StikkyB

This is my first post, but I've been reading Travel Talk for a while now. I travel quite a bit and spend the most time reading the posts under Italy. I have finally been compelled to create this post just to say that I can't get over how rude people tend to be to each other on this website. Heaven forbid someone posts an opinion that others don't agree with. Or if you don't appear to be a savvy world traveler, you may as well just crawl into a hole and stop wasting other Fodorites' precious time with your nonsense. I was just reading a thread that is 5 years old that someone resurrected a few days ago, and a number of people bashed her for digging up such an old post. Then there's another thread posted by a young woman asking how she could have gained 5 lbs on her last trip. Two respondents literally got into an argument within the thread; it was quite obvious that they often cross each others' paths in these threads - perhaps fimiliarity breeds contempt. Anyway, most of you must either be supreme snobs or socially inept, I can't decide which. Unfortunately, you few bad apples have spoiled the whole bunch. I'll stick to TripAdvisor from now on.

rsb99

I guess it's a question of how you feel about opinionated response. Yes, threads can get stupid sometimes, and yes, personal arguments are tiresome. But, to use your example, TripAdvisor doesn't have much in the way of useful, opinionated comment, and you get that in spades here. It's up to the member to sort out whatever he or she finds annoying or offensive.

May I say that you are CERTAINLY entitled to your opinion in my book!

elaine

speaking of criticisms (yours)--did you think that for a first and only posting, this was the most kind or helpful YOU could be?

You end your "compelled" post (compelled by whom?) by first saying "most of you must be..." and then by referring to "a few bad applies..."

How can 'most' also be 'a few'?

Have fun on tripadvisor.

ThinGorjus

1. It is called sarcasm. Some of us like to use it a lot to make a post more appealing to read. Namby Pamby threads are REALLY boring.

2. Many of the posters here are frustrated teachers who like to lecture those who contradict or misbehave.

3. Then there is mkingdom. No explanation necessary.

TexasAggie

Hi StikkyB,

I can't speak for all Fodorites but I truly believe that although we do occasionally bicker, the vast majority of us really do care about one another.

It sounds like you have seen one or two rude posts by individuals and then neglected to see the hundreds of wonderful posts by them. While there are certainly trolls on these boards who never post anything but unkind remarks, the regular posters are all quite lovely people. Not to say that tempers don't occasionally flare (as is common for passionate people with differences of opinion), but certainly the majority of posts on this board are helpful and made in a kind spirit.

Just my two cents...

crefloors

So why do you care? You come for travel information and there's plenty of it so just take what works and chuck the rest. I like some of the "bickering" because some of the posters are dry and witty and when I get tired of it or the thread takes a turn I just don't open it anymore. It's all really very simple actually.

Mincepie

I agree with last post. You come here to listen to others opinions. If you don't like their responses..either answer back or ignore...or take into account. As on any website where there is a messageboard...there is a clique. Those who reply often are well known. However, those are often the people who give the most information too.

Don't take it to heart...just go with the flow and take what ever you want from the responses you receive.

jsmith

I've been praying for the opportunity to use this Jane Austen quote.

"I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal."

Thank you, StikkyB.

Canuck_girl24

Stikky- I agree. I have posted questions and had mostly sincere responses. BUT some have implied I am an idiot because I didn't know. I appreciate all of the positive & informative answers I get back, but some posters just seem to want to advertise their "travel genius" by demeaning others opinions.

Most threads that are longer than a few responses are almost guaranteed to have a fight going on.

Some of us are taking the responsible route and asking questions, not assuming things. We deserve some credit for that. I avoid posting my own questions when possible.

Bottomline: Don't ever ask anything that has ever been asked before, and never comment on anything negative.

lucygirl

StikkyB,

Thanks for speaking up. Disagreeing, arguing...no problem. There is, however, no excuse for rudeness.

Canuck girl, well put. I think it is the perpetually "demeaning" tone that is so off putting sometimes.

Your bottom line is right on too!

tcreath

I agree with the others. Sure, there are people who have differing (and somewhat strong) opinions but that can happen anywhere when there are a bunch of people with differing views having conversations. It's just a messageboard. I take everything in stride and look past the rudeness and sniping that sometimes takes place. Overall this board is filled with very knowledgeable and passionate people who give terrific and helpful advice. I have made so many travel decisions based solely on the advice I received on this forum, much of what isn't even mentioned in many guidebooks, and will be forever grateful because the advice I received helped me have wonderful vacations. So if you are looking for great advice on travel, this is the place to be. The rudeness can be ignored and the helpful suggestions are endless.

Tracy

Underhill

I might comment that some knowledgable Fodorites don't suffer fools gladly, but that would be rude.

ira

Hi SB,

In future, would you please break up your long posts into paragraphs.

It is very difficult to read.

Mincepie

I also should have said that I have gained wonderful information from this site. Don't give up on us yet!!!

Stu1969

Elaine, apparently I didn't have as difficult a time understanding Stikky's comments as you did. By "most", I believe he/she meant that "most" Fodorites are snobs, and by a "few", he/she probably meant that only a few Fodorites have actually been rude enough to spoil the experience, hence the utilization of the phrase "a few bad apples". You see, that's a common expression.

m_kingdom2

If one has to go through life, and actually enjoy the "have a nice day" mentality, then one hasn't lived. It is far better for one's response to be natural rather than artificially sugary.

Christina

okay, I'll bicker over this one. The last post doesn't make any sense as saying that this is understandable:

<<Anyway, most of you must either be supreme snobs or socially inept, I can't decide which. Unfortunately, you few bad apples have spoiled the whole bunch.>>

most NE few

To be pedantic, this phrase contains mixed metaphors also, as apples aren't in bunches (those would be bananas) and I think the common expression has to do with a barrel. A few bad applies spoiling a bunch isn't a common expression.

I think Fodors is actually one of the most well-behaved boards I've seen on the internet. If someone thinks this is so horrendous they may not be been on very many internet forums, as this is very tame. If you get rid of all personality and personal opinions, message boards get rather dull, actually.

Christina

I was referring to Stu's post, not mk's, so I will start a fight on this thread about how Stikky's phrases don't make sense to me, either.

It is always interesting how people who hate a board and think it is so awful feel compelled to post threads like this in the hope that they will be begged to stay. If you don't like it, just leave, don't post about it.

ggnga

I really do hope people have a nice day. Maybe I've been around "southern hospitality" too long.

gg

elaine

Christina, you just saved me the trouble of responding to Stu1969, who didn't understand either StikkyB or me.

And they're off!!!

StikkyB turned into an excellent troll, so I'm done here.