I posted on page one of this thread...
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">In other words, I think it's one thing to take advantage of an error (because it may not turn out to be one), but another thing entirely to try to do everything possible to perpetuate that error.</font>
To which
Ken hAAmer responds:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">So it's OK for you to take advantage of it, but to take steps to allow others to do so is wrong? How is that different from just keeping the "error" to yourself, and not posting it?</font>
That is
not what I said. Please reread the above. What I said is that it
should be shared with as many people as possible. Because
it may be legit!!! What I object to is purposefully and knowingly doing everything in your power to make sure the company doesn't become aware of a possible error!
If by "take steps to allow others to do so is wrong?" includes going out of my way to
deliberately hide the error from the companies...yes I would think that is wrong. If the steps taken are
deliberate actions to keep the error "quiet" just so it's not discovered by the company...yes, I think that is wrong.
Taking part in an activity that deliberately prolongs a possible mistake by taking actions that conspire to keep the suspected mistake from the company, versus just openly publicizing the mistake, are 2 different issues in my mind.
I'm not saying anyone should have to call 'em up and advise them of your suspicions (and you certainly wouldn't if you did think it was legit), but neither do I think you should hide in the shadows about it.
If you sincerely believe that what you are purchasing
could be a legitimate rate or even an error that you think they might honor, by all means go ahead and purchase it and spread the news to whomever you can reach!
But if you suspect that it might be an error, to then take
deliberate action to "keep it quiet" IMHO, is wrong. Just go about your business as normal. Don't be afraid to talk about it or call the airline and ask for seat assignments or
anything out of the ordinary
that you would normally do. IMHO.
If I found myself changing my normal activities because I am worrying about "ruining it for others"...this would indicate to me that in my heart of hearts I suspected all along that I was doing something wrong!
In other words, if you feel that the rate is legit, why would you hide out? What does it say when you find yourself hiding out in the dark shadows?
letiole observes:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">One thing I'm definitely against is criticizing those who do post loopholes and errors. At the same time, I also have seen some of the same people who argue for full disclosure not disclose loopholes they find. That's wrong too.
One thing PremEx does sometimes, is post a good tip way down deep in a thread that appears unrelated. I've picked up some good info that way and it doesn't easily tip off company lurkers.</font>
Agree with the first part and Thanks for noticing on the second part.
And I think the second part somewhat addresses
Ken hAAmer's excellent comment:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The problem in my opinion is the "one size fits all" attitude. It's all or nothing. You either loudly shout publicly every find you make, or you hoard everything you find. No one seems to be ready to make a measured response, based on the qualities of the find.</font>
What
letiole observes about my and many others posting "style"
is an example of a measured response. I don't start posts like "Confirm Now...Use 500 Milers Later" at all. I'm not lookin for Glory here.
But neither do I hold back any info in fear of the airline finding out and closing the loophole by reading about it.
In fact, I personally think there is a greater chance of a FlyerTalk reader "finking" out a loophole, than there is the company finding out by stumbling upon it here.
In the above example, I would fully expect a General Mileage Plus member, a Premier or a Premier Executive to call United and object to this loophole, as it is cheating (I hope no one objects to me using the word "cheating" here)
them out of upgrade opportunities much more than it is cheating United out of anything!
Regardless, I can look myself in the mirror just fine everytime a United agent gladly allows the switch (which is within their power), knowing that I'm not only doing it in the light of day, but sharing the info with the community as well.
If they close the loophole, fine. Loopholes probably should be closed to be totally fair to all participants. IMHO.
But until they do, to paraphrase Sherlock...
I am not retained by United to supply their deficiencies.
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-05-2002).]