MarkJ

Hi it's me again with a question of etiquitte(sp). Is it ok to e-mail members of this board directly for info, or is that considered rude. <BR> <BR>i love this board and know that many of you have info i can use but don't want to ask a question that may have been asked many time already, nor do i want to invade anyone's privacy. <BR> <BR>MJ

wes fowler

Mark, <BR>I personally have no objection to receiving Email asking questions regarding European travel within the limits of my experience and first hand knowledge. I do think, however, that the questioner should use the text or topic search on the Forum first, then pose his question if the topic has not been satisfactorily addressed. Any opinions or recommendations I may give are going to be entirely subjective, based upon my own interests, likes and dislikes and budgetary constraints. Any questioner should look for varying opinions from more than one source; Fodor's forum and its search tools offer a wide spectrum of opinion and expertise; the shared experiences of Fodor's contributors are far more informative and useful than one man's opinions.

s.fowler

It is, of course, on appropriate to speak for oneself, bu my sense is that those of us who use a "real" email address are open to off-forum questions. I know I have happily responded to individual questions about Eastern Europe and Paris. What I enjoy most are the emails AFTER the trip when I get thanked for good advice! <BR>

dan woodlief

I enjoy answering off-site questions, but it is probably better to do it on-site if you think the answers could be of use to others, and as Mark said, to allow for other opinions.

Cheryl Z.

<BR>I too don't mind being contacted directly, and I've also contacted some privately for information especially when I was having such a hard time a few months ago getting thru before Fodors upgraded. The search function, tho perhaps time consuming, and overwhelming with quantity and variation of info, is as mentioned above excellent, and I would recommend that first. At any rate, you'll find the majority of Fodorites ready, willing and able to help each other.

lynn

Agreed - <BR> <BR>No problem at all. Many people have emailed me from Europe, Asia, and US forums and I am more than happy to assist if I can. <BR> <BR>As mentioned above, I think most people on this site are willing to help. <BR> <BR

Mike

I don't think that would be rude at all. If the person you were emailing felt that it was rude either they would tell you right out or they just would not respond to your questions. I think (feel) part of the reason they ask us for our email address when we send a post is just for that reason (partly anyways), the person can also put a fake email address then you'll know they don't wanna be bothered with your question when you goto send it to them ya know what I mean. Happy Travels. Mike

topoftheworld

Sure.

Myriam

<BR>Mark and all the others, <BR> <BR>Glad to help if I can!

Tony Hughes

If there's a burger in it for me (never let it be said that I don't like to embrace American culture) then I have no probs whatsoever with peeps emailing me. <BR> <BR>Possible Topics I can help with: Scotland/UK/Britain/Egypt/bitching/moaning/Italy/Switzerland/general pettiness on my part/etc..

Emily

I've emailed Fodorites directly for help and it never seemed to cause a problem. And, on the flip side I've been contacted directly and did not for a moment think it rude.

francesca

Not a problem, but...please don't send SPAM!

Jo

To Fracesca, What does SPAM mean? <BR>

David

If someone doesn't want to be contacted from this forum, I would think that they wouldn't include their correct e-mail address with their post.

elvira

Happy to answer any and all emails that I can. And as S.Fowler says, I especially like the 'afterwards', with highlights/thanks/you won't believe what happened! <BR>

Tony Hughes

Jo <BR> <BR>Spam is unsolicited, unwanted email - porn and advertising is typical.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Of course---it is not only OK it is a good idea if you need specific info that <BR>you suspect is known by a specific person. I have often suggested it rather <BR>than take up alot of space on the forum.

April

About taking up space - there is probably someone out there who wants to read that information. I sometimes end up thinking that I should have kept to the forum when someone has written such fascinating advice on email that would probably be useful, or at least of interest, to someone else.

Monica

Hello Mark, I have always enjoyed receiving email messages directly from this web site. It gives me great pleasure to help others to enjoy their holiday. I'm not a travel expert, but like to give information on my experiences. If someone wants to email me directly, it means that they are serious in their questions. I have received many compliments upon their return from their vacation. <BR> <BR>Sometimes I would like to respond to their personal email message so that others can benefit, but that doesn't always happen. <BR> <BR>I belive everyone at this web site is here to learn from each other. We are a small group in this big, confusing world with one desire in common: to experience the world, to meet others, go grow, to learn, to live. <BR> <BR>I'll be here for a long time!

Monica

Hello Mark, I have always enjoyed receiving email messages directly from this web site. It gives me great pleasure to help others to enjoy their holiday. I'm not a travel expert, but like to give information on my experiences. If someone wants to email me directly, it means that they are serious in their questions. I have received many compliments upon their return from their vacation. <BR> <BR>Sometimes I would like to respond to their personal email message so that others can benefit, but that doesn't always happen. <BR> <BR>I belive everyone at this web site is here to learn from each other. We are a small group in this big, confusing world with one desire in common: to experience the world, to meet others, go grow, to learn, to live. <BR> <BR>I'll be here for a long time!