Saturday, March 10@7 p.m.
Randy: Looks who's here tonight, evening all

gleff: Evening, Randy-- and John back with us!

JohnMcG: thx!

Pizzaman: Good Evening Randy and John

Kiwi Flyer: Hi Randy, hi John

Pizzaman: John, thanks for coming back or more punishment

Randy: that means they love you John!

JohnMcG: no punishment!

JohnMcG: happy to be connecting with y'all!

Randy: Kiwi, morning to you!!!!

Pizzaman: As soon as gemac insults one of your posts, John, you're one of us

JohnMcG: Kiwi, are you really in NZ?

Kiwi Flyer: Yup, at the moment

Kiwi Flyer: Psst Randy - its afternoon here too

obscure2k: Kiwi also shows up for Mod Dos

JohnMcG: Tops of my visit-next list!

Randy: Kiwi one of the two bloggers that make up the excellent "The Gate" blog for FlyerTalk

Pizzaman: Will someone *PLEASE* tell John to use the search function?

gleff:

Kiwi Flyer: John - there's a member DO here (well Queenstown) in November. Of course you're all invited

Randy: Any questions today regarding the future of FlyerTalk?

obscure2k: My questions were well answered last night

cfischer: how are the new owners going to handle OMNI?

Randy: John, you want to start? If you've got any thoughts?

JohnMcG: I can only say no particular plans for change from our side.

JohnMcG: We're still very much in learning mode.

Randy: and it's posting as usual from my view.

obscure2k: posting as usual is normally a sad thing to see

Randy: I'll remain the Moderator in OMNI, occasionally take members out for a nice drive in the RV, but nothing changes....

Pizzaman: Well, thanks for stopping by, John :P

gleff: John, what do you like most about FlyerTalk from a business perspective? and what concerns do you have?

cfischer: that is good to know ;-)

gfowler-ord-1k: we need to tell John about keeping the parent chat window open

gleff: Looks like we lost John, at least briefly

gleff: Welcome back

JohnMcG: yeah...operator error!

gleff: John, what do you like most about FlyerTalk from a business perspective? And what concerns do you have?

Kiwi Flyer: happens to the best of us

JohnMcG: I'll answer like most first, then concerns.

JohnMcG: Like a lot...strength of the community (mods/TB/contributors), market leading position, quality of the site to date, ongoing involvement from Randy’s team

JohnMcG: Randy and all of you have created something that is really one of a kind. And like eBay, the world doesn't need a bunch of them...better to have one large and really good one.

Randy: nice compliment to our members, thanks John.

JohnMcG: We were so impressed by the governance of the community by the moderators and TB. FT is truly world-class in terms of managing an online community.

cfischer: Any plans to involve more airline reps and hotel insiders? Market leading position? How is the ad situation (and ad free option) going to evolve?

JohnMcG: I think more industry people could be a good thing. But like most of this, I plan to be doing a lot of "What do you think?" questioning to all of you before I start thinking I have a good perspective on such things.

Kiwi Flyer: Will there be any planned interaction between FT and your other sites in ways that affect content and user experience?

Kiwi Flyer: I mean your other travel sites

JohnMcG: We like the idea of an ad-free option for FT.

obscure2k: Links to InsideFlyer?

JohnMcG: Funny story...while we were contemplating the purchase, one of our advisors at Google was giving us advice on using their AdSense ads. They gave us a few examples of sites that do it really well. And FT was one of the ones they mentioned! So probably not a lot of need to change things there!

Pizzaman: What prompted you to consider buying FT? Can you discuss your thought process in deciding to acquire?

gleff: John appreciate your thoughts on the positives. The second part of my question, if you're willing to share with us, your concerns?

JohnMcG: Yeah, we hope to maintain lots of good linkage between FT and IF

Kiwi Flyer: I'd be interested in hearing of any concerns too (thanks gleff)

obscure2k: Will FT continue to be based in COS or Los Angeles, or elsewhere?

JohnMcG: In terms of concerns, we aren't approaching the site with many. Loyalty programs aren't going away. The FT community seems strong and stable. As long as we don't mess things up, hopefully there won't be many problems. If Randy and his team were leaving, I'd have a lot more concerns!

Kiwi Flyer: so would we!

