Tim Winship wrote an interesting article on five ways in which Frequent Flyer programs are like Ponzi schemes. He didn't say that the programs were Ponzi schemes or that the analogies were exact. Many of the responses here have pointed out many ways that the programs are not the same as Ponzi schemes. Although they may have been intended to disagree with the article, I don't think they do. I agree with many of the points that were raised in both the article and the responses.

The article was provocative and I, for one, appreciate it.