Non-NonRev

So why does BFT go to such great lengths to suppress this "fact"? Why all the subtrefuge with the "message" to the mailbox? Most people would understand an approach that directly informs them that the site is supported by use of the link (or is the Administratrix afraid of offending PL to the point that they cut her off)?

The simple fact is that BFT is really two boards - a repository of bidding data posted by independent travellers, and separately, a place for non-comprehending newbies to go to seek bidding strategies.

BFT has hegemony in the area of bidding information because it was there first, and a lack of alternatives allowed it to gain acceptanc as the "default" place for travellers to post such information. But I will stress again that the bidding data is the "property" (meant in a common-sense, not legal, way) of the travellers who made the winning bids. They seek to share their information with other PL users, and give little thought to the fact that they are "giving" their information to a for-profit entity in Houston - they are merely placing the information at the web location where they have been told to use by referral - most users of BFT having been referred by word-of-mouth (or these days, word-of-web-posting) on places like cruise line information boards, magazine and newspaper articles, and yes, even FlyerTalk.

I understand the idea that no one should seek interactive bidding assistance without "giving back" in a more direct fashion. But for the sharing of raw data, for which BFT serves only as a passive repository, I for one feel absolutely no ethical constraint against using the bidding data on BFT, BB, FT, or elsewhere.

My obligation, when helped, is to offer information and assistance to the people who are, like me, sharing bidding information, not to the Administratrix or to any other specific board operator who chooses to make their board available on a non-subscription site. And I do help, to the best ability, not only by posting raw bidding data but also by offering other information that goes further, such as public transit options, warnings on date conflicts and economical dining options near the hotels. These things may not be meaningful to for-profit board owners, but I daresay that some travellers (especially first timers) might find value in these "contributions".

I for one wish that BFT would convert to a subscription model (beginning today). It would make a great majority of people who currently utilize BFT because they think it's the only bidding information option, seek out the alternatives (although it might hurt the revenues of Houston-area sushi bars).....