Things that bother me about this message board
Apr 30th, 2006 | 03:47 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
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Things that bother me about this message board
1. When someone posts a question and people send links back. I think we all know how to search the internet, and links can be found on google - the fodor's website is where I hope to find opinions from travellers, not help searching the web.
2. When someone posts a question, and 3 or 4 shotgun "try the search bar" replies come back. It's odd to me that some participants feel if the question has been answered before in a different thread, it shouldn't be answered again. Again, most people know how to use a search bar - there is no need to point it out to them. They might be looking for more up to date info. If you have nothing useful to say, don't reply! Also troubling is those who reply as though they are authoritative, or a moderator of some kind, making claims as though they had some ownership in the board, ie. "Please don't post these questions here..." or "We won't answer you as you obviously haven't done your research...".
3. Posts/replies that have no value at all. Someone will post a question, and others will reply with smart remarks or comments, and make a few jokes. If you like to socialize, maybe an internet travel board isn't the best location.
Note: In the creation of this post I've obviously violated number 3 (no value posting) and for that I deeply apologize. I was just getting a little annoyed.
Dekoder
2. When someone posts a question, and 3 or 4 shotgun "try the search bar" replies come back. It's odd to me that some participants feel if the question has been answered before in a different thread, it shouldn't be answered again. Again, most people know how to use a search bar - there is no need to point it out to them. They might be looking for more up to date info. If you have nothing useful to say, don't reply! Also troubling is those who reply as though they are authoritative, or a moderator of some kind, making claims as though they had some ownership in the board, ie. "Please don't post these questions here..." or "We won't answer you as you obviously haven't done your research...".
3. Posts/replies that have no value at all. Someone will post a question, and others will reply with smart remarks or comments, and make a few jokes. If you like to socialize, maybe an internet travel board isn't the best location.
Note: In the creation of this post I've obviously violated number 3 (no value posting) and for that I deeply apologize. I was just getting a little annoyed.
Dekoder
Apr 30th, 2006 | 03:55 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,962
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I agree with you that certain individuals could contribute in a more positive manner (or just choose to not respond) making the forum a kinder, gentler place, dekoder.
But you sound particularly stressed out tonight. Got your next trip planned, and how soon is it??? Mine is too far off!
But you sound particularly stressed out tonight. Got your next trip planned, and how soon is it??? Mine is too far off!
Apr 30th, 2006 | 03:57 PM
#3
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,827
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dekoder - I appreciate it when others post links. Like in the thread about Paris hotels.I am going there for the first time in October and it has been a really big help.
Most of the people not only give links but also thier opinions.
Tom
Most of the people not only give links but also thier opinions.
Tom
Apr 30th, 2006 | 03:58 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
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wow, you have only been posting since February and you are already bothered by this board? 
1.Sending links is good. It saves time, gives more exact information ( addresses etc) and sometimes provides pictures to go along with the information. Don't knock it.
2. Often there will be a couple of the same questions going at the same time, like What to Wear in Paris..advising to use the Search Bar is good, in case the newbie has no clue how to use the Search function and to give the most available answers at once. Don't knock it.
3.It depends on the person as to what has Value. Some questions might not have much value either, it is not up to you or me or us, to decide that.
4.Don't worry about being annoyed. Sometimes being annoyed is annoying and sometimes it can be cathartic or just funny .. We will all remember you as the Annoying Dekoder, so don't worry, be happy
1.Sending links is good. It saves time, gives more exact information ( addresses etc) and sometimes provides pictures to go along with the information. Don't knock it.
2. Often there will be a couple of the same questions going at the same time, like What to Wear in Paris..advising to use the Search Bar is good, in case the newbie has no clue how to use the Search function and to give the most available answers at once. Don't knock it.
3.It depends on the person as to what has Value. Some questions might not have much value either, it is not up to you or me or us, to decide that.
4.Don't worry about being annoyed. Sometimes being annoyed is annoying and sometimes it can be cathartic or just funny .. We will all remember you as the Annoying Dekoder, so don't worry, be happy
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:04 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 26,513
Likes: 4
Well, you may think my reply falls under #3 of Dekoder's rules, but here goes:
1. Often the link given IS the answer to the poster's question or at least will send the poster in the right direction.
2. When a reply suggests "try the search bar," it's often because the question has already been answered (sometimes repeatedly and recently) and to re-type the requested information (and/or have to look it up yet again) is a pain. As an aside, it is a bit annoying when a poster quite obviously hasn't done any research and wants this board to plan an entire trip for a complete stranger.
1. Often the link given IS the answer to the poster's question or at least will send the poster in the right direction.
2. When a reply suggests "try the search bar," it's often because the question has already been answered (sometimes repeatedly and recently) and to re-type the requested information (and/or have to look it up yet again) is a pain. As an aside, it is a bit annoying when a poster quite obviously hasn't done any research and wants this board to plan an entire trip for a complete stranger.
