The things I love about fodor's and the things I hate about Fodor's
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:22 PM
#41
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>How do I pack eveything into 3 36" suitcases?<
We just got back from Europe.
We encountered about 6 people at the airports who were paying excess baggage fees because they had more than 125 lbs of luggage.
We just got back from Europe.
We encountered about 6 people at the airports who were paying excess baggage fees because they had more than 125 lbs of luggage.
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:24 PM
#42
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I love fodors! While the ranting and name calling can get frustrating, I choose to ignore it and focus on the positive.
I have had some truly fantastic vacations since I discovered fodors a few years ago, and I thank fodorites for giving such great advice and for posting great trip reports that helped make those vacations as fantastic as they were.
Tracy
I have had some truly fantastic vacations since I discovered fodors a few years ago, and I thank fodorites for giving such great advice and for posting great trip reports that helped make those vacations as fantastic as they were.
Tracy
ad hominem ad nauseum...both work, no?
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:31 PM
#45
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<Methinks IJ is merely trolling>
that's my pet peeve and single thing i hate the most about fodor's - folks accusing others of being a troll - it's happened to me a few times when i had no intention of being a troll.
And though ID Jaane could be a troll her OP is a very very valid observation - she/he raises valid concerns. Please Fodor's banish the use of the word troll as it tends to tarnish the OP if he/she is not a troll, which here is not apparent to me.
that's my pet peeve and single thing i hate the most about fodor's - folks accusing others of being a troll - it's happened to me a few times when i had no intention of being a troll.
And though ID Jaane could be a troll her OP is a very very valid observation - she/he raises valid concerns. Please Fodor's banish the use of the word troll as it tends to tarnish the OP if he/she is not a troll, which here is not apparent to me.
Jun 6th, 2007, 12:36 PM
#46
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OK, Miss Idaho...I'll gladly answer the "best way from CDG" question, agin, and again, and <b>again</b> since you and your friends are implying that if I don't I won't get to heaven.
<b>BUT</b> you know something?
It would be a <b>lot</b> nicer if some of these so-called "new posters" who either are doing their research through us, are just plain lazy, don't know better, just moved in from a long stay on Pluto, or any <b>other</b> reason you can come up with would just do <b>one</b> thing:
<b>Say THANK YOU</b> after they get the answer.
But we wouldn't want to inconvenience anybody or scare them off now would we?
<b>BUT</b> you know something?
It would be a <b>lot</b> nicer if some of these so-called "new posters" who either are doing their research through us, are just plain lazy, don't know better, just moved in from a long stay on Pluto, or any <b>other</b> reason you can come up with would just do <b>one</b> thing:
<b>Say THANK YOU</b> after they get the answer.
But we wouldn't want to inconvenience anybody or scare them off now would we?
Jun 6th, 2007, 01:21 PM
#49
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Yes Dukey (and milley_5), I agree completely with what you say. It takes very little time to say thank you and I hate it when folks who have freely given such good advice, sometimes don't get any response from the OP.
I love Fodors 'internationalism'. Folks FROM many of the countries we all enquire about contribute too, such as cocofromdijon, thanos in Mykonos and murat in Turkey to name only a few.
That, to me, makes it a very special board.
bill
I love Fodors 'internationalism'. Folks FROM many of the countries we all enquire about contribute too, such as cocofromdijon, thanos in Mykonos and murat in Turkey to name only a few.
That, to me, makes it a very special board.
bill
Jun 6th, 2007, 01:31 PM
#51
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OP is off her rocker. This is a great board so quit yer bitching. If you really want a gander at some belittling and nasty posters, we can supply a few links.
But point taken on the poor search function, although it's pretty much guaranteed that the really clueless will ignore an excellent version anyway.
And a note on the 62 year olds who are supposedly so wise and experienced -- how come they can't manage to get their email and then occasionally roll with an internet punch?
But point taken on the poor search function, although it's pretty much guaranteed that the really clueless will ignore an excellent version anyway.
And a note on the 62 year olds who are supposedly so wise and experienced -- how come they can't manage to get their email and then occasionally roll with an internet punch?
Jun 6th, 2007, 02:08 PM
#52
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Good post, fnarf999.
I also struggle to understand why people would bother to respond just to chastise someone. It would probably be a whole lot quicker to give a short response with some of the info requested, or post a link, rather than write a paragraph telling the questioner why they're a useless thick idiot. Or not reply at all. The 'I'm just educating them to use the board more effectively' stance can be very condescending, even if not meant to offend.
I also think it's somewhat ironic that people who point out that some responses could be just a little more tactful themselves get called trolls or are accused of rudeness by those who actually wrote the rude and unhelpful posts in the first place - pots and kettles come to mind there!
