Changes to the index - any suggestions?
 

Hi everyone-
As I only have a few more reports to add to the index (should be complete by this weekend) I was thinking of ways to improve on it.
I have it all in MS Word, it would be very easy to repost all info under a slightly different title in a new thread.
I am thinking that I should mention the specific lodges and camps that people visited. I thought maybe that would be a useful addition?
I also though I should capitalize the Booking Agent, and add the ground operators when mentioned. When I first started the index I didn't realize there was a difference, see how much I have learned from this board!
I have also thought of sorting the reports in date order - starting with the earliest I have and then the naturual progression would be to keep adding the latest in at the bottom of the thread.
Any other suggestions from anyone?

Lynda:
Those are great ideas. I had thought of the lodge one but did not want to suggest it because you had already started--but you have convinced me you could make the changes and repost. Thanks again for this great contribution.

Did Madagascar make it into the trip report index (I posted a trip report from my trip in May 2005). I also did a trip report to Rwanda and Uganda from my trip in August 2003, but I don't know if you've also included those countries.

I think the index is already a GREAT resource, but if you want to take the time to re-do it, then putting the reports in date order makes much sense. As you say, it would be a natural progession as new reports get added. Adding the lodges/camps (maybe listing them with the parks) is also a great idea. Perhaps a listing of the countries covered should be included in the thread title.

In addition to Michael's Rwanda/Uganda report, there's another excellent one from divewop. I'm not sure where Madagascar should go. Just going by latitude, I would think it belongs in the southern Africa index - your next project :)

Thanks for all of the effort you've put into this. Looking forward to the addition of your own trip report too!

Thanks bat for the nice words, I will bet you are very excited as you must be just about to pack! (can't remember if this will be your first time in East Africa or a returnee?)
And thit-cho (am I correct that you are Dennis?), yes, from where I am sitting in front of my world map, it does look as those 3 countries should be included in East Africa - I shall do a search on your name and seek them out! I'd love to go to Madagascar, I was quite disapointed when I discovered that our cruise through the Indian Ocean didn't include Madagascar. We sailed right past it, but I think at the time there was 'trouble affot' there (March 2003) and that's why they didn't include it as a stop. I will enjoy reading all about it in your trip report!

thit_cho is Michael and matnikstym is Dennis :D There's another Dennis on this board but I forgot what his screen name is. So far we haven't found out what bat's real name is :?

Lynda,

Just wanted to thank you again for your fantastic effort.

Signed,
Someone too lazy to even finish 1 lousy trip report :)

Lynda -

You've done such a wonderful job, it's a shame to ask for or expect more. That said, chronological order is my only suggestion. Do realize, Fodor's is greatly benefiting from everything posted on these boards. They won't have to send their staff out in order to update their guides... we've done it for them. We're good people, aren't we!

Yes, thanks for all your effort. I agree chronologically would be good as some things change over the years. I know it's a lot of effort on your part. I'd like to see a Zambia, Namibia, Malawai index if you have time. If not, email me and I'd be glad to start one if you taught me how!
Dennis

Well, Michael, I have just spent two hours trying to find your trip report for Rwanda and Uganda and no luck! Can anyone help? I did a search on your name and went backwards from August 2003, read lots of amusing posts along the way, found your Madagascar report, but no gorilla stuff! Help??? I do agree with Patty though, I think Madagascar should go in the southern part of Africa - I'll hold on to it for the next index, or take Dennis up on his offer of doing the southern Africa index.

Leely, did you see I found your 1/2 trip report? I just couldn't do an index without including all the regulars... I saw somewhere else too in my search that you are going again in June - me too! - maybe we'll cross paths, and if we do I shall check up on your notes!

Sandi, I never thought of that, but you are right, those Fodors writers never have to leave their computer with all of us out there. I wonder if they do read every post?

And off topic - Yesterday I finally discovered how to get one of the smiley faces in the posts (discovered quite by accident)- but Patty and Leely, how do you guys get so many different ones?

LyndaS,

Excuse my ignorance but where can one find the trip report index that you are speaking of?


To see how to do all those many Smileys go to http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/.


Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r)) nation of South Africa

Selwyn:

The link is

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34725679

LyndaS has done a great service. I know it has greatly helped me in my planning. I especially enjoy the links to the photos.

Hi Lynda, I can't seem to bump my Rwanda and Uganda trip report to the top, but if you do a search for "Bwindi" its the 12th post on the list titled "Uganda and Rwanda Trip Report."

Lynda,
I as well, do appreciate all the time and effort that you've put into the index. I have ref. these reports many times.

Your latest suggestion of adding agents would be helpful. Those willing to share their expenditures would help as well.

Perhaps Fodor's should be offering up a free trip or something to you, at the very least.(:,
Sherry

Lynda: Yes, I am getting excited. Patty, the answer, as do all answers, lies in Africa fodorville.

Lynda:

I think it's fantastic that you have taken your time to put the index together.

Bat - I know the answer....:-)

Cyn

cyn:
Remember to look for each other in case the vehicles are easily marked and we cross paths (nomad, for me)--unlikely but you never know!

Thanks Michael, I retrieved it - it is actually no 1 now when you do the search on Bwindi, so it was easy to find once you gave me the search word.
Thanks everyone else for the nice comments on the index and now I am off to find bat's real name here in Fodorville.... (searchword clue, please bat?)

Lynda:
scavenger hunt clue. Cyn knows--why does cyn know? Trace that lead to the source. {if that does not work, I will give you a giveaway clue.]

Yep, I thought my reply would be a good clue! :-)

Cyn