I would hate to see anyone feel they were not free to post in this forum or that their thoughts, ideas and perspective wasn't welcome. The purpose of the forums on FT are to share travel experiences and tips for maximizing points and/or miles.
I've learned a lot of useful information on FT and it came from both new and veteran posters. All of us who participate in this forum benefit from a free flow of information from a variety of sources.
IMO, we are all the poorer if someone feels he/she is not welcome here. And whether we end up with moderation in this forum or not is beside the point. We have to treat each other in a respectful and civilized manner so that the information continues to flow. And we shouldn't need a moderator to tell us to behave like adults. I would hope that comes naturally to most of us.

I would support NOT having a moderator.There are so many more individuals here who can debate the issues and not the person.

I've actually been half-heartedly following this board in recent months, mainly due to the ongoing haranging over the suites, which I considered settled sometime last year. I considered it a closed matter, and was tired of seeing it come up again and again, so I lost interest.

As for the moderator issue, what's wrong with having a few moderators? Ideally, this board will get a little less acerbic, and the moderators will never have anything to do.

I did volunteer on the thread on the ORP forum, and although people know I volunteered in a fun-spirited way, I would consider the position if so offered.

Finally, I have seen countless valuable posters on other FT forums self-exile themselves due to personal attacks or the perception thereof. I would hate to see this historically self-regulating board get that way and lose valuable insights.

I don't think anyone should feel they can't post, and I think for the most part everyone realizes they can w/ no worries. But I think we all realize that there will be others (regardless of their individual Marriott Rewards level) who don't agree w/ everyone else on every issue (for example, for some the suites is an issue, for others it's high-speed internet; even those on the same levels have dif issues and that's ok for goodness' sake) - to each their own; no one needs someone else to represent their interests cuz I think FT has always been very good about allowing everyone to express their views; Randy's very good about that.

The key of course is to always treat others with respect and not to make personal attacks when disagreeing - and that's a generic statement by the way - not intended for any individuals in particular, although some will take it that way, but it's meant as an overall statement, which I think everyone pretty much agrees w/.

And again, if the paragraph above was followed, no need for moderator. But if one's necessary, I'm for that too and have no problem w/ having a moderator (and NOT throwing my hat into the ring!).

It's unfortunate NJ feels he needs to withdraw from the forum, but that's his option (and he may very well return). I'm assuming he didn't post trying to start another debate - should he/shouldn't he. Everyone needs to do what they need to do. Some participate publicly; some privately; some check in daily; some weekly; some monthly. It all works out in the end. Cheers.

Well said Sharon ^ ^

It looks as if when things get out of hand, FTers are self moderating.

Sorry to see someone go,

but also sorry to see so many personal attacks.

Should he/shouldn't he??? Ah yes, "2B or not 2B", that "IS" the question!!!

"A man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do", or something like that!!!

"It all works out in the end"----- Only if a comp to a "SUITE" get's through without too much sniveling , and not "greasing" the girl @ the front desk, a ten or larger, is the end result!!!

^ "Cheers"!!! ^