Travel Agents Please Identify Yourselves!
#42
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Thanks Peterman, remind me to never answer any of your posts.
As for Fodors, you ban Rocco? How many TAs post here? Do you know? Ban one, ban all. Take away the useful, relevant, information I and many other travelers find most helpful. Make the forum like those of your competitor sites, dead, dead, dead.
regards - tom
As for Fodors, you ban Rocco? How many TAs post here? Do you know? Ban one, ban all. Take away the useful, relevant, information I and many other travelers find most helpful. Make the forum like those of your competitor sites, dead, dead, dead.
regards - tom
#43
Join Date: May 2004
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Amazing that it appears that the emergence of two new posters who have yet to contribute value to the board have resulted in the removal of at least two of the most generous contributors who have highly developed expertise.
I agree with Hari, if experts are going to be banned and our discussions are to be so scrutinized I really have nothing to gain other than my own valuable time by not contributing here anymore. Personally I think it will be pretty easy to find another board for the experts to reassemble and no doubt those with a thrist for knowledge will find the new paradise (perhaps I should bid farewell as that statement will likely result in my banning as well).
Obviously this is a statement in support of full reinstatement of all parties quickly before further damage is done. Without such action you can add me to the brain drain as I will choose to find new plains.
I agree with Hari, if experts are going to be banned and our discussions are to be so scrutinized I really have nothing to gain other than my own valuable time by not contributing here anymore. Personally I think it will be pretty easy to find another board for the experts to reassemble and no doubt those with a thrist for knowledge will find the new paradise (perhaps I should bid farewell as that statement will likely result in my banning as well).
Obviously this is a statement in support of full reinstatement of all parties quickly before further damage is done. Without such action you can add me to the brain drain as I will choose to find new plains.
#46
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Dear Editor
By removing people such as Rocco and Eben, you are taking away a large part of what makes this forum so great. So what if they are agents or involved in the industry? They don't promote their businesses and they give great invaluable advice that benefits both first-time and experienced travellers. We are lucky to have experts who are happy to share first-hand information without any obligation.
More importantly, people like Rocco and Eben are passionate about wildlife and conservation issues in Africa. This is something many of us can relate to and a major ingredient that brings this forum together.
Rocco and Eben make many recommendations and these are based on their experience as travellers. Is this not what this forum is for?
I really hope that these contributing members are reinstated, otherwise Fodor's Africa will be a poorer place.
Regards
Gaurang
By removing people such as Rocco and Eben, you are taking away a large part of what makes this forum so great. So what if they are agents or involved in the industry? They don't promote their businesses and they give great invaluable advice that benefits both first-time and experienced travellers. We are lucky to have experts who are happy to share first-hand information without any obligation.
More importantly, people like Rocco and Eben are passionate about wildlife and conservation issues in Africa. This is something many of us can relate to and a major ingredient that brings this forum together.
Rocco and Eben make many recommendations and these are based on their experience as travellers. Is this not what this forum is for?
I really hope that these contributing members are reinstated, otherwise Fodor's Africa will be a poorer place.
Regards
Gaurang
#47
Join Date: Dec 2003
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To Rocco and Eben, I already sent a letter to the editor. If I can locate it I will cut and paste it and add it to the thread. For spite you both should rejoin using another name, and just let all of us know what it is. We will get them one way or another.
#48
Join Date: Dec 2003
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This is the note I sent to The Editor. I asked for a response in my cover and I will let you know if Iget one
I have been using this board for the last year. I was told about it from a friend who had been reseachering Africa and had become very confused. They went on the board, asked a few questions, and low and behold got a handle on their trip.
I could not have planned my trip without all of the assistance, and Rocco especially. I had an unusual situation and he very honestly told me how to handle it.
If you, the editors would post the following question on the board," Have the participants on this board been of assistance in your planning, and have you EVER been steared towards using a particular agent.?", I believe you would get the 100% response of , everyone is not just happy but thrilled. By the way when I asked for names of suggested tour companies to contact, not one of them suggested was a board participant.
