the college-style partying my body can't quite tolerate the way it used to. I certainly understand that's not everyone's thing, and that's fine, but for God's sake lighten up before I have to distribute beer and hookers.
Overall, many of your comments here make me feel better about running a site I often contemplate dropping. The "element" I so carefully try to foster on this site is here, it's just a pain to remove all the noise that sometimes buries it.
Thank you for seeing things my way!
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
The best times I've had at parks were with 70% non-enthusiasts, where we ride, stop for "beverages," ride some more, go back to the hotel, tie one on and have a cigar. Oh, and look at hoochies all day. That's a good time. I dig coasters, but really they're an excuse to periodically participate in the college-style partying my body can't quite tolerate the way it used to. I certainly understand that's not everyone's thing, and that's fine, but for God's sake lighten up before I have to distribute beer and hookers.
Overall, many of your comments here make me feel better about running a site I often contemplate dropping. The "element" I so carefully try to foster on this site is here, it's just a pain to remove all the noise that sometimes buries it.
Thank you for seeing things my way!
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
The problem is peoples attitude. If you go to a park saying, "I'm here to have fun and enjoy the rides," then that is what will happen. It's those people who got to parks saying, "This place can't be any good," then guess what? It won't be. Those going to a place expecting a bad time is going to get it. Those who go to a park expecting good things will get it.
I always go to a park with a positive attitude and I've never had a bad time! Just go to parks and have fun!
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Andrew, who is going to SFMM this August and is happy- :)
I always go to a park with a positive attitude and I've never had a bad time! Just go to parks and have fun!
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Andrew, who is going to SFMM this August and is happy- :)
I also don't get the comments from people about how "bad" SRM or PPP have gotten. Gee, you can't just sit on the ride. Boo hoo. (Now admittedly, that IS fun when you can do it -- the 10 rerides I got on Thunderhawk at Dorney were priceless ;) )
For that matter, a number of people I know skipped CoasterMania this year because "it'll be too crowded..." Guess what, those folks missed one of the most fun days I've had in a LONG time.
Oh, and Jeff, I'll gladly take the beer, but I'll pass on the hookers ;)
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--Greg, who's a bit surprised at how this thread has taken off, but happy to see the commentary!
http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/
*** This post was edited by GregLeg on 6/28/2001. ***
For that matter, a number of people I know skipped CoasterMania this year because "it'll be too crowded..." Guess what, those folks missed one of the most fun days I've had in a LONG time.
Oh, and Jeff, I'll gladly take the beer, but I'll pass on the hookers ;)
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--Greg, who's a bit surprised at how this thread has taken off, but happy to see the commentary!
http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/
*** This post was edited by GregLeg on 6/28/2001. ***
Jeff loves the hoochies! Ohh yeah!
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.:| Brandon Rodriguez |:.
http://www.coasters2k.com
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.:| Brandon Rodriguez |:.
http://www.coasters2k.com
(I think one of the reasons this thread has taken off is due to the fact that the "element" doesn't take the time to read through this stuff that actually makes, dare I say, sense! Gasp! What kind of thing is that to have on a coaster site!)
I don't think I've been to a park yet where my goal wasn't to have fun. I mean, sure, it might turn out to be a bad day when it's all said and done, but I just go to sit on some coasters and crack wise! Like Jeff or whoever said it, when I get to the point where I'm only going to parks to critique them and the rides within, slap me around a bit.
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Matt Lynch, who avoided use of the term "love sausage," this time...
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com
I don't think I've been to a park yet where my goal wasn't to have fun. I mean, sure, it might turn out to be a bad day when it's all said and done, but I just go to sit on some coasters and crack wise! Like Jeff or whoever said it, when I get to the point where I'm only going to parks to critique them and the rides within, slap me around a bit.
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Matt Lynch, who avoided use of the term "love sausage," this time...
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com
For those of you who wonder why I think a bad day of riding coasters is better than any day at work, the answer is simple. When I ride coasters, I ride with my family. Tomorrow, I leave for a vacation with my wife, two daughters and my godson. Life doesnt' get any better than that. I don't care how good my job is, it can never be better than my family.
