Long time posters
Jul 15th, 2006 | 10:06 PM
#62
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
I still consider myself a newbie and have asked some stupid questions. But some lovely people took pity on me and answered anyway or told me what to do -- either was ok for me. I have to say that I really would hate if you long time posters quit - stop posting to the idiots but don't give up!! Took me a while to figure out how to do the basics that many already know, but in the mean time, I keep reading, laughing out loud, and occasionally pitching in an opinion, often to other newbies cuz I am in the same boat. I actually have a list of posters who I want to search so I can read their other stuff because they are so amusing/entertaining/good spirited and most of you are on it. Just wanted you to know that all newbies aren't ingrats!
Jul 15th, 2006 | 10:16 PM
#63
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
Also non- long time poster! I agree with everything aileen679 said. General questions annoy me- but mostly because I'm an obsessive researcher, so I really don't understand why some people don't research the heck out of a destination (even just Google) and THEN come and ask all you great lomgtimers here (and a few cheerful, bored lurkers such as myself- lurked a long time before I actually responded) specific questions! That said, I still reply if I know and have the time- or if a place I just never get tired of talking about is involved- Oregon Coast, PNW, Smithsonians, etc! And I really don't like negativity- like the countless "should children be allowed in restaurants/planes" threads floating around. Such arguments seem to degenerate- fast! Did that make any sense?
Anyway, hope everybody's having a great weekend!
Anyway, hope everybody's having a great weekend!
Jul 16th, 2006 | 04:26 AM
#67
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
It amazes me how wrapped up people get about food and restaurants. For example, "I'm in xxxx. Can you recommend a good place for breakfast?" It's just breakfast - How much input do you need about a bagel, or an omlette, or a bowl of cereal?
If you are that concerned about every meal, you probably need to lose some weight and shouldn't be asking the question
If you are that concerned about every meal, you probably need to lose some weight and shouldn't be asking the question
Jul 16th, 2006 | 04:48 AM
#68
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
When someone asks.."Where's an inexpensive place to eat?" and gives no details as to what they want, am I the only one that wants to suggest McDonalds or Burger King?
Or, they don't want to do the touristy thing. What on earth do they want? Maybe a ride around the residential areas, with a stop at the WalMart Superstore?
Or, they don't want to do the touristy thing. What on earth do they want? Maybe a ride around the residential areas, with a stop at the WalMart Superstore?
Jul 16th, 2006 | 04:56 AM
#69
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,641
Likes: 0
I don't mind some general questions, I remember all the stupid questions I asked when I first started traveling--things that seem second nature now (of course, back then, there were no Internet forums, I had to badger well-traveled friends and co-workers). I do get tired of the "what shall I wear" threads and people who ask for a hotel recommendation in a big city like NYC or London or Las Vegas without giving any hint of their budget or preferences. Fortunately, however, many of the first time questions come from people who have thought about what they want and it shows in their posts.
What really gets on *my* nerves is when people who have only been here a short time start posting questions that are generalizations about Fodorites and not so subtle requests to be told how wonderful they are. Like " am I the only one who likes to plan my own trips?" or "am I the only adventure traveler left?" or "am I the only one who likes to go off the beaten path?" Yeah, yeah, you're the ONLY one. The rest of us are just sheep.
Another annoyance is when people who have only been to someplace once years ago and then only for a day trip set themselves up as experts: "don't go there, it's boring, there's nothing to see." (I have no objections if someone says they didn't care for a place, even daytrippers are entitled to opinions, just don't set yourself up as a know it all)
What really gets on *my* nerves is when people who have only been here a short time start posting questions that are generalizations about Fodorites and not so subtle requests to be told how wonderful they are. Like " am I the only one who likes to plan my own trips?" or "am I the only adventure traveler left?" or "am I the only one who likes to go off the beaten path?" Yeah, yeah, you're the ONLY one. The rest of us are just sheep.
Another annoyance is when people who have only been to someplace once years ago and then only for a day trip set themselves up as experts: "don't go there, it's boring, there's nothing to see." (I have no objections if someone says they didn't care for a place, even daytrippers are entitled to opinions, just don't set yourself up as a know it all)
Jul 16th, 2006 | 05:09 AM
#70
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
I'm with you on that, aileen! LOL about doing the residental neighborhoods and Wal-Mart!