JohnMcG: In terms of interaction with our other sites, we'll probably want to do some cross-linking that is done for search engine optimization. But from a user experience, only changes that make sense, and probably just slow baby steps.

JohnMcG: Well, FT is served offsite from the HOM now, and even if we switch servers in a different location, which will always be offsite at an appropriate facility. In terms of staffing, we'll have our people in LA, and a mix of Randy's team in COS both involved. No planned moves. I imagine more trips to COS for me and others at IB.

Kiwi Flyer: Trust Randy giving you some tips to maximize the miles on those trips

JohnMcG:

obscure2k: Trust O2K for restaurant recommendations in Los Angeles

JohnMcG: We have a nice direct flight! And our office is literally two buildings from LAX!

Kiwi Flyer: You might not want to mention that on FT. I can see it now. Every time FT goes down you'll get visited by an angry mob

JohnMcG: Really, O2K...do tell! One of the things I really enjoy! Going down to Long Beach for dinner tonight after we're done here.

gleff: Yes, last night you mentioned that you were mostly an American flyer... but United has the only non-stops LAX-COS.. so perhaps you'll consider asking UA for a status match...

gfowler-ord-1k: John, you don’t want a direct flight, maximize you miles and rout thru PDX ORD DEN the COS

obscure2k: Not an expert on LGB dining. Very good on W.L.A.

Pizzaman: mix in an IAD stop, too

Randy: That's what I do when I visit them!

techgirl: And I imagine Randy gets to enjoy a few brews at the Four Points LAX too

cfischer: check the MR forum for some creative routings :0

gleff: LAX-SAN-SFO-SMF-DEN-COS...maximize those 500-mile minimums

gfowler-ord-1k: I was impressed with the 4pts beers at the Freddies last year

JohnMcG: I did that once...LAX to PHX via DFW. But that was when I was young and had time on my hands!

techgirl: Yeah, that location has quite the selection

obscure2k: I was disappointed in the egg rolls

gleff: Something about 'egg rolls' and '4pts LAX' that lead one to wonder

obscure2k: Question for Randy: Truly, I expected a larger turnout from the FT community for these chats. Are you surprised at the number of participants? I am.

Randy: The goal is just to be available!

Randy: As well, we'll be posting the transcripts and everyone has a chance to read from there.

Pizzaman: I think it's great that IB has made themselves available in this format.

Randy: I think the thread in ORP has answered many members interest.

techgirl: agree - I didn't anticipate being able to log in until Monday

JohnMcG: I'm happy to dialogue here and/or elsewhere. Will eventually have lots of questions, and whatever answers I can provide.

Randy: And these current hours aren't real convenient for our European contingent

obscure2k: PM is your friend

Pizzaman: Everyone likes to complain when they have a free moment, but actually showing up to have a reasonable discussion....

gleff: It has for me, at least as well as questions and answers can. Speaking of loyalty, FlyerTalk is a huge part of the lives of a very large number of people. Any kind of change to something held so personal and dear will engender fear and distrust. Randy's been reassuring. Personally I buy that I-B has an interest in maintaining and growing the community (more ad views!) and doesn't have an interest in pushing one travel vendor over another (in contrast to some possible buyers). And Randy's staying on. But time will tell how things evolve, just as it would if ownership hadn’t changed hands.

JohnMcG: I like the way you think...more ad views, don't mess with a good thing, and maintain objectivity and vendor neutrality

JohnMcG: Over time we hope to add increasing value, but we're in following mode

cfischer: what about CC? Most FF programs don't allow such transactions, but on FT they are possible within CC. Any changes?

JohnMcG: We do have good tech folks, and that's a place we should be able to help in the months ahead.

JohnMcG: cfisher, will you please elaborate on that question?

gleff: The real open question, and this doesn't speak ill of I-B in any way... Randy has really 'been there for us' over the years. When travel providers don't like what's posted here, or threaten to pull ads, he doesn't flinch. When members wanted to speak with a common voice to Delta about changes in their program, he was first in line contributing real $$. And no doubt Randy will still be doing that, though his other businesses no matter what happens here on FlyerTalk. But we've been incredibly fortunate and spoiled, so I guess it's an open question just how valued members feel with the new ownership of FlyerTalk. Basically, an open question about the value proposition we represent to I-B.

cfischer: within coupon connection members can 'trade' miles and points, which is technically not allowed

obscure2k: Well said, Gleff. Thanks.

