One Mile at a Time [OMaaT] discussions [merged]
Jul 21, 2015, 3:24 pm
#557
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 6,422
Not to pick on your comment directly, but what is it about someone wanting to be alone that sends people into panic? Some people (myself included) are just wired like that. I've lived my entire life so far not having a strong desire to have lots of friends, and I'm a very happy guy and satisfied in life. Friends are important, yes, but I don't base my happiness upon being around other people.
Ben sounds like he's a bit of an introvert, that's all. I totally get where he's coming from, and it doesn't necessarily mean he's clinically depressed and in need of help.
Ben sounds like he's a bit of an introvert, that's all. I totally get where he's coming from, and it doesn't necessarily mean he's clinically depressed and in need of help.
Jul 21, 2015, 3:35 pm
#559
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
An official reply on the OMAAT Instagram in response to someone who asked "Did Rolling Stone get it right, Ben?"
(emphasis mine; from https://instagram.com/p/5YHEYJFRz4/)
I'd say not really, but that's the nature of being interviewed for (literally) over a hundred hours and them (understandably) quoting selectively to fit their angle. I think the overall theme is reasonably fair, though it makes it all seem a bit more isolating/show-offy than it is. At the same time I think it does good job covering the background of hobby, my life/past, etc. But all things considered it brought me out of my comfort zone, so I'm happy to have had the opportunity.
Jul 21, 2015, 4:06 pm
#560
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 6,422
Or not.
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/...ease-stand-up/
What's more, there are lots of people who view themselves as "sensitive introverts", when they are really covert narcissists. These individuals are characterized by their sense of entitlement to social attention. Accordingly, they are hurt easily by the slightest remark of others, are hyper self conscious and self absorbed, and are frequently upset that others don't recognize their brilliance. Covert narcissism is strongly associated with neuroticism, not introversion.
Jul 21, 2015, 4:21 pm
#561
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NRT/HND, IWK, SAT, BWI, NAP, OKA, AUS, DEN, COS and PUB
Programs: UA 1K.. 1MM
Posts: 994
Not to continue the derailing of the thread...
But introversion and extroversion are pretty wide spectrums with secondary traits all over the place.
As a possibly useful comparison.. me:
I am a (self-labeled) extroverted introvert. To me, this means that I am someone who feeds off solitude. I cherish it. Interacting with others is taxing and consumes a lot of my energy. But, I also very much want to be noticed and appreciated.
I've found this to manifest itself in my life by hobbying as a DJ or fronting a band. Both of these activities are very "look at me" yet at the same time, are within themselves, very self contained and isolating in a very energizing way.
I think bloggers can be much the same.. expressing and appreciating themselves through desiring attention to their posts, but also not really loving having to interact.
It's like.. "how can I be the center of attention without actually interacting with people".. sounds strange, and worded like that, kinda dickish, but it's all I got
But introversion and extroversion are pretty wide spectrums with secondary traits all over the place.
As a possibly useful comparison.. me:
I am a (self-labeled) extroverted introvert. To me, this means that I am someone who feeds off solitude. I cherish it. Interacting with others is taxing and consumes a lot of my energy. But, I also very much want to be noticed and appreciated.
I've found this to manifest itself in my life by hobbying as a DJ or fronting a band. Both of these activities are very "look at me" yet at the same time, are within themselves, very self contained and isolating in a very energizing way.
I think bloggers can be much the same.. expressing and appreciating themselves through desiring attention to their posts, but also not really loving having to interact.
It's like.. "how can I be the center of attention without actually interacting with people".. sounds strange, and worded like that, kinda dickish, but it's all I got
Jul 21, 2015, 4:23 pm
#562
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 9,677
I suspect there are quite a few people that don't like him for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's specific to Ben; other times, it's a general dislike of the travel bloggers. He has burned plenty of bridges on his own.
Personally, I'm not too fond of him because he has lifted/copied/stolen an insane amount of content from Flyertalk to post on his own blog. Deals have died because of his contribution to the overexposure. Hat tips are for weasels.
