Ira - Sorry to see you go. Posts on the lounge were always interesting.

Can't imagine why they banned you - unless it was a complaint from some hypersensitive ? with a different point of view.

And I do think they are hoping the Lounge will just fade away.

Unfortunately the area boards are also fading away. I know that August is always slow since so many people are away - but both US and Europe are about half of what they were a couple of years ago.

Even the advertising seems to be slowing down. I wonder if their revenue is based on the number of actual posts, the number of different posters active per day - or how many are just members?

And so we bid a fond farewell . . . adios.

Can't imagine what they were thinking.

Just not right...

ira, are you sure it's not an error? I assume you've contacted the eds, right?

I was banned in error once. It had something to do with some sort of switchover they were making or something like that and they reinstated me with no problem.

I can't imagine why on earth you'd be banned!

> Just not right...

Fodor's is a privately owned site. It's right if they decide it's right.

That said, I have no idea why you were banned and imo it's unfortunate when it happens. This site like all others has a resident crapstirrer problem (a small group who, according to posting histories, contribute either nothing at all to discussions or nothing other than unaddressed personal attacks), and nobody in our household has ever associated you with this group. But if you think you know why you were banned, can you please share the info so others don't make the same mistake. Heated discussions are exactly that, imo an edit function for some short period after posting (even 5 or 10 minutes) would substantially improve the problem. That and a user ignore function imo.

Can't find those incandescent bulbs any more.

I can't imagine why you, of all people, would be banned either Ira! I might not always agree with you, but you don't ever post anything objectionable, in poor taste, nuttin, and we've both been here over a decade, so hopefully I'd have picked up on it by now. I'm very sorry. Hopefully their decision can be reversed. If not, you and your lightbulb will be sorely missed.

Well this is utterly ridiculous.
Fodor's editors! Surely this is a mistake. Please at least look into it further!

Ira, I hope you are reinstated. Editors, please reconsider!

Ira - you are missed dear man. It's truly a mystery because you are a very gentle man. The lounge has been rather dull though, so try to look on the bright side - you are probably having a much better time with whatever else you are doing.

Ira, if this problem persists, please contact me at clicktwice comcast dot com. I believe I can be of assistance.

Dear Fodors Editors:

Banning ira is, without an iota of a doubt, one of your biggest goofs. This guy is about as offensive as Charlie Brown. I'm not always in agreement with him, but he has never -- not once -- <i>not ever</i> -- written anything that is even remotely cruel or against any Fodors guidelines.

Seriously, kids: you must be confusing him with somebody else who regularly says dumb stuff. Like me.

Although unfortunate, it is in reality a gift to be free of the lounge. Granted many have left with more satisfaction by walking away on the cloistered secret society on our own terms.

So now in over a month of banishment, you start a second thread to complain? And and

And not a single helpful post of advice or opinion on the US Board from you in the over a month you started your new screen name?

What happens in the lounge should stay in the lounge. We don't like yer kind here

I completely agree with LucieV and others. ira is the least likely to be banned. It HAS to be a technical glitch. Can someone please check on this?!

I find it ironic that many of the people who are among the nastier people on the Lounge are now complaining about Ira's exile.

When you create an atmosphere of censorship, childish retribution, and punishment innocents like Ira are always effected. Usually Fodor's has children who are the monitors of these boards, who err on the side of censorship, because they lack experience and confidence and would rather banish someone then explain to some superior why the did this or that.

So the nastier people should take some responsible for what has happened here.

Ira, have you e-mailed Emily or any of the other editors directly? When other old timers have been banned and asked, the eds/mods have responded explaining why. I find it odd they won't give you a reason.

When I was thrown off the Lounge, no explanation was given or any warning. It just happened. And when a few interceded on my behalf they too received no reply. A rude way to treat customers.

Sorry to hear about your ban Ira.
Shameful that there is no explanation as to why.

Killing off the Lounge one poster at a time.

Will the last one standing turn off Ira's bulb please?

What? This is not right. There was absolutely nothing you have ever done or said that should have banned you. Nothing. Especially since Fodor's can't even tell you why.

I will miss you so much. I looked forward to reading your posts each day. Things that enrich our lives, bring us together, and make us part of the Fodor family are being lost.

There is a comical aspect to this.
What happens when the lounge gets down to two people? (I have the names of the two people in mind, but will keep them anonymous to protect the guilty.) Every thread will about Hillary and constitutional rights, and will contain 500 lengthy posts.