So Where do YOU Think Fodors is Advertising?
 

Last January I posted an observation that the Forums seemed to be getting a lot of IITTMBB itineraries. Seems it hasn't slowed down but escalated.

I'm amazed at how many "10 day honeymoon in Italy in November we like beaches where should we go" and "I want to visit Italy, Turkey, Spain, Croatia, Amsterdam, France and Brussels and Berlin, I have 3 weeks" questions posted here these days.

I guess Fodors is advertising in bridal magazines to explain all the first time to Europe honeymoon questions? Have they linked in to 'European Tour' key words on Google/Bing to explain all the overly ambitious and unresearched posts?

It's nice that lots of new people are discovering the Forums and asking questions, but I just can't stop wondering where this is all coming from. It's to the point now that I reply less often and only read posts that have truly unique or specific questions.

I think there have been a few trip reports posted as thanks for the advice received here, but not many. Do newer Fodorites realize trip reports are a big part of the useful information on the boards?

Just my random thoughts. Fodorites opinions?

I kind of doubt that it has anything to do with Fodors advertising in certain places. Personally, I think you should MYOB and not spend your time thinking about people who ask questions you don't like or making judgments about who is allowed to post or ask what questions on Fodors. It's not your website and you aren't the Fodors police.

I think a lot of people come here just from a random Google search on something that turns up this site or from getting a Fodors guidebook where the website is mentioned now quite a bit.

Yup lump it or leave it - you have missed the boat completely with your comments and are welcome to jump Fodors ship IMO - do not need the likes of these inane comments IMO.

I'm a newer Fodorite currently receiving advice on my "2-week itinerary." My whole point is that I'm trying to avoid the ITIMBB plan - sometimes you just need the tough love from seasoned travelers telling you to give up your unrealistic itinerary.

Fodor's is a well-known guidebook series, so when starting research for my Italy trip a year ago (originally planned for 2012), I found the Fodor's website and then linked to the forums. I don't think it has anything to do with advertising in bridal magazines!

Regarding the lack of follow-up trip reports, I think many are timid about posting. It can appear a little self-centered to post a whole report about your trip - as though you are such an amazing planner that your trip is worth recounting, especially when you are a newbie. Chowhound regulars do a better job of encouraging newbies to come back and post about their experiences. Because I use that forum frequently, I have learned the value in the trip report postings, and certainly plan to come back and post mine.

I would suggest that whenever you answer a question from a new poster, that you explicitly encourage them to come back and post their outcome.

WTF is IITTMBB?

If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium.

"<i>I guess Fodors is advertising in bridal magazines to explain all the first time to Europe honeymoon questions? Have they linked in to 'European Tour' key words on Google/Bing to explain all the overly ambitious and unresearched posts?</i>"

Totally silly IMO. There have ALWAYS been questions about honeymoons ever since the site began years ago. After all, a honeymoon in Paris or Italy is hardly an exotic/strange concept. Couples have been touring the Continent on their honeymoons since Victorian times.

And overly ambitious itineraries?? My very first post on Fodors in either '98 or '99 was to advise someone that no, they could <i>not</i> do Paris, London and Munich in 6 days.

Questions are cyclical. From April to nnow, there are many questions by first timers.

My biggest complaint, and I do not know the cure, is that first timers do not read the other posts along the left hand column or think that since their plane arrives at 3:05 and the previous poster's plane arrived at 2:59, that they are very different trips.

I can understand not knowing how to use the advance search or the "view by country" box, but at least read the left hand column.

Wow, sorry you took my wonderings the wrong way. It's just something I was thinking since the "flavor" of the forums seems to have changed, as I mentioned, just as it seems to me.

I do often encourage new posters to report back and love to see them do so.

I've learned so much by reading others' trips reports and found wonderful destinations I never would have heard of if not spending a lot of time reading reports.

Christina, I think your reply is very rude and over-reacting. I didn't say people couldn't ask whatever they want, just that some posts I don't feel "inspired" to answer. No one here is obligated to answer any more than they are limited in what they ask.

Geez, now I'm sorry I posted a question.

I have noticed that there have been many first time posters asking something, without ever coming back to make at least a comment or say thank you to all the posters who tried to help with advice....

Nothing the OP has cited as "new" is the least bit new.

I agree, I see little that is new, and I have been here since 1996. As for the first time posters not being responsive, I chalk that up to not liking the answers they got. Many post here not really to get their questions answered but for validation of their own plans. Surprise!

It's an interesting question. You know, bridal magazines would be a great place to advertise to get people to check out this site and buy the books. We're always telling people to "read a guidebook" why not?

What a great concept. We will create a website where beginners can ask experienced travelers advice .. Even if their questions are stupid.

They see the big bus tours that cover 9 countries and 15 cities in 14 days and they figure this must be the way to honeymoon in Europe. They need a place where someone will tell them that seeing the continent from a bus window is different than stopping to smell the aromas of a local bakery or enjoying a leisurly tiny cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe. Thanks to all the Fodorite travel geniuses for making it possible. Happly blogging.

I am new to the site but have long followed the advice of Fodor's from my parents axample. I have posted two (related) of the topics like you mentioned but did not see a specific advertisement that swayed me this way. Italy has always and will always be a number one 'romantic' destination. It is the 10th anniversary/40th birthdays for my wife and I so I am now very much enjoying these topics you mentioned because we are indeed doing a 2 week trip at the end of Sept./beginning of October.

Keep'em coming and thank you to everyone that does take the time to respond and offer you insight ... I can't wait!

Dayle,

I've noticed over the years that the people who frequent different destination forums have different personalities.