Speaking as another new participant, it seems like a matter of separating the wheat from the chaff.

In the scant weeks I've been reading the boards here I have learned so much that it amazes me. Some evenings I feel like I'm sitting at the feet of travel masters just soaking up the atmosphere.

Yes, I've waded through a lot of whining and complaining but I've seen evidence of great insight, humor and friendship -- qualities that gave a perpetual lurker the incentive to join in.

None of us who have come to the party late can truly appreciate the dynamic that brought FlyerTalk to what it is, but I for one am grateful that it's still here and still pretty unique.

The wheat seems worth it.