*** This post was edited by chris on 6/28/2001. ***
GregLeg said:
Oh, and Jeff, I'll gladly take the beer, but I'll pass on the hookers ;)
I'll take them!
Just Kidding. I think PointMan hit the nail right on the head.
Yeah PM, I feel you. I could be sitting in the park eating salty hard-boiled eggs and if I was with friends/family it would still be great. Fortunately, I work with one of my closest friends, so work still isnt so bad :)
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DJ play my mutha(bleepin) song!
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DJ play my mutha(bleepin) song!
Thanks for posting this topic Greg :) I feel better now knowing there are a good number of people here who haven't forgotten what coasters and amusement parks are all about.
I always try and find humor at a park when i see a bad situation and i guess you would be able to tell that by my trip report from yesterday.There were some things there that probably would have caused someone else to post a bad report so,i made the things that stood out and could have disgusted someone into a joke so maybe everyone would laugh with me instead of developing bad feelings.I am there to have a good time and as long as i have an open mind and,i am able to laugh at things,i have yet to be dissapointed with any park.I agree that family is the best too!! :)
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~*Rickyswmn*~
I always try and find humor at a park when i see a bad situation and i guess you would be able to tell that by my trip report from yesterday.There were some things there that probably would have caused someone else to post a bad report so,i made the things that stood out and could have disgusted someone into a joke so maybe everyone would laugh with me instead of developing bad feelings.I am there to have a good time and as long as i have an open mind and,i am able to laugh at things,i have yet to be dissapointed with any park.I agree that family is the best too!! :)
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~*Rickyswmn*~
2Hostyl said:
"I could be sitting in the park eating salty hard-boiled eggs..."
What's so bad about that? ;)
Back to the thread....
PM is right, nothing is better than family. I do enjoy my job, but sometimes it gets stressful and its nice to just get away from it all.
I think part of the problem is that some enthusiasts are a little 'spoiled'. Many of them live fairly close to at least one major park from what I've observed, and some don't realize how lucky they are to live so close to what they love. I'm sure many people like me who are lucky to make 2 or 3 trips per year due to distance, time, etc. would be thrilled to have any park closer to them. When you only get a few chances per year to go to parks, I think that makes it easier to overlook little things and have a good time, which is always my goal.
Members like GregLeg and 2Hostyl (along with the brilliance of our webmaster Jeff ;) ) are what make this site great. Here you've got people who genuinely love to ride roller coasters, and don't get so tied up in details and facts that they can't just sit back and enjoy the experience. Hopefully I'll get to go to SRM next year and finally meet some of these guys and and make some fond memories of my own (both on and off the coasters).
I'm not trying to offend any body by the spoiled comment, I'd love to be spoiled, I just think sometimes its good to see things from another POV.
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Syntax Error
Who is now in the process of planning his first trip to the Point. (in May/2003)
*** This post was edited by SyntaxError on 6/28/2001. ***
I didn't really mention it in my post above, but I believe that the "spoiled factor" is a big part of it. For instance, there are some who are "crying" that Hersheypark (my homepark) needs another coaster and soon. On the other hand, I'm just glad they got Wildcat, Great Bear, and Lightning Racer all since 1996. I'm also a bit surprised. When it was learned that they were building a new coaster (Lightning Racer) the other year, my reaction was not "Well, its about time!" but rather "Really? So soon?" That is something else that makes me wonder... on this sight (and another popular site with forums) some of the posts a few months ago were people worried about what a park would or would not get in 2002 (even though most parks had yet to open for the 2001 season) or blasting rides at their least favorite parks (or praising rides at their favorites) even before the rides have opened! Unless they have mastered time travel or are experts at ESP, I find this hard to imagine.
I too do not understand how some people get such a loyalty to certain park chains... saying that a park is great just because it is an XYZ park (even though they have never been there). To me this is even a little worse than the "blind" loyalty to the old homepark (at least a person who will defend, sometimes rationally, sometimes irrationally, their homepark has visited their homepark).
