TalkBoard Topics - Separate AmEx forum - why no Chase UR forum?

I came looking for info on the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and I figured I'd find something similar to the American Express Membership Rewards forum. Nope. Only Chase stuff intermingled with other programs in this general credit card forum.

I submit that Chase Ultimate Rewards is now becoming popular enough that it should have it's own forum. What do you think?

I think Chase UR has grown and I think it generates enough interest to warrant a separate forum.

Creation of new forums is a topic for Talkboard to consider, and the thread has been moved to that forum.

In my view Ultimate Rewards does not yet warrant a separate forum:

American Express Membership Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners and 6 hotel chain partners.

Diners Club Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners, 7 hotel chain partners, and one railroad.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a USA-only program with 4 airline partners, 3 hotel chains and 1 railroad. It's an aggregation of Chase's existing card issuing relationships. (Chase is the affinity card issuer for all except one of the UR partners.) American Express and Diners offer frequent transfer bonus promotions; Ultimate Rewards does not.

Creation of new forums is a topic for Talkboard to consider, and the thread has been moved to that forum.

In my view Ultimate Rewards does not yet warrant a separate forum:

American Express Membership Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners and 6 hotel chain partners.

Diners Club Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners, 7 hotel chain partners, and one railroad.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a USA-only program with 4 airline partners, 3 hotel chains and 1 railroad. It's an aggregation of Chase's existing card issuing relationships. (Chase is the affinity card issuer for all except one of the UR partners.) American Express and Diners offer frequent transfer bonus promotions; Ultimate Rewards does not.
I still don't see the reason why UR should not be separate.

Creation of new forums is a topic for Talkboard to consider, and the thread has been moved to that forum.

In my view Ultimate Rewards does not yet warrant a separate forum:

American Express Membership Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners and 6 hotel chain partners.

Diners Club Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners, 7 hotel chain partners, and one railroad.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a USA-only program with 4 airline partners, 3 hotel chains and 1 railroad. It's an aggregation of Chase's existing card issuing relationships. (Chase is the affinity card issuer for all except one of the UR partners.) American Express and Diners offer frequent transfer bonus promotions; Ultimate Rewards does not.

Understood. But when you look at the popularity of the program both in terms of amount of discussion it generates and that virtually every points blogger is calling this their new favorite program, it may be worth it to get out ahead of the curve.

Plus, Diners Club? I mean, sure, it's been around for a long while, but it's dying. If they have their own forum, I would certainly think that UR would qualify as well.

Creation of new forums is a topic for Talkboard to consider, and the thread has been moved to that forum.

In my view Ultimate Rewards does not yet warrant a separate forum:

American Express Membership Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners and 6 hotel chain partners.

Diners Club Rewards is available worldwide. The USA version has 15 airline partners, 7 hotel chain partners, and one railroad.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a USA-only program with 4 airline partners, 3 hotel chains and 1 railroad. It's an aggregation of Chase's existing card issuing relationships. (Chase is the affinity card issuer for all except one of the UR partners.) American Express and Diners offer frequent transfer bonus promotions; Ultimate Rewards does not.

I think the number of transfer partners is a useless metric. There is definitely a lot of interest in the Chase UR program, and lets not forget that the amex MR forum is used for more than just the MR program. Chase may not have a lot of transfer bonuses, but they sure have a lot of promotions on the earning side.

Just my two cents.

I came looking for info on the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and I figured I'd find something similar to the American Express Membership Rewards forum. Nope. Only Chase stuff intermingled with other programs in this general credit card forum.

I submit that Chase Ultimate Rewards is now becoming popular enough that it should have it's own forum. What do you think?

+1

Second that. Chase cards are really growing fast.

American Express Membership Rewards 9,822 113,844
Diners Club Club Rewards 1,435 12,022

Credit Card Programs 5,143 71,178

chase in thread title after jan 1 2010 - 255

I think the number of transfer partners is a useless metric. There is definitely a lot of interest in the Chase UR program, and lets not forget that the amex MR forum is used for more than just the MR program. Chase may not have a lot of transfer bonuses, but they sure have a lot of promotions on the earning side.

Just my two cents.

Mod's explanation has cold logic....true at this level.

However it appears taht Chase is "going aftr" the AMEX cutomers.

If there were a dedicated forum, participation here may / will increase, forcing Chase to pay more attention and add to the CUSTOMER friendly features.

I think that there's an amount of interest in Chase UR on Flyertalk that is a bit overblown due to the plugs for the card from various bloggers associated (or formerly associated) with Flyertalk.

While I'm not opposed to the idea of Chase getting its own forum, at this point Chase UR is still pretty new and who knows if it will last (think Citi with its Thank You Points).

AMEX and its MR has been around for a long time and not really expected to go anywhere.

If Chase gets its own forum, then so should Citi, C1, RBC, TD, HSBC.....

So I guess my question is then what determines when a program gets its own forum?

Flyertalk is a travel site, not a credit card board. FlyerTalk card discussions are organized by program, not by vendor. Chase is an affinity card issuer for three airlines and three hotel chains, but these companies use other card issuers in other countries and primary discussion of co-branded cards belongs in the airline or hotel program forum.

Most "Chase" threads in Credit Card Programs are not about Ultimate Rewards, they are about the process of applying for cards to earn new account bonuses, about churning (and these threads have a high level of repetition). There are only 37 threads in the past 12 months with "Ultimate Rewards" or "UR" in the title.

There is a different character to the discussions about Ultimate Rewards vs Membership Rewards or Club Rewards. Much of this is dictated by the simplicity of Chase's program: with only one airline partner per alliance, no history of transfer bonuses, and no international versions, there simply isn't as much to learn. (This is an observation, not a criticism. It's a nice program.)

Flyertalk is a travel site, not a credit card board.
This nails it. ^

So I guess my question is then what determines when a program gets its own forum?

If you have to ask, this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11201697-post2.html).

there should be some kind of script that automatically posts this in every new forum thread >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/918161-what-talkboard-how-new-forums-other-suggestions-considered.html

there should be some kind of script that automatically posts this in every new forum thread >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/918161-what-talkboard-how-new-forums-other-suggestions-considered.html
And you think the majority of people would read it? :p ;)

if people dont read it and follow it, then there should be no replies

it just gets silly

this could become a TB election issue, but as far as i recall it was not one last election

if people dont read it and follow it, then there should be no replies

it just gets silly
(underline mine)

You do realize I am making post#18 in this thread, don't you? ;)

I've lost count on how many threads that request new fora are started by folks who never read nor aware of said TB Topics sticky w/r/r new forum creation. :(

if people dont read it and follow it, then there should be no replies

it just gets silly

this could become a TB election issue, but as far as i recall it was not one last election

I'm curious what you mean by your last line here.

As far as this goes, I'm not opposed to such a forum, but "because AMEX has one" is hardly a reason in itself for a forum for Chase.

I think that there's an amount of interest in Chase UR on Flyertalk that is a bit overblown due to the plugs for the card from various bloggers associated (or formerly associated) with Flyertalk.Add to that theat the prominence of credit card deals/discussions on FF bloggers' sites is linked to the fact that quite a few make a substantial income from credit card referrals and you end up with a double overblowing effect.

