Death to "The General Public"

[GooseOnTheLoose]

"The General Public" is a term which has bothered me a while. It's bothered me because the language that we use is meaningful, it helps us view the world in a certain way. It's why certain terms are considered antiquated, or not really on. It's why terms like "collateral damage" exist, to shroud what we actually mean. A form of doublespeak, perhaps, but it works.

"The General Public", within this community, creates an "other". It suggests entitlement. We are all part of the general public, we are (after all) generally the public. We are not, generally, shareholders in the park, owners, employees. We are guests, the same as anyone else who's visiting. The difference, from our perspective, is that this is our niche interest. We really like this stuff, some of us are incredibly knowledgeable. We're enthusiasts. Some of us begrudgingly call ourselves "thoosies", we have a good term for us... but then we go and call everyone else "the general public".

I propose a new term, a new dawn! One which is far less snobby, but still offers enough distinction without coming across as patronising or othering.

"The Casual Visitor / Guest". This is someone who likes theme parks, this is someone who enjoys spending time at attractions. They're not overly enthusiastic about it, they just like a day out. Isn't it much better? It's a term I'll be using from now on, for sure.

Now, for anyone who comes forward and accuses me of being a woke poncy lefty liberal delicate snowflake, who worries too much about words and the language that we use... Thank you for calling a goose a goose. I don't deny it!

I'm not calling for a moratorium on the phrase "the general public", I just have a preferential phrase; "the casual visitor" or "the casual guest". I'm not going to force anyone to use it. I'm not going to hound anyone for not using it. I'm happily sharing a thought, an idea and a preference for being a little more thoughtful in the language we use to distinguish and identify ourselves. I hope you adopt it too, and if you don't? Well, that's just fine.

🪿

 

[Shaggy_Dog_]

Can’t say that I have any problem with the phrase “general public”, for me it just means a non-enthusiast, someone who goes to park and enjoys the rides but doesn’t necessarily have an interest in the things that we as enthusiasts like to learn about, discuss, debate, and perhaps even obsess over. General public just seems like a fairly neutral phrase and can cover both people that make only very occasional visits to theme parks and also the large number of Merlin Annual Pass holders who enjoy the parks on a regular basis without concerning themselves too much about all the background stuff that we like to talk about. It’s not a demeaning term at all.

 

[Alix]

I think sometimes there is a bit of a sneer in typing “the general public” - not always, and I don’t have time to go back and find examples, but I think Goose might be onto something here.

I’m one of those here who doesn’t identify as a *proper* enthusiast. I like parks, I like rides, I like the people I do this with, I count my creds and plan how to get to my next milestone, but my brain is too ragged to remember who built what or when or why - that’s what RCDB (and other websites) is for in my view.

Goose - can I have a word for my identity please?

 

[rob666]

I'm not a proper thoosie because I don't travel distances, don't count credits, and don't worship at the Church of Wardley, at all.
At open days and meets, I have to sit right at the back due to my lowly status.
I go to parks for leisure, people watching, good company and beer.
Coasters come about number five on the list of priorities.

My first trip to the Towers in years because of health issues was this year, nemesis was closed, but the earlier virtual walk ons for a rita front seat, and smiler single rider queue kept me reasonably happy.

The gardens are as important.

But yes, good topic, we are all the general public, nothing more.

 

[Alix]

Are we thinking then that there’s a scale? There’s not only one way to thoosie? (Insert mock incredulity here)

From “Casual Visitor” through to “Wardley Worshipping Cred Botherer” via “quite interested but forgetful”

In work we have to rate our skills on a scale of awareness, foundation, practitioner and expert. I think I’m going to pick Foundation Thoosie, unless Goose is working on something…

 

[Zeock]

"The General Public" is a term which has bothered me a while. It's bothered me because the language that we use is meaningful, it helps us view the world in a certain way. It's why certain terms are considered antiquated, or not really on. It's why terms like "collateral damage" exist, to shroud what we actually mean. A form of doublespeak, perhaps, but it works.

"The General Public", within this community, creates an "other". It suggests entitlement. We are all part of the general public, we are (after all) generally the public. We are not, generally, shareholders in the park, owners, employees. We are guests, the same as anyone else who's visiting. The difference, from our perspective, is that this is our niche interest. We really like this stuff, some of us are incredibly knowledgeable. We're enthusiasts. Some of us begrudgingly call ourselves "thoosies", we have a good term for us... but then we go and call everyone else "the general public".