I have never before participated in an online chat room or forum and this has been a spectular experience for me. I believe that if you proceed with this decision you are not keeping the wishes of your members and "customer service and satisfaction" as the most important aspect of the board.
I have been using this board for the last year. I was told about it from a friend who had been reseachering Africa and had become very confused. They went on the board, asked a few questions, and low and behold got a handle on their trip.
I could not have planned my trip without all of the assistance, and Rocco especially. I had an unusual situation and he very honestly told me how to handle it.
If you, the editors would post the following question on the board," Have the participants on this board been of assistance in your planning, and have you EVER been steared towards using a particular agent.?", I believe you would get the 100% response of , everyone is not just happy but thrilled. By the way when I asked for names of suggested tour companies to contact, not one of them suggested was a board participant.
I have never before participated in an online chat room or forum and this has been a spectular experience for me. I believe that if you proceed with this decision you are not keeping the wishes of your members and "customer service and satisfaction" as the most important aspect of the board.
#49
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Ok this is a bit too big brother for me.
Dear editor;
Although my posts can not come close to the knowledge or interest of either Eben or Rocco, I will <b>NO</b> longer be part of this new and very biased forum. I am hoping that you will have a change of heart regarding this matter. Anyone care to join me?
btw. I take back my welcome to you Mr. Peterman.
My departing words: Dear Mr. Peterman, You suck!
Respectfully;
Sherry
Dear editor;
Although my posts can not come close to the knowledge or interest of either Eben or Rocco, I will <b>NO</b> longer be part of this new and very biased forum. I am hoping that you will have a change of heart regarding this matter. Anyone care to join me?
btw. I take back my welcome to you Mr. Peterman.
My departing words: Dear Mr. Peterman, You suck!
Respectfully;
Sherry
#50
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I did not realize that Eben was likewise banned, and it may prove that others are banned, but we will not find out about that (thinking there absence is due to travel, apathy, frustration, etc.). My comments re Roccco apply similarly to Eben.
While there are many on this forum with substantial knowledge of Africa, I think Roccco is THE resident Zambia expert (and has become so since his involvement with this forum, through great personal expense), as Eben is THE East Africa expert.
I enjoy this forum, and hope to continue to do so.
Michael
While there are many on this forum with substantial knowledge of Africa, I think Roccco is THE resident Zambia expert (and has become so since his involvement with this forum, through great personal expense), as Eben is THE East Africa expert.
I enjoy this forum, and hope to continue to do so.
Michael
#51
Join Date: Jan 2003
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The contributions of Rocco, Eben, and several others who happen to also be TAs have been immeasurably helpful to me, and their postings have added to the value of the Fodor's web site.
I would be stunned by any decision that would curtail the wisdom, information, and opinions that such posters provide. It strikes me as being a poor ethical decision, and an even worse business decision.
I would be stunned by any decision that would curtail the wisdom, information, and opinions that such posters provide. It strikes me as being a poor ethical decision, and an even worse business decision.
#52
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Whoa! I miss one day on the forum and I come back to this mess? I'm practically speechless at this turn of events! How can someone who never posts here cause so much trouble?
The agents on this board do an amazing tightrope walk of offering information without pushing their own companies. I appreciate all the info available here no matter who it comes from.But without the regulars I have to admit that this forum will hold no interest for me. If the rest of you decide to "go elsewhere" let me know! We can all migrate like the wildebeest to greener pastures! I just hope we can avoid the "crocs in the river!"
I think notifiying each other via e mail is a great idea. My e mail is lillipets at comcast dot net. Now I must disclose that lillipets is tne name of my very small arts/crafts business(I make animal themed jewelry-it's how I earn $ for my next safari) So every time I write the name lillipets is it considered advertising?Is disclosing this information considered advertising? This is toooooo confusing for my poor old brain to deal with!
I'm certainly not the biggest contributor as far as information, but I love this community and I feel really terrible about this turn of events.
I've lurked on other boards but always left because of all the petty, hurtful remarks. This forum is like an oasis of mutual admiration and encouragement. How can one person with "a bug up their butt" cause so much trouble in such a peaceful community?
Mr Peterman, (what an appropriate name!)