Flyertalk is a travel site, not a credit card board.

I assume you're saying this for context purposes of showing the way FT is organized, in which case I agree. It wouldn't make sense for this statement to purport that ONLY travel related discussions should be on FT (else why OMNI?), and not that signing up for credit cards for the purpose of obtaining miles/points isn't travel related.

Most "Chase" threads in Credit Card Programs are not about Ultimate Rewards, they are about the process of applying for cards to earn new account bonuses, about churning (and these threads have a high level of repetition). There are only 37 threads in the past 12 months with "Ultimate Rewards" or "UR" in the title.

And what do you think folks that are churning or applying for new cards are going to do with all of those UR points? This is still a relatively new program with most folks obtaining significant UR balances within the past 12 months - IMHO, we'll see a large upswing of participation in discussion around the UR program.

There is a different character to the discussions about Ultimate Rewards vs Membership Rewards or Club Rewards. Much of this is dictated by the simplicity of Chase's program: with only one airline partner per alliance, no history of transfer bonuses, and no international versions, there simply isn't as much to learn. (This is an observation, not a criticism. It's a nice program.)

Agreed that it's a simpler program, but again, does that serve as a disqualifying factor? WN's RR program is MUCH simpler than, say, UA's MP. But does that mean that RR shouldn't have it's own forum?

If you have to ask, this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11201697-post2.html).

Not appreciative of the snide undertone, but I do appreciate the link. I actually looked through all of the criteria and the guidelines are not at all definitive in ruling out Chase UR. In fact, based on these guidelines, I think I could make a pretty good case that the UR program is a pretty good candidate for a new forum. If I get a bit more time later today, I might make a point-by-point case toward that end.

Add to that theat the prominence of credit card deals/discussions on FF bloggers' sites is linked to the fact that quite a few make a substantial income from credit card referrals and you end up with a double overblowing effect.

That's quite possibly true. But does that make the program any less legitimate? A program has to build itself somehow and quite possibly the folks at Chase understood that a good way to get this program off the ground is to do exactly what they're doing - offer large bonuses in a very lucrative program AND offer good cash to those promoting the card.

and the guidelines are not at all definitive in ruling out Chase UR. In fact, based on these guidelines, I think I could make a pretty good case that the UR program is a pretty good candidate for a new forum. If I get a bit more time later today, I might make a point-by-point case toward that end.

You'd probably help your case if you did so. As Rich mentioned, just because the other guy (Amex) has one isn't a strong enough case.

Cheers.

You'd probably help your case if you did so. As Rich mentioned, just because the other guy (Amex) has one isn't a strong enough case.

Cheers.

Agreed. That was a pretty weak reason.

Not appreciative of the snide undertone, but I do appreciate the link.

My reply was to your question:
So I guess my question is then what determines when a program gets its own forum?

If you have to ask, this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11201697-post2.html).

If you had taken time skimming the forum sticky before starting this very thread, you would have known the answers to your very own question. By the way you asked your question, it appears you didn't read nor know it existed. Those criteria were established in Feb 2009, after your FT join date, so I don't think you may say it's before "your time."

Nothing personal, but you are not the first and will not be the last FTer who proposes a new forum without reading the sticky. That's why I said what I said in post#18 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18201306-post18.html). Please understand the frustration among those of us who frequent TB Topics Forum and read threads that repeatedly do not follow the game plan set for this forum. Over the years, I have been pointing out that link numerous times to those who have ideas for new fora. I tend to point out making good arguments are the best way to sell a proposal. Shooting the messenger won't help.

Personally, I don't think it's too much to ask for someone to post in this forum to at least read the sticky thread/s. And I thought it's polite to say "if you have to ask" without assigning any blame, especially it is the 1st sticky thread with only 3, abeit long, posts. YMMV.

I am sure TBers will be looking forward to your thought-out proposal that addresses all those criteria when you find time. Good luck!

...someone to post in this forum to at least read the sticky thread/s.

In fairness note that the thread was started in Credit Card Programs and I moved it here, leaving a sticky pointer there. Other moderators may well have let the topic simmer in the home forum for awhile, and that might have been ramalama8's expectation. I'd like to get past the procedural hurdles and read a cross section of thinking about the proposal, because it should help us better manage the Credit Card Programs message base, regardless of Talkboard's decision. I learn more when others disagree with me :) .

In fairness note that the thread was started in Credit Card Programs and I moved it here, leaving a sticky pointer there.
I was/am aware of the original placement of this thread, mia. And kudos to your prompt action to move/merge threads, as always. ^

Not to be picky but if you put the discussion in chronological order, your mod note about moving is post#3 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18191557-post3.html), very early on for this discussion thread. Before I chimed in with post #14, OP had posted two more times after the move. Meaning OP not only got the headsup about the proper forum for the suggestion, but also kept providing input without reading the sticky thread in the new forum. I was merely pointing out savvy FTers expect folks to do their homework, no matter where OPs start their threads. But often, it's easy to just point and shoot. That's just one of our human flaws. Nothing we can do about it.

Enough for my OT and back-burner comments on human behavior. Let me turn the spotlight over to those who can make a good proposal out of this topic, so our TBers can start giving some serious thought on this. ;)

My personal opinion would be not to establish an UR forum. It is still in its novice stages. A couple of years ago thank you points were the 'best' currency. I imagine UR will be a major player longer, but I don't think each issuer/reward currency should have its own forum.

Organization by post volume seems like a good way. Whenever ur reaches that threshold I would think the posts could be moved there.

That is also to say that flyertalk has too many sub forums without enough activity and wondered why they split it. If the purpose is for branding organization, I get that... But I personally think its a waste of real estate. As a new visitor to the site, I was overwhelmed with the number of forums.

snip...

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a USA-only program with 4 airline partners, 3 hotel chains and 1 railroad. It's an aggregation of Chase's existing card issuing relationships. (Chase is the affinity card issuer for all except one of the UR partners.) American Express and Diners offer frequent transfer bonus promotions; Ultimate Rewards does not.

Looks like 4 hotel chain transfers now...the Ritz transfer is available and I have not seen that before, but maybe I overlooked it. Hyatt, PC, Marriott, and Ritz. Although I think you could use Marriott points at the Ritz anyway before? I never stay at either one so I am not sure.

Agree with most of the others. Chase UR isn't relevant enough...and comparing it to Amex is a bit ridiculous given their redemption options.

Although I think you could use Marriott points at the Ritz anyway before? I never stay at either one so I am not sure.Marriott and Ritz points are really the same. No difference.

[QUOTE=mia;18199495]Flyertalk is a travel site, not a credit card board. ^

Many forget that this is a travel site. Some use it for their personel CC referral site or churn site.

Many forget that this is a travel site. Some use it for their personel CC referral site...