I propose a new term, a new dawn! One which is far less snobby, but still offers enough distinction without coming across as patronising or othering.

"The Casual Visitor / Guest". This is someone who likes theme parks, this is someone who enjoys spending time at attractions. They're not overly enthusiastic about it, they just like a day out. Isn't it much better? It's a term I'll be using from now on, for sure.

Now, for anyone who comes forward and accuses me of being a woke poncy lefty liberal delicate snowflake, who worries too much about words and the language that we use... Thank you for calling a goose a goose. I don't deny it!

I'm not calling for a moratorium on the phrase "the general public", I just have a preferential phrase; "the casual visitor" or "the casual guest". I'm not going to force anyone to use it. I'm not going to hound anyone for not using it. I'm happily sharing a thought, an idea and a preference for being a little more thoughtful in the language we use to distinguish and identify ourselves. I hope you adopt it too, and if you don't? Well, that's just fine.

🪿

That's a much better term. I think that I (and some other people) should try and make an effort to adopt 'the casual visitor', as it is certainly less elitist.

 

[Itgoeshowhigh]

I personally like the term “thoosie” and don’t know why everyone hates it.
I do like the term casual visitor over gp.

Anyway, I’ve got far too much free time on my hands today so thought I’d knock up a “thoosie scale”.

Please don’t be offended if you recognise yourselves in any of the descriptions, it’s supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek.



Thoosie Scale

Category 1 - Mild interest in Coasters. Enjoys Roller coasters on an occasional basis.

Typically has ridden less than 30 roller coasters. Visits local parks 1-2 times per year*. May have some residual fear of more intense rides. Coaster appreciation levels have no impact on day to day life, finances or social standing. May subconsciously plan holidays near to theme parks.
Has no awareness of the Coaster community, TPWW, Mr Wardley etc.


Category 2 - Mild to moderate interest in Coasters. Enjoys Roller coasters on a semi-regular basis.

Typically has ridden 30-50 roller coasters. Visits parks several times per year* or actively plans visits to parks depending on geography, finances and free time.
Typically owns at least one piece of “Coaster merchandise “ clothing.
Is able to easily switch off and forget about roller coasters during day to day living.
Typically has some awareness of Coaster social media, may search for POVs or vlogs occasionally.


Category 3 - Moderate interest in Coasters. Enjoys and thinks about Roller coasters on a regular basis.

Typically has ridden 50+ coasters.
Visits parks regular where practically possible.*
Will regularly spend time planning or “wish listing” park trips.
May have some level of denial and may claim Coaster interest is due to social or other aspects.
May spend a regular portion of finances on parks eg season passes.
May feel sadness, nostalgia or strong emotions when contemplating lost rides or lost opportunities.
Will have a basic working knowledge of different Ride types.


Category 4 - Moderate - Strong interest in Coasters. Recognises that Roller coasters are an important and fundamental part of their living experience and well-being.

Some overlap with category 3:
Typically has ridden 50+ coasters.
Visits parks regularly where practically possible.*
Will regularly spend time planning or “wish listing” park trips.
May feel a sense of “love” or strong attachment to certain roller coasters.
May also:
Happily “bore” friends, family and colleagues talking about roller coasters.
Search out like-minded individuals or communities.
Search out POVs, vlogs or reading materials to fulfil an internal desire for coaster experiences.
Have a working knowledge of Ride types, Ride names, manufacturers etc.
Feel a true sense of loss and despondency during long periods of absence from coasters/parks.


Category 5 - Strong interest in Coasters. Established in a lifestyle choice which habitually ensures that Roller coasters are an important and fundamental part of their living experience and well-being.

Coaster count may be 150+
Visits parks regularly where practically possible.*
May have many years of experience.
Will have become somewhat proficient in planning trips to ensure that personal finances and practicalities allow access to Coaster experiences.
May be considered experienced or expert with a good knowledge of Coaster information.
May be firmly established within a social community which allows regular discussion.
May own “niche” items such as roller coaster wheels.

Will have a lifetime of memorable experiences, funny anecdotes and interesting tales to tell.


