Clique!
 

As a new person to this message board, I find the absolute addiction of of earning miles a weird sort of thrill and i'm tickled that i'm not the only weirdo about doing this!

I also appreciate everybody's experiences with flying and the knowledge passed on but let's not get too serious about this.

Again as a newcomer, I hope i'm not speaking out of turn but a find a certain attitude is developed towards people who haven't been on this board since the dawn of time (or last year whenever it was). Let's not get facist about when and where you can post and about what. I've seen quite a few posts about 'well this should be posted there' and 'read this post from a quadrillion days ago'. This is a harmless board with no agenda to end world hunger or achieve world peace so how
about we just have a laugh at ourselves for
this pseudo-cult were all invloved in.

MIAman3, whats facist? (can't find it in my dictionary).

A racist is someone who discriminates on the basis of race. Therefore a facist is someone who discriminates on the basis of face. So whoever started that photo directory of FlyerTalk members a while back is probably the culprit.

Sorry. Dyslexic keyboard strikes again.

what about typist for people offend by bad
keyboard spelling?

Sorry if I offended anyone by being particular. I do want newcomers to be welcome. At the same time I want the "bang for the buck" to be as high as possible. I've totally given up on USENET newsgroups over the last couple of years for how little I learn after wading thru so many posts.

FT is useful as with as little as 5-15 minutes a day (alright sometimes more) - I know and understand the intricate details quickly and easily.

FT has a sense of community that admittedly approaches a clique at times. On the other hand, without some community approach, the core ideal of the Internet is lost and we are just left with static webpages no better than billboards.

MIAman3: Thanks for the post, I'm sure it will do us all good to be reminded of this every so often.

However, I think that advising that a post has been made before which answers a question is perfectly valid. I see nothing wrong with pointing people in the right direction to get the answers to there questions.

I also think it is only polite to post in the appropriate thread. Many people, myself included, only look at threads which are of interest to them (in my case BA; AC; Buzz; AF; CO; UA; Hilton; Marriott; Hyatt & IC), a bit of discipline helps us all to see what is usefull and not be bogged down by what is not.

On another point, sometimes the comments you refer too are made because there are some members of this community, who use this forum as a short-cut to their own 'research'. There are a very few people who ask many questions they could easily answer by just opening their Handbooks, rather than do that they post here.

After a while, and especially if they give nothing back to this community, it can become tiresome.

Perhaps it is only the 'old-timers' who notice this and therefore say "enough"?

As fas as a clique goes, there are obviously genuine friendships which have built up over the life of this board. However, one of the things that impresses me most about this board (and I think Catman should take alot of the credit for this) is that any clique that exists is largely conducted off-line so as to stay on topic here.

Because this is a community, I think a little tollerence is needed on BOTH sides when a 'newbie' takes the plunge and starts posting.
Nick

PS: Shouldn't you have marked this as OMNI? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

MIA:
..as a fellow "Junior Member" but one who's been hanging in the shadows for a few months, I can honestly say that this board is quite balanced between serious (sometimes anal), informative interaction and lighthearted, "ROFL" humor. It's a good mix. It's also a good feeling that you can post without fear that someone, somewhere is going to turn ignorance into a personal attack. I am OK with a little redirection at times, since it's usually rare.

MIAman--I think that many of us who post information to the board do try to contribute some of our knowledge for the good of the rest of the FT community. However, we don't really want to be seen as an easy way to find information that a person could just as easily find by 1) looking through the program handbook themselves, or 2) going to the program's web site and finding the information (after all, by the very act of posting, we know they have access).
Similarly, to agree with Merry and others, being polite and posting on the appropriate topic gives all of us an easy way to find information on topics of interest to us. I can easily get on, scan AA, Delta, TWA, US, Hilton, InterC, Hyatt, and Marriott and find most of the stuff of interest to me, then hit Buzz for general info. Posting in the right place makes the board more useful for everyone.
Some on the board have adopted some of their own language, and have certain other idiosyncracies. But the idea is to share useful information with others in the most useful way for everyone.
Glad to have you on board, just as I was welcomed a few months ago.

All of this was covered in an earlier thread. Look for it if you're mentally capable http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I think what we need is a FlyerTalk FAQ. Not the general one they have now about how to use the message boards. Rather one geared towards the "rules of the road". Maybe we can even get our friends at WebFlyer to put a link to it on the top of the page.

I'd be happy to maintain it, of course I'd need input from the rest of you.

[This message has been edited by Boomer (edited 03-07-99).]

IN spite of some good advice... I have to give this response.

Words can hurt more than fists -- Mark Blanchard, Academic High senior yearbook.

I would be very careful about the use of certain words on this board. Words like "Facist" (there are people like myself who are very sensative to that kind of word. And while I can't speak for "that person who started the photo directory of FlyerTalk members" a facist is the very last thing that person is. And frankly it's a fun little board that if you don't want to contribute to or read then DON"T. There are no facists on this board!!!

