Just one more point if I may.<BR><BR>Its hard enough to try and turn it around on the board and stick to travel related postings. I've given it a pretty good shot. <BR><BR>I've passed a number of posts where I just knew I could come in and make the fur fly but chose to sit back and watch the silliness unfold.<BR><BR>I've limited my postings to what I believe have been helpful and informative, at least I hope so. <BR><BR>And...I do not need someone imitating me at this point. <BR><BR>So, I for one am glad to register so that everyone will be on a level playing field. <BR><BR>I have registered as uncle_sam and am proud to do so because I can assure you it will not be getting censored!<BR><BR>US

Sam: 'I've passed a number of posts where I just knew I could come in and make the fur fly but chose to sit back and watch the silliness unfold.<BR><BR>I've limited my postings to what I believe have been helpful and informative, at least I hope so.' <BR><BR>Lets not exagerate Sam, you've been restrained for all of one week, if that! Long may it last!<BR><BR>

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day!<BR><BR>US

When you regulars have gotten your turf wars sorted out, have you asked yourself who is going to come here to post a simple travel question &amp; how long it will take them if they aren't registered?<BR>Goodbye.

This might just get me to start logging back on and avoiding some of the &quot;flamers&quot; that just aren't worth the effort.<BR>Hoorah for Fodors!!!!!<BR>Best wishes.

I posted my real email address here for someone to give me some info on a trip, and ever since then I am on some Bicker's email list and my computer is getting clogged down. Does he scan for emails to promote his own ideas and websites?

Go out and pre-register all the good names - then watch the USA'ers gripe.

As I noted in response to another thread: How thin skinned some of you must be. Since when is an attack on an anonymous person by another anonymous person a &quot;personal attack.&quot; Does it ruin your day that another anonymous person disagreed with you, or called you a name? If so, I don't know how you get along in the real world or, perhaps that is it, you don't. For some of you this is the natural extension of the politically correct - please don't express any strong feelings - don't disagree with anyone - make everyone feel great - crowd. <BR><BR>The real tragedy is first time European travelers will opt for another forum over this one, b/c this one requires a registration. I don't know about you, but if I come across a website or forum that requires registration, I think twice before using it and, more often than not, pass it by. <BR>

Doesn't matter one way or the other to me. If I didn't have some time to waste at the moment, I wouldn't even be responding to the question. I think overall in terms of an impact on my life on a scale from 1 to 1,000, this issue would rate about a minus 18.7

I don't give my email address to anyone unknown to me and that includes the editors at Fodor's. So, though I've never intentionally said a mean word, at this point, I'm out.

Kam, just get a new address at yahoo and give them that one. It doesn't have to be your own treasured email address.

If registration has any affect on the nastiness of some people's comments than I am all for it. I've only just posted my 2nd question EVER on Fodors because I was so verbally abused the first time I posted. I am all for having one's own opinion about things but the remarks I got were in extremely bad taste. I didn't care at all if someone disagreed with me but the name calling was outrageous! I guess now I'll have to see what junk I get in response to my comments this time.<BR>Putting all the ugliness aside I have gotten a lot of valuable information from this site.<BR>

The contradictions of some of the posters here is very interesting. The constant drum beat here is... act just the proper way in Europe ....never say or do anything that might possibly offend some European, but to each other here on this board.. say anything you want and if it insults someone... they are just thin skinned and don't know how to live in the real world.<BR><BR>One standard of behavior toward Europeans and quite a diiferent standard for anyone on this board that you disagree with. You turn on the super kindness and politeness when in Europe and then be as rude and insulting as possible here.<BR><BR>Very strange contradiction.

Kam, What is so special about you that you never give out your email to anyone that you don't personally know? Sounds a bit paranoid to me.

Good observation Alexandria. Even though, since we all (or most) don't know each other and can make up any name we want, why would someone never post again after being insulted once on a thread?<BR>If someone flames Pam I can just as easily become Sam or Leann.<BR>Another point could be that this is all anon but if you insult someone to their face it is a different story.

ttt for the weekend posters

I have used this site off and on when planning since 1999. The advice of particular regulars and some non regulars have almost always been helpful. I like seeing the names because it helps know the reliability of the information. I have always used my real email. Only a couple times have people emailed me directly and (maybe I have been fortunate) they have always been sincere requests about information I posted. <BR>I think the registration is a good thing, though perhaps annoying. I thought it was optional when people first began talking and did not register immediately. Since 1999 there has been a degeneration in some posts (it seems mostly here on the Europe site - did not notice it on the US or Australia talks)<BR><BR>Anyways only time will tell if it hurts or helps the forum, hopefully those who like to help and share travels will continue to do so!