Am I the only person who is wondering what is going on here? I get back from a trip and boot up my computer for a much needed FlyerTalk fix. I'm expecting to read about some interesting trips to locations I have yet to visit, news stories about travel that I did not catch previously, tips that will help me enhance my enjoyment while out on the road, and even details about the personal lives of some of the members here. In other words, I expected to read about the FlyerTalk community.

What I'm reading right now is NOT FlyerTalk.

When I stumbled across this wonderful community a couple months ago I thought, "Wow, there are other people out there who travel constantly and enjoy it as much as I do." As I perused the forums and read voraciously as many topics as I could I couldn't help but to be impressed by the sense of community that had been developed here. The word 'community' is not used lightly. As an outsider that is EXACTLY what this place seemed to be.

Gradually the 'community' seemed to grow into something more. I found myself laughing to tears at the antics of strangers who took a trip to Hawaii called the PiP. I found myself amazed at the support many of the members gave to each other. I was even touched by some of the kindnesses that I read about. Although I have never met any of the members here in person, I can honestly say that I feel as if I know many of you. To me this group almost seems like a family -- albeit a large and rather geographically diverse one. And I was made to feel like a part of this interesting and colorful family thanks to many of you.

What has happened to our family?

Many, if not most of us are here because we share an interest in flying and flying-related topics. Many of us travel frequently and use this forum as a way to connect with other frequent travelers. And many of us LOVE to fly. We all have a lot in common -- an interest in flying and travel and all things travel-related. And we have many differences as well -- individual opinions, interests and lifestyles. We need to celebrate and nurture our similarities, and respect and sometimes even tolerate our differences.

I am here because I enjoy being a part of a vibrant, fascinating community of frequent travelers. I suspect many of you are here for the same reason. While the current debate about copyright law and censorship and self-policing is healthy, it is not the primary reason we are here. All of the talk about clutter and what should and shouldn't be posted ironically clutters up the board.

Everyone seems to have had their say. Now enough is enough. It is time to take out the trash and clean up our house.

Can we please refocus our collective energy on travel and all things related? When I read FlyerTalk tomorrow I'd love to see posts about trips to places I haven't been to yet (but will get to eventually), tips to make travel easier, links to news stores that relate to travel, and above all details about the personal lives of many of you -- the FlyerTalk Family.

Respectfully,

Brian Love (aka brilove)