JohnMcG: no immediate perspective on CC

gleff: (by the way, in the above I do not suppose any ill will, changes, or otherwise -- just trying to voice some of the fears that have no name that come naturally from change...)

obscure2k: ditto

Randy: good evening old...

oldandslow: Hi.

JohnMcG: The FT members are the asset...that’s clear. We have some good experience recognizing the core value of community on some of our other sites, such as Wikitravel. It's not the content, it's the community. And we have gone to lengths to ensure that the community maintains a strong sense of ownership of the site and the goings on. We'll manage the ad views in a sense, but this is more than just that. These online communities are really living organisms and they need to be cared for as such.

obscure2k: I love your answer

gleff: ^

JohnMcG: great to get us addressing the unspoken fears. I think we'll be a good partner for FT, and so I want to be transparent in our plans.

obscure2k: Please don't use the "T" word on the TalkBoard Forum.

gleff:

JohnMcG: The Wikitravel community feared we were going to destroy that site, and a year plus later we still haven't even added advertising and the founders are still running the site. Slowly they fear us less!

Pizzaman: So, knowing that you'll leave stuff alone for that long, how do you value the business such that you are interested in acquiring it, from a financial perspective?

JohnMcG: Well, we'll need to make money from it at some point. But we're more interested in long-term growth than paying this month's rent from that site. One of the nice things about being a thriving business.

JohnMcG: For FT as well, we hope it will be a good long-term investment. But that doesn't mean we need to change it...in fact, it seems largely the opposite.

cfischer: so what are the long-term revenue plans?

obscure2k: As I said last night, I have become a new viewer of Internet Brands.

JohnMcG: I think mostly just advertising, just as now. Hopefully more advertisers, but nothing that will compromise the objectivity of the site.

cfischer: sounds good

oldandslow: Meaning absolutely no offense to anyone, sir, but there is a clear difference between a community and a business. The decision-making process in business is profit-motivated, even when keeping a sense of community or serving the "membership." The decision-making process in a community involves the members, and Randy et.al. have done an excellent job of moving the community forward within rational, defensible, and even-handed limits with no (okay, with very, very little) sense of a profit motive. I for one expect that this change of ownership will result in changes in FlyerTalk - changes that may not be obvious today, but will happen. Given that changes will occur - perhaps not today, or tomorrow, but soon, and forever - how will Internet Brands be able to attract new members (the lifeblood of any community or business) now that this is a (more) commercial site?

obscure2k: Randy, thanks again for your time. John, thanks again for your reassuring presence and time. Now, I have to cook dinner. Remember to turn your clocks back tonight.

Randy: thanks O2K, remember, 350 degrees for 45 minutes...

obscure2k: Oops, meant to say turn clock forward.

obscure2k: Ha Ha, Randy, I'm Micro waving T.J.'s stuffed peppers for 6 minutes. Great! Ask John to bring them to COS

cfischer: think about all the delayed red-eyes

gleff: (But our non-US members should ignore O2K's clock advice or suffer adverse consequences.)

obscure2k: You have exactly 4 minutes

JohnMcG: I don't view it as becoming any more commercial. Randy had bills to pay and profit to generate. I hope we remain clear that the best way to generate ad revenue from the site is to let the community thrive as it always has.

gleff: Question as a TalkBoard member. One thought that occurred to me is that the FlyerTalk privacy policy restricts disclosure of information to 3rd parties... but one might argue that other Internet Brands websites would no longer be 3rd parties. In the past, the TalkBoard would take up issues like privacy policy. Say, hypothetically, Internet Brands wanted to cross-market to the over 100k FlyerTalk members... and the TalkBoard wanted to look at the privacy policy.... any new boundaries for the TalkBoard, or are we all just sort of felling our way here?

gleff: (I'm not really throwing softballs tonight, am I? )

techgirl: good question

Randy: my position is that our current privacy policy stands. No exceptions, even for me.

JohnMcG: Feeling our way here sounds right. As for things like cross marketing, we approach that very slowly across all our sites. If it adds value to the user, that's great. Cross-links and small stuff are often okay. But we don't foresee any aggressive cross marketing to FT. As for privacy policy, not my area of expertise, but we're generally very white-hat when it comes to user privacy.

