Should Fodor's Require Registration Here? Pros & Cons
 

Other Fodorites have suggested the idea of a registration process on this site, and up till now I personally have been opposed to it, feeling that it would stifle creativity here. <BR> <BR>I'm starting to rethink this. I now think creativity is stifled more by people who choose to attack others, and by people who choose to try and get around the rules of no commercial promotion here. The U.S. forum is often filled with thinly veiled testimonial type marketing for hotels, tours and the like, yet when something different DOES appear, like someone's travel journal or a survey question, it is often attacked. I don't know if certain people are trying to discourage any posts other than those relating to tourism and businesses, or what. <BR> <BR>I also visit the A&E channel discussion boards from time to time, and this same problem used to occur until they implemented a registration system. The crackpots, spammers and advertisers have disappeared, and what remains is a core group of genuine, interesting people. <BR> <BR>If it worked there, can it work here? Opinions?

We don't need someone like you, or anyone else for that matter, organizing a change for Fodor's. The last person who wanted to enlist our ideas and support actually proposed going to visit the Fodor's office and presenting the demands on our behalf. Think it through before you suggest something like registration. That wouldn't stop the very few attacks that actually occur. You're making this out to be a problem that needs a solution. Just forget about it - this forum can take care of itself. If YOU have an idea, then send it to the Fodor's managers.

I don't want to see registration. Most of the anon. "attack" posts seem to usually appear on threads that have very little to do with the main function of this forum (which is to provide travelers answers). If you post a thread that opines that wheeled luggage is annoying or that American parents are crazy because they protect their children from sex but not violence, guess what, you are going to get flamed by the anons. But ask what is a good hotel to stay at and what to do when staying in Cape May, New Jersey, and you are sure to get some quality replies with NO "crackpots, spammers, and advertisers". But my best argument against registration comes from your own words, that the A&E channel board now was "a core group of genuine, intersting people". That sounds like a clique to me. I don't want this board to dwindle to a "core group", let it stay open, and let the wacko posts roll off your back.

I have always advocated registration on this forum. If someone opposes it, what are they afraid of? The real travelers here would register without a second thought, they have nothing to hide and no hidden agenda, only a desire to help others without trying to profit from it. <BR> <BR>People who come across as nasty as the first guy make me wonder what he's so worried about. And isn't the second guy an habitual Hawaii "contributor"? Two vehement NOs from people who have reason to want to stay anonymous and unfettered. I'll vote for it, any time.

Geezus people, calm down! This is exactly what Cameron is talking about; post a survey and ask a question and promptly get slammed. There's no need for this, and if registration would make it stop, yippee! This board could stand a return to civility, in my opinion.

This forum is like that great neighborhood you once lived in. When you first moved in it was beautiful, friendly neighbors, and everyone helped each other out. As time went on, some less friendly people moved in, then later, some downright violent ones. Your once outgoing and friendly neighbors started staying behind closed doors and didn't venture out for fear of the violence. Your once lovely street became covered with strip malls, billboards, hand bills, sandwich boards, flashing neon lights, 20 foot signs, all advertising something or other. The good neighbors eventually packed up and left, leaving the billboards, flashing neons, and violent neighbors behind in a disintegrating place. But you still remember the way it used to be and wish it could be that way again. <BR> <BR>The billboards and violent neighbors have moved into Fodor's just as surely, and many formerly outgoing neighbors retreated behind fake e-mails, or left altogether. The spammers and profit-seekers are nailing their handbills to the telephone poles and putting up giant billboards here every day. The place is changing, and not for the better. <BR> <BR>But it's not too late. Registration is that great police department you wish you had in your old neighborhood, the one that could have prevented the decline if they had ever done anything.

IMO, the forum has become a free for all for travel agents, spammers, trolls etc. Registration would eliminate that, and there is a way that it could be done to hide email addys and to protect those who want "anonymity."

I like the idea of registration because I wouldn't have to give out my e-mail unless I wanted to, and it would eliminate the types of ongoing spams, slams and sales that this Forum was never intended for. Fodor's should really clue in on the amount of promotion that goes on here, they could be making these agencies and busineses pay to advertise here. Instead they are just bombarding the board every day and chasing away the few good travelers who WERE here giving tips without pretending to be your friend for profit. <BR> <BR>I think Fodor's should start requiring people to register. Lots of sites do, it really does get help screen out the unwanted posts from loonies and salespeople. Or should I say looney salespeople?

