What do you make of "Right This Way - - the Fodor's Blog"?
Aug 17th, 2004, 09:51 AM
#22
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I never agered with this sentiment, posted in the previous reply by Rufus - - and once again, find myself puzzled.
With a belief in pointing out something really useful, published elsewhere - - why wouldn't they share it HERE (with a <i>useful</i> message header, to boot!) - - where there are hundreds of readers that might actually appreciate it, rather than transiently sail it past the few people curious enough to take a look at it.
I'm referring to "http://www.fodors.com/blog/archives/000453.cfm" - - titled, "Cheap Fares, Tricky Transfers" - referring to the very useful summary in the recent Travel section tips of nytimes.com
The Grey Lady put a much more sensible "header" on their item - - http://travel2.nytimes.com/2004/08/15/travel/15qna.html - - "Heathrow to Stansted".
Does Doug Stallings not think that the info would serve many more readers better, if he came HERE, to the Europe forum, and posted this?
With a belief in pointing out something really useful, published elsewhere - - why wouldn't they share it HERE (with a <i>useful</i> message header, to boot!) - - where there are hundreds of readers that might actually appreciate it, rather than transiently sail it past the few people curious enough to take a look at it.
I'm referring to "http://www.fodors.com/blog/archives/000453.cfm" - - titled, "Cheap Fares, Tricky Transfers" - referring to the very useful summary in the recent Travel section tips of nytimes.com
The Grey Lady put a much more sensible "header" on their item - - http://travel2.nytimes.com/2004/08/15/travel/15qna.html - - "Heathrow to Stansted".
Does Doug Stallings not think that the info would serve many more readers better, if he came HERE, to the Europe forum, and posted this?
Aug 17th, 2004, 09:56 AM
#23
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I've not really read this thread carefully, but in the example you gave, rex, even if that were posted here, I doubt that it would be very useful. One problem I've with the forum is that threads will just fall into oblivion unless people keep topping them.
Aug 17th, 2004, 10:03 AM
#24
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I love the blog feature and the editors deserve their own place. I also like getting quickly to the nucleus of the information they provide without the distraction or temptation to get sucked into the garbage that often appears on this forum.
You go, fodors!
You go, fodors!
Aug 17th, 2004, 10:31 AM
#25
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<<One problem I've with the forum is that threads will just fall into oblivion unless people keep topping them.>>
I must say, I shake my head in surprise at this opinion, 111op...
People know to come here and search, and even those who are less confident about searching here - - will quite frequently get referred to a previous thread here, by its URL. Do you envision searching the blogs, for info in the same way?
I just can't believe that a posting here, titled "Heathrow to Stansted; a succinct summary on nytimes.com" wouldn't get read - - and often - - here on this forum. It's as simple as sharing the same info as was posted on the blog.
I must say, I shake my head in surprise at this opinion, 111op...
People know to come here and search, and even those who are less confident about searching here - - will quite frequently get referred to a previous thread here, by its URL. Do you envision searching the blogs, for info in the same way?
I just can't believe that a posting here, titled "Heathrow to Stansted; a succinct summary on nytimes.com" wouldn't get read - - and often - - here on this forum. It's as simple as sharing the same info as was posted on the blog.
Aug 17th, 2004, 10:41 AM
#26
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Well, ok, perhaps I should have written: "could fall into oblivion."
Obviously, the value of something is enhanced when people know about it -- the other words, the value of something is enhanced in its visibility. As you know, the search function isn't perfect. After a while, the post will probably be buried in a search that turns up other posts with similar keywords.
So for a thread to be somewhat visible, it helps to have people who know about these threads who can point out that they exist. That's when people like you are useful, rex.
But then, well, you'd tell us that there's such a post on the blog section anyway, so isn't it fair for me to argue that it doesn't make any difference?
I think that what I'm trying to say is that you need a somewhat more permanent way of doing things -- and as others have pointed out, perhaps Fodor's wants a separate section for posts written by their own people.
Obviously, the value of something is enhanced when people know about it -- the other words, the value of something is enhanced in its visibility. As you know, the search function isn't perfect. After a while, the post will probably be buried in a search that turns up other posts with similar keywords.
So for a thread to be somewhat visible, it helps to have people who know about these threads who can point out that they exist. That's when people like you are useful, rex.
But then, well, you'd tell us that there's such a post on the blog section anyway, so isn't it fair for me to argue that it doesn't make any difference? I think that what I'm trying to say is that you need a somewhat more permanent way of doing things -- and as others have pointed out, perhaps Fodor's wants a separate section for posts written by their own people.
Aug 17th, 2004, 10:56 AM
#28
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I find the blog valuable as a link to many interesting travel-related articles and items that I might not know about otherwise.
The forum is for *users*, not Fodor's editors, and I would probably never see most of those articles if they were on the forum because they would be lost among all the chatter. I see the blog and the forum as fulfilling two separate purposes -- one for the editors to post articles and items of general interest to readers, and the other for readers to post specific inquiries to other readers.
