Do not get too excited -- this forum still doesn't really exist. It won't until it becomes an active, vibrant, place to get and give info.

The problem is that for many FlyerTalkers "Budget Travel" means staying in a room at the Hilton instead of a suite. Hence, they will not really be in a position to answer your questions about finding a place to stay in Venice for $25 a day.

The answer is to contact your budget travelling friends and tell them about FlyerTalk, and specifically this forum, and getting them to sign up and join in the discussions.