Do You Care to Comment on Milespy?
Dec 22, 2001 | 6:06 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: AA GLD 1MM, Delta GLD, Hilton GLD
Posts: 1,233
Wormwood, we have agreed on several matters, one I can specially remember. On this matter I completely disagree. These guys are taking a huge risk in my estimation. The are in essense saying that if you use our service we have the expertise to deliver miles to your account for 1.5 cents a piece. The service is mute or any profit derived from it compared to the massive liability they are assuming by taking others money, as a third party and agreeing to deliver magazines to charity and miles to the individuals involved. The deal is so scarey to me that I wont do it directly as I am afraid that goldpoint may not deliver once the massive amount of orders that I think are coming are coming. On the other hand if not that many orders come then the revenue for all this work would be minimal. Mathew and Steve, you guys got balls to risk what I think your risking, good luck to you. This is free enterprise at work, people finding knowledge and willing to risk on that knowledge. I like the saying, "lead, follow, or just get out of the way."
dallasflyer
dallasflyer
Dec 23, 2001 | 1:20 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
Here is what was mentioned in Mileslink regarding Milespy:
Contrary to what is mentioned in Mileslink, there is a better offer - which is to open a Radisson account and through them buy magazines from valuemag (and not skip the other Web sites as mentioned in mileslink). This works out to about 0.88 cents (and is even less if you use a coupon), easily beating the 1.5 cents offer from Milespy.
[This message has been edited by PG (edited 12-23-2001).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
If you've ever wanted to top off
your account for an award you are saving for, you might skip the airline and
other Web sites and go straight here (buying miles from the airlines
themselves is about 3 cents per mile). In all of 2001, there is not a better
offer for this.
</font>
If you've ever wanted to top off
your account for an award you are saving for, you might skip the airline and
other Web sites and go straight here (buying miles from the airlines
themselves is about 3 cents per mile). In all of 2001, there is not a better
offer for this.
</font>
[This message has been edited by PG (edited 12-23-2001).]
Dec 23, 2001 | 2:00 am
#18
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, American EXP & 3 Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist & Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,387
Cactuspete,
With all due respect, I would suggest that each and every one of us profit from the flyertalk page, some without even an insideflyer subscription or any direct cost to us. Moreover, it is not mandatory to participate in discussion boards and people come and go as they please. So, the fact that Randy can make some money back on things like this is only fair, it certainly does not cost us anything. This is a business and Randy and his staff, do a lot for us and deserve some small piece of the pie. This is not a charity or a support group, it is a place of business in which expenses need to be paid and profits be made to innovators.
Indeed, I have estimated that I have earned several thousand dollars in bonus miles I would not have otherwise as a result of being a member. So one could argue that a flyertalk membership fee would be a fair way for Randy to capture a small portion of what we each gain here. I know that I would pay at least $50 a year for membership to the board, maybe more.
Interested in your thoughts.
With all due respect, I would suggest that each and every one of us profit from the flyertalk page, some without even an insideflyer subscription or any direct cost to us. Moreover, it is not mandatory to participate in discussion boards and people come and go as they please. So, the fact that Randy can make some money back on things like this is only fair, it certainly does not cost us anything. This is a business and Randy and his staff, do a lot for us and deserve some small piece of the pie. This is not a charity or a support group, it is a place of business in which expenses need to be paid and profits be made to innovators.
Indeed, I have estimated that I have earned several thousand dollars in bonus miles I would not have otherwise as a result of being a member. So one could argue that a flyertalk membership fee would be a fair way for Randy to capture a small portion of what we each gain here. I know that I would pay at least $50 a year for membership to the board, maybe more.
Interested in your thoughts.
Dec 23, 2001 | 12:01 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: fort worth, texas
Posts: 946
i'm about as cheap b*stard as they come, but i'd be willing to pay for a subscription to flyertalk, or even donate a little money to support the infastructure. i actually don't fly much, so subscribing to Inside Flyer isn't something i need, and i really don't need any logo wear. quite frankly, if there was a way i could donate some money rather than buying some goods, i'd rather do that.