Why did you come to our lovely little oasis and begin flinging sand around??? If you don't like it here....go away!
I feel like I'm beginning to rant, so I will just stop before I burst into flames!
Lily
The agents on this board do an amazing tightrope walk of offering information without pushing their own companies. I appreciate all the info available here no matter who it comes from.But without the regulars I have to admit that this forum will hold no interest for me. If the rest of you decide to "go elsewhere" let me know! We can all migrate like the wildebeest to greener pastures! I just hope we can avoid the "crocs in the river!"
I think notifiying each other via e mail is a great idea. My e mail is lillipets at comcast dot net. Now I must disclose that lillipets is tne name of my very small arts/crafts business(I make animal themed jewelry-it's how I earn $ for my next safari) So every time I write the name lillipets is it considered advertising?Is disclosing this information considered advertising? This is toooooo confusing for my poor old brain to deal with!
I'm certainly not the biggest contributor as far as information, but I love this community and I feel really terrible about this turn of events.
I've lurked on other boards but always left because of all the petty, hurtful remarks. This forum is like an oasis of mutual admiration and encouragement. How can one person with "a bug up their butt" cause so much trouble in such a peaceful community?
Mr Peterman, (what an appropriate name!)
Why did you come to our lovely little oasis and begin flinging sand around??? If you don't like it here....go away!
I feel like I'm beginning to rant, so I will just stop before I burst into flames!
Lily
#53
Join Date: Feb 2003
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I too am certainly disappointed with the loss of contributors such as Roccco, Sandi, etc. I have learned much about Africa thru their comments and reports. While I had a problem with Roccco's style I think I have matured a bit in appreciating his love for Africa and his willingness to share his knowledge. I would rather run the risk of a disguised ta getting in a bit of advertisement now and then than lose the insights of persons such as Roccco, Sandi and others. Checking this board is a daily if not multi-daily enjoyment of mine. It will not be the same without the input of all. Dick
#55
Join Date: Oct 2006
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I just began reading and posting this past month after finding this amazing source of information for my first trip to Africa.
I have referred my whole group of Africa travel partners to this site as a great resource in sorting out the good, the bad and the ugly in ground operators and lodging in East Africa.
Some of the best information I have received is from Rocco - AND HE DOESN'T EVEN OPERATE IN EAST AFRICA YET!
If he gave me advice on North Dakota, would he be at risk of being banned? Or shared his opinion on restaurants at Heathrow? I know that is a bit of an exaggeration, but is it?
Recently, there was a blantant advertisement for Africa Dream Safaris - the poster claimed to be the real deal, but I have not seen that person post before or since. All who read that realized what it was and moved on. We are adults and can spot advertising for advertising.
IMPORTANT: I just checked that particular post called "A Dream Come True" and all negative comments about that post, including my post, WERE REMOVED! Big Brother - wow! I am so disgusted as a consumer of this website! I still feel that post is an advertisment, no matter what WendyA claimed. And even if it is not, we can chose to take peoples comments and decide for ourselves.
Fodor's - I echo the words of my fellow posters - please reinstate Rocco, Eben and any others you have mistakenly taken off this great resource. Without their input, this is no longer a great resource.
Peterman - if you ever have a question about Africa that needs answering, I just don't think you are going to get much of a response here - if any of the helpful travel posters even stick around. You have made so many friends this week. Lucky you!
Please post if a new forum opens up - somewhere we can have a bit more free speech.
I have referred my whole group of Africa travel partners to this site as a great resource in sorting out the good, the bad and the ugly in ground operators and lodging in East Africa.
Some of the best information I have received is from Rocco - AND HE DOESN'T EVEN OPERATE IN EAST AFRICA YET!
If he gave me advice on North Dakota, would he be at risk of being banned? Or shared his opinion on restaurants at Heathrow? I know that is a bit of an exaggeration, but is it?
Recently, there was a blantant advertisement for Africa Dream Safaris - the poster claimed to be the real deal, but I have not seen that person post before or since. All who read that realized what it was and moved on. We are adults and can spot advertising for advertising.
