Gina

Still here, too--like Monica, RL is interfering a bit with frequent Fodor's posting for me (how rude of it!). I'm getting ready to leave for Paris in a week and have deadlines biting me in the tucchis between now and then, so I'm not posting as much. But I still try to help out as much as I can when there's a topic on which I have something to contribute. <BR> <BR>(I'm just flattered to be mentioned as an "informative regular"!)

wes fowler

Anon, <BR>I certainly didn’t mean to imply that there are no intelligent opinions given on this forum. It is difficult for me personally to offer an intelligent opinion unless I know more about the person seeking an opinion. Without some insights into the prospective traveler’s interests, those of any travel companions, travel budget, mode of travel and prior travel experience, I can only respond subjectively: “this is what I’ve done” or “this is what I would do”. <BR>Those subjective responses may have little meaning for someone whose values, unknown to me, differ from mine. Since the responses are subjective, they may not be perceived as “intelligent” and probably aren’t; more likely, they’re opinionated. I feel a sense of responsibility for the opinions I express on the forum. Prospective travelers, particularly first time travelers, deserve carefully thought out responses. The traveler is committing time and vast amounts of money in hopes of achieving a rewarding experience. Failing to recognize that commitment when responding to a query does the traveler a disservice and jeopardizes the reputation of the respondent. <BR>I’ve made some blatant errors in past recommendations, probably the worst of which was to direct a visitor to Paris with an interest in Impressionism to Givenchey, the fashion designer, when I meant Monet’s gardens at Giverny Screwups like that prompt me to be awfully conservative in what I write. <BR> <BR>

OftenaRegular

I used to post a lot more often but find that many of the questions could be answered by the person themself if they did a search or just looked on the web. While there is nothing wrong in asking for help (and I have gotten great advice from this Forum and some of the regulars) I tend to pass over questions that say "What is best hotel in ___?" or "what should I do with 3 days in Paris?" (Tell us what your interests and budget are and possibly your age group). I have also given up on the "should I take the shuttle from CDG to Paris?" type question. They have been answered to death time and time again. If someone has questions that required some specific info that is wonderful, but the general "what should I do with a 3 hours layover in London" stuff gets old fast. Either these people are lazy and cannot do any research on their own, or they just enjoy posting .. who knows? I've made some great friends on this site and e-mail privately with them. I will be going to Europe again next month and will post specific replies to questions and give my opinions of what shows I went to, etc. but it is hard to recommend something to a stranger without knowing their budget, their tastes, their interest in things,etc. <BR>It would be beneficial if people simply said "I have $400 to spend on day trips outside of London and I am specifically interested in great cathedrals (or whatever), what do you recommend? I think those types of questions would get many more responses from the knowledgable.

Jim

I have been using this forum for about 3 1/2 years and appreciate all the info that I've read from BOB THE NAVIGATOR, Paulo, Elvira etc.etc. I forward a lot of their pages of info to my email address and set up folders under appropriate names for future reference. The hotels/resturants may change over time, but the places to visit and see don't. <BR>Thanks to all you regulars for the excellent information.

Imnot signing

A few weeks ago, I added Fodor's to my list of European travel Web sites because I wish to hear and applaud other's plans for trips abroad, as well as offer tips, hotels, etc. I try to monitor once a day. Here's my take: the longest threads are when questions are posed like this one, or the ones about Rex or Clinton or other non-travel related dialaogue. We have a lot of bored people out there who have discovered a new chat room that doesn't require actual IDs or e-mail addresses. Somehow, a few questions have opened the floodgates to this weird stream of dribble. What I'd like to see: How about getting Fodor's to post a third, imaginery country--call it "Gripes" and let everyone who wants to B!@#$ go there and leave the rest of us alone. The fact that I find myself responding to this thread tells me I need to get out of this site before I become part of the problem. <BR> <BR>Oh, as long as I've committed to commenting here, I've gotta add that I find Rex pompous. I refrained from speaking out to another thread that asked for opinions on him more directly, but his comment above about his replies being relevant to the questions (I'm paraphrasing) hit a nerve, since so many of his responses start out with needless replies such as "tell me more about you" or sarcastic put downs aimed at humiliating newcomers, but wasting posting space. Rex, you're like the trainer who's job it is to beat and shame us into thinner bodies, stronger muscles, etc. the only difference is that if we want that type of service we pay for it. This is a free and, in a nicer world, friendly site and if you find people too stupid to deal with--don't. Ignore their questions and let someone more compassionate--but just as knowledgeable (trust me, we're out there)--answer instead. Whew--I'm outa here!

topper

Have all teh informative regulars reported in?

arjay

I guess pompous is in the eye of the beholder? I've found Rex's replies to be mostly helpful and informative. And maybe occ'sly worth a chuckle. <BR> <BR>But here's another kudo for the 'regulars' whose knowledge sometimes seems to be encylopedic, and always worthwhile.

Rex

They may not want me to be "their" spokesman, but on behalf of the late Elvis, and all the other regulars... <BR> <BR>thankyouverymuch <BR>

not you

Rex, we do not mean you ! The regulars were doing this years before you ever showed your nimble fingers.

