I agree, let me tell you how it is easier. Let's say that I am in fact too lame (or lazy) to figure out the distance to Miami. I assume when people ask this question they are looking for more than miles. They probably would also like to know how long it will take. Looking at Mapquest, with it's completely inaccurate travel times, will not give you a good idea of travel time, traffic, etc,.I would much rather get this info from someone who actually has driven the route, and what to expect traffic wise, etc. I have yet to see a question that was literally "How many miles from Point A to Point B." I dare anyone to find a post with that simplistic of a question on this board. Normally someone will ask "How far is it from Point A to Point B, and what is the best route, or how long will it take, or are there any stops along the way, etc." I may be wrong, but that is NOT a stupid question.

I'll give you another scenerio. Say I'm at work as I assume many posters here are. I can quickly type in a question and come back tomorrow for the answer. Maybe you don't need the info that minute. Still it's less time actually spent running search engines and browsing websites, especially if Big Brother is watching.

Also don't assume that everyone is internet savvy. My mom can get to this website but hasn't quite mastered search engines. If she wants to come here to get her information should she be penalized because she didn't do the "work" for her answer. I don't think so.

It personally doesn't bother me if someone asks a "dumb" question. If it did, I would just ignore it.

Oh Yeah - I feel sorry for your family having such an almighty member like you.

Oh Yeah-Did you ever think that people who post here don't have a whole lot of time to be researching desinations??? Maybe they have jobs, families, do volunteer work, go to Church and have lives instead of posting here all day??

What is the old saying? Don't criticize someone unless you walk a mile in their shoes.....

Hey people - who cares about right, wrong, stupid, vicious, etc. It's a lot more fun and interesting to read the posts that get folks riled one way or another and that's why they're there.

Agree that many of the questions posed, i.e. milage, location, etc. can and should be eaily looked up. But I fail to see what is wrong with asking for personal lodging or restaurant recommondations, actual travel times, etc., info that can only be had thru those who are familiar with an area.

Complaining about "mean" or inappropriate postings on this forum is like complaining about noise at the Superbowl. Wake up people, fodors does not require a real email address, there is no screening process at all for users -- if you want legitimate postings, use another website. yes, Fodor's should get their act together --but until they do, this will be a haven for grade-school antics. Frankly, I don't depend on this forum for ANY useful info; I just stop by when I need a laugh, because I find it hilarious how SERIOUSLY people take the troll postings and how defensive they get. It's all so melodramatic.

Psychologically speaking, Gee, you wouldn't bother to post if you didn't care, or you hadn't been upset by trollers in the past. Something at this site has bitten you in the past or you wouldn't be posting....a rather melodramatic undertone to your message in some ways. Look in the mirror.

Gee-Have to agree with you especially the part about taking anything here seriously. I have found from expereince that restaurants recommended here usually don't come close to being as wonderful as everyone says...

Carl is right... Gee and Frankly have obviously been burned here before or they would've followed their own advice and left. According to them it's oh so horrible here, and yet they're still here! LOL

Oh, Carl, Karen, you really GOT me. Why am I here if it's so crazy and mean?

I guess for the same reason I wrote in my posting, you dumba**es: I LIKE to come here because the melodrama is funny.

No such thing as a stupid question? O.K., then, answer me this:

Who's buried in Grant's Tomb?

I have no problem with any question, as long as you can't answer it USING THE SITE THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY ON.

Where can I find a site that offers travel information on the best hotels in XYZ? Also, where can I discuss travel issues in a forum like setting?

C'mon people. Use your noggin and look at the very site you are on.

I whole heartedly agree with NOT using your real email address. A co-worker of mine was cyber stalked after posting on the fodor's site. This person found out her name, her husband's name, what she did for a living, where she lived etc. I don't mind being poked fun of, but the viciousness really is uncalled for . "Why can't we all just get along?"

Vics Sister-How did someone find out all that info from an email address?? Sounds to me like your "friend" posted personal information he should not have on this board such as employer, city etc. I agree cyberstalking is bad, but anyone idiotic enough to post personal info here or on any other board kinda asks for it...

As anyone who has frequented this site can tell you, there are plenty of stupid people here and buttloads of stoooooopid questions! Long live the retards here, they make us laugh.

Hey Carl (jung man)

Why don't you re-read GEE's message? I think you misinterpretted he/she like a big ol looza.

Um, xxx, no one "asks for it" when they are cyber-stalked. That's why it's illegal. You probably think women who are raped ask for it too. Catch a clue.

How much is a buttload?

She gave out a web site ...and on the website was her phone number. From there, anyone can do a "reverse look up". How he found out what her husband's name was (probably did county assessment search). He went through alot of trouble finding all this information out..and it scared the heck out of her. Plus I'm told when you sign up for email accounts, some are accessible to the public. Who knows? Maybe this guy is a detective on the side or has that soft ware" looking for your high school classmate?". ]

SO you are right..she DID give out too much information..but this creep took the time to find out more.