DRI Trading Power downgraded at II?

[defreitasm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close defreitasm]

I don't think it's a loss of "exchange power" so much as I.I.'s web site sometimes has glitches. There will be times that I see a resort available, navigate away from the page to check something, then it's not available. If I refresh the page or, exit I.I. completely and go back in, it magically reappears.

Resorts will disappear if someone clicks exchange while looking but does not complete the transaction. It places a hold temporarily on the unit. I once inadvertantly did that to a unit I was deciding on and when I looked it up minutes later it was gone. I called to ask if it was still available and found out it was on hold for me.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Resorts will disappear if someone clicks exchange while looking but does not complete the transaction. It places a hold temporarily on the unit. I once inadvertantly did that to a unit I was deciding on and when I looked it up minutes later it was gone. I called to ask if it was still available and found out it was on hold for me.

I'm not talking about putting something on hold or clicking exchanging. I'm refering to initial searches. Sometimes, when nothing shows up on my initial search, if I click refresh, several weeks at different resorts magically appear.
It doesn't happen all the time but, it's happened enough that, when searching, if I don't see what I want, I'll refresh the page to see what happens.

It's not as if only one or two weeks suddenly show up. It's as if the entire page with several resorts was just hiding for whatever reason. If it was just one or two resort weeks, I'd believe that those were weeks that had been on hold and were released. But when it's several different resorts and several different resort weeks, it leads me to believe that there is the occasional glitch in the online reservation system at I.I.

[defreitasm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close defreitasm]

I'm not talking about putting something on hold or clicking exchanging. I'm refering to initial searches. Sometimes, when nothing shows up on my initial search, if I click refresh, several weeks at different resorts magically appear.
It doesn't happen all the time but, it's happened enough that, when searching, if I don't see what I want, I'll refresh the page to see what happens.

It's not as if only one or two weeks suddenly show up. It's as if the entire page with several resorts was just hiding for whatever reason. If it was just one or two resort weeks, I'd believe that those were weeks that had been on hold and were released. But when it's several different resorts and several different resort weeks, it leads me to believe that there is the occasional glitch in the online reservation system at I.I.

I have never experianced that type of behaviour. That's not to suggest that it doesn't happen or that I have never experianced a glitch.

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

DRI has a program that searches the internet and lets them know when something has been posted using key words like DRI, Diamond Resorts, Sunterra et........

So yes, anything you post here WILL be read by someone at DRI. If they take offense, you might even get a personal E-mail from them letting you know they're watching you.

Sounds a little like Big Brother to me. However, if they take to heart some of the concerns posted, then perhaps it's not such a bad thing. I've personally had some ups and downs with DRI. But still, I am very happy with my TS and try to get the most out of it. DRI needs to understand that happy owners are more likely to recommend the TS group to friends and family. And ultimately, that could translate into more sales for them. And a nonowner who has a good attitude about DRI would more likely give in to the high pressure sales tactics than someone who is suspicious of TS or has a negative perception of them.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Sounds a little like Big Brother to me. However, if they take to heart some of the concerns posted, then perhaps it's not such a bad thing. I've personally had some ups and downs with DRI. But still, I am very happy with my TS and try to get the most out of it. DRI needs to understand that happy owners are more likely to recommend the TS group to friends and family. And ultimately, that could translate into more sales for them. And a nonowner who has a good attitude about DRI would more likely give in to the high pressure sales tactics than someone who is suspicious of TS or has a negative perception of them.

I can't say if they take it to heart. I can say that, IMHO, they tend to take it personally.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

One time when were staying at Ka'anapali, while it was still an Embassy resort operated by Sunterra I posted at TUG about some of my observations of the condition of the resort and needed refurbishments.

A couple of days later I received a call in my room from the resort manager, who arranged an appointment with me to review my concerns and discuss planned reservations. They also comped my parking charges for the week.

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

One time when were staying at Ka'anapali, while it was still an Embassy resort operated by Sunterra I posted at TUG about some of my observations of the condition of the resort and needed refurbishments.

A couple of days later I received a call in my room from the resort manager, who arranged an appointment with me to review my concerns and discuss planned reservations. They also comped my parking charges for the week.

So, am I to assume that DRI knows who we are when we post here, even though most of us don't use our names?

[PeelBoy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeelBoy]

So, am I to assume that DRI knows who we are when we post here, even though most of us don't use our names?

Unless the CEO is an ex-intelligence officer. Some, e.g. Spence, could be well know because he once posted his name in this forum.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

So, am I to assume that DRI knows who we are when we post here, even though most of us don't use our names?

Unless the CEO is an ex-intelligence officer. Some, e.g. Spence, could be well know because he once posted his name in this forum.

While I don't post my personal information online, I have been contacted by various people and/or organizations. Early on when I was moderating a Las Vegas forum, I was warned by one of the members that I was easy to find, even though I hadn't posted any personal information. He was able to tell me where I lived and my phone number. At first it was a little scary but then I realized, I never really intended to be invisible and, unless there was some nut out there with a gun and a bullet with my name on it, for the most part it wasn't information that wasn't available to the general public anyway. In the end it just served to remind me that I'm never completely annonamous (sp?) when posting on the internet.

