Let's see what happens. I'm perfectly willing to bury the hachet just not today.

Bob and others,

Randy's decision to be non-responsive is probably rooted in the dichotomy of his business relationships.

On one side is FlyerTalk and it's adherents. While FlyerTalk is provided at no cost, it enhances Randy's position as the guru of frequent travelers. The same group that participates in FT are probably the largest users of Randy's consumer products (magazine, award guard, award planner, mileage manager, FT merchandise). In fact, I would be willing to bet significant $$ that >70% of the users of Randy's consumer products are active members of FT.

On the other side is Randy's relationship with travel suppliers, including airlines. He always has had/currently does have a relationship with many in this group including US. He does consulting work for them among other things. Does anyone remember his mega-mileage run on US a couple of years ago? I believe he visited every US station within a 30 day span. I know he didn't pay for those tix (though he probably got to keep the miles). So remember that part of his income comes from those that the general public thinks he is the watchdog of (note my English teacher is upset with me about ending a sentence in a preposition).

The other part of Randy's business is the media side. He is paid for writing columns about freqent travellers in various publications which enhances his image as FF'er guru.

So you can see Randy's business relationships can be rather complex. At times, it is best for him to say/do nothing. However, I am surprised and disappointed that he failed to even respond to an event for a whole airline group on FT.

So please don't hold not responding against Randy. Of course, if we do this again and he doesn't respond, I will just HAVE to tell that story about him at PIP II.

Just want to second/third the notion that any response would have been fine in my mind. But to not respond, delegate a response, come up with a lame excuse, etc is just overly curious.

Note that I had nothing to do with the planning - but from my perspective the ultimate downside of the 'no response' is that the event is less than it could have been with his input. It seems to have been a classy, successful endeavor, but I am guessing even Piney/etc could have used some planning tips on what/how to do things with a group of airline execs - he's the one with all the contacts!

Tsk, tsk.

He has a conflict, and he is smart enough to know it. The airlines are his advertisers, and some of us on this board actually have paid subscriptions to Inside Flyer. That's a room full of people who pay your way as a business. You want to get in the middle of that one, not knowing how the personalities will play? It sounds like the attendees had a great time, and it also seems like it was very well planned. The company appears to have gotten what it wanted, judging from the effusive comments on FT. For those of us who hang out and read these threads, it will be interesting to hear all about the company's plans for its recovery, and for us as proactive customers. Bob, as leader of the new reform wing of the unwashed, but status laden core of USAir frequent flyerdom, you must stop teasing, and supply us with the real scoop on what they shared with you. With what looks like a pending name change for your tribe, it also falls to you to figure out what Ira does with all that stuff he has that says "roach" on it.The temptation to lift your leg on the house of miles in Colorado Springs is mighty, but we're here waiting to get the news.

I'll re-phrase.

I didn't receive several emails with the tracking feature enabled. Distinguishing between a personal invite and a billboard along the highway.

I would feel like the issue was personal and between me and my uncle. And I certainly wouldn't make any annoucement to the public about it. Demanding a public response to a private issue is rude, IMO. What could possibly be gained by seeking a public response from Randy? And I'm not even sure why it's an issue. Why wouuld Randy be under any obligation to respond to your e-mails about a gathering in PHL?

I am one of those who emailed and PM'd Randy regarding this gathering. While I understand his possible reasons for not attending, I do believe that he could have at least responded to one of us--even if to say he can't be involved. I would have completely understood.

While I understand his possible reasons, I find it curious that he did participate actively with another customer group regarding another airline.

Either way with our without our friend Randy, I do believe that the event was a resounding success, and send my kudos to Bob, AB, Tom, Ira and the rest of the Cockroaches.

Now let's ffocus on the positive, shall we??????? Perhaps it's time to let this one go.

I agree with the sentiments expressed by geo and others on this issue. RSVP'ing is something that a lot of folks aren't good at - and there's no reason to make it public that Randy didn't respond. Given his roles, I can see why attending an event such as RoachFest might be problematic for him (and based on my recollection, I don't think he's attended other events for groups like SaveSkyMiles for one - although he's helped out there). Let's be pleased that he's given the group some favorable publicity, as opposed to coming out against it.

Oh, and why be so secretive over what looks to be the impending name change of the group - looking at the pictures from RF - it looks like the new name is there (plus the hints being dropped about ffocus).

So, let's leave the man alone on this. Plus, wouldn't the appropriate place to have started the thread be "Only Randy Petersen?"

The best place for this thread is Only Randy Petersen.

-Chris
US Airways Moderator

Deelmaker,
Please be patient. The information is being compiled and professionally transcribed. It will represent as true a picture as we can present. What I will tell you now in this forum is that NOTHING will be published on FlyerTalk OR US Aviation. We made this decision quite some time ago in order to encourage a frank and open exchange of ideas. We were by all accounts I recieved successful in that regard. Once the document is prepared and ready we will make it available. Exactly how is currently being discussed. Most likely through our web site.

As for Randy, I am not interested in "lifting my leg on the house of miles" I just feel given his involvement with DL, that he would have at least have the professional courtesy to politely decline. I have commitees to get rolling and a host of other activities to attend to if we are to take this group to the next level. We have acheived our original goal of access to US Airways management, we need to maintain that access going forward. The DL group despite RP's generosity and $$$$$ is still on the outside looking in near as I can tell. I said all I'm going to say regarding RP.

Deel I have many many thoughts right now but the one that keeps jumping up at me is that while we may have changed the name, we will NEVER lose the spirit of the Cockroaches and for that we owe you a debt of gratitude that can not easily be repaid. Please never for one minute of one day think I don't read your posts and process your wise counsel because I do. EVRYONE of them.

<deleted>cause i feel like it

---

Just a small point if I may...

Yes, I surely well remember this post 9/11 exhaustive run by Randy in his arguably laudable effort to say to all concerned that flying is still great!

And I remember my having posted some rather unflattering remarks on FT at the time concerning this supposed "mileage run" by him.

More importantly, perhaps, I also remember having received an unsolicted personal contact from Randy concerning my post, in which he vehementedly disagreed with me. He personally offered to show me some rather strong evidence to refute my remarks, including, as I recall, evidence that he did, in fact, pay out of pocket for this event.

Most importantly, perhaps, he was kind enough, not to express his point of view by posting it on FT!

In any case, while I would have made every effort to respond myself, I'm willing to let him slide on this! Like it matters what I think!

Have a great day all!

-Mark

doc,

I'll bow to your personal knowledge about Randy paying for the mileage run.

Good to hear from ya, it's been a while.

Bill

If the invitation was delivered in the same fashion as this post, I am not surprised that Randy did not respond.

Did anyone consider (whether in good taste or not) that NO response IS a response?

I do know that Randy has been away for a few weeks...

William

Randy provides these fora free of charge for us to exchange ideas and opnions. FT is a huge service to all of us that use it, it provides both financial and personal benefit to all concerned. No doubt is provides benefit to Randy as well, I sure hope so.

I don't think it is the "done thing" to publicly critisize our provider here. If you have a beef wih Randy, keep it private.