Increasingly, I find general posts about travel littering this site.

The miles buzz section is full of "Man bites dog while boarding plane" topics (thanks for sharing that)and the individual program sections are full of "What to expect at the Fours Points in Otumba, Iowa" posts (for the love of god, read the frickin program rules).

I enjoy reading both of these threads, and have in fact posted a (very) few myself, but they really don't pertain miles or points programs.

I would get SO MUCH more out of this board if I could go to one spot for FF info, and another for the advice and travel news.

Sorry for venting.

Go to the top of the main FlyerTalk Miles page and you will see a pull-down menu.

You can then switch to the FlyerTalk Travel section (and several other areas).

All I'm asking is for better monitoring of the FF/FS program topics.

For instance, currently the Hyatt topic, which is supposed to be about Hyatt's frequent stay program has MAYBE 2 topics related to Goldpassport. Every other topic falls under the "What's this hotel like?" category - which has nothing to do with goldpassport.

I use this board to monitor FF/FS programs, identify general and targeted promotions, and to try and make an informed decision about where I can get the most bang for my travel buck. It is becoming increasingly difficult to do this when I have to wade through so many irrelevant posts.

Skip over the "irrelevant" posts. The last thing that we need is to carve up the board yet again.

I agree Petey - but wish more people would post in the other sections.

Also, wish a few more people would read the rules when they signed up for these programs - sometimes seems like half the Q's are of the "What is a FF segment?" nature.

Case in point...

A discussion regarding favorite Champagnes has broken out in the United section.

That's fine, but take it somewhere else.

Quick, let's all argue the relative merits of Dom vs. Veuve Cliquot.

Please.

Granted, that's one that belongs somewhere else. If and when moderators take their positions, I would assume that type of post would be moved to a more appropriate spot. However, I think it is too much too ask to keep, e.g., the "How is the Phoenician?" questions out of the Starwood forum.

There are moderators for United. Just click the email link at the top of the forum if there's some thread that needs to be locked down or moved to an appropriate place.

I can't remember which is which, but burkey and Craig6z are Modaterators 1 & 2. I think Craig6z is the United moderator; burkey the AA moderator.

I just go by essxjay.

IMHO the reason boards get so off topic is that many of it's users are (very) regular visitors. For a new member to come over expecting the regulars to be discussing "regular" FF talk it can be quite a surprise.. There just isn't enough to talk about with going slightly off topic. One can't be expected to talk about rewards,segments,promo's and statements all the time. It's either that or just post when we really have something important to say or at least that's my point of view on it

Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy many of the "off topic" discussions. I also admit to frequent use of the search feature to investigate individual properties in the hotel category. So I don't want to come across as some kind of "you can't post that here" nut.

I guess what it comes down to is that I am a little disappointed in the relative lack of participation in the Travel section of Flyertalk. More of these "off topic" should be moved there.

My opinion - worth about what you paid for it.

Sorry, I was speaking in more general terms.

hreamer- take some time to smell the roses. i've tried to use the travel forum but it hasn't worked. i just go w/the flow.

It is too bad that so many people will not, or cannot, post in the proper forum.

We do not need to carve up the board anymore, in fact I believe the problem is all the categories have just made many posters too frustrated to try.

I have posted such comments and corrections on several posts, again the general attitude is "get over it". I have not yet, but have no illusions that this problem will be dealt with. The monitors are making an effort, but I believe they need to insure that every off forum post is moved or removed and the poster informed. If someone continues to mispost then sanctions should be taken.

That is my opinion...guess I just cannot "get over it"! I have never been able to accept the lowest common denominator as the best way thru life.

for example, someone may think you just have too too much time on your hands

I agree on clacko. There is just not enough traffic in the Travel Forums to have some discussion running.

IMO we have much more life in FT with those a little bit off topic posts. You can easily skip those if you're not interested in them. I for myself want to have a laugh or two at my FT visits and I'm also interested in my airlines new routes, incidents, service, news and so on.