So what's going on here, lately?
Seems that the level of rudeness, intolerance, willingness to criticize, self-centered thinking, and general grumpiness has escalated noticeably.
Some first time question writers are being blasted for any number of reasons and probably won't return for more.
Many responders seem to think that "it's my way or the highway" and that everyone else is educably mentally handicapped.

My question: is this behavior due to a change in the character/makeup of readers of this forum, or due to a change in the way people in society interact? My concern is for the well-being of this forum as a vehicle for dissemination of travel information. If it's reduced to flames and arguments, it won't serve it's purpose. Why can't people be more open minded?
So who wants to cast the first flame?

Well said, Chris.
I must admit I was recently pretty put out by a remark someone made, and I may have been a little snotty with my answer.
You're right though, a little tolerance and respect is definately in order!

I agree, Chris. It can be challenging to post something on this board without having someone flame you for it. I'm perplexed that a simple travel question often turns into a heated brawl.

I have previously asked people to be more specific in their headers so that they get better responses. For instance "hotels in Oakland over Labor Day" is a heck of a lot better than "hotels" AND keeps those of us who know nothing about Oakland away. I know some of these writers are newbies to this board, and I hope my suggestions aren't taken as anything more than they are!

Thanks for the post, Chris.

Funny, Chris, my husband and I had just commented that things have been very smooth and travel-oriented on the Forum for the last couple of weeks. I think that most people on here are great, and really, were you trying to keep things congenial with this thread? I don't think so! (Now, if that is a rude comment in your book, sorry!) But I believe you're stirring the pot while you protest about others. Just MHO!

May I gently suggest that if you suspect you may have been guilty of a little rudeness, you might go back to the thread and admit you were out of line?

I think several people owe an apology to the person who posted the "in-laws" question recently. The title was obviously not intended to be offensive, and several people blasted this person who might be new and might never come back.

Many people here are extremely nasty and cruel but that's certainly nothing new for the human race.

Kathy how can you possibly construe my question as an attempt to "stir the pot"? I don't get it.
My first few sentences were statements of opinion about how there seems to be a lot of hostility and rudeness on some threads. No specific names or threads mentioned so as not to offend or criticize any individual (which would have been rather hypocritical).
My question and subsequent statements simply solicit opinions as to whether people think the forums are getting worse (obviously you and your husband are in the "no" camp) and why this might be so. Again, the point being that if the forums become hostile, they'll drive away potential contributors, which will markedly reduce their value and utility.
No double meanings or hidden agendas.
Maybe you've shed some light on one aspect of the problem. It is apparently difficult for many readers to accurately interpret writer intent via a written medium where no vocal intonations or facial expressions provide clues as to intent, etc.

I've stated this on another post - I think one of the main reasons people post such nastiness here is that they can get away with because of the anonymity. 99% of the smart alec comments would never be said face to face with another person.

Now, now, Chris. Although your message was politely stated and addresses valid concerns, the phrasing of your question certainly was not.

Personally, I'm tired of the pettiness that seems to have taken an obvious front seat to the people that are seeking actual informative travel information here. I think Chris poses an interesting question, made only more interesting by the people (in large part) who have responded. I come here to gain and share knowledge. If I want to argue, heck, I can go to work or call my brother. My time spent complaining is better spent elsewhere. Let's go back to information sharing, gaining new friends, and complete tolerance of one another and get on with it.

I don't think Chris was "stirring the pot". I think He/She was just appalled like many of us that sometimes things detoriate to such an unbelievable level of mean-ness. Take the "shopping" thread (it's like a car wreck- I can't help but look). Some of the misogynistic comments made are outrageous.
I personally have gotten a lot of great advice. And I believe that differences in likes and dislikes are what make the world interesting. I think as someone noted, anonymity is what allows people to behave so rudely. I certainly hope they aren't like that in person.

Here's my take: over 99.9999% of what gets posted is positve and useful, and wow, have I made use of this site. What would I do without Fodor's? And you guys have really helped me. Perhaps people who post negative comments are not major travellers. Those of us who are don't have time to nit pick; we're in a hurry to get the straight poop on wherever we're headed next. And we have no interest in arguing with others. Or we want to pass along what we found on our last trip, in the hope of helping someone, just as we were helped. I believe Fodor's is in great shape, but I do respect Chris' point, and it is important that we do all we can to keep this site on the air.

Joe,

I think you are absolutely right. As far as some of the very negative threads, I suspect one person does a lot of that under different names - so I don't waste my time worrying about the comments. I agree that this site is an excellent source of info; you just can't get the nitty-gritty good stuff from the travel guides!

I think if people would ignore the controversial threads and not post their 2 cents on them that would alleviate a lot of the problems here. The ones stirring up the pot would get bored and go elsewhere. The two threads now getting pretty heated are the shopping one and the boycotting gas stations on the 4th. I think people need to let these die.

I disagree. So long as people are polite, they should feel free to disagree on any subject arguably related to travel. Face it. Those threads are interesting, and that is why so many of us read them and post on them. Just be respectful when you join in, please.

xxx, I think you are right. People find those things interesting and that's why they post. There are plenty of Fodor's "regulars" posting there too, so it's not all one person.

Here's my own idea of why these types of threads are so popular. Everyone likes to be heard. Everyone likes to be acknowledged. Everyone has opinions, politically correct or not, and the net is a good place to voice those opinions. How many times do you sit with your family or friends and discuss all the things that come up on this forum, like public transportation, babies on planes, etc... Probably not too often, which is why it's so attractive to come here and talk about things, especially when you can state your opinion honestly, with the full anonymity. I like that, as it think I get to read what people are really thinking and feeling behind the social smiles I would get face to face. I mean, are you going to debate your co-workers about some of these things? Your best friends? Maybe not. But you still have an opinion about them. This is a good place to to share them.


The topics do relate to travel, although some more remotely than others, so it seems appropriate.

Like xxx, I would just hope to see more respect and less name-calling when people disagree. You can certainly disagree and remain civil.