This recent discussion thread echos your sentiment (and mine):

Can the TB revisit the Commercial links in Signatures issue? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1334874-can-tb-revisit-commerical-links-signatures-issue.html)

Flyertalk is a travel site, not a credit card board.
...
Agree with you 100%. But, why did a moderator create a thread about the Apple gift card from Fidelity? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1339056-fidelity-misc-bonus-offers-i-e-gift-cards-etc.html
What do Apple gift cards have to do with travelling? At least FTers are utilizing Chase UR to maximize FF miles. Apple gift cards? I don't think so...

Agree with you 100%. But, why did a moderator create a thread about the Apple gift card from Fidelity? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1339056-fidelity-misc-bonus-offers-i-e-gift-cards-etc.html
What do Apple gift cards have to do with travelling? At least FTers are utilizing Chase UR to maximize FF miles. Apple gift cards? I don't think so...

My 'guess' (and it's only that) is that the mod started the thread you reference in the MilesBuzz forum to keep the other ones about miles & points. Probably should be switched to the S.P.A.M. forum.

Cheers.

My 'guess' (and it's only that) is that the mod started the thread you reference in the MilesBuzz forum to keep the other ones about miles & points. Probably should be switched to the S.P.A.M. forum.

Cheers.
My point is that mods expect us to follow the rules, but apparantly these same rules don't apply to them.

My point is that mods expect us to follow the rules, but apparantly these same rules don't apply to them.
"Your point" is not under TB's purview. Not to mention any specific moderation action/decision is NOT open for public discussion. ;)

If Chase gets its own forum, then so should Citi, C1, RBC, TD, HSBC.....

Lots of people are using chase to "chase" Hotel or FF pts now with convertability.
Don't think the request is unreasonable....

My reply was to your question:


If you had took time skimming the forum sticky before starting this very thread, you would have known the answers to your very own question. By the way you asked your question, it appears you didn't read nor know it existed. Those criteria were established in Feb 2009, after your FT join date, so I don't think you may say it's before "your time."

Nothing personal, but you are not the first and will not be the last FTer who proposes a new forum without reading the sticky. That's why I said what I said in post#18 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18201306-post18.html). Please understand the frustration among those of us who frequent TB Topics Forum and read threads that repeatedly do not follow the game plan set for this forum. Over the years, I have been pointing out that link numerous times to those who have ideas for new fora. I tend to point out making good arguments are the best way to sell a proposal. Shooting the messenger won't help.

Personally, I don't think it's too much to ask for someone to post in this forum to at least read the sticky thread/s. And I thought it's polite to say "if you have to ask" without assigning any blame, especially it is the 1st sticky thread with only 3, abeit long, posts. YMMV.

I am sure TBers will be looking forward to your thought-out proposal that addresses all those criteria when you find time. Good luck!

I think you might be where bureaucracies go to buy red-tape. The IRS tax code seems less problematic than the hoops you'd like people to jump through just to start a discussion. Clearly enough of the FT membership felt/feel that a separate forum for UR/Chase is warranted to at least...discuss the idea in the informal method they were doing.

Clearly enough of the FT membership felt/feel that a separate forum for UR/Chase is warranted to at least...
(underline mine)

How many FTers "felt/feel" that way, may I ask? And how many is "enough of the FT membership?"

Apparently, it's not that clear to me.

I am still patiently waiting for those in the pro camp to provide strong enough arguments to establish such forum.

I think you might be where bureaucracies go to buy red-tape. The IRS tax code seems less problematic than the hoops you'd like people to jump through just to start a discussion.

FWIW, I didn't write up the guidelines. Please don't shoot the messenger.

(underline mine)

How many FTers "felt/feel" that way, may I ask? And how many is "enough of the FT membership?"

Apparently, it's not that clear to me.

I am still patiently waiting for those in the pro camp to provide strong enough arguments to establish such forum.



FWIW, I didn't write up the guidelines. Please don't shoot the messenger.

I'm not shooting the messenger. But you seem either awfully smug or rather anal about the rules when even the moderators (as far as I can tell, you aren't a mod--correct me if I am wrong) don't seem particularly worried and where even Mia implied she enjoyed the differing point of view.

I am just not sure why you posted so many times about the rules and in a school marmish way of rapping people's knuckles and pointing us to Post 3754566 in Thread Alpha-Zebra-Foxtrot-Charlie--that's what puzzles me. It was easy enough to just ignore the thread, since it's not like there are a ton of threads sprouting up (unlike a week ago, where every other thread was entitled 'OMG Chase is going to shut us all down') on the topic. It's a single thread and several people were discussing the idea. Your posts just came across as...unnecessarily trying to assert authority and power.

As for how many FTers feel an informal discussion is warranted on the need for a UR forum(which is my full quote--not that enough FTers feel there should be a UR forum)--I don't know. I was actually enjoying reading the discussion--without feeling the need to post to the thread--until it seemed to get killed. Which may be because the pro-UR camp feels daunted by having to take the time to put together a formal proposal in triplicate.

Who knows. I don't feel passionately on the topic, but I just felt you were being unnecessarily snarky.

And for the record: I think an UR-specific forum is a good idea because the program is broad enough with enough cards tied into the program to warrant it. As a primary Chase UR user, I'd prefer a forum dedicated to it so I wouldn't have to sift through a lot of other posts. As simple as that, but I'm not sure if I posted my argument in the correct fashion under the correct protocols. ;)

As for how many FTers feel an informal discussion is warranted on the need for a UR forum(which is my full quote--not that enough FTers feel there should be a UR forum)--I don't know. I was actually enjoying reading the discussion--without feeling the need to post to the thread--until it seemed to get killed. Which may be because the pro-UR camp feels daunted by having to take the time to put together a formal proposal in triplicate.

Just read TalbBoard Topics Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics-382/) more regularly and you'll see what makes an active discussion TB thread. A popular idea or proposal simply doesn't "get killed" in TB Forum and/or on FT.

Who knows. I don't feel passionately on the topic, but I just felt you were being unnecessarily snarky.

IMHO, usually that's what "kills" the discussion: lack of participation from either side of the camp. Even the OP hasn't returned to this thread to fully explain himself. YMMV.

Not appreciative of the snide undertone, but I do appreciate the link. I actually looked through all of the criteria and the guidelines are not at all definitive in ruling out Chase UR. In fact, based on these guidelines, I think I could make a pretty good case that the UR program is a pretty good candidate for a new forum. If I get a bit more time later today, I might make a point-by-point case toward that end.

My point is that mods expect us to follow the rules, but apparantly these same rules don't apply to them.

I am not a moderator in this forum, nor in Miles Buzz, but I can tell you that the correct way to raise this question is directly with the moderator who created the thread. There are two methods:

1. Click the triangular Alert icon in the lower left corner of the post. This will submit your message directly to all of the Miles Buzz moderators.

2. Send a Flyertalk Private Message to the individual moderator who started the thread.

In reading this thread (and taking out the multiple TB guideline & moderator comments and only counting first time yes/no/maybe comments), it seems that FTers are about equal in the yes we should have a Chase UR forum/no we shouldn't have one, with a couple in the maybe category.

Cheers.