IMPORTANT: I just checked that particular post called "A Dream Come True" and all negative comments about that post, including my post, WERE REMOVED! Big Brother - wow! I am so disgusted as a consumer of this website! I still feel that post is an advertisment, no matter what WendyA claimed. And even if it is not, we can chose to take peoples comments and decide for ourselves.
Fodor's - I echo the words of my fellow posters - please reinstate Rocco, Eben and any others you have mistakenly taken off this great resource. Without their input, this is no longer a great resource.
Peterman - if you ever have a question about Africa that needs answering, I just don't think you are going to get much of a response here - if any of the helpful travel posters even stick around. You have made so many friends this week. Lucky you!
Please post if a new forum opens up - somewhere we can have a bit more free speech.
#56
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I've read through this whole mess and am of the opinion that the removal of Rocco et al is a great loss to this board - what kind of influence this new poster Peterman holds over Fodors thus to instigate this process I don't know but from responses thus far it seems that all here concerned were indebted to posters like Eben and Rocco. I wonder how many more of us will be flushed from the system becuase of insunuations and acusations - founded or otherwise.
This forum (africa & the middle east) was I found the friendliest and most unbiased area for discussing our favourite contintent and I think was sufficiently well self moderated. Nobody hid who they were and what they did and anyone here is not niave enough to take everything without a pinch of salt.
I think in the end it will of course be Fodors loss, and those who choose to remain on this board - and newcomers in the future. Though I'm sure they will discover pertinant information it shall not be as rich and well founded as what has been in the past. Perhaps it will be lonely planet's gain?
Those of you who venture elsewhere in fodors, esp the europe board will find my threads on Lisbon and Portugal very long and informative, as well as being extremely well patronised and appreciated. It has already been suggested (jokingly I hope) that I am just a time share realtor/salesman - and of course whilst this is totally untrue it would not take many more comments like that before the dictatorial editors here decide to take action against me. But perhaps before then I will have desisted posting anyway and look somewhere less judgemental to post my travel writings.
Rocco, Eben and those others whom have been barred it is my sincere hope you are reinstated should you wish to return, but if not then feel free to email me at liz.matt AT netcabo.pt and perhaps there is a future for your expertise elsewhere.
Now, can we please return to the way it was before Peterman? Perhaps one should see him for the troll he really is and compare his contributions to those of the previously mentioned (now barred) members.
Thanks,
Matt from England.
Who is not a time share salesman, nor travel agent...
This forum (africa & the middle east) was I found the friendliest and most unbiased area for discussing our favourite contintent and I think was sufficiently well self moderated. Nobody hid who they were and what they did and anyone here is not niave enough to take everything without a pinch of salt.
I think in the end it will of course be Fodors loss, and those who choose to remain on this board - and newcomers in the future. Though I'm sure they will discover pertinant information it shall not be as rich and well founded as what has been in the past. Perhaps it will be lonely planet's gain?
Those of you who venture elsewhere in fodors, esp the europe board will find my threads on Lisbon and Portugal very long and informative, as well as being extremely well patronised and appreciated. It has already been suggested (jokingly I hope) that I am just a time share realtor/salesman - and of course whilst this is totally untrue it would not take many more comments like that before the dictatorial editors here decide to take action against me. But perhaps before then I will have desisted posting anyway and look somewhere less judgemental to post my travel writings.
Rocco, Eben and those others whom have been barred it is my sincere hope you are reinstated should you wish to return, but if not then feel free to email me at liz.matt AT netcabo.pt and perhaps there is a future for your expertise elsewhere.
Now, can we please return to the way it was before Peterman? Perhaps one should see him for the troll he really is and compare his contributions to those of the previously mentioned (now barred) members.
Thanks,
Matt from England.
Who is not a time share salesman, nor travel agent...
#57
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Wow...What the heck is going on??
This is like high school games!
I've been away from the board for quite a few months and have just recently been able to start popping back in and looks like I've come back in to quite a mess.
After reading all the posts in this thread, I have to agree, this forum will not be the same without all the regulars, TA's or not TA's.