Randy, this board has become my hobby (some get hooked on the esoterics of rotessire baseball, i'm hooked on points and miles). though it, i've found ways to take trips and stay at hotels i'd never allow myself otherwise. i don't think you should feel bad about encouraging people to donate a little money for the upkeep if they want to since many of us have financially benefited alot.
Randy, this board has become my hobby (some get hooked on the esoterics of rotessire baseball, i'm hooked on points and miles). though it, i've found ways to take trips and stay at hotels i'd never allow myself otherwise. i don't think you should feel bad about encouraging people to donate a little money for the upkeep if they want to since many of us have financially benefited alot.
Dec 23, 2001 | 1:44 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
Contrary to what is mentioned in Mileslink, there is a better offer - which is to open a Radisson account and through them buy magazines from valuemag (and not skip the other Web sites as mentioned in mileslink). This works out to about 0.88 cents (and is even less if you use a coupon), easily beating the 1.5 cents offer from Milespy.
</font>
Contrary to what is mentioned in Mileslink, there is a better offer - which is to open a Radisson account and through them buy magazines from valuemag (and not skip the other Web sites as mentioned in mileslink). This works out to about 0.88 cents (and is even less if you use a coupon), easily beating the 1.5 cents offer from Milespy.
</font>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Magazines for Them, Miles for You
Still havent completed your Christmas shopping? No need to feel guilty.
This year your procrastination just might pay off.
Through Dec. 31, when you purchase a magazine subscription from Valuemag.com
through the www.goldpoints.com Web site you will earn 450 Gold Points for
every $1 spent. Members of the Radisson Gold Rewards program can then
convert these points into miles with several major airlines at a 4:1 point
to mile conversion ratio -. thats 112 miles for every $1 spent.
Need 8,000 miles to top off your Mileage Plus account? Just purchase $71
worth of magazine subscriptions and youre there. Or maybe youd like to
earn 100,000 miles for a first-class British Airways award between New York
and London. No problem, $1,000 in magazines will net you 112,000 miles. Not
only will you have plenty of reading material for your trip, you will have
likely saved thousands on the cost of the ticket.
According to Gold Points Customer Service, there is no limit to the number
of subscriptions you can purchase and the amount of points you may earn from
this promotion. In order to take advantage of the 4:1 conversion rate,
however, you must be a member of the Radisson Gold Rewards program and
convert the points using your Gold Rewards account number. To sign up for
the Radisson program, go to www.radisson.com.
In addition to the Valuemags.com promotion, GoldPoints.com is offering
several other good deals for the holidays, including Hickory Farms (225
points/$1 spent), The PopcornFactory.com (180/$1) and Orvis.com (180/$1).
Remember, to earn your Gold Points you must begin your shopping excursion
from the www.goldpoints.com Web site.
Finally, a good reason to put your shopping off until the last minute.
</font>
Still havent completed your Christmas shopping? No need to feel guilty.
This year your procrastination just might pay off.
Through Dec. 31, when you purchase a magazine subscription from Valuemag.com
through the www.goldpoints.com Web site you will earn 450 Gold Points for
every $1 spent. Members of the Radisson Gold Rewards program can then
convert these points into miles with several major airlines at a 4:1 point
to mile conversion ratio -. thats 112 miles for every $1 spent.
Need 8,000 miles to top off your Mileage Plus account? Just purchase $71
worth of magazine subscriptions and youre there. Or maybe youd like to
earn 100,000 miles for a first-class British Airways award between New York
and London. No problem, $1,000 in magazines will net you 112,000 miles. Not
only will you have plenty of reading material for your trip, you will have
likely saved thousands on the cost of the ticket.
According to Gold Points Customer Service, there is no limit to the number
of subscriptions you can purchase and the amount of points you may earn from
this promotion. In order to take advantage of the 4:1 conversion rate,
however, you must be a member of the Radisson Gold Rewards program and
convert the points using your Gold Rewards account number. To sign up for
the Radisson program, go to www.radisson.com.