If they aren't going on business, why WOULD they go to a popular tourist location and NOT want to do the things that draws people there.
I was at the coast last week = oceanfront & never put my toes in the sand. I was on business. I did have great seafood though, but at my favorite restaurant I rarely recommend. It's in "just a storefront" and I can imagine the disappointment and/or criticsm when others eat there and come back and bash it. Location = nothing special. Food = consistent.
A few weeks ago I was at another popular coast location for this board. Even though I'm on expense account, I ate at the local cafeteria. I wanted veggies and "real food". I did mention it this time because the OP is a friend - but I sort of braced myself to get bashed by a "foodie".
So many expectations. Evidently many of us aren't food snobs, hotel snobs or location snobs - and that is GREAT! I loved my lunch in the Eiffel Tower at Jules Verne. I laughed most at my Quik burger meal standing in line for the Lido show. We simply ran out of time sightseeing to have a sit-down dinner that night. Aint' travel grand!?!?!
If they aren't going on business, why WOULD they go to a popular tourist location and NOT want to do the things that draws people there.
I was at the coast last week = oceanfront & never put my toes in the sand. I was on business. I did have great seafood though, but at my favorite restaurant I rarely recommend. It's in "just a storefront" and I can imagine the disappointment and/or criticsm when others eat there and come back and bash it. Location = nothing special. Food = consistent.
A few weeks ago I was at another popular coast location for this board. Even though I'm on expense account, I ate at the local cafeteria. I wanted veggies and "real food". I did mention it this time because the OP is a friend - but I sort of braced myself to get bashed by a "foodie".
So many expectations. Evidently many of us aren't food snobs, hotel snobs or location snobs - and that is GREAT! I loved my lunch in the Eiffel Tower at Jules Verne. I laughed most at my Quik burger meal standing in line for the Lido show. We simply ran out of time sightseeing to have a sit-down dinner that night. Aint' travel grand!?!?!
Jul 16th, 2006 | 05:17 AM
#72
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I notice I am one of the very few who answers those inane questions. I'm not trying to clean some one else's carpet.
And this question has been asked before several times, as well.
What I'm trying to do is in a kind way steer them to the less slothful methods. It only takes a few words most of the time.
And yes, some are super lazy. But that doesn't bother me a fraction as much as some of the long time posters who are arrogant, travel at a certain level and disdain an alternate's level type question, and generally just don't accept any newbie's learning curve. Nor when a group of long time poster internet "friends" gang up on a newbie or any other poster for an OPINION.
It happens constantly, even when that opinion is substantiated, and clearly stated as a opinion.
When emotional buttons are pushed (not intended- and that's exactly what Scarlett is saying in another way- that someone WILL read something entirely different and connote your words in THEIR slanted preceived direction)long termers get away with murder here, IMHO.
For instance, someone will get in a hothead stint as their favorite digs aren't "loved" universally. Yes, regulars do this- especially on the Europe board. And that behavior is generally overlooked by other regulars.
I could go further, but won't.
When someone is called names, or told to shut up, or anything like BayouGal is experiencing-when that happens and IT DOES- well, it is just as often the truth that the long time poster, mid or any other length poster, has read their own perceptions into a response that wasn't there at all. And made judgments that were totally subjective and somewhat irrational, as well.
And it IS just me, but I have always felt that the sins of omission (lax, slothful, inane) almost universally are less severe than sins of commission on Fodors. (Arrogance, bigger/better, clichishness, "in" language etc.) which are sins of commission.
So I continue to tell them about the search feature and ask them to redefine their questions for more apt answers to follow, whenever I have the energy. The only ones I do not respond to are in two classes: too general (what to do in California)and ones that I know from the context that my answers would not be their style anyway (ie. shopping and going to Wrigley in Chicago are my two favorite things to do).
I must say that I think the jumping on newbies has gotten must better than it was, say a year or two ago, circa 2004.
Good job on that.
LoveItaly, I can tell you are tired. It does take a bunch of time typing words to get the idea across to people that pre-thinking the question just a bit helps, doesn't it?
I notice I am one of the very few who answers those inane questions. I'm not trying to clean some one else's carpet.
