Goldengirl, you deserve thanks (and apologies from some?). I've been away and returned to read postings giving you a hard time since you first VB AA posting. I've also read posts with tales of saving hundreds (thousands?) of dollars because of your posting. You brought forth a legitimate deal--no loophole or scam--that benefited the FT community.

FT should be free of spam. But it should also be free of irresponsible mob-baiting. So far, at least 5 FTers have been branded as VB employees because of their positive postings. If that is all it takes, who's next? You said you didn't work for VB and your other FT posts show evidence that you are a straight shooter. That's enough for me. Unfortunately, a few flam'n, stone-throw'n, storm troop'n, tar and feather'n, witch-hunt'n, scarlet-letter'n goons tried to gag you with unsubstantiated allegations. I'd bet that they too jumped into the VB pool, although that wouldn't wash off the egg on their faces and sticky keyboards! They should have shown gratitude and hospitality instead of intolerance and paranoia.

Credit is due to those members who helped build the FT community through their generosity, hospitality, and openness. However, some FTers think they can sit high and holy on their pile of posts and decree who is worthy and what posts are legitimate. Thankfully, that's not how it works. They are entitled to their opinions and postings. So is everyone else. People shouldn't have to feel guilted, blamed, or coerced into revealing any more about themselves than they want or feel safe about. There are lots of psychos lurking. Even among apparently respectable members! What matters here is sharing FF info about money-saving and mileage-accruing.

So, goldengirl, at the risk of being tagged a VB stooge, I say bring on the deals. Show me the money! Show me the miles!