Well, Randy and FT staff, it looks like we have a spammer pushing www._____.com as some website where one can supposedly buy "secrets" on how to earn lots of airline miles. The post is in The Buzz and I think three other boards. It asks if anyone has heard of this website and if its worth it to buy the secrets. This is clearly an ad and not from an innocent first-time poster, as it tries to appear.

While this is not an offensive troller like we had recently, it is still something that I think runs contrary to many of the goals of FT. I would like to ask: can something be done about this blatant spamming? A warning to the offender at least? Even go as far as booting him/her?

Fortunately, most of the FTers can see what the posting really is. It's just annoying to have this junk floating around.

Thanks,
FewMiles..

Well, it looks like we don't have a spammer after all. It is indeed an innocent first-time poster who simply wasn't fully aware of potential problems with multiple postings and hitting on the overly sensitive nerves of FTers given the recent events with the "mile dog".

inmyauction: If you're reading this, then please accept my apologies for being overly hasty and jumping to conclusions that you were a spammer. The multiple posting and the way you questioned the website set off alarms in our heads. We are naturally skeptical of people selling "secrets".

Randy: Please consider adding a statement to the initial welcome message for new users, something to the effect of: "Please do not post the same message in different boards, as this may be interpreted as spamming (junk advertising). This is especially the case for links to websites which are trying to sell something."

FewMiles..

[This message has been edited by FewMiles (edited 07-17-2000).]

i've noticed that some ft posters are a bit on the sarcastic side when replying to the posts of others. whether she was really an innocent 1st time poster or not, it's not necessary to rake her over the coals. if you're not interested in someones post, simply ignore it. i've noticed a lot of bickering on ft that i think could be avoided w/ a little maturity...just my opinion.

Nightfly,

I concur in your message. Many FTers are not too friendly to new members. I posted my second message on here and was quickly told to go and do a search... fortunately, others are more helpful and tactful.

Considering there is no "reference guide" for new members... or veteran members for that matter... seems like people could have some tolerance on this board.

Just my two cents... and probably will get a dollar back in change.

William

This board used to be an extremely friendly place for all newbies. Don't know what happened, maybe it's the summer traveling season, busy schedules, full planes, triple-digit temps, freyed nerves.
Sure wish for the old days!

I have to agree with you all.

We were just discussing this at last night's meeting of the Flyertalk Oldtimer's Clique. It was oficially decided to give 26.5% less advice to new posters, 37% less tolerance was to be used, and a whopping 74% less free upgrade and discount certificates were to be sent out.

We then danced the "we're all great and the new guys just stink" strut, raised our marshmallow sticks to toast our belly stars (lets see who has kids) and patted each other on the back...

............NOT!


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GOD, I miss the old days as well. Much more posts about flying and much less posts about posting.

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Here's the formula. If you're new, say "Hi I'm new, can any one help me?" My gut tells me everyone will try. (Just look at how many people jumped to the defense of the post in question when she said she didn't know any better.) Then, you read opinions and tips, and you post opinions and tips. Try to be as nice to others as you want them to be to you.

Enjoy yourself...and come to some of the get-togethers - or arrange one yourself. There IS NO DISTINCTION between posters here. Participate and be welcome.


[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 07-18-2000).]

Also there is the faq link at the top of pages. It does not answer all questions but is a starting point for newbies to the forum.

I would suggest a new member read the faq first then try browsing for the answer and if that does not answer their question about how to do something, post a message in what the newbie thinks is the correct forum (and only that forum) and state they are new and have read the faq and have browsed around to find the answer but still need help. This will show others on the board that the new member did do some reasearch on how to properly do things on the board but still has questions.

This would alleviate lots of the flaming and would incite lots of help.

These are just my opinions.

... or simply observe for a couple of weeks - that's what I (and I'm sure a lot of others) did!

Unfortunately this is not isolated to just this site. On my professional listserv people often react the same way. It's very easy to forget the learning curve involved. Also, those (such as myself)who have only been around a few months are aware of the same questions being asked again, and again, and again. I admit to not living up to my calling at times and neglecting basic research :0
Please remember that many of the founders of Flyer Talk are rightly sensitive to the appearance of using the site to sell wares or services. They really are a nice lot

Isn't Stars Upon Thars a FF program on Suess Airlines.