This was a fun place to visit, with all the advice and stories of Africa. Along with that, all the varying opinions and writing styles of each fodorite contribute greatly to why this is such a unique forum. I used to brag about this board telling people to visit when or if they ever wanted to plan a trip to Africa.
Fodor's, let's get this forum back on track and get our regulars back on here.
Punishing folks like Rocco, Eben, and Sandi will only be detrimental to this forum.
As the proverbial saying goes, don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Sandy
This is like high school games!
I've been away from the board for quite a few months and have just recently been able to start popping back in and looks like I've come back in to quite a mess.
After reading all the posts in this thread, I have to agree, this forum will not be the same without all the regulars, TA's or not TA's.
This was a fun place to visit, with all the advice and stories of Africa. Along with that, all the varying opinions and writing styles of each fodorite contribute greatly to why this is such a unique forum. I used to brag about this board telling people to visit when or if they ever wanted to plan a trip to Africa.
Fodor's, let's get this forum back on track and get our regulars back on here.
Punishing folks like Rocco, Eben, and Sandi will only be detrimental to this forum.
As the proverbial saying goes, don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Sandy
#58
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Fodor Editors:
I am writing to let you know that I am very unhappy with your decisions regarding the Africa Talk Forum. It appears that you have decided to ban certain contributors from the forum that have been very valuable sources of information for many people. The Fodor’s Africa forum has been by far the best and most useful source of unbiased, expert, and helpful information for southern and eastern Africa.
For some reason, you have chosen to heed the complaint of one poster (Peterman), whom as far as I can tell has not contributed one bit of useful information on this board, and decided to change the entire dynamics of this forum, which will probably make this Fodor’s site as worthless as your competitors sites.
Many of the people traveling to these countries are experienced travelers, and we are able to distinguish between “TA’s” that are providing us with useful, insightful information and those that make brief appearances for advertisement sake (these are usually easily spotted). Many regular posters have been helpful in suggesting a number of small travel agents (whether they contribute to this forum or not), that specialize in planning trips to these countries. It is not suitable for most us to use general travel agents that have little knowledge of the safari camps, animals, guides, etc. The posters you are now banning contribute to this website because of their passion for Africa, and because they want to share their knowledge and interests.
I hope that you will change your latest and unnecessary decisions regarding this forum as I do not believe it is in the best interest of this Fodor’s site.
I am writing to let you know that I am very unhappy with your decisions regarding the Africa Talk Forum. It appears that you have decided to ban certain contributors from the forum that have been very valuable sources of information for many people. The Fodor’s Africa forum has been by far the best and most useful source of unbiased, expert, and helpful information for southern and eastern Africa.
For some reason, you have chosen to heed the complaint of one poster (Peterman), whom as far as I can tell has not contributed one bit of useful information on this board, and decided to change the entire dynamics of this forum, which will probably make this Fodor’s site as worthless as your competitors sites.
Many of the people traveling to these countries are experienced travelers, and we are able to distinguish between “TA’s” that are providing us with useful, insightful information and those that make brief appearances for advertisement sake (these are usually easily spotted). Many regular posters have been helpful in suggesting a number of small travel agents (whether they contribute to this forum or not), that specialize in planning trips to these countries. It is not suitable for most us to use general travel agents that have little knowledge of the safari camps, animals, guides, etc. The posters you are now banning contribute to this website because of their passion for Africa, and because they want to share their knowledge and interests.
I hope that you will change your latest and unnecessary decisions regarding this forum as I do not believe it is in the best interest of this Fodor’s site.
#59
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Just adding my voice to those who are asking that Rocco and Eben be reinstated. I got a tremendous value from my experience on this board and my trip to EA was enriched by the advice I received from these folks. Anyone with half a brain can determine for themselves who is a TA or similar and they can determine how much advice to take. The beauty of this board is that there is such a variety of opinions expressed and one can pick and choose from among so many experienced folks.
Marty
Marty
#60
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Excuse me for my ignorance!how do you find out that certain accounts are blocked? I dont believe if Eben's and Rocco's are blocked,these guys are huge assets to this site,they volunteer invaluable and very very useful informations,how can that be?