Some thoughts on our responsibilities as Fodor's guests
 

Many of my postings to this Forum have begun with the phrase "Consider this". Thus, I'd like you to consider the following: Fodor is much like a generous host who has invited a group of total strangers, all with a common interest, to share their experiences in a social gathering. Long ago, I'm sure, we were taught that as a guest and out of respect for our host, we should behave with decorum and politesse. Our actions and behavior in a social setting would be judged as a measure of our host's taste in inviting us. The boorish, impolite guest, the guest with unjustified airs of superiority and the guest who subjects his fellows to ridicule is rarely reinvited. Once discovered, all are shunned in a true social setting. As active contributors to this Forum and as its guests, I think we have multiple responsibilities. First, to be patient with and respectful of those who submit queries no matter how naïve their questions may seem. Second, to provide responses based on what knowledge and experience we may have that will truly benefit the questioner. Third, to recognize and acknowledge that our words and actions are reflective not only of ourselves but also of Fodor, our host. Fourth, regardless of how well meaning our motives may be, to avoid perpetuating and encouraging diatribes by actively participating in them. Fifth, to use wit and humor to alleviate the anxieties and uncertainties of novice travelers, not to subject them to what they may perceive to be ridicule. Sixth, in the now immortal words of Austin Powers: "Behave!" <BR> <BR>Fodor's Forums are superb resources for the prospective traveler. They are equally superb outlets where knowledgeable travelers can share their experiences with others. It would be shameful and irresponsible on our part to cause such a valuable travel resource to deteriorate to the level of some of Fodor's competitors' websites. It would be doubly shameful to allow our actions to adversely affect the reputation and good will of Fodor. <BR> <BR>These are just one man's opinions. I hope they're accepted as that and that these comments don't provoke yet another long thread of commentary. Let's leave room for the poor soul seeking advice about an impending first trip to Paris, London or Rome! <BR>

Well put, Wes, and thank you for reminding all of us. I always enjoy reading what you have to say.

<BR>Thank you.

AMEN!

I know that my post defies the logic which it contains, but it must be made so you will understand my point, which is as follows: <BR> <BR>Just IGNORE irrelevant posts! Simple, easy. I don't even read them. This one caught my eye simply because the thread title was so nonthreatening. If you don't like irrelevent or rude threads, IGNORE them. Just my opinion to (also) try to make this forum even better than it currently is. So if I don't take the bait of someone responding to my message here, it's because I haven't read it!

Wes - <BR>You are my hero. <BR>

Yes, Wes, well put indeed! <BR>Let's all ignore those that do not agree.

Oh mein Got! Yet another thread for arguement and diatribe. Let's see how many rude, sarcastic, politically inflated, bone-headed, irreverent, and funny comments we can get out of this one. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!~ <BR> <BR>

Speaking for myself, DB, I'm not taking the bait on this one. Wes's comments sound sincerely felt, and don't attack anyone. And, I feel the Church Lady's comment, bless her soul, says it all.)

<BR>Well said, Wes and thanks...

Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. What we sow we shall reap! <BR>Life's too short to give a moment's meditation to anything that is not edifying. Let's just keep our thoughts and words to 'be blessed to bless others'

At the risk of provoking another long list of commentary: <BR>Thank you Wes! <BR>Ps: Your insites have been most helpful in the past.

Thank you, Wes. We truly are guests here. We have wandered into this place, the one with the sign that says "Travelers Welcome", each for his or her own reasons, and we choose to return, time and again. Fodors, our host has made available some superb facilities. Fodors has also laid out some simple ground rules (which I fear some visitors either have never read or have chosen to ignore). <BR> <BR>There is something different about summer at The Forum. As someone pointed out on another thread, most people have made their travel plans; thoughts now turn to lighter things. That isn't all bad. The two threads, "I Was Drunk The Day Mom Got Out of Prison" and "Drunk Mom's Travel (whatever)" demonstrated to me the side-splitting sense of humor and creativity which many of the contributors have in abundance. I now look at their other posts with a knowledge of this other dimension. <BR> <BR>I've been on the road on business during the past week. In the early morning hours, I've had the opportunity to look at some of the other travel web sites. The are largely devoid of activity and what information is posted is not nearly of the quality that can be found here. I'm not sure what Fodors had in mind when they set up this site, but I would like to think that it has more than met their expectations. <BR> <BR>Wes, your post was a welcome perspective. Thatnk you for taking the time to put those thoughts into words.