Psuedo cult? if this is a "CULT" then all those people who are this grocery coupon forum I contribute to are the biggest number of cultists of all! I guess then we should all wear airline uniforms and chant for free frequent flyer miles at our local airports.

There are those who may think of F-T as a clique. I don't, and having deal with cliques in high school (and being hurt by them) I would not stay on this board if it's a clique. We are more a community, and I think it's great that friendships have emerged then all the better.

If there was a clique, there would only be six people on these boards... not over one thousand. I think we all make an effort to welcome newbees.

I want to apologize for suggesting that postings go under approporate posts. BUT this is only a suggestion to make it easier for those interested in those posts to go right there and find it.

Boomer makes a good suggestion. Maybe Inside Flyer should put together 20 or more frequently asked questions and put that on a separate forum. Thank you Boomer for offering to keep it up.

Yes, I should not have get totally upset about some of the remarks (and failed attempted at being funny) that transpired earlier in this board. But words can hurt. And personally any attack on a friend on F-T is not tolerated by me! (You know what I'm referring to.)

NOW: IF ANY OF YOU ARE OFFENDED BY THIS MESSAGE I APOLOGIZE. AND IF YOU WANT ME TO LEAVE THESE BOARDS, I WILL.



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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif CATMAN http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 03-07-99).]

The internet is one of the most democratic media, yet some people find it fashionable to use words like fascist, nazis etc. If there are particular people/postings which offend you, go ahead and respond to those postings.

I am glad that there are people like MIAman3 who think that it is ok for certain topics to be posted ad infinitum. I do not have the time or the patience to constantly answer the same question over and over, I hope that MIAman3 can take over the responsibility of doing so.

Good for you MIAaman3.....I also have noticed the Clique on these boards.

What everyone should be aware of is that WE do not own these forums....FlyerTalk does. And, for that matter, they (FT) may have contracts with the airlines and hotels to post forums, so that those corporations can see what customers are sounding off about.

The interent is just another way to be profitable.....do all of you really think FT developed these forums as a "feel good" to frequent flyers????? This is BIG business at its best! Our comments are reviewed by airlines and hotels to only improve the bottom line.

Don't get me wrong....I enjoy our comments, but somebody, somewhere is using this information as a way to cripple the competition or improve customer satisfaction. You are kidding yourself if your think this is just a "general discussion".

[This message has been edited by traveltoomuch (edited 03-07-99).]

Hold on a minute....

My earlier light-hearted comments aside, the concept that there is a "clique" amongst us is absurd.

You register, you talk about travel, you read about travel, you're accepted as much as anyone else.

If some people like a greater degree organization than others, so be it. But a clique - come on now.

I have never, never seen anyone new dealt with in anything other than the most gracious terms. If someone replies "we just talked about that, look back through the threads" It's just meant to save the reposting time.

And I LOL about being a FACEist. Just a witty play on words worthy of our forum.

Now, lets all get back to having fun and earning miles and points......

Does this mean we earn clique rewards now? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Thank you NJDavid.

And I will admit when I'm wrong... mistaking Faceist for that other word when Describing you Dave.

You are more an Artist than anything else.

Now let's get back to Frequent Travel. Thank you.



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:) CATMAN :)

Thanks for your responses.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone and clique probaly was a bad term to use as you do have a strong community spirit here so for that I apologize.

I've seen quite a few posts where people have
chewed people out for repeating or using a similar topic again which again seems a bit off. I'm pretty impatient myself but crikey, this isn't just a hints and tips section where you get on, 2 mintues later you find the meaning to life, the universe (how to get one million miles free First class) and disappear to something more meaningful. It's a message board.

We all agree were a bit silly spending so much time devoted to this past-time but it's fun and what the hell, otherwise i'll just be lazing in my pool, drinking a beer and...
see you guys later!

arturo mimber of click an lik et. arturo knot lacked here butt in arturos 'hood he liked. arturo lik to reed bout how to git mo mils for arturos pesos. no won ever well come arturo to thes, butt arturo knot kere. arturo jist wach an git on peepls nirvs whin they git oot of lin.

miaman3, yu must hav bad day whin yu sey wat yu sey. arturo sey hav fun be hapy luv awl.

traveltoomuch: you are a person after my own heart. I am just as suspicious of motives as you are, it seems. But no, the programs do not pay us and, as unbelievable as it may seem, we are not maintaining FlyerTalk as a means of providing information to them. We sell advertising on our site, like many sites, though not on FlyerTalk directly. And as for the comment that programs are listening for comments that affect the bottom line: I KNOW they're watching and listening, but I doubt they take much notice.
If anyone has evidence to the contrary, it would be interesting to see it.

It seems as if the word "clique" may have been a bit too strong. However, one must remember that in this forum, with text only, we are not able to interpret body language and facial gestures to determine what a person is really saying. The internet is fabulous, but this is something that results in such limited communication, the nonverbals are just not there! Basically, I don't take it too seriously when people start about posts and such. What I do take seriously is when someone lets us know where to get a mileage deal. Recently I signed up with AMEX so that I could get the 10,000 miles for only $85. This is great because now I have a free ticket. If not for this board, it is quite possible I would not have known about this mileage opportunity!
Don't sweat the small stuff!

