Neither is topping a post that's over 2 years old for no apparent reason.

Sometimes it seems to me people do get really snippy in there responses on the US board. Personally I think there is no need for rude replies, even if it is in response to a question not well thought out. The biggest rows I've had have been here in reply to such posts. As for the demographics we will just never know. Good though John, very interesting.

One downside of the Europe board is that it tends to attract more sneaky types who are flogging some kind of service or accommodation; they're not always as obvious as the few posters here who from time to time were touting a couple of places that were apparently horrible (one in Florida, one on the Oregon coast, I think). But they're trying to scam free advertising space just the same.
I enjoy both forums. I spend more time on the Europe forum since I live there--in Europe, not on the forum ;-) of course.

I agree that it was pretty silly to top a thread that is over two years old, comparing the two boards before the days of registration here. Anything those posts say could pretty much be wiped out by the changes that have taken place in the past two years. I frequent both boards and I feel that both share the same problems from time to time.

Vast differences. US is primarily chatty about whatever's happening, over the fence, partyline stuff, occupied by maybe a dozen people who talk about whatever pops into their heads. Fodors editors need to reassess how US operates. Decline in useful travel tips is predictable, many may not travel.

Europe is about travel, and you can post any question and obtain a detailed, knowledgeable response in minutes. We've done our Portugal trip there, leaving next week, and it has been pure gold for us. You also don't find so many people hanging around trying to create chats about non-travel. JMHO.

I've been a "Fodorite" for about one year, having started to research our April 2003 trip to Italy. I believe I started just about the time of registration. I found the Europe board to be incredibly helpful, and I think our trip was significantly improved as a direct result of tips I received there. I've only recently began reviewing the US board and I find a large overlap of posters on each. IMHO, there is a great deal more sarcasm and general nastiness now than there appeared to be last year. Is it just me or do you agree? And why?

i'd like to pick up on something Ginger said (at least, I think this was what she was saying)(and I'm also ignoring that this thread is over two years old.)
The U S board seems to have been become consumed with people telling stories, or with talking about anything that's only slightly travel related. Very little "meat" to be had travel-wise.
The Europe board, with some exceptions, has more nitty-gritty, useful travel stuff.
Also, where has everyone's sense of humor gone???!!!????

Even though it is a two year old thread and pre-registration I'll bite.

I think the time of year has a lot to do with posts also. People haven't quite started planning Spring and Summer trips and are consumed with the holidays so right now you get a lot of non-travel posts.

As for the snippyness, so many of the same questions get asked over and over:

Itinerary?

Road to Hana?

Restaurant in Theater District?

So many questions could be answered with up to date information by doing a quick search. Other posts, just leave you wondering how this person manages to survive in the world.

Anyhoo, just my $.02

Both forums have their share of meanies but those usually give false names.
I see more impatience and nit picking on the Europe board but there are witty, fun, informative nice posters on both boards and to them, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas or whatever you celebrate.

Now why would someone top a thread that is almost 2-1/2 years old and not particularly travel-related per se?

The Europe board can get just as nasty as the US board, that's for sure. In fact, I find those 2 boards much more alike than the others I visit.

If you want nothing but information and 99% civility, try the Asia board. I can only recall one brouhaha there in the past few years since I've been on the forum. Latin America is well mannered also, and full of info.

Oh for god's sake, John why would you ask such a stupid question?(I couldn't help myself ...Happy Holidays everyone!)

Pam, LOL!
Good cheer for the season,
Marilyn

>:O Quiet down, you bunch of winos!

HO HO HO!!!!

Kal, who are you calling Ho?

GT,
HE HE HE!

Mo' bettah? ((A))

Not me!

My last name is neither "Ho" nor "Hee".

Love the wonderful, wacky, beautiful sense of humor, whichever forum!

Happy Holidays all!

Don't let the door hit you on the way to another site!

Here we go... people from the Euro forum trying to start something over here on the US forum..

Just for the record (since some of you seem to be keeping tabs), I am 35, a single woman, very well traveled, Masters degree, professional, etc, etc.. I tend to frequent the European forum, as I find European travel way more interesting, and if I need additional help/info, it would most likely be with an international trip, rather than a US one.

Being the mature & worldly adult that I am, I can "hang" with the US forum crowd, but still hold my own with the "Europeans". (Think of NYFoodSnob!:) )

I agree with getting back to posting about TRAVEL related issues. I am tired of scrolling past posts about people's pets, job related problems, and traffic nightmares. And - above all - try to be nice! Just because YOU can afford to blow $700 a night on a hotel in St. Moritz, it does not give you the right to put down someone who is excited about locating a Denny's in Elizabeth, NJ. We are all here because we share a common love for travel... Peace out. ((r))