Given the recent post abot taking a comp'd offer and then agreeing to not name the company because he was dissatisfied with the service I suppose that change makes sense. After all, how could you claim to be above taking comps while also accepting them and letting them affect the content you publish.

Ha, just have "the website" remove the sermon, then you no longer have to practice what you preached. ;)

sbm 12 and hiker t
 

[QUOTE=HikerT;20924601]Ha, just have "the website" remove the sermon, then you no longer have to practice what you preached. ;)[/

I had no idea it was removed until you pointed it out, but that makes no difference to those looking to cause controversy.

my reply is: Yawn to both

and here is one more for you
 

Yawn :rolleyes:

I'm confused. Your website censored you? You changed your position on comps? You no longer look forward to revisiting the topic? Or all 3? :D

let me help you out here.
 

Can't believe this is so confusing.

1. it is not my website. it belongs to IB and it appears they changed the post

2. I did take a comp with the caveat up front I would say exactly what I wanted about the experience. I did just that and personally decided not to name the competitors site.

3. What topic would you like me to revisit? Make it a clear question please. To date I have not accepted free flights or hotel rooms, nor meals or merchandise. I still have the computer given to me by Microsoft and will be buying it at the end of my one year free trail period.

http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2013/...vice-comp.html

they asked me not to post and I posted the story anyway without their name.

No problem. You originally said you were against comps because taking a free comp would make you want another and another after that, and it was a slippery slope you weren't willing to go down. Now it sounds like you are willing to go down that slope as long as you can say exactly what you want about the experience. Also, you originally said you looked forward to revisiting the topic of comps as the years pass, but you seem to have changed that position as well. As far as clear questions, sure...
(1) has your position on comps changed?
(2) if IB is censoring what you write on FTG, then why would you take a comp if you no longer have control to say exactly what you want?

1. my position on active blog owners taking comps has not changed. I dont think they should. I am no longer a blog owner. that is what has changed. a blog just happens to have the same name as my FT handle. I should probably think about going back it Ingy as my FT handle.

2. I don't think they are censoring what I say, but can't deny the post in question has been change. I had no idea until you brought it up. I can write whatever I want, and if they feel they need to edit, I'm ok with that. They own the blog, not me. "Their blog Their rules."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>They decided after my results to not have me mention their name and I'm ok with that.

I think the blog's readers would love to learn the company's name; in fact, they SHOULD know the company name out of respect for their time! If not posting the name of it, what was the purpose of the blog post? Was it to speak highly of Uber and, you know, pass your affiliate links (two because one apparently was not enough)?

I think you should change your handle to Ingy because it is obvious keeping it as is remains quite controversial as we have trouble distinguishing who we are talking about when we refer to "Frugal Travel Guy".

And Happy Father's Day^

Ok, sounds like if you write for a blog, but don't own it, it's ok to take a comp? But it's not ok if you own the blog and have full control over what gets published? That's some serious gymnastics from what you wrote a few posts back which sounded like it was ok as long as you had full control over what you wrote. If anything I'd think that would lead to the argument that only blog owners should take comps. Or are you just making this stuff up as you go along? ;)

not owning the blog that bears your name (handle) but at the same time writing for it full of all kinds of affiliate links, to me, is just a weird thing.

no offense though.

Just making it up as I go along ;)

In all seriousness, just surprised that a company offers to send me a $75 credit to try there service and that is all that is left to talk about on this forum? I guess it is not surprising when a the big news of the day is $10 off a $50 gift card. This game is nothing like it used to be. So much to do about nothing :(

And to the previous poster, it is really weird to have comments made about FTG and not really know if they are about me personally or the blog FTG. Hopefully as time goes on and I continue to move in others peoples minds from blogger to travel hacker it will get less confusing.

As far as changing my handle back to Ingy, I'd be all for it except George suggested it and George is "Angry" and a Greek Financial planner. My Daddy always told me never do what a Greek Financial Planner tells you, you "SHOULD" do.

Happy Fathers Day buddy

I will let others decide about replying in such a typically classy flippant manner^

Thanks for addressing my post so eloquently once again and respecting your readers:

I think the blog's readers would love to learn the company's name; in fact, they SHOULD know the company name out of respect for their time! If not posting the name of it, what was the purpose of the blog post? Was it to speak highly of Uber and, you know, pass your affiliate links (two because one apparently was not enough)?


Your pal always

Ouch
 

Well said, HikerT.

I have followed Rick for many years and truly respected the advice he used to give. I felt sorry for him as he started getting "competition" for what he did from all sides. And, yes, people did seem "angry" with him, maybe because he was older, heavier, and more right-wing than the average reader. Some were probably very jealous that he was able to make money off his hobby---this always rankles some of the hardcore internet fringe elements who think everything must be free.

Of course, the anonymity of the internet made it easy for people to take shots at him.

So it is a sad day for me to see someone I respected now give such weaselly answers, and resort to personal insults (against George).

I don't know if he can see his own faults or understand he has changed. It's almost as if he is too close to it all. Maybe it is time for him to step away for awhile...