Rex

Well, yes, some were - - of those listed in the original message - - Bob the Navigator, Paulo, Elaine, Elvira, Gina - - I am roughly the same "vintage" as Elvira - - who apparently came here about a month before me, in the fall of 1999. <BR>

Anon

I think of Rex as a "regular", he surely answers a lot of questions. (And quite well, I might add!) <BR>Personally, I like to see fresh, new people answer my questions, as well as those "older" contributors. Just because they have been contributing longer, doesn't mean their information is any more valid or interesting as anyone else that is well traveled.

xxxxx

Who started this post? A Regular? Or someone who wants to start the whole PA thing again? <BR>Wouldn't you have to be a regular to know that Rex hasn't been posting as long as some of the others? If so, then the poster "not you.." may actually be a regular. Geez, can you people pleeeeeeease get your own ego under control!!!

another anon

there may be "regulars" and there may be "veterans", which, in some cases may have been here a long time, visiting almost solely to read the contents. not to post. <BR>

StCirq

Does it matter if the people aswering questions are regulars or veterans? This brings up an interesting question -clearly, people might "trust" regulars or veterans more than the odd expert who pops up with just the perfect answer, or the guy who just came back from his first backpacking trip to London. But in a forum like this, all views are valid - otherwise, a different format would be appropriate, one in which an established group of experts answered questions from people who weren't experts. That's not the format here. So let's not disparage the information because the "well-informed regular attendees" aren't around (and I guess they are, anyway)- others will take their place. I don't consider myself a veteran, having been here only a month or so, and I'm not sure I want to be a *regular,* though I am checking in every day, but within the current format, and given the fluid nature of the internet, the voices out there are necessarily going to change from day to day and from year to year. So be it.

s.fowler

I missed this thread originally because [drumroll please....] I was in Paris and Amsterdam. <BR> <BR>I asked my first question on this board in early spring 1997 -- it was about air service to Skopje, Macedonia. Since then I have asked, answered, and occasionally been irrational, but, as others have noted, in recent months the tone of the board has rendered me less willing to share what I experience. [Please note experience, not KNOW] I'm tired of reading threads where people can only see the worst in humanity -- I feel as though any post I make needs disclaimers so I don't get trashed. We had a great time in Paris/A'dam -- but I'm reluctant to post -- why should I spend the time to share when someone will just toss it back in my face?

Rex

Welcome home, Sally - - I actually thought you were in Macedonia now - - and I thought (worrying) of you with every news flash. <BR> <BR>Seems silly. I don't know you - - but I've only ever met one (other) person with any kind of connection to Macedonia. <BR> <BR>I suppose this is the kind of post that causes people to complain that this is a chat room, but what the heck - - scr** 'em (should I be so reserved? okay - - scrAP 'em). <BR> <BR>Anyhow, on a background (NPR) story regarding the tension between ethnic Albanians and "natives" in Macedonia, the reporter said - - "many ethnic Albanians don't entirely accept Macedonians as indigenous to the region. They didn't come there (emphasis mine) UNTIL THE SIXTH CENTURY!" <BR> <BR>LOL!!! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

s.fowler

Thanks Rex. It's nice to know that someone notices my connection with that region. <BR> <BR>Our Macedonian family was with us in Paris. They drove from Skopje because they couldn't afford to fly. Their son, Niki, is living with us and attending our college. It was the first time any of them had been to Western Europe. We paid their expenses -- one less trip for us, but the joy of watching them devour Paris whole. <BR> <BR>The situation in Macedonia is complex in terms of the end-game, but blazingly simple in its content. There are two ethnic groups, one of whom holds the power, the other of whom thinks they deserve more than they are getting. The former cannot bring themselves to give an inch to the latter. So we see film of mortar rounds landing on hills I have driven by many times. Niki is safe with us, his family is safe for now -- but what of his country and its future? <BR> <BR>

kalena

I used to answer questions much more frequently on the US forum (since 1997), until it became apparent that when I did, a whole lot of "banish the travel agents from this forum" and "keep Hawaii separate" posts appeared. I found that ridiculous because I have no connection to the travel industry - just a 30-year Hawaii resident that loves to travel and knows a few restaurants, etc. in an area that I know well. <BR> <BR>&lt;Pardon the digression&gt; When Hawaii got briefly segmented out, several travel agents started openly soliciting there. It seemed that with less people monitoring the Hawaii board, they could pitch their message more effectively. Many more "email me directly" and "this is my web site" kind of posts appeared. <BR> <BR>So, I have become more of a receiver of information on the U.S. forum. Like some Europe posters, I get somewhat tired of the "where shall I spend my honeymoon" <BR>and what is the "best" hotel kind of questions. I like questions about Hawaii that go to learning something beyond the superficial. We have a unique culture as well. <BR> <BR>Still it grieves me when people like StCirq and Rex, who obviously know of what they speak, get insulted for sharing their knowledge. I LIKE their style. There are several other "regulars" that are generous with their postings, and you all know who you/they are So, if it stays interesting and it's fun to post, I am sure they will all eventually return. As evidenced above, a few have just been out of town. <BR> <BR>Aloha, k