In addition to the Valuemags.com promotion, GoldPoints.com is offering
several other good deals for the holidays, including Hickory Farms (225
points/$1 spent), The PopcornFactory.com (180/$1) and Orvis.com (180/$1).
Remember, to earn your Gold Points you must begin your shopping excursion
from the www.goldpoints.com Web site.
Finally, a good reason to put your shopping off until the last minute.
</font>
As I've pointed out before, the entire arbitrage principle that underpins the MileSpy concept was spelled out a week before MileSpy went live in the same publication that endorsed MileSpy. We haven't mis-sold anyone here -- the information was provided to exactly the same audience by exactly the same source.
[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 12-23-2001).]
Dec 23, 2001 | 2:31 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
I'm still baffled why the latest Mileslink says that MileSpy is the best deal of 2001. At the very least the latest Mileslink could have mentioned that one could save at least over $600 (compared to MileSpy) by following the instructions of the previous MilesLink and doing your own work. But instead it said that MileSpy was the best offer of 2001, and it said that "skip other Web Sites".
Comments Randy?
Comments Randy?
Dec 23, 2001 | 3:26 pm
#22
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Programs: HH Diamond, SPG Gold, PC Platinum Ambassador, Marriott Silver
Posts: 15,249
After reading Randy's post above, it never occurred to me that perhaps Randy had a financial interest in MileSpy. If so, I certainly would not begrudge him a profit. Perhaps Randy can clarify this point.
I, like every other FTer, have benefitted greatly from FT. I try to give back when I can by posting information that other FTers, acting in good faith, might find useful. I figure that what goes around comes around, and that even though "loopholes" get closed (or programs pulled, rules tightened, ... insert whatever term that suits your fancy), in the end I benefit from sharing information with other like-minded individuals. Subject to my own moral and ethical limitations, I take advantage of as many ideas as I can. The issue for me is when one of our own takes information posted and/or developed here in our community and then attempts to use that information for a commercial profit. It is irrelevant to me whether that person is providing a needed service, charging a fair price, or making a profit. The use (abuse, exploitation, ...) of a loophole will eventually lead to it either being closed or restricted. "Selling" FT information hurts the community. As a whole, we are losing a "benefit" with nothing in return from the MileSpy customers. Not to mention the fact that the commercial use of this information will have a chilling effect on the free exchange of new information on FT. That, at least in my opinion, is wrong.
I, like every other FTer, have benefitted greatly from FT. I try to give back when I can by posting information that other FTers, acting in good faith, might find useful. I figure that what goes around comes around, and that even though "loopholes" get closed (or programs pulled, rules tightened, ... insert whatever term that suits your fancy), in the end I benefit from sharing information with other like-minded individuals. Subject to my own moral and ethical limitations, I take advantage of as many ideas as I can. The issue for me is when one of our own takes information posted and/or developed here in our community and then attempts to use that information for a commercial profit. It is irrelevant to me whether that person is providing a needed service, charging a fair price, or making a profit. The use (abuse, exploitation, ...) of a loophole will eventually lead to it either being closed or restricted. "Selling" FT information hurts the community. As a whole, we are losing a "benefit" with nothing in return from the MileSpy customers. Not to mention the fact that the commercial use of this information will have a chilling effect on the free exchange of new information on FT. That, at least in my opinion, is wrong.
Dec 23, 2001 | 9:45 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,437
There's so many deals out there.
Sign up for credit cards and get...x points.
Sign up for phone service and get...x points.
I'm just wondering how many flyertalkers sign up for one of these deals, and then never use the product. And did you give back those points? Hmmm I don't think so.
Now these are (somewhat dishonest).
What M I L E S P Y is doing is actually a service.
Flyertalkers may know these guys. But the general public does not.
I'm curious as to the percentages of those joining the program (FT'ers vs general public).
