Is there an administator?
Nov 7th, 2000, 11:47 AM
#1
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Is there an administator?
Why is there no forum administrator here like there is at so many other open-response forums? This is a great place to get and give advice to help people with planning their travels, but more than half of the messages on this board are trite bashes and idiotic responses.
Other forums that cater to a younger crowd require administrators to keep the cursing, flaming and porno-pic postings to a minimum. You'd think that with this subject matter (catering to an older, more mature crowd) an administrator wouldn't be necessary, but it obviously is.
If you think there is too much talk about Hawaii, then someone responsible for the site should handle the complaints by opening a separate folder only for Hawaii discussions. Or one for all you idiots who have nothing better to do than bash travel agents. Fodors must be responsible for this forum just as they are responsible for their site. Right now this forum bites.
Other forums that cater to a younger crowd require administrators to keep the cursing, flaming and porno-pic postings to a minimum. You'd think that with this subject matter (catering to an older, more mature crowd) an administrator wouldn't be necessary, but it obviously is.
If you think there is too much talk about Hawaii, then someone responsible for the site should handle the complaints by opening a separate folder only for Hawaii discussions. Or one for all you idiots who have nothing better to do than bash travel agents. Fodors must be responsible for this forum just as they are responsible for their site. Right now this forum bites.
Nov 7th, 2000, 11:53 AM
#2
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Where were you during the recent registration debate? Or is just because there are fewer phony hi-I-just-dropped-in-from-nowhere-and-
want-to-compare-Hawaii-hotel threads? You sound a little thwarted.
Personally, I'll take the comedy over the sales promos any day, especially because the promoters refuse to respect the no advertising rules of Fodor's.
want-to-compare-Hawaii-hotel threads? You sound a little thwarted.
Personally, I'll take the comedy over the sales promos any day, especially because the promoters refuse to respect the no advertising rules of Fodor's.
Nov 7th, 2000, 11:54 AM
#3
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I agree completely! The US forum has gotten overrun with travel agent postings and postings meant to stir up controversy ie - Fat People @ amusement parks & anything related to traveling with children. If I see one more posting of someone accusing someone else of being a travel agent I will scream! The Europe forum is a little better in having travel related postings but that too can be populated with bashing. The quality of this forum has decreased dramatically in the last year that I have visited it.
Nov 7th, 2000, 12:16 PM
#4
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Lighten up control freak. Take your complaint to Fodor's and watch them do nothing. They never do anything about all the promos, so why should they care what you think? Switch off the computer and try assisting the people who walk into your travel agency.
Nov 7th, 2000, 02:30 PM
#6
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After weeks of ignoring the travel agent bashing idiocy I did finally go the route of emailing Fodors this morning with a cut and paste of two of those threads. The first was just plain gross, the other libelous, but there was so much pure junk posted this morning, I decided we all should be speaking up.
It's disheartening to see what's becoming of this forum, and the only cure I can see is registration. It seems likely that those who are protesting the most vehemently are those involved in the bashing games. Ultimately, they'll be their own undoing. Either registration will be required or everyone will leave but the bashers, leaving them talking to themselves, thinking they are just too too cool.
In the spirit of the day, lets voice our vote with the Fodors editors. Perhaps if enough of us say something they'll eventually sit up and take notice.
It's disheartening to see what's becoming of this forum, and the only cure I can see is registration. It seems likely that those who are protesting the most vehemently are those involved in the bashing games. Ultimately, they'll be their own undoing. Either registration will be required or everyone will leave but the bashers, leaving them talking to themselves, thinking they are just too too cool.
In the spirit of the day, lets voice our vote with the Fodors editors. Perhaps if enough of us say something they'll eventually sit up and take notice.
Nov 7th, 2000, 03:09 PM
#7
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Yes, CM, that reverse psychology is working!
I submit to you that those in favor of registration are behind the so-called bashing (some of which is amusing, by the way) because they hope to demonstrate that registration would be beneficial.
Why are troll posts any more offensive than advertising? Fodor's has rules on the books, yet they fail to enforce them, so as someone else said, it's free-for-all for those with something to promote and those with nothing better to do.
I submit to you that those in favor of registration are behind the so-called bashing (some of which is amusing, by the way) because they hope to demonstrate that registration would be beneficial.
Why are troll posts any more offensive than advertising? Fodor's has rules on the books, yet they fail to enforce them, so as someone else said, it's free-for-all for those with something to promote and those with nothing better to do.