Punki: Is this live or are the questions edited?

Punki: I guess it is live.

Randy: just the members are edited!!!!!

Randy: evening Punki.

gleff: Live.... and trial by fire for our new friend from Los Angeles. John, I do appreciate your taking the time, truly.

Punki: How are you feeling about the sale, Randy?

Randy: John, Punki is among our earliest members of FT and served on several Boards prior to the current TalkBoard.

Randy: Me? I'm very happy for our members.

Punki: I'm glad you didn't say oldest members. Although that would be true as well.

JohnMcG: Punki, will you be in Arlington in April?

Punki: Yes we will.

Randy: she's married to "Hunki"

Punki: My daughter, who registered initially back in 1999 forgot her handle. She was going to reregister as Klunki

Punki: John have you previously attended a Freddies?

JohnMcG: No, I haven't

Randy: Any other questions tonight for John? I know he's got some dinner plans in Long Beach and he's been very generous with his time. A reminder that transcripts of all the nightly chats will be posted to ORP by Monday.

Punki: It is an extremely interesting industry event.

Punki: This has probably been asked, but are you, John, already a FF fanatic?

JohnMcG: I think it's an awesome resource! I'm going to ask my boss for more vacation time so I can take better advantage of it!

Punki: It is amazing to me to see wealthy people finesse their trips to get the very last mile.

gleff: Indeed, thanks for taking the time this evening, and don't let us keep you from your dinner plans. But then I guess we've just been keeping you away from traffic on the 710...

Punki: Thanks, John. Have a great evening.

Punki: Hi Boy!

gleff: Welcome, BAMAT

Randy: evening BAMAT

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Thank you (better late than never)

JohnMcG: Good night all! I hope to be back tomorrow evening and will be happy to answer other questions then.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: My timing is excellent, as always

Punki: Randy, has Rudi explained to you his elaborate plan to get millions of miles and have it be a tax write off?

Randy: not his latest - has he been talking to beaubo lately?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Congrats, Randy

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Lol...Beaubo

Randy: Thanks BAMAT....

gleff: I imagine if the trips are for a legitimate charitable purpose, eg volunteering for a tax-exempt entity, the travel expense should be a write-off

Punki: Don't know, but he says he is now set for life.

gleff: I've been meaning to set up my own 501(c)3 to educate the public about the benefits of loyalty programs...

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Wow...I need me some of that

Randy: I’ll give him a ring. I'd visit him but then you'd all get the wrong idea of this latest deal! Switzerland....

BoyAreMyArmsTired: heh

Punki: We just got back last Saturday from celebrating his 64th birthday. Not much snow in the Alps.

Punki: Hi jfe. How is your beautiful little girl?

gleff: Nah, OMNI folks would start getting ideas though if you were making political contributions at the end of the Bush administration, hoping for a presidential pardon...

jfe: she is gorgeous, and growing quickly

Punki: An already got her Daddy wrapped around her finger, I am sure.

jfe: completely, she said "love you daddy"

Randy: wonderful!

Randy: Any more questions for me tonight?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Do you have the winning lottery numbers for me?

jfe: nope, sorry for the interruption

gleff: Sounds like we've gotten most of our questions answered for the evening! Before we let Randy go, any quick frequent flyer wisdom we're all seeking?

Punki: No, you go have a wonderful dinner as well.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I'm going to zip in at the beginning of one of the next ones

Punki: Tell Julie "Hello".

Randy: I lost the last 5 years of twice a week drawings so I’m not good at numbers!

gleff: See, that's the chat we need...

Punki: The fun is plotting how you would spend it.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: My office co-workers won 2.2 million dollars when I wasn't in the office

gleff: (And finally bringing back Mileage Plus for a chat, maybe )

BoyAreMyArmsTired: So I figure, I'm due.

Randy: then I'll join my lovely bride. Thanks all of you for continuing to be FlyerTalk and I trust you're feeling OK about all this.

Pizzaman: So far, so good

gleff: Thanks, Randy. Have a wonderful (rest of your) Saturday night!

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Thanks, Randy

Punki: Happy weekend.

jfe: it was my turn to scare everybody away

Randy: cheers.... good night all.