I've been noticing quite a few "UR" mentions in the CC forum (on both sides of trade requests.) I would take that as an indication that there are a number of folks both accumulating and wanting to use UR points here on FT. So I would think there is "interest" within the FT user base.

And while I tend to agree with SkiAdcock that "just because the other guy (Amex) has one isn't a strong enough case", that PLUS what seems to be an "interest" from the FT userbase does make it a possible forum addition.

Personally, I wouldn't think it would be a bad thing to give UR its own forum and see how it goes.

American Express Membership Rewards 9,822 113,844

Diners Club Club Rewards 1,435 12,022

Credit Card Programs 5,143 71,178

chase in thread title after jan 1 2010 - 255

I'm curious what you mean by your last line here.


TB is still status quo

i dont know where i stand on the spectrum, and i certainly dont matter, but the other end of the spectrum is (relatively / practically) empty forums for everything

+1 for Chase UR forum.

agree with others re blogs (OP says "came looking for")

also interesting some very new / relatively new members

and at least one with almost no posts...

i could be wrong, arent forums usually wanted by people who discuss (in posts) the topic a lot?

CC forum doesnt mean there is discussion

The TalkBoard has begun to discuss a Chase UR Forum so any further public commentary would be useful.

Thanks.

I'm against this. For now, Chase UR is the card du jour. That can very quickly change just like the Citi TY points card changes. What about the Capital One card with the "status" match?

All those had a huge amount of traffic into threads until they changed the program, and it all but stopped.

This will just be another forum that will need removing/cleaning up back into the Other CC programs forum.

I'm against this. For now, Chase UR is the card du jour. That can very quickly change just like the Citi TY points card changes. What about the Capital One card with the "status" match?

All those had a huge amount of traffic into threads until they changed the program, and it all but stopped.

This will just be another forum that will need removing/cleaning up back into the Other CC programs forum.

I agree with this; some of the original requests for a separate Chase UR forum smack a bit of fanboyism instead of a reflection of a legitimate need. Nevertheless, I think there could be some justification for creating separate subforums for Citi and Chase cards. After all, there isn't a separate forum for the Amex SPG or the Amex Plat, two individual cards that get a lot of focus in the travel world; there's simply an Amex forum.

Chase has certainly become a bigger player in the credit card miles/points arena even in the two years I've been here, and it would appear they're here to stay as a major player. Citi might be trending downward a bit while Chase is going in the other direction, but Citi offers enough miles/points cards and their TYP program, although not as currently popular as Amex MR or Chase UR, is a standalone program that places them on a somewhat equal footing with Amex and Chase.

Creating a separate Chase UR forum is too fragmented a solution, but creating separate Citi and Chase forums would allow logical grouping of discussion about their cards while only increasing the number of subforums under "Credit Card Programs/Partners" from three to five, a manageable amount. I'm assuming Diner's Club would remain and the "Credit Card Programs" subforum could be renamed "Other Credit Card Programs" so that information about Barclay, Bank of America, PenFed, and other small bank programs could be found there. A separate Chase card forum would also allow the creation of a sticky with FAQs and links about the UR program.

And, for further mind-numbing detail, two more points. First, an alphabetical order from top to bottom could be set up so the forums are ordered Amex, Chase, Citi, Diner's, and Other. Not an original idea, of course, as both the airline and hotel forums use that structure, but it certainly makes skimming for the right forum a lot easier. Second, put a link in the MilesBuzz description on the forums main page along the lines of "for general discussion of credit card programs, go here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs-partners-390/)." It might help redirect some questions that currently get dropped into MilesBuzz, which appears to be developing into its own mess.

...could be some justification for creating separate subforums for Citi and Chase cards....

This would be a fundamental change in the way Flyertalk organizes credit card discussions. Grouping cards by issuer, rather than by rewards program, may have some unforeseen consequences. I will use Chase as an example, but the same would be true of Citibank or any other issuer.

Chase is not only the issuer of Ultimate Rewards cards, they also issue the Amtrak, BA, UA, WN, Fairmont, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton affinity cards, but only for the USA market. Today, those cards are primarily discussed in the rail, airline, and hotel chain sections.

If TalkBoard were to create a "Chase" forum rather than a "Chase Ultimate Rewards" forum it would separate discussion of those cards from their programs, and I anticipate these issues:



Duplicate discussions of program rewards and benefits.
Chase is not the issuer of the BA, UA or Marriott cards in other countries. Where would the Canadian, European, Asian or Australian affinity cards be discussed?
Rewards programs periodically change card issuers. Amtrak cards were once issued by Bank of America, but now Chase. US Airways changed from Bank of America to Barclays, except some customers were allowed to keep their BoA cards. Should a Ritz-Carlton customer need to know that Chase is the issuer of their co-branded card? It's not a secret, but the marketing emphasis is on the travel brand, not the bank.


To be sure there is no misunderstanding, I am not opposed to some reorganization of reward cards discussions, but I have not yet seen a compelling argument for an Ultimate Rewards forum, and I think organizing by issuer is not the best way to maintain the travel focus to our discussions.

This would be a fundamental change in the way Flyertalk organizes credit card discussions. Grouping cards by issuer, rather than by rewards program, may have some unforeseen consequences. I will use Chase as an example, but the same would be true of Citibank or any other issuer.

Chase is not only the issuer of Ultimate Rewards cards, they also issue the Amtrak, BA, UA, WN, Fairmont, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton affinity cards, but only for the USA market. Today, those cards are primarily discussed in the rail, airline, and hotel chain sections.

If TalkBoard were to create a "Chase" forum rather than a "Chase Ultimate Rewards" forum it would separate discussion of those cards from their programs, and I anticipate these issues:



Duplicate discussions of program rewards and benefits.
Chase is not the issuer of the BA, UA or Marriott cards in other countries. Where would the Canadian, European, Asian or Australian affinity cards be discussed?
Rewards programs periodically change card issuers. Amtrak cards were once issued by Bank of America, but now Chase. US Airways changed from Bank of America to Barclays, except some customers were allowed to keep their BoA cards. Should a Ritz-Carlton customer need to know that Chase is the issuer of their co-branded card? It's not a secret, but the marketing emphasis is on the travel brand, not the bank.


To be sure there is no misunderstanding, I am not opposed to some reorganization of reward cards discussions, but I have not yet seen a compelling argument for an Ultimate Rewards forum, and I think organizing by issuer is not the best way to maintain the travel focus to our discussions.

Good points, and obviously, one of the reasons it's somewhat difficult to make suggestions without a better understanding of the inner workings, not just of FT but the entire credit card business. Since I'm US based, it's easy to miss that many programs have multiple card issuers world wide--although I am quite aware of the Chase/Amex dichotomy on BA cards US/UK.

It also highlights the behind-the-scenes decisions that go into deciding whether a particular thread belongs in MilesBuzz, the credit card forum, or a particular airline, hotel, etc. forum.

From a strictly non-mod user viewpoint, however, I think you can see the complexity we sometimes face in trying to find information or, for those who bother to think about it, figure out where to start a thread. If I'm reading you correctly, it sounds as if alternative routes for solving those issues may be even more complex than the current system.

