leslieq

Just a general compliment to the fantastic people that contribute to this forum. It's rare to see unhelpful, rude or confrontational comments here. I have learned more about places to visit and just things in general here than in most guidebooks.

One reason I mention this is I play Irish traditional music in our local pub, and like most specialized interest groups Irish music has several websites/forums. One of them attracts some of the most rude and opinionated people...prone to just "slag" anyone who asks a question or expresses an opinion they don't agree with. I've given up posting comments or queries on that board as you never know what will set some people off. Even though you will probably never meet in person, no one likes to be castigated or humiliated in cyberspace. Hasn't really happened to me, but have read some really cringe-worthy exchanges.

So, thanks to everyone here for being such a wonderful and civilized bunch. Not everyone has agreed with some of my suggested itineraries or plans...but opinions are expressed in a helpful way with a desire to give you information to make sure you're making the right choices for your precious and limited travel times.

Not sure where I should post this as it's very general...but have been hanging about in the Europe forum for several months while many of you help us plan our first trip to France.

Merci!

stokebailey

Agreed, leslie. and Good of you to say that.

greg

I compliment you in seeing the good in people. I would say that the subject matter has a lot to do with the nature of the forum. This type of forum is of little interest to those who have not traveled or plan to travel in the future. This cuts down, but does not eliminate, those who participate only to throw mud. Other highly technical forums don’t attract a lot of diatribe posters for the same reason. Also, many items can be fact checked. Travel times, opening hours, ticket costs, etc., opinion differences can be easily sorted out. This is not the case for others like political forums. Which policy would work “better?” No one really has the proven answer. Policy changes often create winners and losers, real or imaginary. But each side sure tries hard to attack the credibility of the other side.

The moderator here is also active in expunging objectionable posts quickly. If you look around, there are threads with a lot of expunged posts.

Dukey1

Most people who post actually offer rationale, too, for their recommendations which helps IMO.

cathies

You are very sweet to say so. Some posters are completely obnoxious and some like to show off how well traveled and clever they are, but as Greg said, generally the moderators keep a close eye on threads that get out of control.

Dukey1

I am sorry, but I do not think writing a trip report, etc., is "showing off."

Nikki

I have gotten more information from this forum than from just about any other place I frequent. And I have made friends with people here who share lots of my interests and I have gotten to meet people from this forum in spots all over the US and Europe. That said, it is not free of controversy and there are plenty of contentious threads.

It would be nice if this didn't become one of them.

adrienne

It's wonderful of you to post your appreciation. There is a lot of great information on this forum and many, many helpful posters who are generous with their time and knowledge.

Enjoy your upcoming Paris trip!

sparkchaser

Thank you for your feedback, OP.

I will try harder to offer more <b>unhelpful</b> travel advice in the future.

PalenQ

sarcasm is the new satire

Denisegri

Good on you leslieq - my sentiments exactly. I have only been following the Europe forum for the past month or so as I plan my European trip this year, but the polite, considered and really helpful responses from people on this forum have been great. I have also learned a lot by reading through other people's questions and the responses. enjoy your travels everyone.

sandralist

I don't know how many travel forums the OP has sampled but I think Fodor's stacks up pretty poorly against other travel message boards when it comes to good on the ground knowledge of destinations in Europe and friendly welcomes to newcomers. In contrast to the kind of detailed info provided on TripAdvisor from its regular posters or its friendliness -- likewise Slow Travel and even Rick Steves' forum -- a lot of what I see posted on Fodor's is bus tourist level understanding of what Europe has to offer. Plus a lot of posts that sound like they were written by barfly complainers deep into their third round full of bitterness and cynicism especially towards young women.

I think its appeal is that it is hyperactive and nervous travelers want fast and uncomplicated answers from voices who talk like they absolutely know the answer and put down most any attempt to travel other than a very standard middle class American way.

I think the trip reports aren't so much egomanical (athough some are!) as they are just the very human desire to share. But if I find anything "cringe-worthy" on Fodor's travel forum is reading the cheerleading for these reports of people who regale the crowd with tales of how they ate until they threw up or were in dire pain and whose trip otherwise consists of getting lost and showing up at places they didn't realize would be closed. With pictures. I just don't get this crowd response of "Can-t wait to hear more!"

sandralist

(Actually, snark and boozy responses aside, what is striking about the trip advice and trip reports on Fodor's Europe forum is how many people take the same trip over and over -- and over! And according to a formula. I think newcomers who happen to be looking for that trip get the advice they need but others who might want a different kind of trip or approach to Europe as a travel destination are either hooted down or just totally misunderstood.)

JulieCallahan

Sandra... I could not agree more. (it appears the word "snarky" was created to describe rude comments on this board). I am amazed/saddened/embarrassed how brazenly rude people to new travelers. There is a difference between saying: "An ATM upon arrival is a better deal than exchanging money at home" and "only a moron would exchange money before a trip". I always wonder if we all met for coffee, if people would say the things they are so comfortable writing.

I believe this could be why so many people buy fodors books and so few people ask for advice on this forum. People learn quickly and do not return.

NYCFoodSnob

Sandralist, maybe you should consider a vacation. Life is far too precious to sweat the chat-room nature of this forum. Some things just are.

TDudette

Thanks, leslieq. If people who like to travel are more polite by definition, that may be why Fodor's Forums is a positive place.

Please do a trip report!

sarge56

sandralist- you've been a member here since when? Like 4-5 weeks ago?

If you don't like it, you're free to leave. Just sayin'.

suec1

"bus tourist level understanding" - nice

What I really don't understand is why those among us who get annoyed so easily don't just ignore the posters they deem unworthy. I remember an old member, who actually has taken the last trip to the great beyond, who was noted as someone who did not tolerate fools graciously - or something to that effect. Really, is that the person you want to be remembered as?

Anyways, leslieq, I'm glad you have received enough positive responses to veiw the forum as at least a glass half full kind of place. I get a bit tired of the snarkiness at times but I do love coming here, reading and occaisionally posting my, perhaps, bus tourist level of understanding information - I hope it helps someone from time to time.

Fra_Diavolo

Oh, sandralist is well-known in these parts, but under the name zeppole. You'll note a similar charm and humility.

StCirq

Not just zeppole. She's in about her 10th incarnation at this point. The lecturing, superior tone is unmistakable.