Two points of thought on this....

First, to me, part of the role of being on TalkBoard, is to constantly absorb information, some when you least expect it. I feel we're elected to do more than just vote on things that are presented to us. Part of being on TalkBoard is to have an extra set of eyes and part of our brain when we peruse through FT. Then, when we vote, using all that information we've collected, we're obligated to make an informed decision based being a member of TalkBoard, someone dedicated to serving FlyerTalk full-time.


Second, Let me make this clear -- we SHOULD solicit input from FlyerTalkers. However, some of what is being described so far makes it sound like TalkBoard would merely be rubber-stampers to the polling, and as said in the first point, being a TalkBoard member has far more responsibility than just having a title below your screen name and voting once in awhile.

Again, TalkBoard members should be taking input from all FlyerTalkers. General polling doesn't allow you to ask follow-up questions to FlyerTalkers -- that is a HUGE shortfall in a broad-based poll. Look at the presidential polling out right now -- some of the people interpreting the numbers have a bunch of "yeah, buts" put in there....meaning it might not be empirical data and polls sometimes generate more questions than answers.

Personally, I would feel much better knowing the reasoning and thinking on where a FlyerTalker is coming from when he/she asks a question. People like their opinion to be heard, and acknowledging and/or inquiring further only makes the FlyerTalker feel much more involved in the process. Much, much more than having people check a box and hit 'send vote,' but to ask follow-up questions to the FlyerTalk member, and to learn the reasoning and thinking is a more powerful tool.

In the long run, it's a much more effective way, combined the with aforementioned heightened sensitivity and duty of each TalkBaord member, is good for both TalkBoard and FlyerTalk overall.