Something else that I wonder about… people who "brag" because they spent the entire day on [insert name of coaster here] and rode it 200 times. Why? Isn't that overkill? Worse yet are those few who do that and then complain because it is not a good coaster because they started to get board after their 20th ride in a row. First… I can not even fathom going to a park and spending all my time riding 1 coaster… what about seeing the rest of the park? I mentioned this once in the post and was replied to as follows "I don't go to see the park or the other rides, I just go for [insert name of coaster here]."
The other week there was a survey question on this sight about the number of times you will visit your home park this year. Some people actually answered "at least once a week". Well, unless you work there, isn't this too overkill? A) how can you afford it (you could have a season pass though) B) how can you find the time C) if you can afford it and you do have the time, why not try visiting other parks? (I also look skeptically to those who have 200+ parks and 600+ coasters in their track records, and then through their posts you learn that they are still in high school and rely on mom and dad to take them places).
After reading all of these, the thing that I realize is that I am looking forward to going to Dutch Wonderland tomorrow just as much as I was looking forward to going to IOA back in March. My wife and I are taking our niece there (her first time). I think she is tall enough to ride Joust but just under the requirement for Sky Princess (lucky for me I am tall enough for Sky Princess...) Anyway... not afraid to say (not afraid to sound "uncool") that can't wait to ride these two coasters... Joust for her (and okay... for the "record" for me) and Sky Princess for ME!
Above I mentioned that there is no coaster that I truly "Hate". Well, there is one exception... those portable things made by Chance called "Toboggans". My feelings toward those come as close to hate as you can get. But, you know what? When ever I come across one I will ride it. Why? Because it is a "coaster" (at least by some lists) and for the same reason why some climb Mt. Everest... "Because it is there."
(sorry, this post is a real rambler, but this entire thread just hit a few of my buttons)
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Wow... I finally figured out how to use bold and italics.
*** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 6/28/2001. *** *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 6/28/2001. ***
I too do not understand how some people get such a loyalty to certain park chains... saying that a park is great just because it is an XYZ park (even though they have never been there). To me this is even a little worse than the "blind" loyalty to the old homepark (at least a person who will defend, sometimes rationally, sometimes irrationally, their homepark has visited their homepark).
Something else that I wonder about… people who "brag" because they spent the entire day on [insert name of coaster here] and rode it 200 times. Why? Isn't that overkill? Worse yet are those few who do that and then complain because it is not a good coaster because they started to get board after their 20th ride in a row. First… I can not even fathom going to a park and spending all my time riding 1 coaster… what about seeing the rest of the park? I mentioned this once in the post and was replied to as follows "I don't go to see the park or the other rides, I just go for [insert name of coaster here]."
The other week there was a survey question on this sight about the number of times you will visit your home park this year. Some people actually answered "at least once a week". Well, unless you work there, isn't this too overkill? A) how can you afford it (you could have a season pass though) B) how can you find the time C) if you can afford it and you do have the time, why not try visiting other parks? (I also look skeptically to those who have 200+ parks and 600+ coasters in their track records, and then through their posts you learn that they are still in high school and rely on mom and dad to take them places).
After reading all of these, the thing that I realize is that I am looking forward to going to Dutch Wonderland tomorrow just as much as I was looking forward to going to IOA back in March. My wife and I are taking our niece there (her first time). I think she is tall enough to ride Joust but just under the requirement for Sky Princess (lucky for me I am tall enough for Sky Princess...) Anyway... not afraid to say (not afraid to sound "uncool") that can't wait to ride these two coasters... Joust for her (and okay... for the "record" for me) and Sky Princess for ME!
Above I mentioned that there is no coaster that I truly "Hate". Well, there is one exception... those portable things made by Chance called "Toboggans". My feelings toward those come as close to hate as you can get. But, you know what? When ever I come across one I will ride it. Why? Because it is a "coaster" (at least by some lists) and for the same reason why some climb Mt. Everest... "Because it is there."
(sorry, this post is a real rambler, but this entire thread just hit a few of my buttons)
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Wow... I finally figured out how to use bold and italics.
*** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 6/28/2001. *** *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 6/28/2001. ***
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