Forums mysteriously vanishing!

[Cory Butcher]

I find it quite funny how we begin talking on a forum, and then we get a little too close to stepping on each other's or the parks toes. And all of a sudden the forum that this was occuring in mysteriously vanishes! I'm begining to think that PKIC is haunted!

P.S. Im just kidding guys, I know why this is being done, we all know why, and I really do commend the mods and admins for doing such a great job on this site! Keep up the great work guys, we all appreciate it!

[BoddaH1994]

Yeah, I can understand the frusteration and confusion. I do apologize for that. The powers that be DID allow us to leave posts about the new attraction.

[ragerunner]

KI could avoid this kind of discussion if they would announce their new attractions in the fall like most major parks do. The longer you give people the time to speculate and dig for information the closer they will come to the truth, usually. I realize that the last two years have been difficult, the NU expansion got changed by CBS late in game and the new X-Flight coaster was a late planned addition to the park for this year. Maybe next year things will be a little more settled.

[The Interpreter]

"KI could avoid this kind of discussion..."

Huh?

Why would they WANT to?

Let's see...moving a very good attraction from a park less than five hours away to Kings Island...and getting this much buzz about it? They even got major newspaper coverage about the buzz a couple of weeks ago, a tv story, too. What's coming, the buzz asked...

Marketing is about creating buzz about your product. These forums, and the others, were and are full of that buzz. The people who posted here have no doubt told many, many others. People who post here are called "influentials" in marketing speak.

Seems to me those who planned what first appears to have been a dunderhead strategy (little leaks, including on closing day at the park--to the "right" people; little snippets to local tv and newspapers, hints to those who run fan sites, and then, perhaps most amazing of all, introducing the ride to ride ops and employees AND their friends, and then saying only employees can't talk til Monday) is actually quite brilliant.

The park has gotten done that which it wants to be done.

To those in marketing over there, I say "A job well done. Very well done."

[WooferBearATL]

Yeah, so far I could not complain about their marketing strategy.

Seems to be dead on what should be done.

[Browntggrr]

KI could avoid this kind of discussion if they would announce their new attractions in the fall like most major parks do. The longer you give people the time to speculate and dig for information the closer they will come to the truth, usually.

Why do they have to tell us in the fall? This is free advertising for the park. Even though PKICentral probably only makes up less than 5% of the people that actually go to the park, those that browse and are not members through can still gain information on what is going on in the park. It is really a great marketing stratagy. It is people like us that really kick up the rocks just to see what is under them.

For instance, CP started on construction for Maverick in the fall of 2005 (with the tear down of White Water Landing), yet did not announce the ride until late summer/ fall of '06. During that timeframe CP gained a huge amount of attention just by saying--- nothing. And people like us caused so much commotion because the ride was not announced that when Maverick was finally announced it made huge headlines- about a ride that did not break any significant records. A company cannot buy that kind of advertising.

If any park announces a ride too early- it is possible for another park to "steal their thunder" by announcing "their" new ride later in the off-season. For the common guest, they could just forget about the first announced ride and plan their summer family vacation around the latest announced ride. For most people this time of year they don't even think about an amusement park. With this announcement- they will now.

[The Interpreter]

Yeah, there was this time a park in Indiana announced a wooden coaster with the steepest wooden drop....and a few tweaks were made over across the sea, then a very short time later (think days not months), the coaster with the steepest wooden drop was announced for a park on the East Coast for the next season. The Indiana coaster lost its drop record before it even opened! Wonder if that would have happened if the Indiana park had not announced so early?

[WooferBearATL]

All strategy.

Unfortunately Nemo got stuck in a situation last night where he thought that the info was hush hush.

But it actually worked out well for the park.

I'm happy that the park was not intentionally using park mods though as ya'll work very hard for no compensation.

[Avatar]

BoddaH1994; thanks for the response to this thread.

I believe two things make this site so successful and addicting to it’s members;

First is that you the Admin’s allow the members to get involved in various aspects of this site, as in games, pictures and meet-ups. By doing that it allows this site to become a small community and just not like other coaster fanboys sites that are way too cut and dry. So good job here for being refreshingly different.

Second reason; is that you the Admin’s are close to Kings Island and usually can get correct reliable information in regards to the park and at times getting inside information about what’s coming. While remaining independent from Kings Island, so I believe members and guest come here because they know that the information given from you guys will be good correct.

I know because of the good working and respectful relationship that you guys have with Kings Island that you guys need to be guarded when some information dribbles out from other sources. As a very loyal member I get a little disheartened when I read factual posts or even see pictures from other web sites describing what’s coming to our beloved park, while at the same time this independent site is deleting post conveying the same factual information. I understand that the admin’s need to wait to give out certain information because the unique respectful relationship that both groups have with each other. I just hope that they appreciate the hit you guys take when trying to cover for them.

[Cory Butcher]

BoddaH1994; thanks for the response to this thread.

I believe two things make this site so successful and addicting to it’s members;

First is that you the Admin’s allow the members to get involved in various aspects of this site, as in games, pictures and meet-ups. By doing that it allows this site to become a small community and just not like other coaster fanboys sites that are way too cut and dry. So good job here for being refreshingly different.