As I noted in the earlier post, I have no problems understanding that starting new forums for a particular card, especially one popular at the moment, is not a promising idea.

I'm glad I got interested in this thread, however, because it does give more insight on the problems the mods face.

...it's easy to miss that many programs have multiple card issuers world wide...

Indeed, if you were to search you would find that I made the substantially the same suggestion (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/7297493-post4.html) in 2007 ;) . The idea is appealing, but I think it's not the best approach for FlyerTalk.

I'm against this. For now, Chase UR is the card du jour. That can very quickly change just like the Citi TY points card changes. What about the Capital One card with the "status" match?

All those had a huge amount of traffic into threads until they changed the program, and it all but stopped.

This will just be another forum that will need removing/cleaning up back into the Other CC programs forum.

This is my opinion too.

As I said(ish) in the private TB forum:

My concern with creating individual CC forums is that the T&Cs change so much, and they splinter the cards then splinter the splinters. What might warrant a forum today could change by next week. Too much trouble to keep up with them all by creating then closing forums. Better to let threads run their course.

BTW, I switched from Chase UA to Venture One and never looked back. UA miles are becoming more and more worthless while the VO has no foreign transaction fees and I get what amounts to a 10% discount on travel. FAR more valuable than miles, even if that is heretical to say around here.

mia I agree with your point that the air / hotel / rail affiliated cards are best discussed in their "home" forums, i do feel i want to point out that much if not most (defined as > 50%) of the discussion on the amex forum has nothing to do with membership rewards. A quick scan of the board at the time of writing shows various posts about FHR benefits (which Chase has a competing product), Platinum benefits (lots of threads about the $200 reimbursement, thread on global entry etc), is it worth having PRG vs PLAT vs CENTURION etc etc. While I don't think this makes or breaks the argument for a Chase MR forum, I do think it debunks the view that the Amex MR forum is actually just or even primarily, actually, about Amex Membership Rewards.

I do think there may be a place for non-affiliated issuer specific discussion. other credit cards is that forum right now and lots of useful discussion on differences between cards, retention offers, how to apply, how many cards you can hold, fringe benefits etc which I think each of the major issuers deserve the same level of forum attention that amex gets

...... shows various posts about FHR benefits (which Chase has a competing product), Platinum benefits (lots of threads about the $200 reimbursement, thread on global entry etc),

These discussions are on topic because those benefits are offered only with the cards which participate in Membership Rewards. Its the same as discussing airline or hotel elite status benefits in the AAdvantage, Skymiles, Mileage Plus or Dividend Miles forums.

These discussions are on topic because those benefits are offered only with the cards which participate in Membership Rewards. Its the same as discussing airline or hotel elite status benefits in the AAdvantage, Skymiles, Mileage Plus or Dividend Miles forums.

I see. Makes sense. But the fact that similar benefits are being offered for Chase MR cards, and the fact that there are several cards with differing levels of benefits, support the proposition of a separate forum

... the fact that similar benefits are being offered for Chase MR cards...
Did you mean Chase cards that offer Ultimate Rewards?

I thought MR, as in Membership Rewards, is only associated with Amex.

Did you mean Chase cards that offer Ultimate Rewards?

I thought MR, as in Membership Rewards, is only associated with Amex.

yes

My personal opinion would be not to establish an UR forum. It is still in its novice stages. A couple of years ago thank you points were the 'best' currency. I imagine UR will be a major player longer, but I don't think each issuer/reward currency should have its own forum.

I'm going to go with this for now.

How long did it take TYP to abort take-off? Let's see double that time from Chase to find out if their UR points hold at least the same leverage as Amex MR points.


I don't see it ever really happening though as Amex has a significant financial advantage in that they own the whole system when it comes to charging on their card and they can therefore afford to dish out MR points AND hold the policies in place and therefore the 'purchasing power' of those points can remain constant.

There's really no question that paying an airfare with points will always be 100pts/$1, that there won't suddenly be a change where 50% more points will now be needed for the same ticket (just an example)

+1
Given the intense coverage by multiple travel bloggers, I'd also be interested in a dedicated board. The travel strategies using Chase cards are quite complex. The number of transfer partners relevant to flyertalk, although less than Amex MR, are growing. Understood that Chase is a US-only company, but so is Southwest Airlines. But beyond all other factors, I'd say that the sheer numbers of people talking about Chase UR suggests that such a board would be well utilized. So, why not?

The travel strategies using Chase cards are quite complex.

IMHO, this is the strongest argument in favor of a UR forum or highlighting UR in some other way.

I don't believe that program reach is necessarily the right metric. It's posting volume. I think subforums should be an organizational tool, an easy way to find desired information. I think enough people are intersted in UR-specific information that it would be useful to have it all in one place.
Comments about implicit value suggest that UR points are more valuable than MR points. If Amex has more transfer partners, perhaps Chase has more desirable transfer partners.
Agree that global reach vs. US only is a valid point. But foreign Amex cards tend to be less desirable as points tools, with generally lower bonuses and higher fees. Someone is more likely to want information on a 40-50K Chase signup bonus than a 15K Candian Amex bonus.
Chase strategies are more complex and more worthy of dissection.
I don't know how many people this affects (it affects me) but USA-based Chase cards are a valid option for Americans with significant spend outside the USA, which Amex generally is not (Plat is the only Amex card with no forex fee).

I'm not dismissing Amex, just addressing the value of a Chase UR subforum.

Speaking personally, two years ago Mrs. Redtop and I each had two Amex's and no UR cards. Now the score is 2-1 in Chase's favor.

I don't believe that program reach is necessarily the right metric. It's posting volume. I think subforums should be an organizational tool, an easy way to find desired information. I think enough people are intersted in UR-specific information that it would be useful to have it all in one place.
Comments about implicit value suggest that UR points are more valuable than MR points. If Amex has more transfer partners, perhaps Chase has more desirable transfer partners.
Agree that global reach vs. US only is a valid point. But foreign Amex cards tend to be less desirable as points tools, with generally lower bonuses and higher fees. Someone is more likely to want information on a 40-50K Chase signup bonus than a 15K Candian Amex bonus.
Chase strategies are more complex and more worthy of dissection.
I don't know how many people this affects (it affects me) but USA-based Chase cards are a valid option for Americans with significant spend outside the USA, which Amex generally is not (Plat is the only Amex card with no forex fee).

I'm not dismissing Amex, just addressing the value of a Chase UR subforum.

Speaking personally, two years ago Mrs. Redtop and I each had two Amex's and no UR cards. Now the score is 2-1 in Chase's favor.

+1 on every count, including the credit card ratio (currently 6-3 in Chase's favor for me). As a data point, at last year's Chicago Seminar, I recall UR's were talked about many more times (5X?) than MR's. Flyers obsessively talk about UR's, and thus FlyerTalk seems to be the logical place to have this forum.

The travel strategies using Chase cards are quite complex.


Chase strategies are more complex and more worthy of dissection.