*frequency of park visits may not be a true indicator of enthusiast interest due to variations in personal circumstances including finances, geography, health, free time, travel arrangements, social circumstances

 

[DanJB]

Should have read more than just the title before sharpening the pitchfork

Jokes aside, I do find myself more likely to be irritated by someone decked head to toe in Towers merch with their AP lanyard full of pop badges and pins hanging from their neck like a 90s rapper’s gold chains than anyone else. I’ve certainly tried to distance myself from the ‘enthusiast’ moniker in recent years and just think of myself as a regular visitor.

 

[Themeparksandy1981]

Been going to Drayton triple figures over the last 7 years I notice the enthusiasts are taking pictures of the new things at the park like coaster construction or other improvements but the once in a year visitor just wants to take pictures of there families/friends. They are also the main guests who moan to guest services or leave a bad review online if they waited to long for a 2 min ride or spending £50 on food.

 

[rob666]

I personally like the term “thoosie” and don’t know why everyone hates it.

I love the term thoosie, especially because a lot of thoosies hate the term.
But then I'm easily pleased, I like Blackpool.

 

[Matt.GC]

A proper new phrase needs an unnecessary acronym and an affectionate abbreviation, otherwise there's a serious risk of them knowing what we're talking about! How about 'TCV' and 'the cazzy viz'?

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

A proper new phrase needs an unnecessary acronym and an affectionate abbreviation, otherwise there's a serious risk of them knowing what we're talking about! How about 'TCV' and 'the cazzy viz'?

Done, I approve.

 

[Alix]

I personally like the term “thoosie” and don’t know why everyone hates it.
I do like the term casual visitor over gp.

Anyway, I’ve got far too much free time on my hands today so thought I’d knock up a “thoosie scale”.

Please don’t be offended if you recognise yourselves in any of the descriptions, it’s supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek.



Thoosie Scale

Category 1 - Mild interest in Coasters. Enjoys Roller coasters on an occasional basis.

Typically has ridden less than 30 roller coasters. Visits local parks 1-2 times per year*. May have some residual fear of more intense rides. Coaster appreciation levels have no impact on day to day life, finances or social standing. May subconsciously plan holidays near to theme parks.
Has no awareness of the Coaster community, TPWW, Mr Wardley etc.


Category 2 - Mild to moderate interest in Coasters. Enjoys Roller coasters on a semi-regular basis.

Typically has ridden 30-50 roller coasters. Visits parks several times per year* or actively plans visits to parks depending on geography, finances and free time.
Typically owns at least one piece of “Coaster merchandise “ clothing.
Is able to easily switch off and forget about roller coasters during day to day living.
Typically has some awareness of Coaster social media, may search for POVs or vlogs occasionally.


Category 3 - Moderate interest in Coasters. Enjoys and thinks about Roller coasters on a regular basis.

Typically has ridden 50+ coasters.
Visits parks regular where practically possible.*
Will regularly spend time planning or “wish listing” park trips.
May have some level of denial and may claim Coaster interest is due to social or other aspects.
May spend a regular portion of finances on parks eg season passes.
May feel sadness, nostalgia or strong emotions when contemplating lost rides or lost opportunities.
Will have a basic working knowledge of different Ride types.


Category 4 - Moderate - Strong interest in Coasters. Recognises that Roller coasters are an important and fundamental part of their living experience and well-being.

Some overlap with category 3:
Typically has ridden 50+ coasters.
Visits parks regularly where practically possible.*
Will regularly spend time planning or “wish listing” park trips.
May feel a sense of “love” or strong attachment to certain roller coasters.
May also:
Happily “bore” friends, family and colleagues talking about roller coasters.
Search out like-minded individuals or communities.
Search out POVs, vlogs or reading materials to fulfil an internal desire for coaster experiences.
Have a working knowledge of Ride types, Ride names, manufacturers etc.
Feel a true sense of loss and despondency during long periods of absence from coasters/parks.


Category 5 - Strong interest in Coasters. Established in a lifestyle choice which habitually ensures that Roller coasters are an important and fundamental part of their living experience and well-being.

Coaster count may be 150+
Visits parks regularly where practically possible.*
May have many years of experience.
Will have become somewhat proficient in planning trips to ensure that personal finances and practicalities allow access to Coaster experiences.
May be considered experienced or expert with a good knowledge of Coaster information.
May be firmly established within a social community which allows regular discussion.
May own “niche” items such as roller coaster wheels.