The airline/hotel/car/phone people create these programs for a reason. In this case it's to sell magazines.
Don't think for a minute that Goldpoints is losing a dime on this. My guess is they're overcome with joy about Milespy.
[This message has been edited by dhammer53 (edited 12-23-2001).]
Sign up for credit cards and get...x points.
Sign up for phone service and get...x points.
I'm just wondering how many flyertalkers sign up for one of these deals, and then never use the product. And did you give back those points? Hmmm I don't think so.
Now these are (somewhat dishonest).
What M I L E S P Y is doing is actually a service.
Flyertalkers may know these guys. But the general public does not.
I'm curious as to the percentages of those joining the program (FT'ers vs general public).
The airline/hotel/car/phone people create these programs for a reason. In this case it's to sell magazines.
Don't think for a minute that Goldpoints is losing a dime on this. My guess is they're overcome with joy about Milespy.
[This message has been edited by dhammer53 (edited 12-23-2001).]
Dec 23, 2001 | 11:14 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
Don't think for a minute that Goldpoints is losing a dime on this. My guess is they're overcome with joy about Milespy.
</font>
Don't think for a minute that Goldpoints is losing a dime on this. My guess is they're overcome with joy about Milespy.
</font>
I guess either Radisson is overcome with joy or Radisson is overcome with tears.
Dec 24, 2001 | 1:06 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cactuspete:
After reading Randy's post above, it never occurred to me that perhaps Randy had a financial interest in MileSpy. If so, I certainly would not begrudge him a profit. Perhaps Randy can clarify this point.</font>
After reading Randy's post above, it never occurred to me that perhaps Randy had a financial interest in MileSpy. If so, I certainly would not begrudge him a profit. Perhaps Randy can clarify this point.</font>
I just wanted to make that absolutely clear. While I'm happy to take any criticism about MileSpy personally, Randy's name shouldn't be dragged through the mud as well.
Dec 24, 2001 | 8:38 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
Another point to consider is whether we are killing the golden goose. Sure there are many good deals available, but if we started to set up businesses around these deals and market this to hundreds of thousands of people as a packaged convenience, these deals would dry up.
A long time ago Adam (from Hilton) asked Randy about the (negative) effect of the internet on targeted promotions.
(Also posted on The Buzz)
A long time ago Adam (from Hilton) asked Randy about the (negative) effect of the internet on targeted promotions.
(Also posted on The Buzz)
Dec 25, 2001 | 9:00 am
#27
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 8,573
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Similarly should the airlines/hotels be able to do anything to their programs as long as it is legal?</font>
The same applies to the milespy offer, if you want to assume the risk that some link in the chain will break, go ahead. I have assumed that risk, but only for myself. If I were in the wage-slave position I was five years ago, I'd be tempted to go with milespy's offer since their offer provides a single point of responsibility.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">you need a US/Canada address to avail of the offer with Valuemags</font>
andrew
Dec 25, 2001 | 10:29 am
#28
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,700
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
Similarly should the airlines/hotels be able to do anything to their programs as long as it is legal?</font>
Similarly should the airlines/hotels be able to do anything to their programs as long as it is legal?</font>
And in fact the airlines/hotels have stacked the deck to ensure that essentially whatever they do is "legal" according to their own T&Cs. I think someone here has or used to have the signature line "if you want to win the game, write the rules."
Those miles we all chase around after? They're not even ours! The airlines can bestow or take away pretty much at their whim. If you don't like it, don't play.
PS>
I still don't see where Randy "endorsed" the milespy.com endeavor, though I did see where he mentioned the Radisson/Goldpoints deal in the "notiflyer" newsletter.
Does anyone care to point me to the correct link?
Dec 25, 2001 | 3:55 pm
#29
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,220
Mikey,
This was in my December 20th MilesLink email:
M I L E S L I N K - H O L I D A Y
---------------------------
December 20, 2001
[I N T H I S I S S U E]
A special edition of Holiday ideas for you and maybe others who love
frequent flyer miles. Also, look next week for another special edition of
MilesLink called MilesLink Voices. This new newsletter will arrive every
other week and contain the best of all travel news journalism.