I would like to better understand what members mean by complexity with regards to Ultimate Rewards.

I would like to better understand what members mean by complexity with regards to Ultimate Rewards.

Moving points to other family members is tricky. Choosing among the transfer partners requires wider knowledge than many members have individually.

For example, how many UR members know that although they can transfer points to Southwest Rapid Rewards, those points do NOT count toward earning a Companion Pass? How many know that 19200 Southwest points can still be converted to an old-style capacity-controlled award by sending the points to AirTran and back? How many know the best value Hyatt redemption options?

An Ultimate Rewards forum will gather all this information and more in one convenient place, so that members can plan their redemptions and then go out and earn the necessary points.

Ok, so the blogs talk extensively about UR. While they may not have the partners that Amex and Diners have, the buzz is there. Its time to create a separate UR forum. This is CLEARLY a mileage transfer program. Let's get it together. If you read the preceeding comments its clearly overwhelming for a separate forum. What is the issue about doing this? So far the excuses I've read not to create a forum are far from persuasive

Ok, so the blogs talk extensively about UR. While they may not have the partners that Amex and Diners have, the buzz is there. Its time to create a separate UR forum. This is CLEARLY a mileage transfer program. Let's get it together. If you read the preceeding comments its clearly overwhelming for a separate forum. What is the issue about doing this? So far the excuses I've read not to create a forum are far from persuasive

I just started a straw poll of TalkBoard members. We came close to acting on this one last year, and it might happen this year.

I just started a straw poll of TalkBoard members. We came close to acting on this one last year, and it might happen this year.

That sounds like an excellent possibility!

UR points are much more valuable for travel than MR points.
I'm really surprised AmEX isn't doing more to prevent the poaching.

That sounds like an excellent possibility!

UR points are much more valuable for travel than MR points.
I'm really surprised AmEX isn't doing more to prevent the poaching.

Agree a separate sub-forum makes sense

I am somewhat surprised Amex has not stepped up their game, that said the amount of spend they have locked in the bag with big corporate accounts likely dwarfs what Chase has been able to generate with the UR card line up. So maybe they don't need to too much

I just started a straw poll of TalkBoard members. We came close to acting on this one last year, and it might happen this year.

Most appreciated. What would the timing of this be?

Most appreciated. What would the timing of this be?

The TalkBoard moves slowly. I'll give it 5 days or so for TB members to see the question and comment on it before doing anything on a formal proposal.

An Ultimate Rewards forum will gather all this information and more in one convenient place,

FlyerTalk already has a forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs-599/)to host discussions of Ultimate Rewards, but it is shared with discussions of a half dozen other programs. What is the incremental benefit of separating Ultimate Rewards discussions from the others?

To be sure there is no misunderstanding, I am not asserting that there are no benefits, but I think that if TalkBoard is to create a separate forum for Ultimate Rewards, but not for, say, ThankYou Rewards, the criteria should be clear to the members.

I am somewhat more supportive of the idea of an Ultimate Rewards forum than I was a year ago, in part because Chase has started to become more of a paradox - publishing tough policy changes which are then unevenly implemented, which means we need to track actual experiences. However, I think we should not mistake discussion of card churning for discussion of a program.


...surprised Amex has not stepped up their game...

In 2011 American Express passed MasterCard to become the second largest credit card transaction network in the USA. I doubt that Chase has seriously eroded their business because Ultimate Rewards is merely another family of cards feeding Chase's existing co-brand partners.

FlyerTalk already has a forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs-599/)to host discussions of Ultimate Rewards, but it is shared with discussions of a half dozen other programs. What is the incremental benefit of separating Ultimate Rewards discussions from the others?

This thread has been here almost a year now, and everyone except FT "management" thinks it's a good idea, and all I hear from the "crew" is typified in this response which is really just looking for any reason not to create a separate forum. I really do not understand the reluctance to do this.

To answer this question, by that token I would just roll up Amex into that same forum as there is nothing distinctive enough about Amex to differentiate itself these days.

I mean heck there is even a separate forum for Diners Club. Let's get with the times....

This thread has been here almost a year now, ...

...with no posts between July and February. In my experience when everyone supports an idea it doesn't drop off the stage for six months.

Ultimate Rewards meets, barely, the minimum criteria that I would use to consider a separate forum. However, I am not a TalkBoard member, and my criteria are not important. I do think those who advocate creation of a new forum, any new forum, have the responsibility to demonstrate that FlyerTalk members would be better served than by the current arrangement. I have not yet seen this, but if TalkBoard formally considers the proposal the publicity will surely elicit more input.

...with no posts between July and February. In my experience when everyone supports an idea it doesn't drop off the stage
for six months.

Because it was pretty much poo-pooed on last time

Ultimate Rewards meets, barely, the minimum criteria that I would use to consider a separate forum. However, I am not a TalkBoard member, and my criteria are not important. I do think those who advocate creation of a new forum, any new forum, have the responsibility to demonstrate that FlyerTalk members would be better served than by the current arrangement. I have not yet seen this, but if TalkBoard formally considers the proposal the publicity will surely elicit more input.

Put it to a Yes/No referendum. I predict right here and now a landslide "yes"

I went back and read the forum creation guidelines (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/14132253-post1.html) and concluded that for Ultimate Rewards it comes down to one question:

7. For proposals to split a forum, is the split expected to improve the signal to noise ratio? Why?

I have spent a few hours reading the Credit Card Programs forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs-599/). That is one very active forum!

Three of its 4 sticky threads relate to Chase Ultimate Rewards. This indicates a high level of repetitive questions and concerns about UR. Approximately 10% of recent threads relate to Chase UR and its cards (Sapphire, Ink, and Freedom). Unloading that content would leave a still very active Credit Card Programs forum while improving its usability for discussion of other cards and general churning techniques.

On the flip side, why doesn't discussion of Chase Ultimate Rewards and its cards have value to members holding other cards? Why would I consider it "noise" to holders of other cards? What's unique about Ultimate Rewards? As I have posted before:

1. UR points are highly flexible. They are arguably more useful than Amex Membership Rewards points. UR members and prospective members need to know about options like UR to BA to IB, but that information isn't particularly useful to non-UR members in the Credit Card Programs forum.

2. UR points can be transferred to top off award balances for a spouse and in some cases for others. Some members have apparently sold their UR points and had their UR accounts closed for multiple transfers to people with different names. This is a relatively new problem. The rules and their application are not yet completely clear. Thus the stickies.

3. Different UR cards have different specialized bonuses. Again, this information has no utility for non-UR members. But it has great utility for holders of one UR card who are considering obtaining other types of UR cards for their category bonuses.


Based on my observations, I favor creation of a new forum for Chase Ultimate Rewards and UR-earning cards, analogous to the Amex Membership Rewards forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards-410/).

Based on my observations, I favor creation of a new forum for Chase Ultimate Rewards and UR-earning cards, analogous to the Amex Membership Rewards forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards-410/).


Thank You!

Can anyone list additional arguments in favor or (or against) creation of a UR forum? I feel the need to put together just a little more rationale before asking for a vote.