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:04 PM
#6
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 150
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OK, I'll be the first...
If you don't like people sending links than why have you included them on several of your responses? Just wondering.
Sorry they offend you, however, with all the info out there, having someone point out a specific link to an interest that the poster may have missed OR not found on their own is part of what this forum is about, sharing info AND knowledge.
I for one appreciate the fact that when I asked a question a month or so back, Budman replied AND had the link to the site and I bookmarked it for future use. For that I am most appreciative.
If you don't like people sending links than why have you included them on several of your responses? Just wondering.
Sorry they offend you, however, with all the info out there, having someone point out a specific link to an interest that the poster may have missed OR not found on their own is part of what this forum is about, sharing info AND knowledge.
I for one appreciate the fact that when I asked a question a month or so back, Budman replied AND had the link to the site and I bookmarked it for future use. For that I am most appreciative.
Trending Topics
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:10 PM
#8
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 13,323
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LINKS: I usually like them as they often save me time and cut to the chase.
SOCIALIZING: I only provide logical, factual, exact, to the point, and up to date info without even a trace of emotion, so I can't comment on people who joke around.
PS - lighten up and you will live longer!
SOCIALIZING: I only provide logical, factual, exact, to the point, and up to date info without even a trace of emotion, so I can't comment on people who joke around.
PS - lighten up and you will live longer!
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:13 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 972
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Just the other day, a newbie asked about how to avoid being pickpocketed on her very first trip to Europe. I suggested she read a very lenghty recent thread on the subject for a variety of ideas. So you are of the opinion that the whole thread needed to be recreated? Not everyone realizes the search feature is there and easy to use (I didn't at first) and most people appreciate it when it is pointed out to them.
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:23 PM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
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I think that far more useful...
...than complaining about how people do (or don't do) things that bother you - -
- - would be to post replies, and illustrate <i>better</i> ways to do the things that annoy you:
Example: show a link, and show <i>how</i> it can be be used to answer not only the question asked, but lots of others like it.
Here's how...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34791411
==============================
Cheap flights from Normandy to Rome
Author: travelnaia
Date: 04/19/2006, 07:58 pm
At the end of my cooking program in Louviers, outside of Rouen, I would like to fly to Rome. Does anyone have experience with a cheap airline from Rouen (closest to my school) or is Charles DeGaule the best airport for cheap flights to Rome. Also, can you recommend a reliable airline with the best rates in Sept and should I buy tickets prior to leaving U.S.? Thanks for any and all help.
-------------------------------------
Author: rex ([email protected])
Date: 04/19/2006, 08:19 pm
See www.whichbudget.com - - and yes, for almost all of the low-cost intra-Europe carriers, the best sale prices are likely to be 45-90 days before your intended travel.
I think your best bet will be Easyjet for Paris Orly to Rome (Ciampino). The only other nearby choice is Dinard - - and that only connects you to Stansted. You'll be better off to return to Paris.
Best wishes,
Rex
===================================
Bothered by "try the search bar"? So, do the search for someone - - and show the link to the numerous goldmine links that can answer question better than 5000 words...
like so...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34796606
Best wishes,
Rex
...than complaining about how people do (or don't do) things that bother you - -
- - would be to post replies, and illustrate <i>better</i> ways to do the things that annoy you:
Example: show a link, and show <i>how</i> it can be be used to answer not only the question asked, but lots of others like it.
Here's how...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34791411
==============================
Cheap flights from Normandy to Rome
Author: travelnaia
Date: 04/19/2006, 07:58 pm
At the end of my cooking program in Louviers, outside of Rouen, I would like to fly to Rome. Does anyone have experience with a cheap airline from Rouen (closest to my school) or is Charles DeGaule the best airport for cheap flights to Rome. Also, can you recommend a reliable airline with the best rates in Sept and should I buy tickets prior to leaving U.S.? Thanks for any and all help.
-------------------------------------
Author: rex ([email protected])
Date: 04/19/2006, 08:19 pm
See www.whichbudget.com - - and yes, for almost all of the low-cost intra-Europe carriers, the best sale prices are likely to be 45-90 days before your intended travel.
I think your best bet will be Easyjet for Paris Orly to Rome (Ciampino). The only other nearby choice is Dinard - - and that only connects you to Stansted. You'll be better off to return to Paris.
