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Is the Europe board getting to be like the USA board? Heaven help us!

Is the Europe board getting to be like the USA board? Heaven help us!

Old Feb 8th, 2001, 10:19 AM
  #21  
Relax Already
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There's nothing wrong with the "Club" threads. There ARE NO CLUBS! It is just a little bit of fun, with people trying to be a little witty and outrageous. No one is excluded. Just post. Or ignore it. I don't understand the attitude that this forum is like high school, so anyone who feels excluded gets all worked up about it. Join in the fun. The more the merrier.

And Dave, you were treated very badly on your How Long Does It Take thread. Most of us did try to help, though.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 10:30 AM
  #22  
Sue
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Thank goodness someone finally posted this (I've thought of doing it, but...) I like everyone's idiosyncrasies--I'm growing very fond of Rex's pomposity, for example (I'm not critizing, I'm defending), and it disturbs me to see the constant attacks and jabs. I really didn't realize why I was visiting the board less frequently. Three cheers for Civil!
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 10:46 AM
  #23  
IMHO
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There are certain extremely rare times when someone "deserves" a put-down. The only example I can think of recently is the guy who was flying in and out of Lisbon for a weekend, thought he'd go to southern Spain, wanted to see flamingo {sic} dancing, and when he received suggestions about Portugal instead he expected to be spoon fed the most elementary bits of information like waht is Sintra. and he was arrogant and brassy and ungrammatical besides. a real jerk, but people treated him with kis gloves while other people who are just young or naive or inexperienced or even just word their question a little inartfully are ridiculed mercilessly.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 10:50 AM
  #24  
Optimist
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A few points:

1. I enjoy everyone's little personality quirks. It's neat to see some people who try to make you laugh, some who are so serious, some who write with such ease. It would be boring if we were all the same. I see this as a community, so I don't mind the diversity of thought and of approach.

2. This board is MUCH better than it was a few months ago. Let me refresh your memory. In the recent past, we had endless election threads, the tiresome travel agent witch hunts, the repetitive pro-registration threads, we had people posting under other people's names, and all manner of personal vendettas. Not to mention the awful format changes. Things had to get better, and they have, IMHO.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 11:06 AM
  #25  
HMMMM...
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Hmmmmm, hadn't really thought about posting under someone else's name...what a great , oops, I mean terrible idea...can't think of who I would wanna be....
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 11:40 AM
  #26  
nancy
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Boy, another example of not keeping up on top of things!
Haven't spent much time here the past couple days, and am unable find the specific post that seems to have set a few people off.
I agree that this board is much "kinder" than the U.S. board,
I do not understand though why some people get so upset when they feel a person has posted a question that is either a :
troll
a "waste of time"
"promoting" a website (Ed and Julie)
or about the supposed clubiness of some of the members here.
I was new to this site this past spring, and while I still sometimes get upset over a response to a thread, or someones question, I always try to remind myself that this is only a travelsite and this is supposed to be fun and informative.
There are times when I would love to respond with a sarcastic remark, but don't because it will not contribute anything positive to the situation.
I quess I am just rambling on, but I think that we should all be less judgemental of others and not get so worked up over things which really are not life and death important!
I for the most part really love this site, and have received great info (can't **wait** until after our trip this summer, so I can contribute from experience too) and even made some "friends" with whom I now correspond!
So,rock on fodors,& see you all later
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:11 PM
  #27  
Your
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I pledge to continue my narcissitic tantrums because no one has the right to disagree with me. I can and will argue, moralize and judge everybody and everything, especially if it tweaks me in just the slightest little way, because that is my right. I promise to always visit threads like these which have no bearing on travel whatsoever, and to deliver deep, introspective diatribes about myself, my motivations, my desires, my dog, my personal hygiene, and any other topic of my choice.


This is my solemn pledge.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:16 PM
  #28  
Ess
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I don't see any major incivility happening at the US Board. I stopped by here this afternoon and a riot's going on. What's the matter? All the Europe lovers are restless?
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:29 PM
  #29  
Ben Haines
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Fodors

I'm afraid I've only just read this correspondence. Like Quicksilver, when irritated I ask myself what would Ben Haines do, but I don't always do it. I have special trouble biting my tongue when I see questions as to safety in London -- my recent tenant, a personable young lady, came home often at midnight, perfectly safe. Also, when I see notes that might imply (I say no more) that it's not nice to be among black people and Asians: this is London, and our rich mix of cultures is great -- and has been since we had Italians here nineteen centuries ago.

