I don't think it's anyone's responsibility to post. And I also don't believe there is any responsibility for them to "give something back." No quid pro quo, IMHO.

I believe the vast majority of FlyerTalkers are lurker-members and not registered-members. They come here for info, search and find it. Some just surf around and stumble into tips and fun stuff. Maybe they just don't have anything to add? Maybe they are just shy?

I don't post info for just the registered membership. And I don't expect any "payback" in the form of a "Thanks" or return info from anyone that reads my stuff. It's just sorta Community Service...info tacked to a bulletin board. Of course, FlyerTalk has personally been very helpful to me getting information as well.

I have however, received far more personal emails from lurker-members over the years, than from registered members. And I long ago considered anyone that visited FlyerTalk even just once, to be a "member." Registered or not.

I've posted this before, but on one flight from London a gentleman took the seat next to me. I noticed he had a FlyerTalk luggage tag. I introduced myself and asked his handle. He didn't have one! Been a Lurker for years and never made a post! He knew the names of every "regular" on the United forum and some of the others as well. He is definitely a FlyerTalker. He is also (I found out later) a Superior Court Judge in Los Angeles.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-18-2003).]