With DRI, it was a short walk to know who I am. In fact, I pretty much all but told them who I was. I could change my name and try to hide if I wanted to but, I don't feel I've done anything wrong. I play by their rules when it comes to paying MF's, Club Dues and reservations. I don't rent units as a cottage industry (I don't rent them at all for that matter) and I've never attempted to get a resale unit into THE Club under false pretences. The most I've done is voice my opinion on matters that concern my ownership and answer questions as truthfully as I know how.

Yes I am critical in area's I feel I need to be critical but, if you look at my posts, I have been supportive when and where it's appropriate. Although some may believe I think that DRI is some evil empire, that's really not accurate. I WILL speak my mind, both good and bad, up until such a time when speaking your mind isn't allowed in this country. DRI has the same opportunity to get it's opinions out there and post opposing views. I know they do this out and in the open on the Yahoo groups. Sometimes I feel they do that on TUG and Timeshareforums without being as open about who they are. On the other hand, that could just be a touch of paranoia in me talking.

Personally, I'd rather DRI know who I am. I'd rather know who they are as well. It's to easy to post negative comments when you feel that you're hidden behind some internet name (doesn't just go for posting about DRI). If nothing else, at least they know that what I'm saying is what I feel I can back up. I'm not just shooting off at the lip. I know DRI reads my posts, I know DRI knows who I am and when I believe I'm right, I'm not going to be afraid to be heard.

[Carlos Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carlos]

I am Direct

I know that I read somewhere on this forum a while back that there is something in the by laws of the Club that you should not say or do things that can hurt the Club or you could actually be terminated from it. That seems harsh and I was surprised by that.

However, I must share that when I have had concerns or problems, I have been able to rectify it. In fact, I shared with DRI a number of issues that I have read on this forum and TUG with them and gave some suggestions for them to improve. I sent this not as a complaint but as an average joe member who is looking to get the most for their dollar. They seemed to be appreciative of me taking the time to share my thoughts. I received an email back and a phone call to explain a point that I made. It would be great to see if they implement some of my ideas.

I try not to do or write anything anonymously or not that I could not stand by or am embarrassed about.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I know that I read somewhere on this forum a while back that there is something in the by laws of the Club that you should not say or do things that can hurt the Club or you could actually be terminated from it. That seems harsh and I was surprised by that.

However, I must share that when I have had concerns or problems, I have been able to rectify it. In fact, I shared with DRI a number of issues that I have read on this forum and TUG with them and gave some suggestions for them to improve. I sent this not as a complaint but as an average joe member who is looking to get the most for their dollar. They seemed to be appreciative of me taking the time to share my thoughts. I received an email back and a phone call to explain a point that I made. It would be great to see if they implement some of my ideas.

I try not to do or write anything anonymously or not that I could not stand by or am embarrassed about.

I think the rule you're refering to is what I like to think of as a "Be nice" rule. It's one thing to be unhappy. It's another to yell at or use inappropriate language directed at any employee. I actually view this as a good thing so long as they are not indiscriminant with it. So long as it's not used to punish those that simply disagree with something I'm fine.

On the other hand, if it's used as a method of thought control or to shut people up, then I'm against it. When you're in this sort of business, it's a good thing to have thick skin. While employee's should not be subject to a verbal barage from an unhappy customer, DRI should be able to withstand criticism over changes they make or cost increases that have a direct effect on owners.

When there is a disagreement, there should also be communication when possible. Sometimes things will amount to a misunderstanding more so than an intentional and willfull disregard for the rules. Being heavy handed won't win friends or influence people anymore than just lying down and allowing pleople to run over you.

[tennisWalt Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tennisWalt]

Well Said!

I think the rule you're refering to is what I like to think of as a "Be nice" rule. It's one thing to be unhappy. It's another to yell at or use inappropriate language directed at any employee. I actually view this as a good thing so long as they are not indiscriminant with it. So long as it's not used to punish those that simply disagree with something I'm fine.

On the other hand, if it's used as a method of thought control or to shut people up, then I'm against it. When you're in this sort of business, it's a good thing to have thick skin. While employee's should not be subject to a verbal barage from an unhappy customer, DRI should be able to withstand criticism over changes they make or cost increases that have a direct effect on owners.

When there is a disagreement, there should also be communication when possible. Sometimes things will amount to a misunderstanding more so than an intentional and willfull disregard for the rules. Being heavy handed won't win friends or influence people anymore than just lying down and allowing pleople to run over you.

Hi Doug,

I agree with what you wrote.

I got my Hot Tub water tested today at the Local Spa and Hot Tub Store and as I was walking out of the store I saw this sign.



"There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.

The two most important words I ever wrote were on that first Wal-Mart sign, ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’. They're still up there, and they have made all the difference."


Sam Walton



It is too bad that the timeshare industry doesn't live by these words.

Walt