Ok, so I'm a newbie.

But these two threads are eerily similar.

At first I thought the "US BAHT RUN" thread was a parody on "The List" thread; now I'm not so sure!

Each thread is premised on withholding information for the safekeeping of abuses by the masses and by "The Industry" for the benefit of a designated group (a group more knowledgeable? more trustworthy? with more seniority?)

Well, who cares? If you have information and you don't want to share it, bully for you! Create you own boards! Set up private mailing lists! But leave the "masses" out of it.

If you are so unhappy that FlyerTalk has become a pedestrian forum for "newbies" or "coupon swappers" or "lurkers", then do something positive and create your own forums of expression (public or private) where you will feel more comfortable.

This is the internet: it attracts all types of folks. This site has the advantage of getting good press, undoubtedly thanks to the many FTers who post useful infomation regularly.

But, there seems to be a certain sentiment of how things used to be, things were better before the masses arrived, etc (sounds like air travel in the 1960s and 1970s!).

I'm trying to participate in positive, honest, informative posts on these boards. Unfortunately, some folks seem to be very preoccupied with the past, a past that excludes (de facto, of course, but perhaps by design, as well) many current members of the community.

Personally, I was just very happy to have found one month ago this site and people who shared my passion for travel and miles. Now I don't feel so welcome.

Thanks for your time.