To (finally!) get round to answering the OP, I love the trip reports, links to holiday photos, and some of the more light-hearted threads (eg pudding discussions, St Georges Day).
I also struggle to understand why people would bother to respond just to chastise someone. It would probably be a whole lot quicker to give a short response with some of the info requested, or post a link, rather than write a paragraph telling the questioner why they're a useless thick idiot. Or not reply at all. The 'I'm just educating them to use the board more effectively' stance can be very condescending, even if not meant to offend.
I also think it's somewhat ironic that people who point out that some responses could be just a little more tactful themselves get called trolls or are accused of rudeness by those who actually wrote the rude and unhelpful posts in the first place - pots and kettles come to mind there!
To (finally!) get round to answering the OP, I love the trip reports, links to holiday photos, and some of the more light-hearted threads (eg pudding discussions, St Georges Day).
Jun 6th, 2007, 03:18 PM
#53
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Whenever a poster's question strikes me as too broad or basic or what have you, I think of my mother. She's 79 and only since my father died two years ago has she started to tentatively explore the online world. She knows how to do a few things, log onto her AOL account, check her favorite newspaper, etc. We've taught her how to Google, but because she had a stroke some years ago, she has occasional short term memory lapses (although she's a very bright person) and sometimes asks questions that may seem too basic. Later, she'll recall that she had already looked something up or that she herself knew the answer. She still loves to travel and I hate to think of someone like that making his or her first nervous forays into these forums being brusquely and impatiently told to do their research (and some of you ARE brusque even if you think you're making "gentle" suggestions). My point is, we don't know the "back story" of why some people ask seemingly obvious questions.
Now my pet peeves are when a non-travel post (over on the lounge) that has been lively and interesting suddenly devolves into a mudslinging match with personal insults delivered by the extremists on each side (who all righteously insist that the OTHER guy started it...really, did that argument work so well when you were 7 that you still cling to it 40 years later?). We have a few prize examples on display at the moment.
Occasionally some topic (or poster) really touches my hot buttons and since I've promised myself not to get caught up in a flame spiral, I indulge in a bout of "vent and go." I type out my own self-righteous little diatribe, look at it for a few seconds, then hit the "back" key letting it all vanish into thin air. So many times I have later thought, oh I am so GLAD I never made that post!
Now my pet peeves are when a non-travel post (over on the lounge) that has been lively and interesting suddenly devolves into a mudslinging match with personal insults delivered by the extremists on each side (who all righteously insist that the OTHER guy started it...really, did that argument work so well when you were 7 that you still cling to it 40 years later?). We have a few prize examples on display at the moment.
Occasionally some topic (or poster) really touches my hot buttons and since I've promised myself not to get caught up in a flame spiral, I indulge in a bout of "vent and go." I type out my own self-righteous little diatribe, look at it for a few seconds, then hit the "back" key letting it all vanish into thin air. So many times I have later thought, oh I am so GLAD I never made that post!
Jun 6th, 2007, 03:33 PM
#55
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You know you are right about research: I actually never thought about the "back story". Thanks for bringing that to my attnetion.
I too have a Mom who had a stroke about 14 yrs ago; bright woman like yours and I would also hate to imagine if she used a forum like this one and asked seemingly basic questions and got some nasty replies.
I'm guessing, thought that a majority of the very basic questions are from people who don't quite understand how Fodors has evolved and use it as a travel agency to some degree. Is there anything in the terms that states how to actually use the forum ( i.e.: It is appreciated if you do some homework first, kinda thing)? I have not looked at the terms since I joined in 02.
It just never occured to me to ask broad basic questions, but also I've traveled well before Fodors and I like to research.
I think too, we've become so internet dependent that I think some people relate to this site as: Ask any question and the right answer will be all worked out for you. I just think that might be part of the issue.
In any event, there are people who legitimately might have difficulty with research and truly need help; thanks again for making me a little more sensitive.
I too have a Mom who had a stroke about 14 yrs ago; bright woman like yours and I would also hate to imagine if she used a forum like this one and asked seemingly basic questions and got some nasty replies.
I'm guessing, thought that a majority of the very basic questions are from people who don't quite understand how Fodors has evolved and use it as a travel agency to some degree. Is there anything in the terms that states how to actually use the forum ( i.e.: It is appreciated if you do some homework first, kinda thing)? I have not looked at the terms since I joined in 02.
It just never occured to me to ask broad basic questions, but also I've traveled well before Fodors and I like to research.
I think too, we've become so internet dependent that I think some people relate to this site as: Ask any question and the right answer will be all worked out for you. I just think that might be part of the issue.
