Welcome to Flyertalk.

I think you'll find that threads get closed for two main reasons --

* They are posted in the wrong forum. To improve the quality of the board, there are guidelines about what items should be posted in each area. When an item is posted in the wrong place, the moderator often moves it. It appears closed in the original forum, but more often than not there's a link to show where to continue the conversation.

* The topic has shifted away from the point of flyertalk -- the discussion of miles and points -- and has devolved into personal attacks, etc.

There are terms of service for this bulletin board. It is, after all, a private endeavor. What Randy (board's owner) or his designees set out as rules is entirely their perogative.

I do think you'll find that this board is more open and freewheeling than many others.

At the same time, it isn't a complete free-for-all. The fact that we do have moderators speaks to that.

On the whole, most of us find that it works pretty well. It is, after all, a very successful internet bulletin board. Hundreds of thousands of posts and a wealth of information!

You really don't need to study the terms of service or anything like that.

Just use common sense:
* be courteous. don't start flame wars. stick to miles and points. be helpful and constructive.
* don't advocate anything illegal or in clear violation of the rules of whatever program you're discussing
* stay on topic --- and each forum has a fairly clear and concise description as to what its purpose is.

This really isn't an uptight place. Just practice the golden rule and all will be fine.

Again, welcome!

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More Room Throughout Coach: the Website of Free Miles and Free Markets