Every once in awhile I post my email address here, like when people area asking about Bordeaux, on which I have a file, or menu translations, and I've certainly started up email acquaintanceships with more than a few Fodorites over the years, but I sure wouldn't want my email address out there for anyone to use at will - that would just be intrusive, and there would always be people who would take advantage of that.

I have had people contact me through my blog, which i have posted on Fodor's. I don't think i could ever get tired about talking about travel, and if someone wants information that I might be able to share, I am more than happy to provide it.

Most people get a separate email account for posting publicly (not giving out their own regular one) if they are willing to be contacted. For instance mine is [email protected] and that's OK for all the world to see.

But, IMO taking things off the forum kind of defeats the entire purpose of this website. When a question is answered, it's not just for your benefit, rather everyone else who is reading, and who will come in the future and use the search function. It's about creating a body of helpful information, not just planning one person's trip.

That said, Trip Advisor does have the ability to send personal emails and it has been very nice in certain situations, when the information we're trading is not likely important to other folks or is a conversation between just two people.

maitai, my thoughts exactly. I love to talk about travel, and if someone has some specific questions to ask me so be it. I find it flattering, to be honest, and I've made some nice friends this way.

I love this forum and think it's important to share information so we can all benefit as this is what this forum is all about. But in a recent instance, for example, someone read one of my trip reports and wanted to know specific information about the apartment I had rented. I don't think anyone else has ever rented it to give the answers, and there are times when I go weeks without checking fodors. She asked if she could email me directly...and this way I knew that I could continue answering her questions without going back to the original post all the time.

Tracy

&quot;<i>Why on earth does it matter if two people hook up on Fodor's and e-mail each other about -- gasp! blush!-- something other than travel!!!!!!!</i>&quot;

Not the point. I don't think anyone has said <u>anything</u> against private conversations &quot;off line&quot;. The OP is asking how to get travel information w/o posting on the forums. That defeats the whole purpose.

Lots of us have &quot;hooked up&quot; and e-mail each other in the background. But for travel questions (or Lounge discussions for non-travel things) - post on the forums (IF the silly site ever speeds up %^$#@*)

What I should have written is why does anyone care what anybody else says about anything in an e-mail?

Opinions were posted in this thread that it wouldn't be appropriate to contact someone else privately with a travel question. I can't figure out why. Is that like whispering in class?

I appreciate that lots of people benefit from the public discussions, recorded here for posterity for future travelers, but I'm stumped as to why people have mental rules about other people talking privately about anything, including &quot;What's your favorite hotel in Paris?&quot;

Nobody takes on social obligations posting a travel question or answer on Fodor's.

Yes, I'm a social misfit.

zeppole asked: &quot; Is that like whispering in class?&quot;

That's quite a good simile. If it happens now and again, no great harm is done; if it becomes general, then the class is useless.

[It can be interesting to check the posting records of those who suggest changes to the way the forum is used.]

The point is, if a lot of people started doing this, there would be no forum. I disagree that detailed answers about specific things are not of interest to everybody. Specific information about that apartment, for example, could help lots of people who are looking for an apartment. Of course, I see nothing wrong with emailing people about other interests.

If someone wanted to ask me a question about that apartment, they certainly could have. I've mentioned it on here probably at least 20 times, in detail and with photos. Her question was more to the fact that the woman wasn't responding. But the question aside, she asked if she could email me directly and I didn't feel it necessary to say no. And when she had questions I couldn't answer I directed her right back here and she did post a few questions since our conversation.

I do agree that most things should be kept to the boards, as that's what makes it fun and helpful for everyone. But if someone feels more comfortable asking me for a private conversation I'm not going to say no because I personally don't have a problem with it.

Tracy

If a lot of people start doing this, then there is probably a good reason for it, one I don't care to suppress.

I am not afraid.

Fodor's will live forever, I'm sure.

There have been times when some of the &quot;information&quot; posted would have been MUCH better off in direct, PRIVATE e-mails but I think it is ridiculous for a bunch of people to start dictating what should be on the forum.

There are a few things that I am willing to say privately that I would not post on the forum. Particularly something negative about a property or private property owner. I would never &quot;trash&quot; a place in public, but I would be willing to tell someone about quirks or funky situations I myself ran into... but not want to post publicly where it could help ruin someone's business, perhaps undeservedly.

Dukey wrote: &quot;I think it is ridiculous for a bunch of people to start dictating what should be on the forum.&quot;

Who's dictating?