Not so sure. Randy told me once what FT directly cost him in money each year, and it was a pretty big figure and I do not doubt the accuracy of that figure.

"Insideflyer" Magazine I have no real info on, but as the magazine sells subscriptions and ads, my *guess* is that is a profit centre. I see no evidence that magazine is in any way a "club"?

FT - apart from being a fine and FREE resource for most of us, who appreciate it, is a unique sounding board for Randy and his staff. I could be wrong but imagine it is broadly in the category of a "research tool" ... you lose money on the bare bones existence of it, but simply by being there it assists other aspects of the organisation. Randy employs a couple of dozen staff, and IF and FT are only a small part of his diverse flying/points related business AFAIK.

I have often seen posts by staff asking for our general thoughts on this idea, or that proposal, or this possibility etc, and they get a dozen fast responses from heavy users of that hotel/airline. As an "instant" market research tool for many aspects - FT is pretty unbeatable.

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~ Glen ~

Come and visit the most ** FRIENDLY FORUM ** on FlyerTalk. No flame wars, no personal abuse, no substance abuse. Not much of anything really!


[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 03-07-2003).]