Well, if someone sends me a link, I thank them and then ask again. "Does anyone else have dining ideas for me? I like small local spots with xxxxx food in xxxx proce range". Just get more specific in your questions, and you probably won't get a general link. I find this board very helpful.

I have to be dense--don't jump on that too quick!! But Starrsville, why DID you top this thread?

Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

My 2 centavos:
I know it's an old thread, but it is an universal whine isn't it!
I think this board is amazing. I also ask questions before trips and every single time I have had some information that has made the trip better, more interesting. Sure, I asked the odd question that nobody replied to and I've been advised to "Google the subject" (that's the least helpful as I'm doing that continually!).

But people show their finest colours and rise to the occasion by sharing their tips, ideas and stories.

I have 4 or 5 threads going now and have just posted one trip report to try to keep the help going around.

Kudos for Fodorites! Long may we reign!

And also a toast to those who used to be here and are gone. CHEERS!

Some are no longer on this earth, and have taken the ultimate trip. Others have just moved to kinder climes.

Gretchen, why did starrsville top this post?

Because she likes to point fingers at everybody else except herself?

Ahem, didn't redibo sign on just to trash Starrsville on the Europe board?

First time poster with one post?

And, redibo's back to trash Starrsville?

Who is redibo?

I don't think the board is getting less helpful.

But, sometimes I think people do need to be told to get a guidebook.

If they're true newbies to travel, they may really not know where to find the most basic resources.

And if they're too lazy to look at a guidebook themselves - I think telling them to do so is perfectly valid. (There was one poster who wanted the board to put together a minute by minute itinerary including hotels, sights, restaurants, train times and costs etc - as if we were a travel agency.)

There's a difference between asking for advice - and sometimes in a general way is perfectly valid - and asking people to do all your work for you. In that instance I think heading someone towards the right resouces is perfectly correct.

It's non-travel posts like this one (that violate the TOS) that make this forum less useful.

Editors? Do your thing!

redibo's gone

redibo is a perfect example of a poster that registers a new screen name for the sole purpose of posting something disagreeable..then cancels it..then goes back to its original screen name..or gets a new on and so on and so on ......

So with all the fussing and whining about nasty posters and humour getting on ones nerves and pups having to pee, here is something that really does require a complaint.
Or in my case, another chocolate and a walk with Pup
Hi suze!!

Dang, seems like discontent is a common topic lately!

I am sorry, sandy, that you had to experience the dreaded "google it" response.

Ignore those comments...usually posters will start responding with different and more helpful comments. As for the zagat online, many people are fans of zagat, so they could just be such a fan for it that they recommend it right off the bat. For instance, I got the recommendation on here to use tripadvisor and I am sooo grateful for that link! I get to see how all different types of hotels are rated by real people.

This post is from 2001 birthdaygirl. Surely Sandy has gotten over it by now. And Google is a wonderful tool.

I changed my handle for a specific reason. And I would really appreciate it if we kept the handle I am using now. I would sincerely appreciate your help in this. thank you.

Wait a second, are you NOT celebrating a birthday in December?? You have mentioned it in every single post!!!

No need to argue. Thank you.

Argue? Really?

I thought I was stating a fact.

Ps....I still gots a while to go before the big b-day and I am trying to enjoy every single day that I am still in my 20s. No need to rush the aging process....ha ha!

Aging is not about a number. You are only as young as you feel.

My partner has a great Tshirt he loves to wear. It says
"Growing old is mandatory.
Growing up is optional."