claire

What has happened to Neal? Is he no longer posting here? Is he posting somewhere else?

Morey

Neal got beaten up pretty badly a few weeks ago (unfairly so); or maybe he's just not traveling at the moment. He has posted a few responses lately, but if his "One Traveler's Opinion" offerings are a thing of the past, we are the poorer for it.

Cindy

I, too, miss Neal's input. I've "been" so many places thanks to Neal's notes. Neal, if you're still out there, would you please take a trip and get back to us?

idont'blamehim

I also miss his insight but as someone who has been subjected to some condescending remarks by some who don't always agree or choose to correct misspellings rather rudely,, I really can see why he decided to stay away....

Jeanette

No, I don't blame him either. The time he took to share (so intimately and well) another type of business world travel that I would have never "seen"- was especially appreciated by myself. BUT the scalding and nasty posters who hide behind numerous names are too much to take. Hope he returns, he is missed.

a_regular

Who HASN'T been slammed here, or told off? You don't just "pick up your toys and go home"! People need to get over it!

lisa

Regular: Just because lots of people get slammed here doesn't make it right. It's just like if you go to someone's house, and they're rude to you -- why would you go back?

George

You know if Fodor's required some type of registration, the amount of slamming would probably be non-existent. It seems the slamming and telling off is done by those hiding behind the anonymity of fake screen names and email adresses. As for Neal, I miss his insight!

Sal

I found this sight a several months ago. I just returned from California and used the advice I found here, almost entirely, to plan the trip. The tips I got were invaluable.

I have been surprised by some of the mean-spirited comments I have seen in response to honest, politely presented opinions.

I have come across Neal's posts doing research on other trips and have always found them thoughtful and well stated. If he's staying away from the board because of negative feedback, let's hope he realizes that there are many travelers who appreciate honest, straight forward advice.

SharonM

...tell me about it George...
Honestly, though, I think registration is a good idea, and would drastically reduce these no-names (or should I say, multiple personalities...)

claire

gee, glad I asked. appears I'm not the only one who misses his writing. I always found his essays interesting, thought provoking, and candid. (Other than the following comment: I will not give those who slam him (or anyone else here) the dignity of recognition.)

Neal! come back!!!

xxx

If Neal feels the need to be stroked he go to a massage parlor. Spare us your overblown literary gems and attempts to create your own featured column here. That's why people create websites - to showcase their work on their OWN sites.

me

OUCH!

YooHoo

Maybe registration could get rid of all the travel agents who frequent this site too, like our cowardly agent SharonM, who can only screech and hurl insults and then disappear entirely when asked to rationally present facts for her "debates."

Go promote your Pensacola travel agency on the Florida topic, will ya?

April

Better yet, spare us your idiotic drivel "xxx".

Fodors

God I'll be glad if/when Fodor's realigns this forum and moves these types of questions to a Grab Bag where everyone can just go at each in a big free-for-all. How about talking travel for a change? Heaven knows Neal's e-mail is all over this forum, so anyone who wants to know where he is can e-mail him without drama threads like this one that are designed to up trouble.

xx

There is something missing from the previous post: an explanation of why you care so much. The title of this thread is quite explicit. If you don't wish to read it, why are you bothering? what skin off of your nose is it if a post like this is on the main board?

Cool

Everyone needs to calm down.

Tim

I have been reading this Fodor's US board for over a year but I don't recall any Neal. He must post about states I don't read about. I do wonder the reason for this whole fan thread about him. Wonder if this is a legit thread or some other self promotional thing?

Cynic

No, Tim. Neal is for real. He travels and posts essays, in addition to answering questions. Many of us enjoy his thoughts. Search for "business travel" or "vacation home" to find a few recent ones. Or maybe some kind person can bring them to the top for you.