Sue - Being serious now you are assuming that my so called crusade against Marriott (it is not by the way - I suspect ALL developer controlled resorts - name or no name it doesn't matter) is somehow wrong (as in non-factual). I see the statements such as "only a XXX brand timeshare can give me quality" as being the misstatements as I know for a fact it isn't true.
A recent thread here in the Marriott section is a great example. A question was raised by an owner about what can be on the table when the management is up for renewal. Some who apparently are blinded by a name jump in to say "you can't ask for lower fees (and other things) or Marriott will walk away!". THAT is a dangerous and totally incorrect statement. One too prevalent when only one view - that the mothership corporation, whoever that may be, is looking out for the members - is allowed to be the only voice in the woods.
It is the job of YOUR resort Board to question things and make demands when it's time to renegotiate the management agreement (just one of many examples). It is NOT in you best interest for them to simply rubber stamp whatever corporation X demands as some seem to think is necessary. It doesn't mean the current management has to be removed or changed but they need to know they work for the owners - not the other way around.
I fear the newbies / uninformed will believe the misrepresentations often fostered by all sales organizations. The examples above are certainly key ones and it takes years of ownership and often more involvement than most owners ever care to have to learn what is really going on and how things can be manipulated. It's hardly ever in the owners favor except for the great advice/insights from so many here on TUG. And much of it comes from opposing views based on real experience rather than perceptions.
No one - certainly not me - knows it all. I do have nearly 20 years of active participation in timesharing groups, as a HOA member and with many sales & management organizations. I have also owned a wide selection of resorts & systems including the name brands. My posts are certainly my take on all I've seen & learned over that time. In some cases I see pitfalls I wish I had been made aware of years ago without learning them through sometimes hard life lessons.
Fern, Dave, Spence and many others who were around when I first got interested used to try to pass on what they knew and we all learned together from those varied experiences. Much of what they said conflicted with "common sense" but it turns out timeshares don't subscribe to common sense - they truly are a tiny world of their own. TUG has done great making options known to squeeze the best value out. I hope my small contributions have added at least something to the mix. Limiting what you want to read or hear is your right but it may pay to at least think about a different take rather than just the party line every time.
