AAH, what the heck, I'll keep sputing on.

NJDavid: you wrote:

I'd love to see a public statement from Inside Flyer, perhaps even included on the masthead of the magazine, that indicates that the honest and truthful reporting of the industry is a standard that will not be compromised by any "relationship" with any companies, and that FT will remain an un-edited forum where non-obscene posts will have that same protection, regardless if the contributor agrees or disagrees with a majority view, or even if it offends an airline or hotel. After all, they do have the same opportunity as we do to officially join the discussion, rebut the post, and truly engage in a meaningful dialog.

Let's take part one of that first: the "truth in reporting" section. Let's say we pledged in fact to do just what you ask. Would that convince you that we in fact were unbiased? It shouldn't. We DO NOT CONSCIOUSLY alter our editorial material based on advertising concerns. But to say that no conflict of interest exists, therefore, would be shortsighted, in my opinion. I don't think individuals are competent to say JUST WHAT effect one thing or another has on them, or that there is NO conflict of interest in a situation where, prima facie, there apprears to be pone. Thinking that one can do so is one of the ridiculous, hubristic legacies of enlightenment rationalism bequeathed to us by discredited philosophies.

As for the second part, David, there are no explicit policies in place about censorship of non-obscene materials. So why was the United survey link deleted? It was done by a member of our staff who was not ordered to do so, but who did so, I think, out of a desire to please United (they called and complained to us). I simply think he didn't see the issue as a "censorship" issue. I wish it hadn't been done. It very easily could NOT have been done. No one made him, and other things critical to the programs posted here certainly have not been deleted.

As for the future, I hope we become more liberal in what we allow to remain on board (that is, ANYTHING, basically). I think many people here share that sentiment. If I become aware of any policy that stipulates what are the limits of non-obscene posting on this board, I will pass them along. I suspect that the only "official" concern we have is for libel, but i don't know exactly what our responsibility is for posts on this board. If any.