Randy (and everyone else reading),

In my time on FlyerTalk (going on three years), I have observed a nearly unanimous sentiment against actions that are against the terms and conditions of (insert your preferred FFP here). Posts soliciting or advocating, say, the sale or unauthorized transfer of miles are usually slapped down by the moderators (and, by and large, the FT community) as being against the spirit of Flyertalk.

Currently, in MilesBuzz!, there is a thread on the accumulation of miles through the purchase of gift cards from Wal-Mart. Those taking part in the scheme are using their miles-earning credit cards to purchase high-dollar gift cards and then cashing them out - a practice that is against the terms and conditions of the gift card and against Wal-Mart's company policy (except in three states, where cash out of gift cards is required by law).

The moderators have seen fit to keep this thread open - I have brought this issue to them first, and the general consensus is that it is within the spirit of FT to "push the rules beyond their stated goal."

If such is the case, should no distinguishment be made between this scheme and the sale of my AA miles, if I chose to do so? In both instances, rules are being broken. Yet one is allowed to remain open for many pages (with several sub-threads having been born), and the other will get quashed as soon as the word "money" is mentioned.

Where should FT draw the line? Is it okay to advocate breaking the rules part of the time? Or can I start selling my miles on Coupon Connection now?

Mike