lin821

May I ask why a change of heart, if any, this time around? Any convincing arguments that had won you over?

Allow me to reiterate my question: "Have things changed significantly on FT w/r/t destination Korea since 2009?"

Meaning South Koreans are more willing to visit US? US is doing more free trade with South Korea? How is it relevant to FT? What did that mean on FT and in the context of FT?

I applause OP's effort in promoting Korea but I personally don't see significant FT implication and relevance from his supporting evidence. For instance, I know Korean films and music is kind of big in Asia market, I sincerely doubt any Korean film/drama/music fans would come to destination Korea and discussion their passion in English on FT. From my reading of China and Hong Kong Forum (both standalone and popular fora), neither carries weight on that kind of discussion threads.

As an Asia Forum regular, I have yet to see Korea discussion threads dominate Asia Forum. Korea didn't have an edge and hasn't. Most, if not all, Korea discussion threads tend to be short and/or lukewarm, i.e. fewer than 15 posts for a single thread. This Korean food thread is of exemplary exception. Even I had asked for it, nobody has provided evidence Korea discussion threads scattered "all over FT." I personally haven't seen too much change even after the 1st round of this proposal since September 2009. On top of my head, I'd say I see more threads quantitatively and qualitatively about visiting S.E. Asia than Korea.

Are there passionate followers of destination Korea? Yes, indeed there are and I can count them all in one hand. That's me being generous.

Is a critical mass of posts and readers anticipated or existing?
Let me answer it using an extreme case. This Korean native who had "declared" intention to participate in Korea discussion in 2009 still holds a record of zero Korea post in Asia Forum as of today. I didn't count and am not sure how many of the supporters of this proposal/motion actually did participate in Korea discussion over Asia Forum. Action speaks louder than words. And threads speak volume. Let's not forget about what happened to Senior Travel Forum. I say our Canadian Evangelist tcook052 shows more initiative in Korea discussion since late 2010.

I am sure Korea is a nice destination to visit, just like Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia. Each country has its own unique offering and tourist attractions. But to be honest, there's just not enough FT traffic/threads/cult to justify the creation of Korea Forum, just like our OMNI/Sports.

Having said that, I sense FT traffic, aka the unmet need, is any determinant factor for the current TB from the voting record on recent motions. I know for a fact that some current TBers who don't value as much of the criteria for creating new fora and had publicly stated their position. However, for those TBers who haven't cast your votes, please exercise your best judgment based on the merits, or lack of, in this proposal/motion.