how to get a response to message
 

I have posted three messages and only received 1 response to one of them. Please advise on best way to get a response. Thanks.

what's your question?

Basically, you have asked the question, “we are going someplace for a week, but we do not know why we are going there, what should we do and see?” Perhaps if you indicate that you have done some research and at least know what is there, you might get replies.

julierose, I can surmise that you did not get much response to the thread titled &quot;Montichiello&quot; because it is such a tiny town, off the main road, that most people do not know it and would not respond. (I just happened to have been there.)<BR><BR>You would get tons of response to that particular post if you titled it something like &quot;Need day trip suggestions for Tuscany&quot;. You have to remember that all we see is the title in the left-hand column.

You just have to ask a question that somebody has an answer to. A title which includes exact facts helps, too.<BR><BR>I think this board is best for specific questions. I NEVER answer itinerary questions- they're too personal! I spend weeks (months?) figuring out an itinerary for my family, and I KNOW what we like!<BR><BR>Guide books are the best first step, then come to this board for things you can't quite decide.

topping can help, especially if you add something like &quot;this is what I have been able to find so far, based on the bits of info posted here and on previous threads&quot;.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Agree w/what has already been stated. If the title doesn't refer to something specific i.e. country/region/city by name, I don't bother looking any further.<BR><BR>People who make it apparent that they've made no attempt whatsoever to research to a reasonable degree their own trip (pure laziness it would seem)won't get any response most of the time.<BR><BR>To branch off of elberko's response however, I feel that once you have a specifice itinerary/time frame to present, many Fodorites are more than glad to give their opinion/other options.<BR><BR>You might also want to watch what time of day you post and see if it makes a difference. If it is getting down in the ranks before enough people have seen it you may have to &quot;top&quot; it as Rex suggested. Though this peeves some it seems, I find it logical myself.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Thanks for the responses. &quot;Topping&quot; a new term for me. For those of you who think I am &quot;lazy&quot; or haven't done any research. You are very misinformed. I have spent countless months researching. I have spent many years dreaming of this trip. Maybe I am not a sophisticated traveler...haven't you ever just wanted to follow your dream, have a rough blueprint for your time and let things unfold. I am looking forward to creating memories of our time together as a family.

I think the best answerw I have gotten so far were in response to the questions I asked in 1998 prior to my first visit to Paris in 40 years. I had a series of specific objectives I wanted to accomplish and asked about each as individual points. <BR><BR>I recall several answers that were most helpful in response to specific questions. But ones like, &quot;What is the best place to eat in Paris?&quot; is silly because first it askes for a very judgmental answer and secondly there are literally thousands of restaurants inside the periphery. Who knows which one is the best? Some egocentric people might think they know, but even that is very doubtful. They know what they like! <BR>

Restaurants! I love sea food, but another may cringe to the thought of going to one that serves those wonderful denizens of the sea. Formal? you may want a more relaeed one.<BR>Alot of Americans there? no, I want to practice what little French I know,<BR>Atmasphere is important to one, for another, its both that BUT/AND good food. And the others, it's inexpensive food. Read this to include hotels also and ask yourself what of these you think you want.