I completely agree with registration. Fodors would never do it, but I believe they should. It might: <BR> <BR>1) rid use of our emails for spam and porno purposes;and we wouldn't have to even make up an email address to avoid said spams <BR> <BR>2) possibly avoid travel agents and those attempting to thinly veil their real purpose on this forum. <BR> <BR>These are but two of the things. I say registration.

Yes--registration is a very good idea for most of the reasons listed above.

<BR>I don't think we should register for this forum. You don't have to read comments that bother you.

YES to registration. Thank you Cameron for re-visiting the idea. The parable above describing the urban nightmare this board is becoming is so true. We once had such a lovely neighborhood, but now it's slams, bashes, and histrionic repetitions of the urban legend that all Hawaii posters are travel agents. It's ridiculous, but just for safety, I'll post anonymously.

I checked out the A&E site registration, just to see what it was like, and it actually seemed pretty cool. Here's what I personally liked about it: <BR> <BR>1. You sign up using your e-mail address and choose a name or nickname that is uniquely yours -- if your name is Sam and someone else has chosen that, you have to be SamR. or somthing else. *No one can impersonate you or post with your name.* You may view all responses at any time, but you cannot post unless you sign in. *You cannot slam and spam anonymously.* <BR> <BR>2. You have the option of creating a profile for yourself, which is available by clicking on your new user name. You may list as little or as much information as you like, including your e-mail address, web address, hobbies, etc. If you choose to leave the profile blank, that's fine. But *you log in with just your profile name and a password, no e-mail address necessary at all* (or available unless you choose to make it so). <BR> <BR>3. You may send private messages through the site to another registered member. *This allows you to communicate privately with someone away from the board, without either of you having to disclose your e-mail address. If someone spams or sends an advertisement to you as a private message, you may immediately complain to the web host, and because the sender must be REGISTERED with the site to send you the message, the web host can issue warnings or delete an offensive poster.* <BR>Wouldn't THAT be nice here?? <BR> <BR>So basically, plenty of opportunity to communicate both publicly and privately without revealing your e-mail address, PLUS a way for the web host to deal immediately and effectively with those who try to violate the rules of spamming and advertising. <BR> <BR>Sounds like a real solution to some of the problems we've had here recently.

Normally, I would be opposed to registration. The term "registration" seems to smack of Big Brother. However, after reading the post above re: A&E registration, I'm no longer opposed. If it is done similar to the way A&E does it, I would support registration. In fact, I think it would be a GOOD idea.

Hey, travelbug: <BR> Larry here. Regarding your post about me being anonymous and a habitual hawaii poster, I just tried to send you an email using the address you gave. What a suprise, it was returned as a bad address! <BR> .......and then the pot said: "Ha, ha, kettle, you are black!"......

Registration becomes pretty labor-intensive so I don't figure Fodor's will want to do it. They count on "drop-ins" in all the parts of their site. <BR> <BR>BUT I favor it, assuming it really would screen out the ones mucking things up -- the promoters and bad-mouths. Wouldn't bother me a bit and I like the sound of A&E's set-up. I admit, I'm checking in less and less frequently because I get tired of the squabbles and flaming, etc.

I'm against registration, partly because I don't want anyone to have my e-mail address, not even Fodors. I also don't think Fodors would want to have to referee all of these playground fights. "So-and-so said something mean about me!" "So-and-so is using my name!" "So-and-so is a wicked travel agent!" "So-and-so is not sticking strictly to travel!" When the dust settles, these are all small things. On the other hand, I think registration would make the site way too clubby for my tastes, so I vote no.

I am strongly in favor of anonymous posting. In fact, Tipper and I invented anonymous posting. <BR> <BR>Let me tell you how my opponent and I differ on this important issue. Under my plan, Fodorites would be permitted to post under ficticious names. My plan would therefore allow posters with a sense of humor to create clever posts or even entire threads. A recent example of this is Clara and Herb on the Europe board. <BR> <BR>My opponent, having no sense of humor and having no sense, would abolish such threads. Under his plan, fake threads and trolls would be squandered in a wreckless scheme to benefit the top one percent. But under my plan, the entertainment value of Fodors would be placed in an iron-clad lockbox. I pledge to the American people that, if elected, I will shrink the size of Fodors, and I will only open the lockbox annually on April Fool's day.

I agree with Larry (second post after original). We don't need registration. As Larry said, the flames usually only come out on the posts that are only vaguely related to travel. They don't come out (usually) when you ask a legitimate travel question. I say leave things as they are. You can tell by the title of the post if it's going to be strictly travel or if it's likely to fall prey to attackers. Just skip it! Jeeezz. How many times does this subject have to be brought up? <BR>

I just skimmed through the posts from the last couple of days and besides a couple stupid ones on snoring, toilets, etc, I didn't see anything that was too unrelated to travel or any that were attacking, slamming or flaming. I didn't read every one so maybe I missed all these troublesome posts. Could you tell me which ones are causing you so much pain that you want to have registration for this site. Or are you just bored and wanted to get something started? <BR>

There you go again, whatsyourproblem. You mean you haven't seen mean-spiritidness creep in? It's been happening with great regularity.