And this question has been asked before several times, as well.
What I'm trying to do is in a kind way steer them to the less slothful methods. It only takes a few words most of the time.
And yes, some are super lazy. But that doesn't bother me a fraction as much as some of the long time posters who are arrogant, travel at a certain level and disdain an alternate's level type question, and generally just don't accept any newbie's learning curve. Nor when a group of long time poster internet "friends" gang up on a newbie or any other poster for an OPINION.
It happens constantly, even when that opinion is substantiated, and clearly stated as a opinion.
When emotional buttons are pushed (not intended- and that's exactly what Scarlett is saying in another way- that someone WILL read something entirely different and connote your words in THEIR slanted preceived direction)long termers get away with murder here, IMHO.
For instance, someone will get in a hothead stint as their favorite digs aren't "loved" universally. Yes, regulars do this- especially on the Europe board. And that behavior is generally overlooked by other regulars.
I could go further, but won't.
When someone is called names, or told to shut up, or anything like BayouGal is experiencing-when that happens and IT DOES- well, it is just as often the truth that the long time poster, mid or any other length poster, has read their own perceptions into a response that wasn't there at all. And made judgments that were totally subjective and somewhat irrational, as well.
And it IS just me, but I have always felt that the sins of omission (lax, slothful, inane) almost universally are less severe than sins of commission on Fodors. (Arrogance, bigger/better, clichishness, "in" language etc.) which are sins of commission.
So I continue to tell them about the search feature and ask them to redefine their questions for more apt answers to follow, whenever I have the energy. The only ones I do not respond to are in two classes: too general (what to do in California)and ones that I know from the context that my answers would not be their style anyway (ie. shopping and going to Wrigley in Chicago are my two favorite things to do).
I must say that I think the jumping on newbies has gotten must better than it was, say a year or two ago, circa 2004.
Good job on that.
LoveItaly, I can tell you are tired. It does take a bunch of time typing words to get the idea across to people that pre-thinking the question just a bit helps, doesn't it?
Jul 16th, 2006 | 05:23 AM
#73
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
JJS,
Plowing though your prose I was thinking "Brevity is the soul of wit," but then I found you were articulating things I've thought many times, especially:
"Nor when a group of long time poster internet "friends" gang up on a newbie or any other poster for an OPINION.
It happens constantly, even when that opinion is substantiated, and clearly stated as a opinion.
When emotional buttons are pushed (not intended- and that's exactly what Scarlett is saying in another way- that someone WILL read something entirely different and connote your words in THEIR slanted preceived direction)long termers get away with murder here, IMHO.
For instance, someone will get in a hothead stint as their favorite digs aren't "loved" universally. Yes, regulars do this- especially on the Europe board. And that behavior is generally overlooked by other regulars.
I wish you had gone on.
HTTY
Plowing though your prose I was thinking "Brevity is the soul of wit," but then I found you were articulating things I've thought many times, especially:
"Nor when a group of long time poster internet "friends" gang up on a newbie or any other poster for an OPINION.
It happens constantly, even when that opinion is substantiated, and clearly stated as a opinion.
When emotional buttons are pushed (not intended- and that's exactly what Scarlett is saying in another way- that someone WILL read something entirely different and connote your words in THEIR slanted preceived direction)long termers get away with murder here, IMHO.
For instance, someone will get in a hothead stint as their favorite digs aren't "loved" universally. Yes, regulars do this- especially on the Europe board. And that behavior is generally overlooked by other regulars.
I wish you had gone on.
HTTY
Jul 16th, 2006 | 05:29 AM
#74
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,641
Likes: 0
Starrsville, which book? Alas, they don't seem to carry Fodors guides in most UK bookstores (outside London, anyway). What did I say?
As for my screen name, it's just...my name. First initial of my first name, then my last name. I'm thinking about re-registering with a more anonymous handle because I've gotten some weird emails that seemed suspiciously related to Fodors posts (years ago, I also included an email address in many posts).
As for my screen name, it's just...my name. First initial of my first name, then my last name. I'm thinking about re-registering with a more anonymous handle because I've gotten some weird emails that seemed suspiciously related to Fodors posts (years ago, I also included an email address in many posts).