Will have a lifetime of memorable experiences, funny anecdotes and interesting tales to tell.


*frequency of park visits may not be a true indicator of enthusiast interest due to variations in personal circumstances including finances, geography, health, free time, travel arrangements, social circumstances

I like this… I’d go for a 3… bordering on low 4 with the boring my friends and family wittering on and I do miss coasters if it’s too long between trips.
We need names though I think! I am a name not a number (or something like that )

Level 1 - casual visitor
Level 2 - apprentice thoosie
Level 3 - foundation thoosie
Level 4 - practitioner thoosie
Level 5 - wardley worshiping cred botherer

Any better classifications?

 

[Rowe]

To add to this great Theme Park Enthusiast "Thoosie" Scale collaboration, I'd like to suggest a few optional, specialist routes that British enthusiasts may experience Level 4 onwards, albeit less to do with coasters:

• Disney Devotees
• Universal Florida Fanatics
• Europa-Par-tisans aka Mackprodukt Minions

 

[Squiggs]

Can I also suggest you wrench apart "fans of theme park Vloggers" as their own special category away from other enthusiasts? I don't think I'm wrong in this being a unique category of folk who are willing to spend a large amount of time watching a video of someone else attending a theme park.

 

[Tim]

I wonder if the term General Public has bled over from people that actually work at the parks. I use the term quite often, but then I also roll enthusiasts into that term too. You can wave your fancy VIP passes at me all day long, it won't open the literal doors mine will That's the true meaning of the General Public, someone that's visiting vs someone that's still there even when the gates are closed.

I'm in favour of the term Casual Guests. It better devides people that visit a regularly amount versus enthusiasts that even if they don't visit a park any more often (as is the case with me) still has an unusual level of interest in a place.
Alas, if gaming is anything to go by describing someone as a 'Casual' will just become the new GP.

 

[Alix]

Can I also suggest you wrench apart "fans of theme park Vloggers" as their own special category away from other enthusiasts? I don't think I'm wrong in this being a unique category of folk who are willing to spend a large amount of time watching a video of someone else attending a theme park.

Unlike Rowe’s sub categories though I think the “fan of vloggers” badge can apply to any level of thoosie - this is getting quite tricky, do we need a committee and our own pop badges?

I was surprised to see a “fans of TPWW” Facebook group pop up on my recommended groups - that’s getting very meta… I’ll get me coat

 

[owenstreet7]

To add to this great Theme Park Enthusiast "Thoosie" Scale collaboration, I'd like to suggest a few optional, specialist routes that British enthusiasts may experience Level 4 onwards, albeit less to do with coasters:

• Disney Devotees
• Universal Florida Fanatics
• Europa-Par-tisans aka Mackprodukt Minions

One more category I would add alongside the fantastically mentioned ones.

• Merlin Experts - Enthusiasts who visit the Merlin Parks solely and may not be as interested in the other parks (UK or overseas).

 

[rob666]

Unlike Rowe’s sub categories though I think the “fan of vloggers” badge can apply to any level of thoosie - this is getting quite tricky, do we need a committee and our own pop badges?

I was surprised to see a “fans of TPWW” Facebook group pop up on my recommended groups - that’s getting very meta… I’ll get me coat

You will not get a "fan of vloggers" badge on this thoosie...ever!
So whatever (very low, however you want to read it) level you put me, no vlogs whatsoever for me, thanks.
Sandbrooke is just a small river through sand to me.
Even though I have met him a few times, and he was a very nice chap to my mate with special needs.

 

[Alix]

You will not get a "fan of vloggers" badge on this thoosie...ever!
So whatever (very low, however you want to read it) level you put me, no vlogs whatsoever for me, thanks.
Sandbrooke is just a small river through sand to me.
Even though I have met him a few times, and he was a very nice chap to my mate with special needs.

Oh I don’t identify as a fan of vloggers! I just meant now this is getting serious does the Thoosie Category Committee (thoosie catty mit) need a pop badge along with all the other levels, plus our specialist categories.

Like activity badges in Brownies/Cubs perhaps…

Categories could be like your Six, with specialist subject pop badges an optional extra… I think I think I need to go outside