June 04, 2001

How are ya'll enjoying the game so far? I'm really enjoying watching ya'll do all the work." - Sue

Just a reminder to the group, you can send your favorite tribe email to let them know how you think they're doing so far. Come on out and show your support!

Both tribes were at what this reporter would consider their busiest week ever! There were more posts exchanged than there have been in previous weeks despite each tribe having fewer members.

Challenge #6 found the tribes scurrying to get the most bang for their buck. Each tribe was allowed a $2500 allowance that they would have to spend at WDW however they liked. The goal was to spend as close to the allowed amount, without going over. All links and prices had to be able to be verified. Each was responsible for a family of three, mom, dad and child. Each family had to spend four days at WDW and one day at a water park.

There was much confusion during this challenge. Aunt Binnie repeatedly tried to clarify to both tribes just exactly what was to be the format and what was to be included and not included. "You may format the worksheet to look any way you like, as long as it does resemble a worksheet (with links included)" she informed both tribes. All references that made it look more like an itinerary were to be removed. No "trip report" type materials were allowed. Each tribe was sent copies of the challenge clarifications so that neither tribe would feel that the other was being given special attention and help.

At first it seemed that the Divas would be spending money left and right, sparing no luxury if they could help it. "I really have a problem with having money left over.....it just goes against everything I believe in" one diva laughed. Another diva quickly reminded her that they probably should be getting the most activities in but not spending all of their allowance.

Their family, the Sim's, mum, dad, and daughter Belle, would be living it up for the week. The ladies were busy sharing information on what they would like their family to do. They set up files so that each diva could dump prices and information into. These ladies really wanted their family to see and do it all. But, alas, money is always an object, and they had to determine what they would need to omit.

Once they started comparing prices, they decided that perhaps they should start to save money and not go crazy spending it all. They starting looking for the best deals and the links that would support their findings. The ladies became so wrapped up in saving money that they started throwing in all of the freebies that they could find. This was a big NoNo with Aunt Binnie. The ladies were asked to remove all freebies, the candy lady at EPCOT would have to go.

The ladies were sending their family to so many activities that they themselves were exhausted. Many a diva was up late into the wee hours joyously sending the Sims family to one event after another. Any activity that couldn't be verified by link or cost was voted out. They finished their work and in traditional Diva style, set to proofreading and calculating. Once they tripled-checked their figures, they felt they were set to win.

Congratulations, Kungaloosh, it's a babyS."IT"??? Kungaloosh went back and forth a few times deciding if their child was a boy or girl. They had excellent ideas for where they would send the child if it were a boy or girl. Some members felt they should have a girl so she could attend the Princesses' function, while others strongly felt that a boy would be much more fun to have.

Each member signed up for a day that they would plan out. Each was given a certain amount of money that they could spend. They were determined to see as much as possible. The tribe members worked diligently on each day's activities and carefully watched their budget. They discussed where they were sending their family each day and how much they wanted to spend, and on what. They priced out what each activity would cost and then gathered their links to support their pricing. If there was an expense they didn't feel was necessary, they would discuss with each other if they should remove it. They were determined to stay within their budget.

As they priced out their meals and activities, no penny was left unaccounted for. Each member pinched every penny. If there were some extravagant spending, it was quickly re-evaluated to save money. They wanted to get as much done in their week with what they could spend. Perhaps they didn't need all those drinks? They did eat quite a bit however. If one member came up under budget for an activity, then that would be more money they could spend somewhere else.

They planned everything from their transportation to souvenirs. When it came to food, they were debating to use an online grocer, but when it came down to eating; they appeared to send their family to eat out. After all, who EVER leaves a park to go home to eat? Even though they wanted to be frugal, they didn't want to be cheap when tipping, in case there were any waitresses on the DD list that may be offended. Hey Big Spender comes to mind!

In an off moment, one member of Kungaloosh commented "ok, I told this to someone before, but I think I know where the Diva's go their name. I was looking at Disney recipes, and there was a section called the Disney Divas which was for fatty dessert foods, and that is where they got the name the Disney Divas, because they were searching for food to make! HAHA?? ok, not funny I guess, but that is true I saw the site."

There seems to be the start of either a mutiny or deterioration over at one of the camps. Members are starting to voice their opinions of each other. Certain members of this tribe are starting to feel that other members were becoming too bossy or trying to take over. Others feel that they aren't doing enough to contribute and are trying to squeeze themselves into the game after the majority of the work is done. This could either be the tribe's undoing or it could help them pull more together once they've gotten past their grievances.

Both tribes were aware of the time consumption that this challenge took. With fewer members, it seemed to take even longer. As members become emotionally involved in each challenge the game no longer becomes a game. It becomes a way of life, consuming members' every spare moment. Some players have become quite passionate about the game. It's great to see everyone putting so much into the game, but it wouldn't hurt to take a moment to step outside and observe what is going on--take a much-needed breather and try to see things with fresh eyes.

There were several concerns from both tribes as to how the final submission should look. Aunt Binnie had concerns if the rules had been followed and several other issues. After much consideration, she decided to suspend the vote, let the DD members see the worksheets that both tribes worked very hard on, and call it a draw. There was no tribal council, therefore, no one was voted out of either tribe. This was a very difficult decision for Binnie, but she felt that it was necessary to step out of the game and re-grasp and restructure the rules. As a result, she brought in an additional arbitrator to help with any future difficult decisions. We welcome Christin to the game. Christin has access to interact with both tribes in order to clarify any issues that may arise. She is also a neutral party and will in no way affect the outcome of the game. In a nutshell, whatever she says, GOES! Both tribes were given the option to abide by Christin and Binnie's joint decisions as final, or withdraw from the game. All members in each tribe chose to stay in the game and follow the new guidelines.

The creed of this game is to "outwit, outplay and outlast," and like all games, to have fun.