I have just found this site and I'm really shocked. What a pathetic bunch of people you are. My wife and I have traveled extensively and might have something to contribute here, but the back biting and criticism and pettiness of the people on this site is so incredible, we wouldn't ever think of participating.We don't need your aggravation. I wonder how many other people feel as we do. Happy travels and good luck.

Sandy

Thanks, Sandy, but you added absolutely nothing yourself. Isn't this is the kind of thing you say you abhor? Many people on this board give good, solid advice and ignore the cranks. You should, too.

Sandy,

I have an analogy for you. On my 45 minute morning drive to work, I always encounter several rude drivers who infuriate me. My initial reaction (probably a flaw in my cerebral wiring) is to label all of the drivers in this area as awful and rage against the futility of trying to be a courteous driver. However, the truth is that probably 90%-plus of the drivers I encounter are indeed courteous and competent. I don't know what causes me (and others? you, perhaps?) to focus on the few bad apples. But I am trying hard to move past my knee-jerk categorizations.

Unsolicited advice from a relatively recent devotee of this site: ignore (or respond at will--it's free) the skirmishes and share your valuable knowledge for the vast majority who will appreciate it.

This used to be my favorite web site. No more. It isn't worth the time to check in any more. I was a regular poster at one time and now it is all just a bunch of pretention. Once in a while you can actually get an exact question answered, but the general arrogance and rudeness is appalling. Sandy and his wife are correct, but they are smarter than I am and figured it out more quickly.

I wish you a better world in your future. One in which you are not totally pre-judged by the clothes you may wear while traveling, and one in which you find kindness in both the people at your destination and from your fellow travelers.

Why are you guys bothering to post about the rudeness? Do you really think the rude people are going to read it and change their behavior? If you find a post rude or insulting, skip over it or don't bother reading the header at all. You can't control someone else's behavior but you can control your reaction to it.

Doc, that was what I thought and tried to do just that. Trouble was I was not getting any good answers to real travel questions and I asked direct questions. Just got snobby opinions and put downs except for one person who did answer my question but in superior and opinionated way. Next time I'll call the city/ hotel and ask directly.

Most headers that have to do with clothes, restaurants or love life travel questions I have never read, but it is not worth the effort to find what I want by picking through all this snobbiest any more. I am controlling my reaction to it and so did all the others who have left- bye.

Wow, please run that by me again ... sounds like you're having a bad day. Rather than lambast us, tell us which questions you asked, give us some examples, and then tell us precisley what people responded. Otherwise, it's a bit difficult to know whether to take you seriously or not ... there are trolls on the loose, and occasionally one comes on the site with some sad tale and attempts to manipulate us into fits of tears and regret. Just give us some facts ... and if you're having some second thoughts about leaving us, tell us that too. I am speaking on behalf of all of us who've been known on occasional to offer up a smart ass answer in the guise of wit and arrogance. Ciao.

TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL

I for one welcome opiniated responses! Thats exactly what I'm looking for, insight and opinions regarding travel! If I wanted simple facts I would read a guide book. Travel time and money are far too precious to waste without knowing what your're in for! I really appreciate knowing what the atmosphere of a particular hotel is. Perhaps I don't want to vacation where people are milling around the lobby in a jacket and tie at dinner time. Wouldn't it be great to have that information before you book a trip? Or, conversely, it might ruin my vacation if I spent thousands on a cruise where I dined next to someone in a tank top and tube socks being forced to look at their tattoos! There's nothing wrong with either of these scenario's but I'd like to know what to expect before I shell out lots of money for a vacation. That way you can chose to spend your time and money in an atmosphere that is most enjoyable for you. I say bring on the opinions! I too have traveled all over the world and I just want to say that I love this site, and I don't mind at all if someone criticizes me. We can all learn from each other!

I think that Sandy is lilly-livered. Do you get out much and interact with people? I think the forum is fun and you read some really well written opinions and perspectives, albeit sometimes petty but extremely witty. Another reason I like this forum is cause you read things that travel agents wont say. To them, everywhere is good, but fodorites give you the headsup.

uh-oh did Sandy read the whole Cindy bruhaha? Now we're in trouble.