Second reason; is that you the Admin’s are close to Kings Island and usually can get correct reliable information in regards to the park and at times getting inside information about what’s coming. While remaining independent from Kings Island, so I believe members and guest come here because they know that the information given from you guys will be good correct.

I know because of the good working and respectful relationship that you guys have with Kings Island that you guys need to be guarded when some information dribbles out from other sources. As a very loyal member I get a little disheartened when I read factual posts or even see pictures from other web sites describing what’s coming to our beloved park, while at the same time this independent site is deleting post conveying the same factual information. I understand that the admin’s need to wait to give out certain information because the unique respectful relationship that both groups have with each other. I just hope that they appreciate the hit you guys take when trying to cover for them.

And, I would like to second what he said almost verbatim. As I said when I started this post, Thank you guys for doing such a great job with things around here! I too hope that KI realizes the slack that you guys take by trying to retain a respectful relationship with the park and not letting errors or confidential information leak to us. Keep up the good work! Here's to PKIC! :CHEERS:

[Great America Guy]

For instance, CP started on construction for Maverick in the fall of 2005 (with the tear down of White Water Landing), yet did not announce the ride until late summer/ fall of '06. During that timeframe CP gained a huge amount of attention just by saying--- nothing. And people like us caused so much commotion because the ride was not announced that when Maverick was finally announced it made huge headlines- about a ride that did not break any significant records. A company cannot buy that kind of advertising.

SFGAm did the same thing back in summer 2002- Bright red pieces of track and blue support columns began showing up in the back parking lot in August of 2002. These pieces of track were clearly visable from just about every coaster/taller ride in the park. On the midways, you could hear people asking their relatives if they had seen the new coaster track in the parking lot. Then there was the big ordeal of Whizzer vs. Shockwave removal. Once Shockwave came down, the red and blue pieces began going up, and could clearly be seen from outside the park. Yet... despite all of the visibility, and rumors, the park waited until early February to announce Superman. And when they did, even though everyone already knew, it created quite a buzz in Illinois/Wisconsin.

[ragerunner]

Please don't get me wrong, I don't disagree that there is good marketing behind their strategy. The point I was trying to make was, I find it interesting that the park wants to create this buzz and get the attention but, when someone finally figures things out they want the info removed. Sometimes you can't have your cake and eat it too. I think its a great PR move, but I think you also have to except that correct info may get out when you wait this long to make the announcement.

Also, parks like Dollywood, Cedar Point and Busch Gardens seem to have plenty of buzz about their new coasters that were announced by in the Fall.

[WooferBearATL]

Also, parks like Dollywood, Cedar Point and Busch Gardens seem to have plenty of buzz about their new coasters that were announced by in the Fall.

Each of their coasters would be a stand alone event no matter when they were announced.

Just think, KI created this kind of buzz and excitement about a used ride. (Though a great addition to the park.)

[Browntggrr]

Also, parks like Dollywood, Cedar Point and Busch Gardens seem to have plenty of buzz about their new coasters that were announced by in the Fall.

You are exactly right. Those three parks had the coaster community buzzing about their respective new rides back in the fall. But what is everyone talking about now? The "new" coaster at KI.

If you go to CoasterBuzz which is one of the leading websites that is not directly associated with a "home" park, there has not been much talk about Maverick, Griffon, or the Mine Ride at DollyWood as of late. But KI's newest addition has been a constant topic for the past couple of weeks.

[BoddaH1994]

Time for da BoddaH to speak!

First of all, thanks for all of the above comments. I'll be the first to admit that we all work really harder than we should on a fan site, but the last to admit that it isn't worth it.

Sometimes I get my hands on knowledge which I know is reliable and would kill to share it with you, but I simply can't. You will notice how you are commonly but subtly hinted at things:

From: "Thanks for another great season"

Also, and I can't stress this enough: It's not over. There are still a lot of things up both the sleeves of both PKI and PKIC. I can assure you that we have an annoucement which will be made within the next couple weeks that will be shocking, fun, exciting, and well-overdue. I don't want to take any wind away from the park, however. Keep checking the site -- you never know what kind of news will be flying in from the marketing staff of PKI.

In my defense, even Maureen did it!

From: "I was quoted in Cin Weekly"

Happy Thanksgiving from the Island!! I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

I HAD to comment on the picture posted above. What the heck is going on there? Honestly, I'm not sure I want to know.....

Soaring through the off season,

PKImaureen

The reason why things aren't announced immediately is becasue, first of all it's a bad decision to prematurely release trade secrets, as mentioned above and more importantly things change... big time. In fact it wasn't until the very end of the season that KI was going to even GET anything. The original plan called for something else that has been rumored on these forums. It takes a LOT to get the word out about these rides, and until they're ready to do so, they just don't do so.

Just remember that even the most overgrown road can be cleared, even the most broken man can be rescued, and that even the most filled in venue can host a sing along.

Ryan

[Captain Picard]

The best way to get info here is to push the buttons of the ones that know. It takes years to develop the skills to do it so don't try it. There is about five people here that know how to do it.

