Gpanda

In homage to a recent thread, here are 20 things I think about when posting on Fodrs:

1. Can I add any useful information to this thread?
2. What were my good and bad experiences relating to the subject of this thread?
3. Does my hair look good?
4. Has someone already posted the gist of what I might say?
5. Is that last post for real or is that doofus kidding?
6. Do I have any questions that are pertinent to this thread?
7. If I disagree with someone, how should I phrase my opinion so that it is not threatening or controversial.?
8. Can I wear these shoes with this pair of pants?
9. If someone writes something really ridiculous, should I chime in or wait for some of the other regulars to straighten things out? (I note that apparently this never occurs to Bob.)
10. What has this poster written in the past? And did I agree or disagree with the majority of his/her posts?
11. How much food did this poster consume at the last GTG?
12. Did this clown stiff us when we were collecting for payment at the GTG?
13. How does the information in this thread help me in planning for my future trips?
14. Do I need to write this down or can I escape responsibility by forwarding this thread to either Beth or Bob?
15. Has this poster exhibited a sense of humor?
16. If I submit what I've just written, will I get banned from Fodors?
17. How did Lcuy and Filmwill manage to get banned?
18. How can I twist a normal seeming post into a mode of ridiculing Bob?
19. Repeat 18.
20. Most importantly, does this poster think I'm funny?

I invite others to reveal themselves with their own lists. All others!

MaryW

Bit hard to top that Gpanda - perhaps we should all print it out and stick it on the edge of the screen to be referred to before answering any posts. Please note I have not yet printed it out so won't take notice at this stage of more than points 3, 5 and 8.

Kathie

Lol, Andy. I've been working on a serious piece for a blog on how to get the most out of travel forums, but the article won't be nearly as amusing as your post!

Gpanda

Kathie-maybe not, but I bet it will be much more helpful. We can each bring our strengths to our beloved Fodors. Make sure you link to your blog.

MW-Don't worry about #3, your hair looks marvelous.

Danmango

21. Can I wear camouflage prints in HKG, while writing this post?

Kathie

Here's the link to my blog post. Useful, yes, but not nearly as much fun as this thread!

www.travelindependently.com

easytraveler

Pandas are the bestest! Great list!

Unfortunately, #3 always stumps me since my hair has a mind of its own.

#12: Did I forget to add in the last $2 at the end? If so, then yes, consider yourself stiffed.

Kathie: have bookmarked your blog - such good information!

Smeagol

Assume 7 is null and void when it's a post by Bob?

laurieco

In response (and I gave this a lot of thought), your hair looks fine but those pants definitely do not go with those shoes.

Gpanda

Laurieco-your input is always welcome. However, you've caused me to revisit Allen Edmunds.

laurieco

Then you may be interested in their factory tour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNYBZYGNUUU

rhkkmk

how to avoid making a friendship with gpanda....once you do it you can´t get away from him.....

Gpanda

Laurie-it's scary that you would have the youtube link at your fingertips. This could require a great deal of de-progamming.

I'm Bob's only friend. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. What else could lure me to darkest Needham.

There's a small possibility that not everyone shares my thoughts when posting on Fodors. Quel domage!

Craig

When I post on Fodor's, my only consideration is whether the OP has a deep respect for a certain hallowed baseball team from the Bronx...

lcuy

1-Is there a psychological reason I feel the need to waste so much of my time on Fodor's?

2- What do I do if a really bad idea is posted by someone I've met at a GTG? Do I point out their lame ideas or just ignore it?

3-If think a poster is a troll, how can I be totally cutting and snarky without sounding like I'm being personal or mean?

4-Should I post, -for the thousandth time- why you should not drive to Agra in the dark of the night just because your flight arrived at 1 am and you don't want to spring for a Delhi hotel for 6 hours? or should I say nothing a hope they a) have good travel insurance, and b) hope we get to read the trip report?

5- is Askoksana ever going to come back and finish her trip report?

6-Should I start a long trip report, knowing there is a good chance i won't finish it, or just pretend I didn't go?

7-Can Katie really ban her own mother?

8-Should I proof read my posts, or just rip stuff out quickly and offend others with all my spelling and other errors?

9-0nce I've admitted I love ritzy hotels, should I admit I do my laundry in the hotel sink?

10-Do I care if any one notices that I wear the same four shirts on all my trips.

11- Will filmwil's David ever become really famous and invite us all to see him get his oscar or Emmy?

12-I just adore certain Fodorites. Should I sometimes disagree with them just so others won't think I'm part of that "clique"?

13-Does Lily at SJ really give us good prices just because we know "Kathie from Seattle", or are they only "sort-of good" prices, and Kathie gets a kickback.

14-Does Guenmai not want her photo posted because she's on the Interpol's '10 most wanted' list?

15-Is Gpanda on the FBI's 10 least wanted list?

16-Is it possible some posters think my DH is really a figment of my imagination?

17- Why do some posters think my screen name is "I see you. Why?" instead of Lucy misspelled?

18-When you get banned from Fodor's, then they let you back on, are you being un-banned or de-banned?

19-Is the Peninsula really on the wrong side of the river? Am I just to dumb to recognize this?

20-What kind of fool goes to India in May or August?

21 - If I post something really trival and stupid, but in a catchy manner, will it earn me a quote in a guide and therefore a free guide?

Gpanda

Lcuy-#5 is brilliant. It is of course always on my mind. AskOksana has passed into Fodors lore.

Of course, i'm least wanted by the FBI. Pandas are the embodiment of justice. Always fair and equitable in all of their dealings.

Concerning #18, my son appiled for a grant, was declined and then received an E-mail from a noted academic informing him that his application had been "undeclined". I guess that means that you were unbanned. Or perhaps unband.

#17-feel lucky, I'm often identified as "grandpa" by the inattentive. While grandpas and gpandas are both universally loved, only gpandas are funny and torture Bob.

Filmwill's David is a North Carolina basketball fan and therefore doomed to a life of ignominy.

filmwill

brilliant lists so far. i miss dear old AO. i almost brought an empty wheelchair to the GTG and left it at the table in her honor.

andy, david has asked me to respond: "...or doomed to a life of national championships."

magical

Brilliant, lcuy. I particularly liked 4,19 & 20...so true.

Great start to this thread, gpanda. #3 is one I don't have to worry about, what little hair I have goes where it wants to.

So now we know what fodorites are thinking about in their "spare" time.

Does anyone think AskOksana is a real person or someone's alter ego?

Gpanda

If David is content with sacrificing all of his principles and self-respect, he is welcome to the empty championships. Pandas exist on a more ethereal plane, unsullied by Dean Smith and his ilk.

Fodors should have a place on the forums for all time posts. AO would certainly be at the top of the list. Lynn's trip report would also have a place in this Pantheon.

Gpanda

ttt