Gerry, when I started using the Forum about 2 1/2 years ago,it took me weeks to work out there WAS a search function. However, having found it, I have to say I've never misunderstood it. On the othe hand since this issue is raised by someone about once a fortnight, it's clear it's not exactly user friendly. <BR> <BR>But I much preferred the upgraded and subsequently withdrawn stuff. Please bring it back Fodors.

well, the fact that countries are listed in a white search box labeled "search" never made me assume there were country forums. After all, I come in through the front page that lists forums and there are no countries listed. I use search boxes a lot on all kinds of web sites and often the search tool will let you preselect some kind of subject so I'm very used to that kind of search method. Anyway, I was interested to hear about the response system thing for replies to posts, I wasn't aware they had that function which does sound useful. I have seen so many posts on here with long threads and detailed information where the initiator never says boo again that I always wondered if they died, got lost or were just rude to not say thank you or just let people know they were using the information in some way so it wasn't a waste of time. I guess with notification there's no excuse. I've had that feature on some other web sites but it was a tad of a nuisance as they got really out of hand and notified me of every single posting on a certain forum (like thanks a lot, bozos, if I want to read posts, I'll go to your forum) I had posted on, not just responses in the thread I was in, and they did it without my requesting it. Anyway, too bad the notification isn't working, if that's the case. As for the slowness, etc, no it's not my computer, believe me -- I have a superduper workstation beyond what most people have heard of and I am my own network so there's no other traffic; also it happens both at work and on my home computer which is also very fast and not on a network (and it is ONLY Fodors, that's the tip off).

Art, I did want to get back to you-- <BR> <BR>I got a response from Fodors within 24 hours. However, your pin situation may be another story as I have read other posts of folks not getting a return reply regarding the pins. This I am not involved with, but, for my operational problem they answered right away. When good advice about abovementioned queries comes forth, I will post it. If I do not hear from them soon I will direct it to a director of New Media whose name I have.