Probably

What kind of pool of expertise lies here when I am wanting to find out some travel information? Are there only 50 regular people, over 200?

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Well, I hope we meet your standard. I do not think the number is as important <BR>as the expertise. There is no question that the real Europhiles hang out here on a regular basis. Most have come here from other boards and end up staying. Many have been here daily for 4 or more years. What is it you want?

Ed

A bit of a strange question. One way to make an estimate might be to find one of the extended (usually non-travel-related) threads and count contributors. <BR> <BR>But why would you care much about how many regulars? Unless you're with a competing publisher. <BR> <BR>I would care more about quality than quantity. What's the experience level of contributors? Have they been to Europe once? Twice? If so, they might have a different perspective than someone who's been a dozen times. How well do they know the country or area about which they write? How often have they been? Do they travel first class or steerage? <BR> <BR>On the other hand, 'tis often said that advice is worth what you pay for it. <BR> <BR>I must say, though, that I've seen some (a lot, actually) of priceless advice here. Along with some that was a bit uninformed from time to time. <BR> <BR>Like any savvy traveler, you'd want to use several sources in planning your trip, on the 'net, from friends, from print. <BR> <BR>twenj

elaine

I think the previous comments hit it on the head. The best way to gather information is to use as many sources as you can, and then compare and contrast the information. That works for everything from subjective questions like "which hotel is best" to <BR>more supposed facts like <BR>"what time does the museum close?" <BR>I've learned the hard way that even <BR>"facts" change, and what was correct a month ago isn't necessarily still correct today. <BR>To get back to your question, the number of people on this board varies; some contribute almost daily, others mostly read and listen, and contribute only occasionally. If someone knows the answer, or has an opinion, or has some suggestion to make, surely it can't matter if the person is a regular or a newbie. Someone can discover a particular fact or hint or problem on their first trip that others haven't experienced or didn't encounter on their 10th trip.

Rex

I always thought it was a quesiton that is legitimately interesting - - others always thought it suspicious that I wanted to know. <BR> <BR>During the Fodor's pin campaign, there were about 125-150 people that responded that they had ordered a Fodor's pin - - whether they received one or not. <BR> <BR>I have always had the notion that there are 2-10 times as many readers as there are contributors for any given time period (in a given month, for example) - - but I cannot back this up in any measurable way. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Carol

That reminds me, what on earth happened to our missing pins? <BR>To answer the question, I'm a regular. I read the board almost every evening, love it <BR>Am I an expert? No not really, although I do get to London fairly often and I have been to various places in Europe amoung others parts of the world. I guess there will always be something each of us can comment on confidently and other topics where we have to bow to superior knowledge, well maybe that makes us all experts.

John

I visit this board everyday, usually a couple of times a day.., I am by no means an expert and I have posted and will continue to post under different three different names. I must say I enjoy visiting this board everyday. I can not travel nearly as much as I would like, and this helps fill the void. Like I said I am not an expert, I have been to Europe less than 10 times, but I can certainly help out with some of the questions that are asked and if I can help, I jump on the opportunity. I think Ed really hit the answer on the head. My opinion, probably about 50 or so "regulars" and hundreds throughout the month that post questions.

Carolyn

My experience in Europe is similar to other leisure travelers, although because I taught foreign language for 32 years, my stays were fairly long and intense. The latter word means I spent every day trying to immerse myself in the cultures, from everyday to highbrow. I read this column every day with much pleasure. I post when I feel my experience can help. The threads vary to reflect many kinds of travel "needs", but the site is often valuable to me.

Jen

I visit the board several times a week...not just the Europe board, but the US and Australia ones too.

Alias

Regular reader, occaisional responder and occaisional poster here and on Aust/Pacific and Asia forums. <BR> <BR>Prefer this forum - more regulars.

micia

I'm here often also. <BR>I like several other boards too.

micia

I'm here often also. <BR>I like to read and try to help out when I can.

micia

I guess to often.

Just trying to

There is a fairly current thread where people are listing their biographies. You might look there and get a better idea.

PatD

a more interesting question would be - where do the people who ask and answer questions on this board live? I bet we are all over the world! I'll start- I live in Central Florida.

Al

I find this message board very helpful when planning or considering a trip. Many web pages are paid advertisements. Hearing from another traveler like myself is a much more creditable resource. Also, when time permits I reviewed questions about places I have been and then respond to those people who I believe my experience will help. I believe that is what this is all about.

Rhea

I concur w/Elaine & Al.

Daphne

I check the European board every 2 or 3 days, going back to where I left off. This summer was my 11th trip. The first was a wonderful 2 month tour [charter flight and hotels were a lot cheaper then] going to England, Holland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, and Denmark. 4 years later France, London, Munich, and Rome. Than a LONG period w/o foreign travel while children were growing up, except for Greece with my 12 year old son and a month studying French in Paris. Since then, lots of London, Paris, Italy, England and south of France. Love sharing what I have learning, especially about hotels [my husband usually waits outside while I run in for a quick look and a brochure]. I always say that we take 2 trips, the real one and the wanna-be one [expensive hotels and restaurants that we rarely use].

Rex

topping, for historical context of a current attempt to quantitate the traffic here.<BR>

curt

I check the Europe board every day morning and afternoon, hit the Caribbean board at least once a day, and the USA and Canada maybe 3-4 times a week. Yes I have one of the pins, I was lucky to get my order in early. I am hoping it will be SO VALUABLE to future collectors that I can finance my retirement travels with the proceeds from selling it to highest bidder!!!!<BR><BR>