Best wishes,
Rex
===================================
Bothered by "try the search bar"? So, do the search for someone - - and show the link to the numerous goldmine links that can answer question better than 5000 words...
like so...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34796606
Best wishes,
Rex
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:31 PM
#11
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 795
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If you are concerned by 'abrupt' responses on this board, don't even think about using the Europe thread on Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum! Folks there show little tolerance for 'lazy' posters i.e. people who ask for SPECIFIC INFORMATION that is readily available on the net (as distinct from people who want an OPINION)
Apr 30th, 2006 | 04:43 PM
#13
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,098
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<b><i>"Try the searchbar"</i></b>
I suspect most posters probably get overwhelmed using the "search bar". I can search for "Paris in Spring" and get a million and one posts! b-(
Which fifty should I look at?
That happened to me last year when I was looking for info on London in December.
It really is a combination of laziness...lack of time...and sheer confusion!
I guess it's just easier to re-post the question (and get a specific response) than wade through a pile of previous threads. :-s
I suspect most posters probably get overwhelmed using the "search bar". I can search for "Paris in Spring" and get a million and one posts! b-(
Which fifty should I look at?
That happened to me last year when I was looking for info on London in December.
It really is a combination of laziness...lack of time...and sheer confusion!
I guess it's just easier to re-post the question (and get a specific response) than wade through a pile of previous threads. :-s
Apr 30th, 2006 | 05:29 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
I think that people rarely give links when asked for an opinion. But when someone says "how long does the train take from Venice to Rome?" giving a link isn't merely a time saver, it's an effort to help that poster find the information so that tomorrow it isn't "how long from Rome to Naples?" and the following day "how long from Naples to Palermo?". Links are an effort to help people find the information they need. You say that you think "we all know how to search the internet" but sometimes it appears that many people really don't know about google or any way to find basic information without asking others, and often asking the same question over and over again. Again -- I'm not talking about opinions, but basic information.
And regarding the search function. It is frankly pretty silly for people to start giving detailed answers to questions like "what hotel is there in Rome?" when no specific information has been given, yet detailed explanations have been posted every couple of days for the past several years. That is far different from saying, "has anyone stayed at Hotel Whatchamakalit and did you like it?" which calls for a personal opinion.
And regarding the search function. It is frankly pretty silly for people to start giving detailed answers to questions like "what hotel is there in Rome?" when no specific information has been given, yet detailed explanations have been posted every couple of days for the past several years. That is far different from saying, "has anyone stayed at Hotel Whatchamakalit and did you like it?" which calls for a personal opinion.
Apr 30th, 2006 | 05:38 PM
#16
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,359
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I have to disagree with your statement that "we all know how to search the internet." Not so--there are endless questions that could be easily answered by a simple search. I suspect there are quite a few people who prefer to have someone else do the work for them.
Apr 30th, 2006 | 05:41 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,556
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Hi
What really bothers me is when posters take the time to answer questions and the OP hasn't got the courtesy to thank them or at least acknowledge them
Or when there are several posters but the OP continues the correspondence with only one, totally ignoring and not even thanking the others for their help
What really bothers me is when posters take the time to answer questions and the OP hasn't got the courtesy to thank them or at least acknowledge them
Or when there are several posters but the OP continues the correspondence with only one, totally ignoring and not even thanking the others for their help
Apr 30th, 2006 | 05:42 PM
#18
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,481
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Links make sense. If the question has been answered numerous times a link is simply more information.
You don't like socializing? How many people would come here to share information if it wasn't fun? Apparently you would like something just factual and humorous. It would seem that maybe an internet travel board isn't the best location just the facts. There are google searches that would be a far better use of ones time in that case.
I like the asides, comments and even posts that have what you term as, "no value". To me, they indicate what the person giving information what that person may be like, what their tastes and budgets might be while traveling.
If I were looking for a place for stand up comedy, I would read what Degas had to say etc...
You don't like socializing? How many people would come here to share information if it wasn't fun? Apparently you would like something just factual and humorous. It would seem that maybe an internet travel board isn't the best location just the facts. There are google searches that would be a far better use of ones time in that case.
I like the asides, comments and even posts that have what you term as, "no value". To me, they indicate what the person giving information what that person may be like, what their tastes and budgets might be while traveling.
If I were looking for a place for stand up comedy, I would read what Degas had to say etc...
Apr 30th, 2006 | 05:51 PM
#20
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,742
Likes: 4
When someone is new and asks a question, we should not be impatient.
I did not know what google wAS TIL A LONG TIME TRYING TO TEACH MYSELF how to be on line. I had no one to teach me
I didn't know what ttt or dh meant.
I think when things bother you, maybe it's time to take a break. This forum is to HELP posters in their travels, not what they SHOULD ask, though we can guide them, not how to spell, though we can gently help them.
I did not know what google wAS TIL A LONG TIME TRYING TO TEACH MYSELF how to be on line. I had no one to teach me
I didn't know what ttt or dh meant.
I think when things bother you, maybe it's time to take a break. This forum is to HELP posters in their travels, not what they SHOULD ask, though we can guide them, not how to spell, though we can gently help them.