I got my info on X Flight weeks after the park closed with the reply of I don't know where you are coming from. They will do and say about anything to keep their nose brown with the park.

[The Interpreter]

And even that doesn't work with some who do know.

There are those who know because parks and companies use them as sounding boards for how certain segments of the park going population will react to certain proposals. Those proposals simply do not leak unless and until the park and/or company wants them leaked. If they did, it would be all over for both sides.

Sometimes, the best you can do is interpret the information right in front you. Sometimes, those sources will, quite purposefully, reveal the absolutely correct information...only to be told by wiser birds on the forum that that information simply won't fly. An example? Geauga Lake birdies hinted early on on a Geauga Lake fansite that X Flight was leaving. The birdies were widely denounced and called complete fools. The woman who first leaked it (and was asked to by the powers that be) was called everything but a homeless idiot. She was right.

Some have hinted for over six months that Son of Beast would be closed much, much longer than most expected. This, too, was widely denounced. Separately, over and over readers were told that that there are expensive access issues to be dealt with if International Restaurant is to be reopened. This, too, was widely pooh-poohed.

Parks do read these sites. What is said is carefully considered. Some of it even changes plans. Sometimes plans leak or are announced, and then change. It happens. The park business IS a business, and things and plans do change.

In closing, it's paramount that you not only consider what is being said, but also who is saying it and why.

I'd say more, but I have to get myself out of this hole I have filled you in about.

On with the show!

[CoastersRZ]

Yet another exellent post, Interpreter! Yes, if you pay attention you may see some subtle hints about things to come. You just have to pay attention and listen to those who know.

[Avatar]

Time for da BoddaH to speak!

First of all, thanks for all of the above comments. I'll be the first to admit that we all work really harder than we should on a fan site, but the last to admit that it isn't worth it.

Sometimes I get my hands on knowledge which I know is reliable and would kill to share it with you, but I simply can't. You will notice how you are commonly but subtly hinted at things:

From: "Thanks for another great season"

Also, and I can't stress this enough: It's not over. There are still a lot of things up both the sleeves of both PKI and PKIC. I can assure you that we have an annoucement which will be made within the next couple weeks that will be shocking, fun, exciting, and well-overdue. I don't want to take any wind away from the park, however. Keep checking the site -- you never know what kind of news will be flying in from the marketing staff of PKI.

In my defense, even Maureen did it!

From: "I was quoted in Cin Weekly"

Happy Thanksgiving from the Island!! I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

I HAD to comment on the picture posted above. What the heck is going on there? Honestly, I'm not sure I want to know.....

Soaring through the off season,

PKImaureen

The reason why things aren't announced immediately is becasue, first of all it's a bad decision to prematurely release trade secrets, as mentioned above and more importantly things change... big time. In fact it wasn't until the very end of the season that KI was going to even GET anything. The original plan called for something else that has been rumored on these forums. It takes a LOT to get the word out about these rides, and until they're ready to do so, they just don't do so.

Just remember that even the most overgrown road can be cleared, even the most broken man can be rescued, and that even the most filled in venue can host a sing along.

Ryan

Thanks Ryan for your response and we always enjoy it when da BoddaH speaks, your are very articulate (no offense). Also thank you for the next clues for our next PKICentral challenge of; deciphering the new clues for future changes at Kings Island.

So the clues from Ryan was at the bottom of the post saying

Just remember that even the most overgrown road can be cleared, even the most broken man can be rescued, and that even the most filled in venue can host a sing along.

So lets break it down, shall we;

1. even the most overgrown road can be cleared
2. even the most broken man can be rescued
3. that even the most filled in venue can host a sing along

My quick spur of the moment guess would be

1. Return of the antique cars
2. Fixing TR:TR broken theme props
3. A kids show at Nickelodeon Theater

[Captain Picard]

Glad you cleared it up.

I was thinking

1. BoddaH will be drinking and driving.

2. Inrader was coming back to PKIC.

3. Had no idea.

[ragerunner]

"...that even the most filled in venue can host a sing along."

What about the most filled in venue (the old enchanted theater - which has been used for storage etc... for the Dora Sing Along show that has been at other Paramount parks.

[Avatar]

Thats a good guess as it would be great for families to have a show where they can get their children in some air conditioning for a short while (parents know the importance of that)

Although I based my #3 guess on two things; First; is that last year Cedar Fair wanted the characters out of the Nickelodeon Theater, to mingle with the young guest all around the Nickelodeon Universe area and at the front gates, so that would leave the theater empty.

Second; PKI Vortex made a post back in January about using the Nickelodeon Theater for a kids sho, that said this;

Ice Show Returns to Paramount Theater

PKI Votex January 25, 2007 Post #17

That would take a lot of work, as they took the stage out, and filled the area in with concrete, they even took the benches out.

So I was guessing that maybe Ryan had read that and used it to give us the clue that he did , as they like to remind us to look around and that members sometimes hit the nail on the head. The Dora Sing a Long could also be done in the Nickelodeon Theater with just using benches to sit on.

[Dane]

2. Inrader was coming back to PKIC.

WHOA, thats saying alot about how long you have been around.