Jul 16th, 2006 | 06:05 AM
#77
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,546
Likes: 0
Questions that show no work or thought on the part of the questioner is indicative of an inexperienced or lazy traveller. Replying to the lazy ones is not usually fruitful or appreciated.
Responding to vague questions is like throwing darts in the dark.
Responding to vague questions is like throwing darts in the dark.
Jul 16th, 2006 | 06:18 AM
#79
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
I have been posting for 8 years. Since last November, I have only posted a handful of times. I took a break during a fodor banning debacle and realized that my addiction had been cured. I can live without Fodors. I am a Fodorholic.
I find now that I am mostly on the board to research my trips, and then I will skim the boards to see if I can help someone, but I am getting more and more selective as to which questions I will bother to answer. I also find that the Africa board and other boards are more diverse and there are less repetitive questions.
I used to answer every question about NYC, but then I started to read the trip reports after people returned. I found that maybe 1 out of 10 strayed 'outside the box' and did a few things not on the tourist top 10 list. The rest of them just crammed in 50 things in a weekend. You don't need my help to do that. But if someone expresses an interest in off or off-off broadway, lincoln center, carnegie hall, special exhibits, or off-beat venues, I am there. Because, honestly, I don't think it matters if your first broadway show is Beauty & the Beast, Lion King, or Tarzan. Just go for christ sakes, and form your own opinion.
Bottom line, it is not worth it to get irritated about other people's posts. Just answer what you want to answer, and move on.
I find now that I am mostly on the board to research my trips, and then I will skim the boards to see if I can help someone, but I am getting more and more selective as to which questions I will bother to answer. I also find that the Africa board and other boards are more diverse and there are less repetitive questions.
I used to answer every question about NYC, but then I started to read the trip reports after people returned. I found that maybe 1 out of 10 strayed 'outside the box' and did a few things not on the tourist top 10 list. The rest of them just crammed in 50 things in a weekend. You don't need my help to do that. But if someone expresses an interest in off or off-off broadway, lincoln center, carnegie hall, special exhibits, or off-beat venues, I am there. Because, honestly, I don't think it matters if your first broadway show is Beauty & the Beast, Lion King, or Tarzan. Just go for christ sakes, and form your own opinion.
Bottom line, it is not worth it to get irritated about other people's posts. Just answer what you want to answer, and move on.
Jul 16th, 2006 | 06:48 AM
#80
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
amaclise, Sept. 14, hold the date.
Look on Chicago GTG heading here for details as it gets closer. Faina's coming in and others as well.
Yes, to all of the above, but Jed, that's how learning starts. All learning. It IS a dart thrown in the dark.
So is political freedom, tolerance to difference, inclusiveness, empowerment for the lowly, or .... list goes on.
It's slow, AND also lengthy in the teaching words (no brevity for the depth of this issue/sadly) and it is one after another, after another single person out there hit by a dart in the blackness. But they are hit. Some of them. Never all, nor even a majority.
And bugswife, I noticed. I also left for a period of 3 years once- and I am selective as well. But there are also places I've "seen" differently since I came back.
And amaclise, please be careful. They just closed another few exits, 31st St. being one. It would probably be good to view online Chicago Southland CVB Welcome (google that) and link to the expressway view before you go- even if you are not going to be "on" there at all.
And, yes, Aurora is not a suburb. LOL!
Look on Chicago GTG heading here for details as it gets closer. Faina's coming in and others as well.
Yes, to all of the above, but Jed, that's how learning starts. All learning. It IS a dart thrown in the dark.
So is political freedom, tolerance to difference, inclusiveness, empowerment for the lowly, or .... list goes on.
It's slow, AND also lengthy in the teaching words (no brevity for the depth of this issue/sadly) and it is one after another, after another single person out there hit by a dart in the blackness. But they are hit. Some of them. Never all, nor even a majority.
And bugswife, I noticed. I also left for a period of 3 years once- and I am selective as well. But there are also places I've "seen" differently since I came back.
And amaclise, please be careful. They just closed another few exits, 31st St. being one. It would probably be good to view online Chicago Southland CVB Welcome (google that) and link to the expressway view before you go- even if you are not going to be "on" there at all.
And, yes, Aurora is not a suburb. LOL!