[M I L E S P Y]
Here's an idea that we recently ran across. A new Web site allows members of
frequent flyer programs to earn unlimited miles into their frequent flyer
accounts for only about 1.5 cents per mile. If you've ever wanted to top off
your account for an award you are saving for, you might skip the airline and
other Web sites and go straight here (buying miles from the airlines
themselves is about 3 cents per mile). In all of 2001, there is not a better
offer for this. So, if you are planning any award redemption in the New
Year, want to use your miles for other awards (upgrades) or want a way to
fill out your spouses or kids account so they can fly free with you next
time, then join the others who are doing their Christmas shopping at
MileSpy.com.
LINK: http://www.milespy.com
This was in my December 20th MilesLink email:
M I L E S L I N K - H O L I D A Y
---------------------------
December 20, 2001
[I N T H I S I S S U E]
A special edition of Holiday ideas for you and maybe others who love
frequent flyer miles. Also, look next week for another special edition of
MilesLink called MilesLink Voices. This new newsletter will arrive every
other week and contain the best of all travel news journalism.
[M I L E S P Y]
Here's an idea that we recently ran across. A new Web site allows members of
frequent flyer programs to earn unlimited miles into their frequent flyer
accounts for only about 1.5 cents per mile. If you've ever wanted to top off
your account for an award you are saving for, you might skip the airline and
other Web sites and go straight here (buying miles from the airlines
themselves is about 3 cents per mile). In all of 2001, there is not a better
offer for this. So, if you are planning any award redemption in the New
Year, want to use your miles for other awards (upgrades) or want a way to
fill out your spouses or kids account so they can fly free with you next
time, then join the others who are doing their Christmas shopping at
MileSpy.com.
LINK: http://www.milespy.com
Dec 25, 2001 | 5:59 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cleveland
Programs: AF/KLM Plat For Life/UA Million Miler-PremEx For Life/SPG Gold
Posts: 5,056
Randy gave us permission to post this reply to an individual who inquired about Milespy.
> Randy, is this MileSpy thing the real deal or just a way to grab my money
> and run with it? I've gone on the site and it sounds terrific, but I'd
> really appreciate one last thumbs-up from you.
on 12/21/01 8:51 AM, Randy Petersen at [email protected] wrote:
>
> Thanks for the question xxxxxxx. Yes, this MileSpy thing is the real deal. I
> happen to know quite well the mechanics of the way these miles are earned
> and truly have decided to use it myself for an account I needed a few more
> miles in. I also know who the guys are that put it together and they are
> straight up guys. It is completely legal and there really is no danger since
> the way the miles are done is a valid and current promotion. I can also
> state with certainty that I have no interest, financial or otherwise in this
> thing, just an outside observer.
>
> Hope this helps and the best of all holidays to you.
>
> Randy
>
>Obviously, if we were inappropriately using Randy's name without his permission, I suspect that Randy could/would have made quite a ruckus!!
> Randy, is this MileSpy thing the real deal or just a way to grab my money
> and run with it? I've gone on the site and it sounds terrific, but I'd
> really appreciate one last thumbs-up from you.
on 12/21/01 8:51 AM, Randy Petersen at [email protected] wrote:
>
> Thanks for the question xxxxxxx. Yes, this MileSpy thing is the real deal. I
> happen to know quite well the mechanics of the way these miles are earned
> and truly have decided to use it myself for an account I needed a few more
> miles in. I also know who the guys are that put it together and they are
> straight up guys. It is completely legal and there really is no danger since
> the way the miles are done is a valid and current promotion. I can also
> state with certainty that I have no interest, financial or otherwise in this
> thing, just an outside observer.
>
> Hope this helps and the best of all holidays to you.
>
> Randy
>
>Obviously, if we were inappropriately using Randy's name without his permission, I suspect that Randy could/would have made quite a ruckus!!