I have to agree with what Chex said.

The TOS says

It seems pretty clear to me that the insults and namecalling are violations of the TOS, and even when one is exercising their right to post as a general member one should be expected to abide by those, and as a moderator one should not only be abiding by them, but responsible for reminding others to abide by them, rather than joining the fray, especially in the forum that one is responsible for moderating.

The TOS says that members should go to the volunteer assists if they feel attacked rather than retaliate, but in this case the moderator is not only condoning it but participating in it.

I personally find all the "we dont want to go to your stupid party..but you better invite us" posts very silly and ironic.
There's a lot of chatter about allowing members to self select, unless of course they want to self select to go to this particular event. Those who are offended by the attitude wont attend and those who arent will. If we can't rely on the moderators to keep threads on topic and gently remind the membership of the TOS..then why are they here? And while we are at it, can we lock down or move to OMNI some of the "faux"-do threads so people who actually want to attend an event know whats real?

Originally posted by techgirl:
Jen,

While I strongly admire your idealism, it would appear you are taking this way too personally or being somewhat judgmental.

In no way is the proposal a violation of the terms of service, even if addressed to a "protected class," because it does not involve proscribed offensive conduct.

Did you read my comments posted 05-02-2003 05:07 PM on page 2 of the original thread?

See FlyerTalk under 30 get together? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum.../003302-2.html

How about the link from the Continental board about the repeated disrespect young elite travellers endure from airline personnel and fellow travellers alike?

I am pleased that most of the "victims" of these minor indignities are dealing with them in a humourous fashion, and trying to "commiserate" in a fun gathering with those who can relate to their current experiences.

Think of it as AFFIRMATIVE ACTION for young, elite FlyerTalkers

I am well aware that affirmative action raises all kinds of opposition about reverse discrimination. However, this is not government sponsored "discrimination," but a self-help exercise of their First Amendment rights to freedom of association.

I am extremely concerned about the problems of rape and violence in our society.

But would it be "fair" if I insisted on barging in and trying to "help" a group of very recently traumatized female rape victims who had been invited to a gathering with the expectation that there would be no males to bring back flashbacks of that very recent trauma.

Hyperbole? Of course. Yet perhaps it will help promote understanding and make a point, and I apologize to anyone who may be offended, particularly given the outrageous levels of sexual violence and sin in our society.

My point, though, is that we shouldn't judge these young people, particularly if you don't know what they have gone through and you are a year "too old" (or whatever) yourself.

Give peace a chance!

(And since Saipan is too far away for the COE, perhaps you'd like to move your Do out here?)

In this case, I'm going to do the "appropriate" thing in this case and resign from my post as a Community moderator.

I cannot continue to be a TalkAssist member in a forum where activity is going on that I strongly disagree with.

missy and chex are completely appropriate in pointing out that my behavior is not appropriate for a moderator in this forum. As I cannot express my opinions AND be inpartial, I'm going to choose to side with expressing my opinion.

I'm in the under 30 set, and I object to "data collection."

The enire thing is a farce, and it's become overblown. And it's just not as cheeky as it was over the weekend.

WeLookGood.com-

You do realize that if you had a "under 30" DO, it'd be the biggest sausagefest FT has ever been affiliated with. While that might be good for a select few, most of us would find it bad. Our diversity is what makes this place so much fun. Where else can you drink with guys who sound like Shrek, men with big hands (LastClass) and the party-on-two-legs-known-as kokonutz?

You do realize that if you quit, all my blackmail photos become worthless.

I'm not a confrontational person, and I don't want to add to the flame war, but I want to mention that there is some validity to sharing travel tips among the younger set. This thread addresses a subject very specific to travelers under age 24.

From someone who was comped an Emerald Club membership before he had a license(!!!)

A few age-targetted subjects I can think of:

-- long distance moves to school; economical 9 month stay tickets
-- impact of airline luggage policy changes on airline- and travel choice.
-- study abroad travel: 9 month stay international tickets
-- changeable/open return tickets for flexibility with final exams
-- X fares (Airtran Under-24 standby travel)/ student-only specials
-- STA vs. Council Travel
-- rental car/ underage driver issues
-- Student Advantage-- is it worth the $$$
-- using the US Air/Student Advantage e-certs
-- cruise ships and age policies-- extra legwork for young adults to even take a cruise without an older guardian.


Younger travelers can share stories and anecdotes-- like the time I was turned away from a youth hostel because I was too young.

I understand the value of being inclusive-- but it's a reality that while companies cannot discriminate based on gender or sexual prefereence, they CAN deny services based on age, and younger travelers must adjust accordingly.

So, personalities aside, I do see value in information exchange and tips that target young adult travelers.

I am legally discriminated against by age almost every day of the week.

For some reason the AARP says I can't join their club because I'm not old enough yet. Denny's won't even let me order the Senior Slam for the same reason! Call my lawyer!

Disneyland and all the movie theater chains refuse to sell me a lower priced ticket for exactly the same services just because I'm not young enough any longer. I'll sue their asses off!

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 05-06-2003).]

Yeah, but you have to say that, just look at your handle!

Now now, I know Geritol makes you cranky, but here's a cookie and some milk and take a nap and we'll wake you when it's time to take your medication...

There there, good boy.

Can we just go right to the "medication"?

Relax, PremEx, the California court calendars are so overcrowded with litigious craziness, that your problem will resolve itself long before you could ever get a court date.

techgirl, FWIW, I think you should reconsider. As long as you have don't have your moderator hat on, you should be free to express your personal opinions within the TOS. If that is a crime, practically all the moderators are guilty of doing the same thing. I don't think you need to choose between being impartial as a moderator and expressing your opinion as a general FT member.

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Vasant

I agree -TG Should stay!!

TG , I think the issue came to the fore when you posted as a general member and asked people to stay on topic. That request is USUALLY seen as a moderator's type post....I think if you'd just expressed your opinion on the goings on OR asked people to stay on topic as a Mod w/ out the opinion, it would have been seen differently.

Don;t go!

In my personal opinion, I would wish that you would stay as well, Jen. You show wisdom and knowledge long beyond your (22? ) years, and are one of the members on FT that I respect most.

I think that it is totally within your rights (when not in "moderator" status) to express your own opinions as you see fit (yet also within the TOS). I would never consider myself for a moderator position mainly because of the fact that I work for a regional affiliated with several major airlines, although in other points of view I am much more "un-biased".

Hopefully you keep up the good work and your mod status will continue for some time to come.

Happy Travels!
Kai

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SkyWest Airlines - your friendly regional carrier and your #1 on-time airline for February & March 2003!

My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my employer, SkyWest Airlines, or those of our major partners, United Airlines & Delta Air Lines, respectively.

If someone else from Petaluma says you should stay than I will not disagree with that sentiment.
In these kind of things I am usually a minority of one but still believe quite firmly in the old adage edited to correct the computer error

[This message has been edited by magic111 (edited 05-06-2003).]