Neal, <BR> <BR>We had no idea what to expect when we set up the forums, but you're absolutely right: we're overwhelmed and delighted with the results. <BR> <BR>Many thanks to all for making these boards incredibly informative and fun. We're more than happy to supply the facilities. <BR> <BR>Brent Peich <BR>Director, New Media <BR>Fodor's

Brent: You're message will certainly make a hit with all of us. You've humanized the Fodor website all the more! (Of course, now we have a name to complain to!) Seriously, thanks for the message!

As you might expect, Wes has expressed <BR>what we all know is true. Just check out <BR>the other web sites with bulletin boards <BR>to appreciate the quality of the postings we enjoy here. Thank you Fodors <BR>and thank you Wes !

Wes, thanks for your good words -- blessed be the peacemaker.

Wes Fowler for President!

Well said, Wes (always the voice of reason). This is the one post Topper should be sending to the top periodically for all of us to remember...

Perhaps those posting could search thoroughly before asking a neophyte question which would possibly be ridiculed by those less Spock-like individuals who are also on this forum. A forum with only one opinion is not a FORUM. I find it tiring to read how one person doesn't LIKE another's response. How about just giving your opinion and letting it go at that. Factual information stands on its own merits. We cannot help other's FEAR of POSTING. Likewise, no one forces us to dial up this forum and answer questions...we do it, I assume, because we all travel and enjoy being helpful.

I'd like to acknowledge whoever designed this great looking website! I love the way it looks like a horizon at the top and the whole layout is very pleasing. <BR>

I am not as traveled as many of you, I am more traveled than some of you. But I have valued so much of what I have read here in the year since I discovered this website. It has helped me book hotels in Paris and now London. Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Wes, and thanks to all of you have contribute your thoughts and opinions. Ahh, the information age! Thanks for "listening"!

Wes Fowler: In the past, I have always learned from your posts. Lately, you put up a point that seemed especially appropos to another site that I frequent. Your point was valid AND one <BR>that I concurred with entireley. So, I copied, edited and posted it there. Now people there are upset at me, even tho' <BR>I credited the message to you. I kept <BR>Fodors out of it, because Fodors is not Wes Fowler: You are. Please read it, and if you feel an injustice has been done <BR>to your thoughts, feel free to call me on it. <BR>The website is www.eurotrip.com and the page you go to is europub: the post is titled 'Eurotrip may be dying' <BR> <BR>Thank you. <BR> <BR>Kris

I have amixed reaction to this one. <BR> <BR>Yeah be polite etc...but we ARE NOT in someone's home ...this is the net, an entirely different medium to live speech. <BR> <BR>I am sure there are many people who type things they would never say IRL (although I dont credit myself with being one of them). <BR> <BR>I'm not gonna spend my life knavel-gazing and fretting about stepping on someones toes.. <BR> <BR>Lisa, although I dont share your godly beliefs, I do agree with one point you make: don't let's make a mountain out of a molehill.

Thanks Wes for your comments! I totally agree with you. I have found this web site to be very informative, which I have learned a lot. And I also have enjoyed posting messages about my trips. I always try to ignore those postings that start flame wars and move on to the interesting ones. I never tire of seeing the same question over again as I know that it's a new fodorite seeking information for their 1st trip to Paris or Rome or ... Thank you Wes.

One mans meat is another mans poison! <BR>Both the Thorntree and Eurotrip, have places to talk about things other than travel. <BR>Some people like debate and sarcasm.Fodors get with the programme and create a space. <BR>

Thank you Wes. I share Monica's attitude as well -- helping someone plan their first trip helps me relive mine again, and that's fun. When I was younger I worked in service positions and was asked the same questions many times every day, but it never bothered me. I enjoy helping people, and I love this site because I've met many others who like to help people too.

I think this forum is a place for people who would be travel agents if they had not taken up other professions for various reasons.

A nearby posting advocates the use of this web site as a place for sarcasm and incivility. Sorry, but I must disagree. <BR>Fodor's seems to be a haven for those who sincerely wish to exchange travel information and have a good time while doing it. Some other web sites contain bad language, juvenile scatology, echoes from the drug culture, and all-round bad manners. Let's keep Fodor's just the way it is -- an adult web site for adults.