We have diners and membership rewards as separate forums, for which I am thankful. UR and possibly thank you fall into similar categories. Though I could make arguments both ways on thank since their transfer program is quite limited. UR has transfers to all alliances. The program is clearly the up and coming of all programs. Chase has done an excellent job of quickly moving their program forward and appears to be the most popular among more frequent flyers. While their program, to me, leans to Hyatt and united, neither of which are my main programs, the strategies to maximize UR points are the most appear to be the most written about.
Since flyertalk talks about most programs, this one seems to fit the qualifications of having its own forum.
I will make the same argument more vigorously for thank you once they have more transfer partners.
Until then, I would like to see better organization of UR on this forum as there are numerous strategies to maximize these points.
Thanks

We strongly request a separate forum for UR. UR points are more valuable than MR points and it is the talk of the town now. Please give what the people want and not be a dictatorship. If there is one forum that people must have, I bet more people will vote UR than MR. You don't trust me? start a poll.

Dictatorship? A privately owned IBB can do what it likes and feels appropriate. As well, you can ask for a refund if you're not satisfied for the service they provide.

... not be a dictatorship.

A privately owned IBB can do what it likes and feels appropriate.

The decision to create new forums is not made by Internet Brands, but rather by the volunteer TalkBoard which is elected by the members of FlyerTalk. I suggest that name calling does not increase the probability of persuading TalkBoard to act. I further suggest that personal animosity toward those who hold a different opinion is unwarranted.

That's not entirely true. The community director, or even IB, can create, and has created, forums without going to the talk board. Most do go through the talkboard, but not all of them.

...not be a dictatorship.

The decision to create new forums is not made by Internet Brands, but rather by the volunteer TalkBoard which is elected by the members of FlyerTalk. I suggest that name calling does not increase the probability of persuading TalkBoard to act. I further suggest that personal animosity toward those who hold a different opinion is unwarranted.

What mia said. ^

In case you need more info about TalkBoard, this post about TalkBoard Guidelines (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11201712-post3.html) will tell you how TalkBoard operates. If you can get the majority TalkBoard members to share the same views as you, you"ll see a motion made then passed with flying colors. If not, no new forum get created.

Or you may try what Mary2e suggested, communicate to our Community Director (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/sandiego1k.html) directly (via PM or email I suppose) and see if you can win her over. Do keep in mind the underlined text though:

The community director, or even IB, can create, and has created, forums without going to the talk board. Most do go through the talkboard, but not all of them.

I personally would like to see an American Express Forum that includes Membership Rewards information. Seems to me that it is hidden in the Credit Card Forum. I would like to share ideas with other travlers that use the AMEX Card. Thanks and Safe Travels

I personally would like to see an American Express Forum that includes Membership Rewards information. Seems to me that it is hidden in the Credit Card Forum. I would like to share ideas with other travlers that use the AMEX Card. Thanks and Safe Travels

There is already a separate Membership Rewards forum. Click here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards-410/

There is already a separate Membership Rewards forum. Click here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards-410/

Thanks mia for pointing that out.. Thanks and Safe Travels..

The Credit Card Program is simply one of MANY sub-forums here on FT. If the Airline Sub-Forum can have 55 different programs ranging from the very popular UA (2.8 mil posts) to the least popular AirBerlin (2,044 posts), then why can't the Credit Card Sub Forum be similar? I am sure Chase UR would gain more than 2,044 posts.

Yes it goes back to the argument that Airline sub-forums are more important than credit card sub-forums because FT is a frequent flyer based forum. However, that argument loses credibility because:

1. You have a Car Rental Program Sub-Forum with 7 programs, including the non popular Thrifty (2,000+ posts).
2. A Hotel Sub-Forum with 12 programs, once again ranging from popular to un-popular programs.
and 3. Your Other loyalty program sub-forum has more programs (3) than the credit card sub-forum (just MR and Diners).

As a new FT member, I expected TONS of programs listed under the Credit-card sub-forum and was very surprised to see a consolidated "other credit card programs" forum.

It seems as though FT is trying to single out MR and Diners due to its "exclusiveness". Who cares if MR has a billion posts and UR has 3,000. Your other sub-forums prove that being a popular program is not a prerequisite to owning its own forum.

If you are to keep the Credit Card program sub-forum as is, then I suggest you change the Car Rental programs to just Hertz, Avis, and National because clearly, the other 4 rental programs deserve only an "other car rental programs" forum. Same goes for all other similar sub-forums.

My 2 miles.

I'd argue you could make the same case for many of the airline forums too. In fact there are several grouped "Other xyz airline forums" but still there are hotbeds of discussion such as WestJet or El Al. In fact there are plenty of recently created airline-specific forums such as AirBerlin and Etihad which probably get less discussion than Chase UR but still have their own pride and joy.

While dictatorship may be a harsh term, it is certainly clear there is an unjustified resentment among those policing the place to do this and the attitude is very much that somehow some case has to be proven despite the fact it's blindingly obvious to most of the world that Chase cards have become a more interesting topic than Amex (and the Diners Club dedicated forum just makes a laughing stock of all the arguments put forward by TB members here that there is no justification for a Chase forum)

It seems as though FT is trying to single out MR and Diners due to its "exclusiveness".

I think the reasons is historical more than anything else. I remember Diners fondly but that was a long, long time ago.

I believe there will be UR forum this year, but the TalkBoard tends to move slowly on non-urgent questions like this.

I think the reasons is historical more than anything else. I remember Diners fondly but that was a long, long time ago.

I believe there will be UR forum this year, but the TalkBoard tends to move slowly on non-urgent questions like this.

I agree it's non-urgent and I don't mind the slow move. I just wondered why other sub-forums would have so many programs listed, even the extreme un-popular programs listed, yet UR is not its own forum. Just simply weird...

I just wondered why other sub-forums would have so many programs listed, even the extreme un-popular programs listed, yet UR is not its own forum. Just simply weird...
That might be a good topic for another TB thread? This discussion thread is about whether Chase UR Forum should be created.

IMHO, arguing other existing fora are less worthy doesn't help in the case of creating new fora on FT. If for some reasons, you believe certain existing fora should be folded, generally speaking, you make another different TB threads to exchange ideas or facilitate discussion. See example of Toronto subforum here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1306930-question-does-toronto-really-need-its-own-sub-forum.html) and here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1311384-motion-passed-close-toronto-subforum.html).

I think the reasons is historical more than anything else. .

I think the reason Membership Rewards and Club Rewards have separate forums is that the points can be converted to airline miles and hotel points. Ultimate Rewards also shares this characteristic, though on a much smaller scale. There are other card programs (e.g. HSBC, Merrill+, WorldPoints, ThankYou) which offer(ed) conversion to an even smaller number of partners.

I read nearly all of the threads in Credit Card Programs, and it is still the case the most Chase threads pertain to the process of applying and cancelling cards (i.e. "churning"), rather than discussion of the Ultimate Rewards program. It might be that separating the Chase threads from the others would facilitate more nuanced discussion, but my sense is that most members see UR primarily as a churning engine to generate UA miles or Hyatt points, and these threads are more generic than the titles may suggest.

