Why do those who don't want to post there care if others do?>

You're right - I agree - I've changed my mind - keep the Lounge open but open it to all - no closed shop which creates a group cliquish sort of thing.

Keep the Lounge for those who like it and open it to others who may like it. I enjoyed my few years posting in the Lounge so I realize it can be a fun divergence.

But let's open it to all or none IMO. why should only a chosen few benefit?

Never let it be said that PalQ is so stubborn that he can't have his mind changed.

In any case, I wonder why ira's account is still blocked.

Yes indeedy - why or why and what terrible thing could it have been?

and yes the Lounge hurts nobody not in it so yup let's leave it along - my original thought was that it was draining good travel contributors but let's give folks what they want (and again open it to all!)

<But let's open it to all or none IMO. why should only a chosen few benefit?>

No one here is disagreeing with you PalQ. TALK TO FODOR'S. If Loungers could open the door on our own, we would have done it already.

<original thought was that it was draining good travel contributors>

Posting in the Lounge does not make me post any more or any less on the destination forums. I do both. Two different things entirely.

Guess I was judging only on Ira who used to post a lot in the Europe forum but now sticks to the Lounge - well maybe I was jumping to conclusions based on one person who may have reasons for not posting in Europe anymore - but used to love his short sweet posts there.

so I agree with suze and others - give folks what they want. But without newcomers the Lounge will sooner or later start to dwindle - guess that is Fodor's plan? Let it wither away to just a handful of folks.

Enough said!

<without newcomers the Lounge will sooner or later start to dwindle - guess that is Fodor's plan? >

That is what most of us who participate in the Lounge believe is their strategy, yes.

It's a week now since ira was disappeared. What happened?

Free Ira Now!
Free Ira Now!
Free Ira Now!
Now!

Well Ira could just start posting non travel thoughts on the european board and turn it into the new lounge. ;)

Then everyone who can't get into the old lounge, can join in on the random chatter that we all enjoy so much. Soon the Lounge would bleed into all the other lounges...

I think it would be simpler to reinstate Ira!

Any word on an escape yet?