Actually, Mark has been hauled up not just by moderators but by us regulars too when we've felt he's crossed the line but on this occasion I (and clearly others too) genuinely believe he is proposing a not-for-profit trip and hence it's not something that I would consider a commercial project.

Others who are in the business here but are popular and helpful posters have also been admonished for sailing close to the wind, again both my moderators and by regulars, so it's really not accurate to suggest that "friends" are let off where strangers are not.

Just a little note about the thread...

It was spotted by a moderator who felt that it did toe the line. Our removal of the thread is not meant to indicate a lack of faith in your good intentions Mark, but we do our best to be as consistent as possible.

I won't be back

TT-
We understand you guys have a job to do to try and be as objective and fair as possible. And thank you for removing those last several posts.

Mark-
please take heed of my last email to you.
We don't want you to leave the forum. You have a wealth of info we all can use and enjoy. Like Rocco, Julian, and Sandi along with the other tour operators, you just have to be a little more careful. That's all. No biggie.

Kavey,

I haven't seen those admonitions (admonishments?) from people who regularly contribute to the subsaharan africa part of the site. I'll try looking for them in the future.

By the way, this doesn't seem to be a problem on the north africa/middle east part of the site. We get them from time to time, but they are very obviously people from people who are selling a product. I don't see people who I know are travel agents crossing or even nearing the line.

sunshine007

Mark~don't leave the forum, please! Your growing up, living it comes through all your posts and it would be a shame to lose you here. we don't all agree with moderators or each other at times, but that's what we're here for.. .Information and you have a lot to give. send me the info when you put it together!
Aloha, Dennis

Mark,

Don't leave. It will be our loss. We will want to know about your March and/or Sept nights in the bush. Maybe more of us could join the fun at later dates.

Hi Guys
I have received a number of emails this morning from folks re me staying on the forum and I must admit I am rather touched. I have been asked by Fodors to not display my email address as it is linked to my business so I have complied.
Kavey, sorry for taking out my wrath on you, think nothing of it and lets get back to normal.
Happy posting guys
Mark

Hi Guys
Fodors have been kind enough to let me know that they once again are accepting hotmail and yahoo email accounts. I have changed to a yahoo email as you will see so you can now keep in touch with me re "The back to the 60's" safari.
Mark

I'd write welcome back but since you never really left that is not quite accurate. So glad you'll be sticking around. We will all be smarter about Africa with your input.

Gosh, can't you just feel the love all around?!
Hugs for everyone! ><
;-)

You're right, divewop. I hear harps. Group hug! Group hug!

Hi Guys
First off, Thanks to all of you for your support. Its much appreciated.
Having thought quite a bit about this safari over the weekend I do have one or two logistical issues which I thought best to put to you guys.
As I have said, this will be a "Back to the 60's" safari but I have also mentioned we will be able to stay out at night to see action if it is happening. Now, in order to stay out all night we have to hire out the lodge in its entirety so as to avoid any conflict with other guests staying at the lodge. So we now have the choice of camping like back in the 60's or staying out at night and sleeping in the lodge. I would like to take a poll here and let you guys decide which will be the better option.
Personally, I would go for the entire lodge which only accommodates 10 guests and experience the night action. If this is the case I promise I will still make you all boil your coffee water in and old kettle on the fire in the morning.
Guys, let me know your preferences to this one.
Mark

Mark,
Glad to hear an update.
Do you mean we'd stay out all nite and then sleep in the lodge during the day? Or if we don't use the lodge we'd be camping and not be able to stay out at nite? I don't mind camping AND staying out all nite!
Sorry if I'm a bit confused about the options. I opt for which ever is going to provide us with the best wildlife experiences.
Lily