This seems to be a big issue now on Flyertalk. It seems that with more and more frequency, people post pleas for help, due to various circumstances, most often in the Buzz section.

I believe Charity has its place, but that such unsubstantiated pleas in the Buzz section are inappropriate and are often disregarded, even if legitimate.

Here is what I propose:

Flyertalk should add a charity section. Such posts should be placed in that section alone, and should present as much documentary information as possible. The we can peruse that section on our own time when we feel appropriate.

I beg to differ.

I do not think that charity pleas have their place on this board. In the 6 months that I have been posting/reading i find that FT has become rather diluted regarding non-travel related subjects and posts.
Also: It's a tough job trying to authenticicate these pleas, some kind of censorship would have to be applied.

BoSoxFan45,

I hear what you are saying. I'm just not sure that with the small amount of requests, FT will add a forum.

You may want to post a link to this discussion in the Flyer Talk Suggestions Forum. You are more likely to get a response from Web Flyer if you post this discussion there.

delete

I don't think a charity forum would help much. Most likely, the requests tend to be posted in The Buzz because that's the first forum on the list, so unless the charity forum were at the top, where one-time posters would see it immediately, no one would use it.

And how many regular visitors to these boards would even go into a charity forum? As soon as the people seeking help realize that no one reads their pleas, they'll post 'em wherever they think they'll get a response.

well .. I remember about 5 or 6 (?) charity requests (or sometimes simple beggings) on this board since it started. Not really a (reading-) time-consuming-problem for me - so far.

(in my email box, just my guess, since my email-address, and my private informations are in reach of any one who wants, I receive may be one a week now. No real problem either for me, so far.)

I believe these request should be allowed (as if we could stop them). The problem is the forum they get posted to.

The Buzz, as I have commented to before, has often been filled with inappropiate posts. While I am not for censorship I do believe this board should be monitored and grossly miscategorized post be moved to the appropriate category. I avoid several categories,and many of the airlines, hotels, rental cars, etc that I am not interested in and appreciate the fact that I thereby enhance the value of the time I spend on the board.

PS Like I do not believe this discussion belongs in the Buzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1


[This message has been edited by ranles (edited 08-29-2000).]

Ranels-

Pray tell, what board would this belong in, if not the Buzz.

The Buzz is for "Discussion of the latest frequent flyer buzz..."

Given the extremely long thread that follow discussing these requests for Charity of any sort (ie, poor as a churchmose, need to get to Honolulu, etc.), there appears to be alot of "Buzz" about these messages.

Sorry to rankle your "rules of order", but I think I'm right on this one.

There may be a lot of "Buzz" about some of these topics, but it is not frequent-flyer related. Maybe OMNI? Let's let this one die here.

I suppose the odd and cryptic request for the hospital triggered this discussion? I haven't been bothered by these. I enjoyed the church mouse thread! Very educational. As some of you know, my work consists of helping non-profits raise money. With rare exception (such as Miles for the Wild) helping charities is not something that has much to do with getting as many miles as we possibly can or making our travel smoother, the main purposes of this board (IMHO). Furthermore, it seems very unlikely to me that any charity will be successful in raising funds from random posts in "The Buzz." This is not to say that I discourage others from giving to charity or helping to raise money for charity! Both are very noble and I find them to be fun and very satisfying.

Any charity that is considering such a post,whether it be to the Buzz or anywhere on FlyerTalk, if they are in fact a legitimate charity, should consider contacting me or other qualified development counsel to help them devise a strategy to raise funds that will a) succeed and b) not bother people on my favorite bulletin board! Therefore I suggest that no new section be created on FT but instead that anytime you see one of these posts you immediately email the person and suggest that he hire me!

BTW, in response to tmorse6570 "charitytalk.com" does not exist (however it may be available for purchase!) but there are several excellent charity sites one can visit to research non-profit groups to see if they are legitimate, learn more about funding particular types of groups, or just browse stories about people helping one another. My favorite is: <http://www.shine.com> And by the way, you can make credit card gifts there to ANY US 501(c)3 charity and the charity will get 100% of the gift with no credit card/bank or other charges deducted, and no cost to the charity whatsoever. This is a way to make credit card gifts to organizations like your local church, smaller schools, etc. that may not take cards themselves, and you can do this with a clear conscience since it does not cost them anything! OK, OK enough digression... This is a real passion for me! Raising money for charites is one of the only things I find even MORE exciting than miles!

Don't feed pigeons unless you want to see their droppings everywhere.