I believe there will be UR forum this year, but the TalkBoard tends to move slowly on non-urgent questions like this.

Well one could say all forums created are non-urgent ;) Perhaps it's more accurate to say that TB waits to see if there's enough interest & rational reasons/data put forth & support for the creation of a new forum.

Cheers.

I think the reason Membership Rewards and Club Rewards have separate forums is that the points can be converted to airline miles and hotel points. Ultimate Rewards also shares this characteristic, though on a much smaller scale. There are other card programs (e.g. HSBC, Merrill+, WorldPoints, ThankYou) which offer(ed) conversion to an even smaller number of partners.

I read nearly all of the threads in Credit Card Programs, and it is still the case the most Chase threads pertain to the process of applying and cancelling cards (i.e. "churning"), rather than discussion of the Ultimate Rewards program. It might be that separating the Chase threads from the others would facilitate more nuanced discussion, but my sense is that most members see UR primarily as a churning engine to generate UA miles or Hyatt points, and these threads are more generic than the titles may suggest.

sorry Mia but in my view this is mumbo-jumbo at it's finest. MR transfer options have dwindled significantly over the past couple of years. *A partners have either been removed (CO) or serious devalued by YQ (Aeroplan/ANA) and other options are limited too. While the Chase UR list is not massively long, it has some highly useful options - Hyatt and United are probably the most obvious and popular but there is plenty of discussion around Korean Air (best way to get F redemptions on SkyTeam), BA (same as MR), Marriott has some great pockets, SouthWest has value.

Also there is a huge amount of discussion around the complexity of earning UR which is significantly less relevant for Amex MR, particularly given the demise of the bonus points mall. The Chase mall runs monthly changes, earning amounts vary by the card you use to access, there are tricks around the use of gift cards.

More ways to earn, and certainly similar ways to burn.

I think your post is unfortunately a big reflection on the problem I see here - there appears to be a decision made and entrenched mindset that there is no need for this forum, and so everything is flipped back with a no answer to everything :td:

I think your post is unfortunately a big reflection on the problem I see here - there appears to be a decision made and entrenched mindset that there is no need for this forum, and so everything is flipped back with a no answer to everything :td:

Actually no decision has been made by TB and we continue to look for input both pro/con, which is why input such as yours (well, maybe minus the thumbs down part :p) and others is valuable.

Cheers.

sorry Mia but in my view this is mumbo-jumbo at it's finest. MR transfer options have dwindled significantly over the past couple of years. *A partners have either been removed (CO) or serious devalued by YQ (Aeroplan/ANA) and other options are limited too. While the Chase UR list is not massively long, it has some highly useful options - Hyatt and United are probably the most obvious and popular but there is plenty of discussion around Korean Air (best way to get F redemptions on SkyTeam), BA (same as MR), Marriott has some great pockets, SouthWest has value.

Also there is a huge amount of discussion around the complexity of earning UR which is significantly less relevant for Amex MR, particularly given the demise of the bonus points mall. The Chase mall runs monthly changes, earning amounts vary by the card you use to access, there are tricks around the use of gift cards.

More ways to earn, and certainly similar ways to burn.

I think your post is unfortunately a big reflection on the problem I see here - there appears to be a decision made and entrenched mindset that there is no need for this forum, and so everything is flipped back with a no answer to everything :td:

My goodness, aren't you being impatient. There's a vote going on now and the voting period is two weeks -- exactly what is the rush, anyway?

OK, the decision has been made, and can be followed here:

Motion Passed: Create a Chase Ultimate Rewards Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1447667-motion-passed-create-chase-ultimate-rewards-forum.html).

For those unaware of how FlyerTalk works, please take a few minutes do become familiarized with TalkBoard, how members are elected to it, how long they serve, etc. as well as how the process works for recommending new fora; it will probably make the process less frustrating, more efficient and much clearer.

/Moderator

For those unaware of how FlyerTalk works, please take a few minutes do become familiarized with TalkBoard, how members are elected to it, how long they serve, etc. as well as how the process works for recommending new fora; it will probably make the process less frustrating, more efficient and much clearer.

/Moderator

I would like to respectfully disagree with what some folks could take to be the implicit message here. As a TalkBoard member, I want others to express their opinions about the creation of new fora and similar policy issues for FT, even if the person hasn't first taken the time to study all the processes and rules for how TalkBoard operates and how changes are recommended and implemented on FT. Yes, it's true that it can certainly be useful to study the process before investing a lot of time advocating for some particular change, but people who aren't heavily invested in FT can and should still feel entitled to suggest changes and especially to weigh in on proposed changes that are currently under consideration.

people who aren't heavily invested in FT can and should still feel entitled to suggest changes and especially to weigh in on proposed changes that are currently under consideration.

Don't they have to find the Talk Board forum first, though?

I noticed a post this week where a member with just a few posts thanked the moderators for creating a new forum. The moderator took the time to explain to that member that moderators do not create forums. I think your challenge, as a Talk Board member, is getting the message out that this forum exists and exactly what you, as Talk Board members, do. Is that message getting out to new members?

My goodness, aren't you being impatient. There's a vote going on now and the voting period is two weeks -- exactly what is the rush, anyway?

Your post came just over ONE YEAR from when this thread first started. My gosh how impatient of me :)

Now hip-hip - hooray! We finally have our forum....

Don't they have to find the Talk Board forum first, though?

I noticed a post this week where a member with just a few posts thanked the moderators for creating a new forum. The moderator took the time to explain to that member that moderators do not create forums. I think your challenge, as a Talk Board member, is getting the message out that this forum exists and exactly what you, as Talk Board members, do. Is that message getting out to new members?
A good first step is to welcome new members when they do find their way to this forum. Obviously some don't know and don't care, others find this place by accident, and some want to learn more and become more involved with FT. Regardless, we should welcome those who appear here.

I think a good way to encourage more involvement, especially by new members, is to post
information, discussions, and polls in the relevant fora when changes affecting those areas are being considered. Recently this was done well IMO for the Ritz-Carlton name change in the Marriott forum.

Another example was the "tone" of FT discussion thread started in the DL forum by one of the moderators, Canarsie. It generated a lot of thoughtful and lively discussion, although perhaps people could have been also encouraged to participate in a similar thread that appeared around the same time in TBT.

No implicit message to deter members from offering suggestions or chiming in intended, merely information about the motion passing and effective advocacy. FlyerTalk is welcoming, inclusive and always encouraging members to become more involved.

I would like to respectfully disagree with what some folks could take to be the implicit message here. As a TalkBoard member, I want others to express their opinions about the creation of new fora and similar policy issues for FT, even if the person hasn't first taken the time to study all the processes and rules for how TalkBoard operates and how changes are recommended and implemented on FT. Yes, it's true that it can certainly be useful to study the process before investing a lot of time advocating for some particular change, but people who aren't heavily invested in FT can and should still feel entitled to suggest changes and especially to weigh in on proposed changes that are currently under consideration.