I am opposed to registration, primarily for the reasons Cindy mentioned. I have noticed on boards that instituted registration that they experienced decreased overall participation, which suggests to me that registration discourages not only the undesirables but also legitimate participation because some people just don't like jumping through the hoops of registering. Plus, I just don't perceive the flames on this board to be such a major problem that they diminish the enjoyment to be had here that much. Yes, there is an occasional post that is offensive, but they are pretty easily either avoided or gotten over. Even with the occasional bad apple, Fodors is still head and shoulders above other travel boards! Don't change a thing.

I for one am for registration..it would make people responsible for "slamming" and the culprits could be banished. CruiseBoard2 requires registration and very, very rarely has a problem. One cruise board has just been taken down because of vulgar language.. If you don't want to use your e-mail address a sign in code would be fine..

They can register my Fodor's when they pry my mouse out of my cold, dead hand.

Some of the snide, anonymous postings on this very thread are a pretty good example of the kind of thing that we're talking about. And check the Europe forum, too -- someone just resurrected that horrific fat-people-shouldn't-travel nastiness. If it has to do with children traveling, fat people, the election, travel agents, or most anywhere in Hawaii, there's a very good chance there will be a lot of c.r.a.p. posted. I'm for registration, thanks.

Go back and read Jesse's post. A&E 's system sounds great! To quote travelbug: "real travelers..would register without a second thought, they have nothing to hide and no hidden agenda, only a desire to help others without trying to profit from it."

One small question, and don't get all worked up about it, please. If there are already travel sites that require registration, how come the people who like registration don't just go there instead of trying to change this one? Just curious.

Don't worry, we are already checking them out... But we're here because we care. Some of us have been posting here for years, and were Fodorites from way back. <BR>Don't understand the "clubby" argument. At times this forum seems pretty "clubby" itself. Recent Europe thread on this.

The "clubby" argument is that many feel the board is clubby enough. Anything that discourages new people reduces the size of the club, making the situation worse. That's all. <BR> <BR>As for me, this is the only internet board on which I participate. With registration, I might have to reconsider my involvement.

I agree entirely with the above post. I think there will come a time soon that I will choose not to participate in the Fodor's forum. If I've had any informative information to pass on, I'm happy for that , but the hassle just isn't worth it for me in the future.

I would be happy to spend 2 - 3 minutes registering to eliminate some of the problems I've seen on the board. IMO, it's not a big deal if you don't have to divulge your e-mail and would clean things up.

I vote yes!

If you think registration is going to prevent rudeness or "thinly vieled" endorsements, think again. You can simply register with bogus info and a throwaway email address and be a jerk or a salesperson! I don't see how it will really help.

The above poster is right about just registering under multitudes of fake e-mails in order to come here and continue obnoxious posts or advertising. <BR>But it's like having some anti-theft devices on your car, or a security fence around your apartment complex. Sure, there isn't anything out there that a criminal can't get around. But if your car has an alarm and a club on the wheel, and the one next to it doesn't, which one are the thieves going to steal? Probably the one that's fastest and easiest to steal. If criminals break into an apartment to steal a T.V., will they choose the complex that allows them to walk right up to someone's door, or the one which has a fence that they'll have to cut or climb over? <BR> <BR>Registration just makes it more of a pain to continue the types of ads and slams that appear here, because you have to keep signing up with all these new e-mails to continue doing it, once you're busted. Are you going to keep doing that ad infinitum, or find another site that's a easier to spam and get you jollies there instead?

