Flyertalk always seems to have come up when I searched for travel related subjects in Google, but it was only this week that I've really started to dig through all the information here. I thought I'd start this thread sharing some information:
This year, because of the switch to Star Alliance, Continental is giving OnePass Silver Status for only 20,000 instead of 25,000. Also, there is promotion going on for x2 miles on any flights Sept. ? - Dec. 15. Catch is you have to call OnePass (713 952 1630) for both these deals, either to sign up for the x2 miles or to get the Silver status once you reach 20,000. Silver status will not come automatically, you must call. And the x2 miles work retroactively (ie. on flight you already took, even if you sign up today).

Now, what I would like to know is how to start mile runs. I read through a couple threads and get the idea (make as many stopovers as you can), but can someone lay down the basic rules for us newbies?