A specific area for requests- stickied at the top. If this is not possible for all requests just an area where those who have not followed the posting request procedure asking them to show what efforts they have made can get extra help. There is a difference in a request when someone lists prices found and says can I do better compared to one where it is "find me a deal to __________" without showing any prices or effort has been made.

Maybe keep the India post stickied at the top- that seems to be another topic that is used daily and might be easier for people to find.

Agree with Mom2boys and Bozo007.

We are being deluged with requests for information where the OP has made no effort whatsoever on their own behalf.

Most of these requests would have been unnecessary if the OP had done a simple Google search.

The FAQ's should further clarify that we are not travel agents and are not here to fill orders for travel planning.

I believe we need to further emphasize that this is a travel DEALS board, as opposed to an online travel agency.

FAQ for cruises

Given the anger / frustration about posters creating posts without doing any homework, maybe FW can make them jump through a few hoops which force them to read a few things before they get posting privileges. FlyerTalk has restricted access to certain forums that require a specific post count and membership vintage. It will be a tightrope walk because too many hoops may turn people away.

I agree with Isles1 that we need stricter moderator action.

Rules and procedures are great, but are meaningless if people intentionaly disregard them.

We have one element of members who vocally encourage others to disregard the procedures and then berate those of us who direct people to the posting procedures and FAQ's.

The rules and procedures will have meaning only if they are enforced.

That's where I believe increased moderator action is warranted.

jlawrence01 said:Personally, with the exception of the sticky posts, I really don't see a lot of value in the travel forum in general. People come on the board looking for information and the same five or six posters go on the attack and drive them away. They also drive them away from Fatwallet as a whole.

In terms of friendliness, this forum rates up there with Biddingfortravel.com.

Go ahead and "neg" me, but you know I'm right.

I am not going to red or anything but I don't agree with your suggestion at keeping the travel DEALS forum the same. It is overrun with request after request with no research done at all. If people choose to spoonfeed that is their option. If people choose to direct people to follow the directions which show when they hit new topic on how to post a request that is their option. Following a PM from a mod about the way I was not answering very nice (sarcastic was the word I believe was used) I have been using the "in order for others not to duplicate your research please post what you have found" line. I also do look to see if the poster has requested info in the past and link that post so others can determine if OP is one who just wants others to plan their vacations for them or if they use information provided, search and the update. It is up to individuals if they want to personally plan anothers vacation...but it is also not fair to those who come in search of travel deals to have to weed through the begging for help, begging for airline coupon codes, etc.

I also don't agree that it is the same 5 or 6 people "driving" away posters. I think it is the same people trying to show people the correct way to post a request since this isn't a travel agency. Several good people who used to offer travel advice and assitance seem to have disappeared...whatever happened to wiseguy who was always assisting?

Mods will decide which suggestions if any they are going to use. It appears there are several on trying to get the how to post to stand out more, etc. The Disney thread by ditchqueen should be stickied since that is a hot area, also India.

Maybe in this time of ever changing travel the best airfare sticky should be updated to discuss the new fees, what happens if your flight is cancelled or the time changes, luggage requirements, etc...maybe just links to the various airlines.

It appears the rental car sticky has greatly cut down on the number of rental car requests as people just post them in that area rather than in the general forum.

I think FW's management has to make a decision of what they want the travel deals forum to be.

If they want any and all travel related chit chat, including begging for vouchers and bargains, posting requests for vacation/trip planning, posting questions that the OP could easily answer with a simple Google search and anything else vaguely related to travel, that's what they have now.

If they want to have a true travel deals forum, it's time to filter out all the inappropriate posts and dump them into some sort of vacation planning request forum.

mom2boys said: I also don't agree that it is the same 5 or 6 people "driving" away posters. I think it is the same people trying to show people the correct way to post a request since this isn't a travel agency. Several good people who used to offer travel advice and assitance seem to have disappeared...whatever happened to wiseguy who was always assisting?

Thanks mom2boys! (I think).

I was contemplating whether to reply to this thread. I had taken a "sabattical" from the board, because, quite honestly, I did not like where it was heading over the past year or so.

This board used to be a "fun" place - in all the years I have been on this board, it never really was a "Travel Deals" board. There was some deals, some "trip reports", but, mostly just "requests" for assistance. I think requests were tolerated so long as the format was followed. I too tried to "correct" people who did not post "correctly", but, tried to do so in a constructive manner (not always succeeding, mind you!)

But, there did not seem to be much moderation in place. Despite the FAQ's, and the "warning" that was posted prior to a new post (both of which I helped to author).

And then there were spoofs - like Jennie8675309, which some may have thought was pretty funny, but quickly lost its humor when new members were thoroughly confused when they did not get the "joke". IMO, that "joke" was allowed to go on for far too long.

And then there was just way too much negativity. First by newbies who would post incorrectly. Then by members who would prod them to do so - some constructive, and some, not so much. And that was usually followed by harsh postings by the OP ("if you don't like what I posted, then don't help and leave").

So, here are my suggestions for improvement:
1. Sticky the FAQ to the top. IMO, from a usability perspective, I don't think the FAQ "button" is as apparent as a sticky.
2. Make sure that "Requests" are posted in the correct format. If they are not, members should point it out constructively. If the OP is not willing to oblige, the thread should be deleted or locked.
3. I think some level of moderation would be good. I don't necessarily see it until a thread gets out of hand.

Just my 2 cents...

ajwray said:
I would also echo wiseguy for his thoughts on improvements.

1. Sticky the FAQ to the top. IMO, from a usability perspective, I don't think the FAQ "button" is as apparent as a sticky.
2. Make sure that "Requests" are posted in the correct format. If they are not, members should point it out constructively. If the OP is not willing to oblige, the thread should be deleted or locked.
3. I think some level of moderation would be good. I don't necessarily see it until a thread gets out of hand.

These are good ideas from you and Wiseguy (good to see you)!

MINYAN- great idea about a vacation planning request forum or just make it a sticky and let all of them get put there. Maybe with the guidelines on how to post a request the mods could add google like you suggest...lots of good information on the first few hits can be found.