Re: Honestly, is it really THIS bad?
Ummmm...I don't know where you're getting the "good for business" idea if their per-cap and budget is as bad as they claim. For everyone being "way over budget" (from what I've heard) in rides, today didn't help those "budgets." I can almost promise you 100% that they didn't even come close in increased attendance, merchandise/food sales, and games to make up for having every department stay two hours later. Especially with a majority of people O-C'ing. Did you notice that the park crowd dropped sharply after 8? Maybe with all of my rides being right there, and my lines being right on the midway I get a better grip of how crowded we are, but I would think very low ridership from 8-10 would also give that impression of the crowds dropping off sharply, at any ride
Another thing, I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it if they didn't hype the 8 o'clock closings to us for the better part of a month, telling us relief was coming, the short staffing would work out with less hours because of an early closing. To build everyone up like that, and then say never mind, we're closing at 10, was a big slap in the face to a work force that is already tired and exhausted, working mostly O-Cs, and was really looking forward to the needed rest that the 8 o'clock closings would bring. It's going to be bad enough for those still around next week if the no days off thing isn't just a few rides.
You should know that I am not someone who complains and whines constantly about every little thing. However, when I am given more reasons to be genuinely upset with the park and the company, you can bet I will look at their actions under a microscope, especially when said actions could be illegal, which is a personal case that has been nagging me since before the season started. I do not take a threat on my contract pre-season simply for being a moderator/contributor to a fan site lightly, especially when said site came nowhere close to violating any term of the NDA. When it gets to the point where the company no longer wants you to state your opinion on situations like housing, the bonus/minimum wage raises vs. the pay rate, and other things that are clearly not confidential, secret information; I take notice, and I don't take it lightly. This was a move that is pushing me closer to really being vocal about stuff. Unfortunately for them, they're too blind, unequipped and not ready to face the kind of scrutiny and intense criticism that the internet creates. They have yet to deal with a major site of influence on consumers when it comes to a negative situation. The blogosphere is something to be feared unless you know how to harness and read it. This company does not know how to do either, as far as I can tell. So far, their experience with criticism has come solely from enthusiast websites and some local news media.
Blue Streak crew 2007
ATL Matterhorn Tri. 2008
Three things you need to fix anything in the universe: duct tape, WD-40, and a hammer. Duct tape if it moves and it shouldn't, WD-40 if it doesn't move and should, and the hammer as the last resort.