Why don't 'posters' read travel guides before asking questions? Do 'posters' use 'search' fuction before asking questions? Are Fodor answers better than guides and search?

1. Because that would mean either spending money or leaving the house to go to the library,and they can't be bothered?
2. No, clearly not. But it doesn't work awfully well anyway.
3. It's arguable that they are in some cases, beause they're real people's experiences.

I have no idea.
Obviously not.
Yes (easier too).

1) a travel guide is a partially out of date before it hits the shops. Just can't be avoided.

2) The search function is basically un-useable (which Fodors' editors freely admit)

3) Generally yes - or at least more current. Plus having a to-and-fro discussion helps pin down exactly what the poster needs.

It's easier to let someone else do your homework...

Here are my excuses:

1. I like talking to the travelers here on Fodor's. It's a lot more interactive and fun than looking at a dry book. Plus I love certain posters and find their input way more valuable than an actual Fodor's book.

2. When I was new here I didn't "get" the whole search thing and know about the wealth of information already available without making my own post. Sometimes now I get frustrated reading pages of trip reports to get an answer for one simple question. And I might need the answer quickly and not have a few hours to read a lot of other long threads.

3. Sometimes yes, and sometimes no, but I like to put everything into my decision equation.

g.