And I disagree that a "blog" has to be a person's "diary" or be full of "personal" opinions. There are many popular blogs that are primarily a roundup of links to articles of interest on a particular topic, sometimes with additional personal commentary and sometimes not. A blog is merely a convenient format by which a person or persons can post multiple items quickly and easily on a daily or near daily schedule.
The forum is for *users*, not Fodor's editors, and I would probably never see most of those articles if they were on the forum because they would be lost among all the chatter. I see the blog and the forum as fulfilling two separate purposes -- one for the editors to post articles and items of general interest to readers, and the other for readers to post specific inquiries to other readers.
And I disagree that a "blog" has to be a person's "diary" or be full of "personal" opinions. There are many popular blogs that are primarily a roundup of links to articles of interest on a particular topic, sometimes with additional personal commentary and sometimes not. A blog is merely a convenient format by which a person or persons can post multiple items quickly and easily on a daily or near daily schedule.
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:11 AM
#29
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I can see that this thread is inherently going to attract more opinions disagreeing with me than anything else - - so I need to drop it.
Still, I can't help but wonder: if Fodors had made it a point - - from a long time ago (or even just recently) to make an occasional (daily?) post here with its own distinctive "label" or appearance or other designation - - wouldn't that have attracted a following in its own right? I mean, they're not doofuses - - I just have to believe that a posting with a header like "Editor's Tip: a summary of transfer options for Heathrow to Stansted, from the Aug 15 2004 NYTimes.com" - - it would justifiably earn kudos here.
Heck the whole blog concept would be no less successful than it already is (or isn't?) if it just made reference to good threads here! (Of course, that runs the risk of those threads getting trashed, by the perennial troublemakers).
No doubt it is hard to know how to best share info - - and accomplish the ultimate objective of appearing to be a knowledgeable, friendly company - - whose books you'd like to buy.
Still, I can't help but wonder: if Fodors had made it a point - - from a long time ago (or even just recently) to make an occasional (daily?) post here with its own distinctive "label" or appearance or other designation - - wouldn't that have attracted a following in its own right? I mean, they're not doofuses - - I just have to believe that a posting with a header like "Editor's Tip: a summary of transfer options for Heathrow to Stansted, from the Aug 15 2004 NYTimes.com" - - it would justifiably earn kudos here.
Heck the whole blog concept would be no less successful than it already is (or isn't?) if it just made reference to good threads here! (Of course, that runs the risk of those threads getting trashed, by the perennial troublemakers).
No doubt it is hard to know how to best share info - - and accomplish the ultimate objective of appearing to be a knowledgeable, friendly company - - whose books you'd like to buy.
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:21 AM
#31
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By the way, do you really think that people are more likely to buy Fodor's travel books if they perceive the website or the website's advice to be good? I'd be curious to know, for example, if regular posters to this forum are more partial towards Fodor's guidebooks.
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:35 AM
#34
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<<if you're interested in having them post here, why not e-mail them?>>
Oh ultimately, I prefer the opportunity for a lively exchange of viewpoints - - with both people I "know" here, and newbies/total strangers - - than I care about actually trying to change how they conduct their business here. Not that I haven't occasionaly tried the latter.
<<I'd be curious to know, for example, if regular posters to this forum are more partial towards Fodor's guidebooks.>>
I submit that the more engaged you get in this website, the more you think about travel "all the time" (or much of the time), the more you travel, and the more books you buy, of all brands. And the more favorable word of mouth you spread about traveling among others you encounter in everyday life (99% of whom never come here to this website).
To the extent that this website accomplishes the general objective of making people feel good about travel, travel planning, and independent travel - - then the more it raises sales of all travel books and "products".
The enhancement, maintenance and retention of the "good will" factor with existing and prospective customers is surely a difficult thing to quantify, in any business. Publishing no less than any other.
Oh ultimately, I prefer the opportunity for a lively exchange of viewpoints - - with both people I "know" here, and newbies/total strangers - - than I care about actually trying to change how they conduct their business here. Not that I haven't occasionaly tried the latter.
<<I'd be curious to know, for example, if regular posters to this forum are more partial towards Fodor's guidebooks.>>
I submit that the more engaged you get in this website, the more you think about travel "all the time" (or much of the time), the more you travel, and the more books you buy, of all brands. And the more favorable word of mouth you spread about traveling among others you encounter in everyday life (99% of whom never come here to this website).
To the extent that this website accomplishes the general objective of making people feel good about travel, travel planning, and independent travel - - then the more it raises sales of all travel books and "products".
The enhancement, maintenance and retention of the "good will" factor with existing and prospective customers is surely a difficult thing to quantify, in any business. Publishing no less than any other.
Aug 17th, 2004, 12:46 PM
#35
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Well, I think that their posting here certainly can't hurt, but in reality, I doubt that they will post here. In any case, I can definitely see why they'd like to have a more private section of their own. Anyway, I'm not adding much to the discussion.