O.K., I made the mistake of taking some non-drowsy cold medicine today, and now I'm on the net when I should be sleeping instead. And this topic has me WIDE awake now! <BR> <BR>I've been a member of A&E's discussion boards for quite a while. I also experienced the old drop-in and post anonymously if you like format, and the newer format requiring registration, which they implemented about a year ago. <BR> <BR>There's no comparison. Registration took care of all the problems that the board had. No more pornographic language, racial slurs, spams which repeated the language and the slurs hundreds of times on a board, and no more fake messages from one person pretending to be another. People used to spend a lot of time responding to the fake threads, denying that they were the ones who posted something, expressing outrage at the horrible posts that appeared, telling everyone else to ignore it, etc. <BR> <BR>Those horrible posts disappeared the minute we were asked to register. Now participants spend time discussing not only the films and books we love, but all kinds of topics, anything that comes up. No more anonymous nastiness, and no more advertisers posting trying to sell you books and videos; registration scared them away. New people drop in all the time, it's never cliquish or clubby, because the boards are friendly and welcoming. I sound like the PR person for A&E or something,(honest, I'm not) but the topic originator here mentioned it, so I thought I'd chime in with my experience too. <BR> <BR>Oh, you can use a free e-mail address to sign up too. (I never give out my IP e-mail except to friends and family, no way.) And the boards themselves are not monitored - no referee stepping in to break up any fights, just occassional announcements from A&E about new features. But then again, there's been no need for any monitoring, since the problematic posters are now gone. <BR> <BR>I've been coming to Fodor's here for about a year and a half, and I think the A&E system might work here. My understanding is that Fodor's only steps in here if it receives enough e-mails from people complaining about a certain person or issue. Registration wouldn't change that. One person's complaint about something on their boards will not spur them to step in, just as it doesn't now. It would still take a group effort. And once you have a registered name, you're accountable for what you post, so do so at your own risk. <BR> <BR>But if you receive a private message with something like obscene material or spam, you could e-mail Fodor's privately and complain, and if they are like A&E, they would do something about it. No one else need know, unless you care to broadcast it on the board. <BR> <BR>Yes, I really do think it a similar system could work here, sounds like a good idea to me too. <BR> <BR>

Anyone who thinks this board needs registration should read the above posts in this thread from "Al Gore" and "Chuck Heston". Didn't you guys find those at least vaguely amusing? I don't mind putting up up with some obnoxious anon. posts as long as we get some of these chucklers once in a while. And I don't get it, I have seen NO pornagraphic posts, VERY FEW racial slurs, and get almost NO spam despite always using my real email address. Another non-problem. I'll say it AGAIN. IF you want to avoid "attack" responses, post wisely. For example, any posts that can be closely related to ettiquette, morality, values, religion, or polotics (ex. screaming babies, gay resorts, American parenting, best hotel to stay at when going to the Republican Nat. Convention) will be SURE to draw cranks and crackpots. We all know it, so why even start these threads? Lost in all this is the fact that a considerable number of people, every day, post REAL travel questions (i.e. "What is there to do in Key Largo?"), get 4-5 informed replies, and the thread ends. This is the board working like it is supposed to, and I think the pro-registration folks are ignoring how many people get good travel help here, every day.

Larry, you've been lucky or selective. It's all been here, but the editors did pull the most obnoxious/obscene stuff when requested. The point is, they had to be requested to do that. Spammers and "graffitists" have learned to post on Fri. or Sat. because it's usually Mon. or Tues. before editors respond. <BR> <BR>And no, I don't think the posts you mention are funny, particularly, but they were gratuitously political. For funny, you shoulda been here for the "my mother was drunk the day I got out of jail" thread. <BR> <BR>But funny or not isn't the problem, nor is it creativity or not. It's jamming up the e-time and e-space with stuff that is, at the least, off-putting and at most that sabotages the reason for the forum's being: to provide a comfortable and informative site for people who have legitimate questions to ask and information to share. Registration wouldn't interfere with that.

PS: A perfect example of Thread Trash is the "Big Fat People" thread on the Europe forum.

I hope you'll all forgive me for posting again, but I just love a good analogy, and there are two interesting ones in this thread. <BR> <BR>Urban Nightmare likens the board to a deteriorating neighborhood that just needs a good police station. To me, registration is more like suburban covenants limiting the colors the residents can paint their homes. Yes, it makes the neighborhood more orderly and pleasant in a sterile, planned kind of way. But it makes living there a lot more boring, too. Personally, I like a little excitement in my life, and a board filled with the same old people discussing the same old things would really turn me off. <BR> <BR>Lyle points out that registration is like a security system on your home or car in that it makes it more difficult for the mischief makers. But as anyone with these devices knows, they aren't perfect and they can backfire on you. <BR> <BR>I think registration would backfire, because it would take a lot of the humor and spirit out of the site. (I like opening a thread and finding a little silliness and a few quips now and then.) I'm still not convinced that the only people registration would deter would be the nuts. Really, the offensive threads and comments aren't all that difficult to avoid, are they?

How about this? Let's have Fodor's split the board into two different ones. They could create a new section with all of the old categories (Europe, U.S., etc), but the new section would require registration to post, although anyone could view it. The current board would continue as it is now, with no registration required. We could then see whether lots of people are willing to register, and whether the character of the board would change with registration.