In any event, there are people who legitimately might have difficulty with research and truly need help; thanks again for making me a little more sensitive.
Jun 6th, 2007, 03:41 PM
#56
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I love the rapidity with which most questions are answered and the incredible generosity of so many of the posters who share their knowledge. I,too, hate the questions which can so easily be answered by puting in a board search. Why doesn't fodors have a quick and dirty "how to use the board" which flashes up before you can complete your registration. This would help new users feel welcome and eliminate the repetative questions.
Jun 6th, 2007, 04:56 PM
#57
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I think everybody just needs to take a deep breath and relax! Enjoy life! Life is too precious to argue about little things like this. Enjoy the fact that you found a whole bunch of people who share the same passion for Europe and travelling and try to connect with them, don't take them or anything for granted! Travelling and even talking about travelling should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Let's not make people fearful of posting any messages. Too much stress!
Just be thankful and glad that there is a forum like this one and don't ever take people for granted and always treat them with the utmost respect, the way you would want to be treated! But most importantly, don't worry so much about every tiny little thing in this world and just enjoy life!
Just be thankful and glad that there is a forum like this one and don't ever take people for granted and always treat them with the utmost respect, the way you would want to be treated! But most importantly, don't worry so much about every tiny little thing in this world and just enjoy life!
Jun 6th, 2007, 05:00 PM
#58
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One more thing: Researching something on a website or in a book is simply not the same as getting information from someone who has actually been there and can share with you their own personal experience, which is much more valuable than neutral infos on the internet. I am always appreciative of every single person who is taking the time and the effort to help me out when I need some advice.
Jun 6th, 2007, 05:32 PM
#59
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I found this site two years ago while researching a trip to Turkey. I started out wanting to visit Greece, added Turkey, then decided on just Turkey. I really appreciated the help and information I received.
I've enjoyed reading and posting here since then, but lately it does seem like there's been more sniping and rudeness than usual.
I'm CERTAIN the reason people don't like vague "I want to go to Europe" posts is because so little can be done to help the OP at that point. (Since EVERYONE here likes being kind and helpful, this causes frustration.) This forum is a much more effective place to get/give specifics rather than a picture book or video overview of all the beautiful places there are to go.
But please remember, some travelers-to-be really have no clue where to start. So they just post their message. A FRIENDLY suggestion to check out a guidebook, and a recommendation as to which one, can be helpful. Naming off some places you've enjoyed visiting, and why, can get them started.
Giving pointers on narrowing their interests, and planning their budget can also help.
Then they'll come back and ask more specific (bearable and intelligent)questions because they weren't put off by somebody who was rude to them.
A few days ago a work colleague asked me where in France she and dh should go. A few questions later I could tell she didn't know the difference between Provence, Normandy, or the Loire. What's in the Orsay? OK, lots of work to be done.
I'm loaning her a big coffee table picture book of France, and think I'll tuck a map inside the cover. I gently suggested she get a few books at the library.
I certainly didn't talk to her in the manner of a few people on this forum. Maybe it's the anonymity of the internet that makes snippiness easier.
I hope my colleague figures it out and actually goes to France. It will be a good experience for her. I look forward to recommending this forum once she's narrowed things down a bit. Hopefully she won't come here on her own and get her head bitten off first.
I've enjoyed reading and posting here since then, but lately it does seem like there's been more sniping and rudeness than usual.
I'm CERTAIN the reason people don't like vague "I want to go to Europe" posts is because so little can be done to help the OP at that point. (Since EVERYONE here likes being kind and helpful, this causes frustration.) This forum is a much more effective place to get/give specifics rather than a picture book or video overview of all the beautiful places there are to go.
But please remember, some travelers-to-be really have no clue where to start. So they just post their message. A FRIENDLY suggestion to check out a guidebook, and a recommendation as to which one, can be helpful. Naming off some places you've enjoyed visiting, and why, can get them started.
Giving pointers on narrowing their interests, and planning their budget can also help.
Then they'll come back and ask more specific (bearable and intelligent)questions because they weren't put off by somebody who was rude to them.
A few days ago a work colleague asked me where in France she and dh should go. A few questions later I could tell she didn't know the difference between Provence, Normandy, or the Loire. What's in the Orsay? OK, lots of work to be done.
I'm loaning her a big coffee table picture book of France, and think I'll tuck a map inside the cover. I gently suggested she get a few books at the library.
I certainly didn't talk to her in the manner of a few people on this forum. Maybe it's the anonymity of the internet that makes snippiness easier.
I hope my colleague figures it out and actually goes to France. It will be a good experience for her. I look forward to recommending this forum once she's narrowed things down a bit. Hopefully she won't come here on her own and get her head bitten off first.