Funny all FTG does is defend a blog he doesn't "own" (and quite often he is allowed to mock the posters in the process.) Just look at his recent months' post history, his primary purpose of being on FT is to respond to any anti-FTG comment he can find. So much for contributing to the community, eh?

The fact remains that for one reason or another, FlyerTalk is OK with FTG launching personal attacks on other posters on a regular basis. I know it isn't tolerated, I've had my own posts removed couple of times. He is just the exception to the rule. :td:

PS: This is not a post against the volunteer MODs who spend countless hours daily to help the community. This is a problem which lies with IB owning both FT and FTG, and giving FTG a free pass.

So effin disingenuous! Most people have no idea that FTG "the person" doesn't own FTG "the blog" - or that someone else exercises editorial control.

Seems to me there's a convenient fiction being presented to the blog's readers. Your face shows up repeatedly - but when criticism is leveled at your posts, you disavow responsibility by saying it's "their" blog. Makes me want to spit in disgust at how shady that is.

Seems to me there are ties that bind - ties that all have $$ attached to them...

so I guess it is ok for the anon, including George, to take all the shots they want, but I'm whining when I fight back? It seems I'm the only one fighting back? The other bloggers are just smart enough to ignore the nameless, faceless cowards on the Internet.

Dont worry anons, you won't have me to kick around much longer. I'm almost done. I'm guessing your next target will be Daraius or Rene as they seem to occasionally push back at the 1% of the 1% you represent.

It has been a great ride for me with all the positive comments and feedback I've received over the years. Your insignificant numbers in relation to the positives just substantiate how small of a minority you are. I never wanted to say it out loud but the majority of positive comments and emails I get have suggested it is envy and jealousy that drive the anger. Kind of like " I could have done that".

But you didn't, so we bloggers that did, and made a huge financial success, get the heat?

I always had more faith in humans, particularly the early group of Flyer-talkers that were so giving, supportive and such a fun loving group. I guess the majority is right and envy and jealousy drive this new minority faction. Best of luck to ya:confused:

Any time you put a product into the marketplace you are going to have fans and detractors.

Some companies have entire websites dedicated to mocking and tearing them down (hello, u n t i e d. com!). Some of the criticisms are fair, many unfair.

But that does not mean that there is not great value in addressing issues when things go wrong. Everyone makes mistakes and there is great value in companies admitting to their mistakes.

And sometimes companies take decisions detrimental to their customers. The WORST thing they can do in these instances is sell these detriments as 'enhancements,' because then not only are they hurting their customers, they are insulting their intelligence at the same time.

But at the end of the day, generally speaking, no matter how hot the criticism gets, the best business practice is to stay positive. Ultimately the marketplace will decide if you are doing things right or wrong, not your vocal fans nor detractors.

I have great respect for bloggers like you who engage in this forum. It takes guts. The kind of guts that many bloggers appear to lack (and yes, MMS running away from the plagiarism 'scandal' is a prime example of that). So thank you for being here and defending your posts. But I do think you ought to think about what are best business practices, no matter how hot some of your customers get. Because I am sure that I am not alone in feeling a little offended and put off with the talk about envy and jealousy from FlyerTalkers.

Always remember: FlyerTalkers are your customers AND the river in which you pan for gold. Without FlyerTalkers, points and miles bloggers would not exist. So respect the girl what brung ya to the dance! ;)^

Koko, that was the best response ever to a post by a blogger in this forum. it was civilized and tried to get to the meat of the discussion. I appreciate that. please REread my comment. I never said that I want to agree with envy and jealousy being the motivation for the "angries". the majority of my readers have suggested it to me. And at this point with my involvement winding down, and no other explanation of why such vile comments are made about miles and points blogs, one has to consider all possibilities.

I actually hope, for clarity's
sake, to be able to answer all of your questions some day. I hope that has become evident to all of you by my participation in these discussions no matter how many times you feel it necessary to call me a douce bag, or disgusting. it just comes with he territory. I admit it hurts, but in the scheme of life, it is nothing more than angry comments from a super minority.

in the event other posters want a civilized discussion, I will stand ready to do what I can to answer questions civilly within my current legal constraints.

thanks again koko

Are you referring to the Greeks being correct that austerity doesn't work? http://www.nybooks.com/articles/arch...gination=false. Way to keep it classy.

Those darn Greeks...not only invented civilization and democracy...they are now in the forefront of...economics:D:D

I am going to the gym to work off two fat burgers I ate at the neighborhood summer picnic.

Totally Inappropriate - How Can It Be tolerated??
 

I am a mere newbie and have only been reading points and miles blogs as well as FT for barely six months. But one does not need to know any FT or FTG history to see such a post as completely inappropriate. Perhaps it was meant as a joke but such jokes are not at all funny. I rather think it was written in such a way that FTG/Ingy could claim it was meant as a joke when it was indeed intended to be just plain nasty. This characterization is insulting and demeaning. The ground rules around here are supposed to prevent such personal attacks, aren't they?

If you don't understand how wrong such a post is, try substituting the word "Greek" with the word "Jewish" or "Black" or any other ethnic identity, whether it be your own or someone else's. Such posting should not be tolerated. At all. Ever.