No need to turn this into a Mad Libs style game on what's not to like about Ben.. but if you really don't know, you don't have to go far to look.
Personally, I'm not too fond of him because he has lifted/copied/stolen an insane amount of content from Flyertalk to post on his own blog. Deals have died because of his contribution to the overexposure. Hat tips are for weasels.
No need to turn this into a Mad Libs style game on what's not to like about Ben.. but if you really don't know, you don't have to go far to look.
Jul 21, 2015, 9:37 pm
#563
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,928
I think you've made very valid points. But I was more referring to the people picking apart his life and career choices that doesn't have anything to do with FT or his interactions with anyone specifically. As far as questionable actions? I met him on FT when he was still in high school. While being young isn't an excuse for everything...maturity comes with age.
Jul 21, 2015, 9:43 pm
#564
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
The Daily Mail has a feature story:
Meet the 25-year-old who is outsmarting the airlines and exploiting frequent flyer miles to continually travel the world full-time for FREE
Meet the 25-year-old who is outsmarting the airlines and exploiting frequent flyer miles to continually travel the world full-time for FREE
Jul 21, 2015, 10:34 pm
#567
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NRT/HND, IWK, SAT, BWI, NAP, OKA, AUS, DEN, COS and PUB
Programs: UA 1K.. 1MM
Posts: 994
Geeze, yea, that second article is even more annoying.
I feel like the only people who call it 'The Hobby' are those who are like... really involved with it. Like.. people getting invites to fly (or who are making sure they are on) inaugurals, doing serious churning, etc. Let's face it.. most of us here are just hobby Hobbists..lol.
Ugh.. so grating even typing it.
I feel like the only people who call it 'The Hobby' are those who are like... really involved with it. Like.. people getting invites to fly (or who are making sure they are on) inaugurals, doing serious churning, etc. Let's face it.. most of us here are just hobby Hobbists..lol.
Ugh.. so grating even typing it.
Jul 21, 2015, 10:44 pm
#568
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,504
Instead of thoughtleader and critic in travel, we are now being bombarded with the title "travel personality" (excuse me while i put my eyes out, this new Hobbyist term-fornication is an indecency for any orthodox person
) |sarcasm off|
What i mean to say is that those articles portray a living style and system-gaming that is worth all the effort, for those that have time, good creditrating and money (demographics: RS/DM-readers) but does it suit everyone?
As someone who travels longhaul, i'm happy to travel comfortably but i'm more happy if it is over and i reach home/work safely asap and sane.
) |sarcasm off|What i mean to say is that those articles portray a living style and system-gaming that is worth all the effort, for those that have time, good creditrating and money (demographics: RS/DM-readers) but does it suit everyone?
As someone who travels longhaul, i'm happy to travel comfortably but i'm more happy if it is over and i reach home/work safely asap and sane.
Last edited by HadesNL; Jul 21, 2015 at 10:50 pm
Jul 22, 2015, 12:04 am
#569
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 426
A lot of posts seem really petty and jealous on this thread, and I fail to see why some need to post again and again about Ben. Do you guys have some kind of crush on him? Leave the guy alone, no one forces you to read his blog.
I sense a lot of envy among those that see a young guy making money and living his dream. Why hate? If your life sucks, work towards improving it rather than tearing other people down.
I sense a lot of envy among those that see a young guy making money and living his dream. Why hate? If your life sucks, work towards improving it rather than tearing other people down.
Jul 22, 2015, 12:53 am
#570
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
A lot of posts seem really petty and jealous on this thread, and I fail to see why some need to post again and again about Ben. Do you guys have some kind of crush on him? Leave the guy alone, no one forces you to read his blog.
I sense a lot of envy among those that see a young guy making money and living his dream. Why hate? If your life sucks, work towards improving it rather than tearing other people down.
I sense a lot of envy among those that see a young guy making money and living his dream. Why hate? If your life sucks, work towards improving it rather than tearing other people down.
Threads have been shut for a fraction of the hate in here.
And not taking into account we're talking of a forum member.