Nov 7th, 2000, 03:20 PM
#8
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Maersk has raised a very valid point. Fodors should take more responsibility and/or require registration. I have been following this forum for a year and have gotten some excellent travel tips. CM McDaniel is absolutely on track--we need to stop complaining and contact Fodors directly. Otherwise the CM McDaniels who give great travel tips will end up going elsewhere and we'll all be the losers.
Nov 7th, 2000, 03:30 PM
#9
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I've e-mailed Fodor's on three different occasions about people who were advertising their books, for-profit web sites and services as travel agents, and they never even responded. Apparently, the word is out among business promoters and crackpots that you can advertise and slam with impunity, that's why they're all here. They know they can get away with it.
I wonder how many people who voted against registration on the informal survey have now changed their minds, like the guy who started the thread?
I wonder how many people who voted against registration on the informal survey have now changed their minds, like the guy who started the thread?
Nov 7th, 2000, 07:41 PM
#10
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In my experience with this board, response from Fodors comes and goes.
I think it depends on other priorities.
The issue of advertisement and promotion has been active on the European board as well. I am among those who have written Fodors directly, but never have I received a response. I fear now that the promotors and advertisers realize that they can do about what they want to and nothing is in the way. If Fodors has a policy on no advertising, it certainly is not enforced.
Bear in mind however that all of the complaining did get the forum put back into its previous condition, which means all of the Hawaii stuff got reintegrated with the rest of the world Fodors editorial staff, or whoever it is that manages [sic] this board, did not evaluate; it (they) just reacted and tarred everything with the same brush.
I know I emailed them directly and said that the American board breakout was fine because states like Hawaii and Florida were self-contained trip destinations whereas few of us go to Europe and visit just one nation.
But no, the Fodors ears heard just one message, so the decision maker decided to scrap the whole diversified approach.
I doubt if any pleas will be heard or that any requests will be fulfilled, or that any advice will be accepted. The board currently looks like a ship adrift on the open seas and any one can jump on and ride without a ticket.
I think it depends on other priorities.
The issue of advertisement and promotion has been active on the European board as well. I am among those who have written Fodors directly, but never have I received a response. I fear now that the promotors and advertisers realize that they can do about what they want to and nothing is in the way. If Fodors has a policy on no advertising, it certainly is not enforced.
Bear in mind however that all of the complaining did get the forum put back into its previous condition, which means all of the Hawaii stuff got reintegrated with the rest of the world Fodors editorial staff, or whoever it is that manages [sic] this board, did not evaluate; it (they) just reacted and tarred everything with the same brush.
I know I emailed them directly and said that the American board breakout was fine because states like Hawaii and Florida were self-contained trip destinations whereas few of us go to Europe and visit just one nation.
But no, the Fodors ears heard just one message, so the decision maker decided to scrap the whole diversified approach.
I doubt if any pleas will be heard or that any requests will be fulfilled, or that any advice will be accepted. The board currently looks like a ship adrift on the open seas and any one can jump on and ride without a ticket.
Nov 8th, 2000, 06:23 AM
#13
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Sorry I got my syntax a little tangled in my previous post, but the broad message is clear.
I seem to be having a problem with punctuation and precise wording. Advancing age I fear.
Here is what I intended:
Bear in mind, however, that all of the
complaining did get the forum put back
into its previous condition, which meant that all of the Hawaii stuff got reintegrated with the rest of the United States. Fodors
editorial staff, or whoever it is that
manages [sic] this board, did not
evaluate the situation; it (they) just reacted to all of the comments and tarred everything with the same brush.
Bear with me folks, I recognize my problem.
I seem to be having a problem with punctuation and precise wording. Advancing age I fear.
Here is what I intended:
Bear in mind, however, that all of the
complaining did get the forum put back
into its previous condition, which meant that all of the Hawaii stuff got reintegrated with the rest of the United States. Fodors
editorial staff, or whoever it is that
manages [sic] this board, did not
evaluate the situation; it (they) just reacted to all of the comments and tarred everything with the same brush.
Bear with me folks, I recognize my problem.
Nov 8th, 2000, 11:39 AM
#16
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Well, since Fodor's is finally deleting offensive threads, how about deleting the promotional efforts of one SharonM? Her ads selling her services as a travel agent are on the registration argument thread, which is another perfect example of the need for registration.
Nov 10th, 2000, 07:41 AM
#17
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I have decided, that out of respect and honor for my country, I will offer my services to this forum, and will accept an appointment as forum administrator. However, before I begin I will need the following things: 1. The heads of three (3) travel agents; 2. Naked pictures of Bea Arthur; 3. An opportunity to re-vote in the Palm Beach county elections; 4. Maui Heidi's home phone number; and 5. My Medication.