Dan, You are exactly right! I wish I could be a travel agent! Half the fun of a trip is the planning (getting the best price, etc.)and figuring out what to see and do. That is why this forum is so great! I for one, enjoy the research of the place I am going, learning part of the language and finding out about the history of the city/country. The more information I get, the more fun I have while there. Again, this forum has helped greatly to achieve this.

Wouldn't it be nice if this post had had the desired effect, but I notice this morning one particular poster's entries at several threads concerning Turkey, rife with contentiousness and offensive language. Doesn't the Fodor forum-meister watch over such things?

The Forum-meister wears many hats, I think, and can't check the forums as often as many of us do. In the spirit of gracious guesthood, you may want to notify our hosts if you spot a guest out of control (eg, being rude or advertising). Go to <BR>http://www.fodors.com/contact-us/ and explain the problem. They're usually quite fast once they're notified.

Dear Wes: <BR>I couldn't agree with you more! I have used this forum extensively to help me plan my trips to Europe as well as the U.S. The knowledge and helpfulness of so many have made planning much easier. I, in turn, am always eager to share my experiences with others and relive those trips. <BR>Let's do consider ourselves "guests" of this forum and behave more politely. As those of us who have traveled abroad, it is often the Americans that appear to stand out due to their "incivility". <BR>At any rate, thanks for the posting!

Thanks, Martha for the suggestion. Dena, the person I mentioned happily identified himself as an "Aussie," so while I agree with you re:the incivility of some Americans traveling (or even at home), it's not always Americans (and not even always Yankees, at that)!

Thank you Wes for starting this post. Lets not lower our standards to match other sites where people make up names and ridicule each other. <BR> So much of the time the experience and knowledge shared here is done with respect and kindness. I look forward to checking in at the end of a long day. <BR>I wonder how people first found this site to begin with? Since I read Fodors and Frommers books, I guessed they would have websites about three years ago, the forums often have povided more insights, and humor then the books. <BR>Perhaps more people on this site have read the guides, and experienced the many wonderful places out there to explore, which results in a more "mature" audience. I agree with Al 100% lets keep Fodors and adult website for adults.

Are these the old timers that left?

That Wes, my kind of guy! <BR>And thank you Brent for acknowledging us.

I never looked at it that way Wes, but I agree. I never say anything that I wouldn't say to a group of people at a party. Sometimes it's politically incorrect, sometimes off color, sometimes humorous and sometimes provoking but when I have a party, I don't necessarily want all my guests to be completely well-behaved and, well, boring! What fun would that be if you couldn't get a good debate going? Two of our favorite guests at home is a women and man (not married to each other) who can always be counted on to come up with great put downs and have great sarcastic wit. Those two are invited to so many parties because they can be counted on to liven up the room! <BR> <BR> <BR>So, while we do have a responsibility as guests, lets not forget our responsibility to contribute some humor and provocation as well.

Wes: Well put and no additional commentary is neccessary. You have said it all. <BR> <BR>In response to some others: A little bit of provoking (to make us think) is warranted. Certainly humour (not belittling) is desireable. Mean-spiritedness, sarcasm, name-calling and plain profanity are better placed on some other boards that appear to thrive on that kind of nonsense. <BR> <BR>I think Fodor's provides us a great forum to share information, help the new traveler and satisfy our passion for travel. On occaision, it is nice to participate in a fun thread (How much should I tip the pilot) or a feel good thread (Where are you right now) and I hope Fodor's will indulge us with these departures from pure travel as long as we don't abuse the privilege. But, remember, it is a privilege. Fodor's provides us with this board and has the right to set the standards for participation. If we don't like the standards, we have the right to go elsewhere. I, for one, am staying right here). Thank you Fodor's.

I had read half of this thread before I realized that it was two years old! I get two messages from that: first, we haven't yet learned our lesson. But second, let's not overreact to the nastiness-- apparently it's always ben there, and it probably always will. <BR> <BR>Don, above, expresses my personal view-- ignore what offends you. You would bolt for the punchbowl if a boring or otherwise obnoxious person got a hold of you at a party, wouldn't you? We have the power to do the same here. <BR> <BR>I do hope Wes is still around to see his words revived.