I looked today and found that I have posted to 600 threads since I started on this board in early 2003. I hope that at least a few of my postings have been of some value even if not unique.

There have been a number of contributors, Janis, Ben and Shiela, in particular, that I
know have been extremely helpful participants with such generous sharing of their knowledge. NYCFS and Thingorjus have brought more than a few smiles with their over the top humor (humour to you, John). I have enjoyed trading opinions with many others.

No more. It has ceased to be fun with the plethora of inane, juvenile, egocentric postings.

Thank you for a good run.

J, thank you for your helpful posts, as well as for your gracious farewell here.
For what it's worth, I'm in agreement with you on all counts.

The current crop of "it's all about me" posters are indeed rather hard to take. I try to skip over their threads, or at least not reply to them and hope that they will sink soon enough.

I began posting here years ago, and have taken several long breaks over this period of time, but return for purposes of researching my own travel. I hope you will do the same.

It's sad to see the decline in the quality of the posts. Jsmith thanks for all of your contributions.

You will be missed. Although I definitely understand. I hope you return...this site needs more good people like yourself.

Even though my Dad has said I've been over the top since childhood, all of what I write here is really me in real time, real life. I know it often gets misconstrued and judged, and many folks will never appreciate my outlook on life or my sense of humor but, at least, I made you chuckle. That's enough reward for me.

I'm flattered you mentioned me, jsmith, because I love making people smile. I'm sorry to see you go. But, I fully understand your feelings about this forum.

Thank you for your contribution and I wish you happy and safe travels, no matter what journey life offers you.

jsmith, I'm sorry to hear that. I, for one will miss you. We need more level headed but polite posters like you.
The gushy and sycophant posts, the full moon trolls seem to be running rampart this year.

rampant!

jsmith, don't let a few silly goofballs run you off. Take a well-deserved break and come back again.

If you have a passion (? obsession? addiction?) for this, no "juvenile" posts will be a deterrent. Been through thick and thin.

Best wishes,

Rex

jsmith, in the two years I've been here there have always been occasional wildcat threads. Some have been vicious, some goofy, some annoying beyond my tolerance. Sometimes I've contributed, or even fanned the flames.

But the nonsense has always been FAR outweighed by the informative, helpful, clever, supportive and and just plain good-spirited posts. Take a break if you must, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Jsmith: Just think of all the bright, witty, amusing posters on this forum. You certainly can ignore the fools...

The attention-seeking threads that seem to abound just now come in cycles. These posts will sink to the bottom where they belong and things here will once again be more normal. I've been coming to this forum for 6 years and I've seen this happen over and over. This is not a perfect place but the quality of information here makes it worth while to keep coming back to learn new things and to share information.

We'll miss you.

adrienne

I agree with adrienne completely. Anyone that has spent a few years on this board has seen these things come and go.

Please don't let the few idiots chase you off. At least things are better over here than on the USA board where a certifiable nut case posts totally fallacious recommendations under about 15 different screen names.

(thanks for the kinds words - but you provide really good advice/insight too. it would be the board's loss if you left)

Why should the valued posters be forced to leave? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

I'm relatively new to the Fodor's Forum, less than a month, and can't begin to calculate the amount of valuable information I have received here. Everyone's tastes and interests are different - that's what makes the information so valuable. Something you don't find in a guide book. If only we could ALL learn to respect each other's opinions. Everyone's experiences are different.

Adrienne - I hope you are correct about these recent nasty threads, and they will "sink to the bottom." Peace.

Robyn

I support your decision.



Oaktown Traveler

I don't think it's "nasty" threads that jsmith is referring to - at least in my experience there haven't been many of those recently. Rather, it's the inane, self-centered, nonsensical, incoherent, topping-to-keep-my-name-up-there posts that seem to have proliferated recently. Whatever the reason, I can understand someone getting discouraged. But I do think it's worth hanging in there. I know I was so discouraged at one point I left - I thought for good - but am glad I came back. This is a valuable resource, and if all the people who make it valuable leave, then it becomes just another dumb website. So, jsmith, I respect your decision but respectfully ask you to reconsider, if not now, then maybe after a period of contemplative separation. Whatever you decide, best to you.

If only folks wouldn't reply to the narcissistic garbage on here; the poster(s) get positive reinforcement for their self absorption.

It is getting tiresome, isn't it? But don't let them chase you away.

Please don't leave!! I don't reply often to threads - only when I know what I'm talking about and it's important to keep views on this board from experienced travellers. However, I appreciate what you're saying and certainly this week has been poor for silly reports - I don't even respond, but keep looking for the questions that really need to be answered. Don't let them run you off!!
Hope to continue to hear from you!!
A friend of a true fodor!!