Mods, can you please step in and make this go away?

Thank you.

The little red triangle with the exclamation point in the middle on the bottom left of each post is your opportunity to alert moderators to posts you think violate the rules of FT. @:-)

FTG has special privileges. Feel free to review his posting history to see more of his 'classy posts'.

What does George being Greek have anything to do with it?

Why bring up ethnicity?

I'd strongly recommend removing that comment. It makes you sound like a bigot.

Yes, I do know some of the history. But there should be no place for anything that can be even remotely considered a racial or ethnic slur.

I have benefited quite a lot from many, many helpful posts from FTers and won't let this stop me from coming to FT. But you can be sure that I will not click through to any ads or affiliate links here. Not much of a loss though - I haven't seen any yet that are even close to the better offers easily available on so many FT threads!

Really amazing - as seasoned world-wide travelers, who have met people everywhere, I would hope (expect?) that FTers would be the least likely to speak of others in so crass a manner.

I assume Rick was trying to crack a joke. We all do know that the Greek government played fast and loose with their numbers and screwed the EU to some extent. But of course George does not represent the Greek government. The joke did look like a personal attack and it would be nice to see some backtracking.

Its a personal joke between George and I but for all you morally outraged, George I apologize it you took offense. No racial slur intended.

Now get back to the cross burning. Oh wait, that may be offensive to the witches or bloggers in the crowd :D

Maybe if you let them burn your picture instead, I'm sure much less people will take offense.

\

Can we let the blog put links on the photos that will activate when hot?

Ok, you actually made me laugh with that one. This idea has potential. ^

For all: I did not take offense, I do not take things personally, it is da internet! I have no control of what others post and they have a right to say whatever they want. Everyone can make their own judgement.

Joke (well, not really actually):

Q:What is the biggest export of Greece?
A: Hard working Greeks

To my supporters: Thanks

Amol: Time for another video?

I was in Greece recently, and I asked the Bulgarian who was hustling to make my hotel stay incredible: 'if unemployment is so high in Greece, why do they import labor from Bulgaria?'

His reply: 'The Greeks are wonderful, but they are so lazy.'

For the record, my favorite thing about Greece was the people!

Just IME...

First off I don't comment on FT anymore (see my comment history) after being an uber-FT supporter. But this forum (not thread) is just one of the many reasons why I am done with FT. I had to break my rule to jump in for Rick (not that he needs me - he is a big boy and been in this much longer than me). But, enough is enough.

Rick is an amazing man. He has helped more 'people' than FT ever will IMO (and not just with points he HELPS people)! Yes he wears his heart on his sleeve and speaks his mind. (smile).

The bottom line of all of this is just what Rick said, the little group of "Angry's" just don't matter squat diddly. They are so few and can sit in their family basements and spit out venom and hate all they want. FT has shown it is OK here to call long time users liars, and much worse and it will NOT be removed (even when you hit the little sign). This is very sad for FT and it's future as a useful site (and also IMO why blogs are growing so fast and will continue to do so).

The other area where the Angry's DO have in impact is destroying a good thing. Look at it this way, all it takes is 1 idiot to call the airlines and a deal dies right? All it takes is one person to do many things that can spoil a party or whatever as all it takes is 1 of 100 when the other 99 where having a blast. That is the power of the Angry's - to destroy what the 99 love.

Blogging is a work of art (unless they are just a consolidator that creates no new content and just post others work). For most it takes many hours and time and thought of how you can help a reader. To then have it spat on evokes a reaction. Fortunately 99 of 100 are positive and appreciative. I know Rick must get just so much love each day for all he has done and FT and others owe him a TON!

So as a last post on FT this works for me.

The Bulgarian is right. There are so many jobs in the fields but no Greeks go there and instead they rely on Albanian or Asian immigrants (Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria). I could write a long blog post about what is happening there and explain everything but it is a bit off topic:)

Is it me or is it just DP and FTG the only ones who appear angry and have absolutely no sense of humor? #justsaying

Personally, you guys, I can't wait to read the next post by Tamara and scroll forever in DP's Facebook page...Darnit, I am out of Slim Jims to flog myself:D

Happy Fathers Day to all dads. I am treating myself to a Frapuccino at Starbucks...again^

Obviously I noticed that too.

Which, again, is weird, since if it were not for FlyerTalkers they would have had no material for their blogs!

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you...

it's more disappointment in human behavior
 

I really had no idea that people would react as they do to a points and miles blog. If I had a question or difference of opinion with someone, I'd just come out and ask them about it. Of all the negative and sometimes abusive comments I've received the only guys with the stones to send me an email or private message were hobo13 and Gregorygrady. In fact, I've enjoyed our differences of opinion and civility when airing out our differences, we have been trying for a face to face meetup. That's the way I was brought up.

Being from the older generation, I had no idea people would hide behind the anonymity of the Internet. It is a sad state of affairs and I'm afraid, driving many away from FT.

But I'm lucky enough to leave with many great memories, 70 countries under my belt, more miles than i can use, family and friends I care about, and my retirement well taken care of.