nytraveler - cannot agree with you more - yes point out that in your opinon and experience it may be too fast - but not say as so some Fodorgarchs do telling them 'they're nuts, crazy, beyond belief or a forced march - terms that I often seen used here and which at times leave the OP, often a first-time poster, in tears. It is not rare that some Fodorgarchs have literally left several yes perhaps naive OPs in tears - the advice may have been good but it is often said in terms belittling the poster and this is what I object to most. Yes tell them that you think it is too much, etc but also that some folks like that type of travel - a balance I often see lacking.

Not sure how you would know that first-time posters are left in tears.

In fact, I can't imagine anything I have seen on this board that would leave anyone in tears (in the Lounge perhaps when there are real issues involved, but not here) - unless they are incredibly super-sensitive. IMHO adults don't cry just because someone tell them their plan isn't a good one - not like saying your mother just died or your babe is hideous. (Although to tell you the truth that wouldn't make me cry either - just get me pissed off.)

I agree. NO one knows that posters leave in tears. And if some do, I suspect just as many leave when they encounter the truly dumb and incomprehensible "Fodorgarchs" reference. I can imagine a bunch of newbies going "Who is THIS weirdo, and what does THIS mean? I'm outta here." It's not cute, it's not funny, it's not clever, it's just really bizarre and off-putting.

Pal - my reference was to your statement: "do not be intimidated by FodorGarchs who think their way...is the only way".

I think people who post here are smart enough to understand that people are giving their opinions.

Perhaps you could explain your term, fodorgarch. What the heck is that?

Referring to other posters as "weirdos" and their posts as "dumb and incomprehensible" is less off putting than the use of the rather clever "Fodorgarch"?

Really? Where are your manners?

Opinion, which should be constructive and helpful in this setting, ceases to be just that when one starts either insulting or communicating with condescension. It generally demonstrates the lack of a coherent argument. It is typical of that form of communication to be explained as "opinion" and "just trying to help" as a guise for the behaviour.

And "Fodorgarch" is not incomprehensible at all. Do you know any words that end in "garch" that might refer to a small group who rule?