So, I join the movement, and take the pledge. You'll never again see the nastier Ben.

Ben Haines, in sackcloth


 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:32 PM
  #30  
same
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Ess, just more pomposity from the same old Pompous Asses. Business as usual at fodors.com.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:39 PM
  #31  
Danna
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I hope that ess poster wasn't talking about Ben Haines. Ben sent me real information via email about a real question. Ben I thanked you then and now. I'm an American Indian Woman and appreciate european (and descendents) checking in their attitudes. I try and hope that I don't contribute to sniping. I sometimes do disagree, comment, and also participate in silly threads! But that's not meanness.... just about joining and silly. Ben Haines, Thank You
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 12:40 PM
  #32  
xxx
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I'm with Judge@Jury. As long as there are headers like this one for the purpose of self-righteously judging others, the problem will always exist. You are only perpetuating it.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 01:30 PM
  #33  
Gloria
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I actually like Ben Haines posts. I have taken my children to London and think the advice he gives is right on target.
I have no idea who he is, nor, did I have the opportunity to read his book prior to taking my children to England. I would have if I had known.

I perceive him to be quite a decent person and thank him for sharing.
Gloria

 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 02:01 PM
  #34  
celia lynn
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I think that most people that come to this forum are caught up in the excitement of their trip, and don't realize that to ask questions on some issues can't be decided by someone else. There are those that don't want to take the time or money to go to the library or the book store and decide where and when. T have a good trip, you have to do your homework. Buy a Thomas Cook Rail book, go to the library to help make destination decisions. Use a map to plot your course. It took me a year to firm up just a 30 day trip. There was just SO MUCH i wanted to see, and had to make decisions.

I can certainly understand why you experienced travelers get a little short and snippy. I even found myself responding defensively, but it was from ignorance.

As Smokey said "How smart you are depends on what part of the country you're standing in." Some of us haven't
gotten out of our little comfortable spot.

I think ya'll are great. I laugh, and sign off. Thanks for all your help!


Sincere
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 02:06 PM
  #35  
XXX
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I didn't know Ben Haines wrote a book. Without causing a war, could someone post the title of his book, since I'm ASKING.
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 02:44 PM
  #36  
Art
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Since you asked re Ben Haines, I'm also interested. I was going to e-mail him directly in fear of his getting lam-blasted if he answered but, since you asked, I'll chime in and also ask. Mr Haines, if you wish you may e-mail the name to me. (the advantage of being open on the forum with real name and e-mail.)

 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 03:59 PM
  #37  
Rex
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I have had the pleasure of corresponding, infrequently, with Mr. Ben Haines longer than I have been coming here. He has never touted a book here (unless you mean the Thomas Cook guide), because, to the best of my knowledge, it doesn't exist YET.

From what little I have gotten to know of "Ben the incomparable", it will most likely be very enjoyable - - for those who like travel memoirs, of course - - when he gets through collecting stories in his head, and transfers them to paper.

There is no more gentlemanly visitor to this forum than Mr. Haines, and the closest he is likely ever to come to sarcasm (more accurately, satire) is his posting on this thread - - suggesting that HE has said anything nasty for which he needs to apologize.

Now THAT's quite funny, Ben!

Best wishes,

Rex
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 04:31 PM
  #38  
Gloria
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LOL!
Well, got that one wrong, I guess. I don't know where I got the idea that Ben Haines wrote a book. I guess it's a good idea from you all are saying, however.
Let me know when it's done, Ben. I shall be the first on your "buy" list.
Gloria
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 05:15 PM
  #39  
SharonM
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Rex,
That was so sweetingly said.
I'll have to agree with you about Mr Haines. A respectable gentleman, indeed.
I admittedly, have a questionably strong image of Ben as a sweet Rex Harrison/Henry Higgins type...)

Go figure.

Whatsoever,
It's a compliment!
 
Old Feb 8th, 2001, 09:43 PM
  #40  
Ben Haines
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What very kind notes.

I'm afraid I haven't written a book, though there are several trains that first went into the Thomas Cook European Timetable when I suggested them to the editors. When my travelling days are done I indeed plan to write my memoirs: I'll be sure to publicise them (improperly) on this forum.

Oh, I did once write a hundred page report on what results came out of training people from develioping couyntries in Britain at mid career, and a thirty page note on living and working in Slovenia, but those were internal documents, in confidence.
 

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