Clique Rewards was a good one. :-)

Clique Rewards is a good one.

I guess some of the FlyerTalkers are already qualified as lifetime Uranium. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

But to be serious: this is not a clique and should not be seen as such. It's just a bunch of harried travelers and workers helping each other out!

Now let's get back to Frequent Flyer business!


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:) CATMAN :)

Webster's New Encyclopedic Dictionary (1995):

clique:

"a small exclusive group of people having a shared often selfish interest (French)."

I, RUDI, AM A PROUD MEMBER OF OUR FLYERTALK CLIQUE - AND I ENJOY IT!

And I add: For me Arturo's posting are one of the highlights when I surf trough the postings - it shows witt, high intellect, and his statements are often VERY TRUE.

It is not that easy to tell the truth the way Arturo does - these are no typing errors at all, it is the way to criticise in a language most people accept better (or never understand at all) than getting the truth openly, it is like Simplicissimus in Germany in the middle age, I appreciate it very much indeed.

Arturo plays the role of the "truth-teller", like in the middle-age the role of a JESTER. I LOVE and APPRECIATE ARTURO's postings - REALLY.

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 03-10-99).]

Rudi: Selfish is NOT one word that I would describe you.

And over time I have learned to accept Arturo's posts because as you said This person does speak honestly and without fear.

But clique, not. A friendship club, then yes.


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:) CATMAN :)

Yeah, I would have thought that fascist is more offensive than clique.

that "other" word hurts a lot; but may be only second-world-war-europeans (occupied, surrounded, living under their regime, or refugees) really know them (and that word).

arturo knot lik thet wurd ether. arturo themk ownly 2 thins whin he heer thet wurd, and boff of thim bad. arturo themk clickist beter wurd. arturo leaf now.

I just think people should be able to have reasoned debate without resorting to abusive, personal or emotive language.
MF

Yeah! So all you poopies, scum-bums and dork-voms quit using personal attacks, or else, heck to betsy, you'll be sorry! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

(its amazing the words you can use in personal attacks when you have a pre-schooler at home!!)

And with Merry's and Matt's (and Matt's daughter's) suggestions, I hope that brings all the personal attacks to a end and we can get back to happy and safe flying and friendship.

THE PEACEFUL EASY FEELING CAT FOR CATMAN (Who's packing for Cleveland)


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:) CATMAN :)

How very little some things have changed over this time! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

What really impressed me about this board, is, when I was fairly new, strangers sent me double healthy choice coupons. They did not know me, spent their own stamp, took their own time to help me, a stranger. Certainly not "clique" ish behavior. I tried to thank them all and hope I didn't miss anyone. I do admit that I am bothered when someone's first post, asks for help, and after being given help, there is no follow-up to the help offered, and they are never seen again. That is not the spirit of these boards.Somehow it feels a little "used." Seems like most people REALLY enjoy helping each other, explaining and sharing the knowledge they have learned from their experiences. Yes, sometimes newcomers are a little "lazy". They could learn a lot by just reading previous threads going back a few months. Then their questions would be clarifying questions, not basic ones. It's hard to answer someone who says, "I'm a newbie, tell me all you know." To date, I have not met anyone on these boards personally, but have exchanged very positive posts on the board, and e-mails with some and may actually meet some one day. In the meantime, I personally am grateful for everything that has been shared. There is so much I would not have known about, and I hope that I have been able to enlighten many of you through my contributions. Thank you for all that have made serious contributions.

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DtG

[This message has been edited by dgordon (edited 11-24-2000).]

doc, I sure agree with you.

I guess the more things change, the more they remain the same. At least, here on FlyerTalk.

Ricechex is right....Don't sweat the small stuff.

But my 2 cents...

There's nothing the matter with cliques. It's a fact of life. I think this board actually functions better with a clique. I mean it's the clique that keeps this board moving along smoothly. Make fun if you want. But we need a small group to keep us going. Even to motivate the rest of us when things get a little sluggish.

There are many people here who post every so often. They are VERY IMPORTANT to this board. Every bit of info provoded by them is just as important as those in the 'clique'. And 'clique' not said in the bad sense of the word.

My old 'clique' in AOL sort of self-destructed after a while. Just a few remain.
This group is different. Valuable info is provided here. I've even been the receipient once or twice.

So if you want to participate, come join in. Be constructive. Make this board the way YOU want to see it. If all you want to do is read the post here without participating, that's OK too.

And one last thing.
I've had the pleasure since joining F/T last September to meet some people. In person they are very nice! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

So come join us next time there is a meeting in your city.

Regards, Dan

"...You register, you talk about travel, you read about travel, you're accepted as much as anyone else..."

"I just think people should be able to have reasoned debate without resorting to abusive, personal or emotive language."

Let's please ALL make it so! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
-Mark