Nov 10th, 2000, 11:46 AM
#18
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Have to agree with you Bob. Fodors response time is generally poor in deleting threads. There is definitely too much garbage on this board that is not related to travel and needs to be deleted. I came here today for a nice diversion from the news and to read and dream about travel, and what do I see, tons of posts about the election, nasty posts about Palm Beach County, swipes at Disny and other garbage. I really think Fodors is cheap and does not want to pay someone to monitor this forum.
Nov 10th, 2000, 02:30 PM
#19
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Hello, all!
Just wanted to chime in and let everyone know that, yes, we monitor the forums regularly, but we try to keep a low profile since this part of our site is dedicated to your advice and opinions, not ours. It's great to see so many of you interested in the well-being of the forums---we're never short on lively threads!
Most of the questions being raised here are ones we addressed this past July in our Grab Bag question ("Would you like Fodors.com to monitor the Travel Lounge more closely?"), so let me quote myself from our response back then:
. . . Some of you thought we should require registration of all Travel Talk participants to prevent the "trolls" from starting bogus threads or destroying worthwhile threads with inappropriate remarks. A few of you suggested we create a community task force and deputize certain "User Monitors" to police the discussions on our behalf. Others bristled at the idea of any intervention at all, claiming that the freedom of the Travel Lounge is what makes it unique and vibrant, that we should "lay back and let it flow as it does now."
. . . Most of you fell somewhere in the middle, though, suggesting measures such as "optional registration" to prevent others from using your screen name, or adding features that would allow you to ignore certain users by hiding their posts from your view.
. . . To some degree or another, however, the majority of you said " no" to more stringent editorial monitoring by Fodors.com.
Rest assured that all of your suggestions and ideas are still on the table, and you'll be seeing some changes before long.
On a personal note, I'm amazed daily by the amount of expertise and information that is exchanged by Travel Talk participants. Everything from Kathleen who's relocating to Seattle, to Vicki who wants to know about Grand Canyon's railroads, to Mr. Keillor's 7th Grade Class, who wants all of you to send them postcards from wherever your travels bring you (see Hot Threads on the Travel Talk home page).
Again, thanks for your interest, and rest assured we're doing all we can to make Travel Talk the best it can be.
Best,
David Downing
Community Coordinator
Fodors.com
Just wanted to chime in and let everyone know that, yes, we monitor the forums regularly, but we try to keep a low profile since this part of our site is dedicated to your advice and opinions, not ours. It's great to see so many of you interested in the well-being of the forums---we're never short on lively threads!
Most of the questions being raised here are ones we addressed this past July in our Grab Bag question ("Would you like Fodors.com to monitor the Travel Lounge more closely?"), so let me quote myself from our response back then:
. . . Some of you thought we should require registration of all Travel Talk participants to prevent the "trolls" from starting bogus threads or destroying worthwhile threads with inappropriate remarks. A few of you suggested we create a community task force and deputize certain "User Monitors" to police the discussions on our behalf. Others bristled at the idea of any intervention at all, claiming that the freedom of the Travel Lounge is what makes it unique and vibrant, that we should "lay back and let it flow as it does now."
. . . Most of you fell somewhere in the middle, though, suggesting measures such as "optional registration" to prevent others from using your screen name, or adding features that would allow you to ignore certain users by hiding their posts from your view.
. . . To some degree or another, however, the majority of you said " no" to more stringent editorial monitoring by Fodors.com.
Rest assured that all of your suggestions and ideas are still on the table, and you'll be seeing some changes before long.
On a personal note, I'm amazed daily by the amount of expertise and information that is exchanged by Travel Talk participants. Everything from Kathleen who's relocating to Seattle, to Vicki who wants to know about Grand Canyon's railroads, to Mr. Keillor's 7th Grade Class, who wants all of you to send them postcards from wherever your travels bring you (see Hot Threads on the Travel Talk home page).
Again, thanks for your interest, and rest assured we're doing all we can to make Travel Talk the best it can be.
Best,
David Downing
Community Coordinator
Fodors.com
Nov 10th, 2000, 02:58 PM
#20
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David-Yes, there is valuable information here that's why people come here. But lately, there has been an increase in posts which have nothing to do with travel. For example: the posts on the election-IMO, should not be here. There are other forums for exchanging this type of info. Also, the nasty posts about Palm Beach County-again not relevant or travel related. These type of posts should be deleted and not allowed. IMHO, any post not related to travel, name calling, rude remarks should be taken care of promptly. If the trolls no that you are actually monitoring and deleting inappropriate threads they would go elsehwhere and there would be no need for registration.
