LiveChat Transcripts w/ Randy and JohnMcG (Internet Brands)
 

Friday, March 9@7 p.m.
Randy: Greetings all, sorry for the delay, had trouble logging on at home and had to break a few speed records to get to work!!!

Randy: Some very familiar names whom I owe my continued thanks to for your support of FlyerTalk...

Randy: So, what might any of you want to chat about tonight?

delta50: Who/what is Internet Brands?

Gleff: Just to be clear... this 'sale' thing we've heard so much about... the transaction has closed and we can't talk you out of it, right? :D

Empedocles: LOL

Mshaikun: Randy -- will FT remain free? Was that part of the deal?

Ewrfox: So is FT still going be the same FT/?

Randy: Internet Brands is a company located right at the LAX airport, which was formerly carsdirect.com in the dotcom days. They survived the bust and raised some money and put it to work forming portals of Web sites around topics such as cars and real estate and most recently travel.

Randy: Yes, the deal is closed and I tried to talk myself out of it many times

gfowler-ord-1k: Will the deal affect our invitations to the Freddies this year, and the future

Randy: FT will remain free. I have a very dedicated goal to keep FlyerTalk as near what I started as I personally can, which is why I’ll be directly involved over the next four years.

Ewrfox: So is OMNI going be around?

Randy: Tell you all what, if any thing changes regarding fees for accessing FlyerTalk - I will personally pay your fee, but I do know I really won't have to.

Mshaikun: I'm printing this one!

Randy: Actually, they really like OMNI and among the casual topics we had was making it open for all... needless to say, that was my first directive to the group - I will decide that and so will the TalkBoard. They understood it was the end of that conversation.

Ewrfox: I’m safe.. ;)

Empedocles: They LIKE OMNI? :eek:

Ewrfox: Who doesn’t?

Gleff: How does this affect your outstanding crew, Tim and Mikel? Will they stay with you at the House of Miles, or does I-B get them as part of the deal?

Mshaikun: What "improvements" should we expect in the next year or less?

Randy: Actually FT has nothing to do with my normal businesses and InsideFlyer sponsors the Freddies so I will continue year after year to try and feed you, ply you with alcohol and hopefully entertain you as well - nearly 450,000 votes this year.

Randy: Yes, they LOVE OMNI. Go figure... but then again, it really is popular.

Ewrfox: Yea I was wondering about that, will the Mods and TalkBoard members all stay or will there be someone new coming in?

Gleff: Speaking of the Freddies, believe it or not I just learned, searching through my spam folder, that I never confirmed my vote. My vote didn't count! I demand a re-...

Randy: Sorry if I miss anyone's question as this scrolls by. If so, just yell at me - I’m used to it by now.

Randy: Mods and TB are off limits to them and I continue to have very specific language in the term sheet that all current practices continue with their support.

Ewrfox: So there isn’t going to be a Men’s Only then... hehe

Mshaikun: So what new do we have to look forward to?

Randy: Ask gleff, as president of TalkBoard, any changes I know of will continue to come from our member-elected Board.

Mshaikun: Yo Gleff. Any plans?

Randy: IB will take at least a half year to get with what FT really is all about but it would take anyone that long - including sometimes our newest members!

Empedocles: Do you think the (eventual) surrender of control will be seamless/transparent//etc.?

obscure2k: I can assume less "downtime", better technology and fewer glitches in the search system. Moreover, Randy will have more time to dedicate to FT members.

Gleff: mshaikun, you tell me -- what would you LIKE to see?

Ewrfox: I like to see Omni open to all... :p

Mshaikun: Am pretty happy as things are. Improvements scare me. Have seen too many from delta and amex!

Ewrfox: but maybe that’s cause I’m the only omni here... :p

Randy: As well, a few members posted that we had done thing to spruce FlyerTalk up for sale and clamp down on things. Rather than listen to that drivel, I ask any for you to ask the TB (even Dovster) or any moderator and I think they'd tell you none of them knew anything until early this week and there have never been any instructions from me to change anything that was not already in practice on FT.

obscure2k: I am hopeful that RP will be able to answer questions in ORP in a more timely fashion now that he doesn't have to deal with so much tech stuff.

tom911: I actually agree with OMNI open to all....though you may need sub-forums with the growth that would occur

mshaikun: Opening OMNI and maybe some junk posts in travel forums would gravitate to OMNI.

Empedocles: I'd rather the waiting period for OMNI remain, my wife is registered on FT now... :eek: :)

Randy: As for surrendering control, honestly, most of the deal is based upon me staying over four years to make sure FT continues as is. I have some incentive to continue to work with you all and I can tell you, there is nothing in the deal that is based on revenues. Far less pressures that way and of course FT really is not that kind of Web site now.

Gleff: I can understand why growing OMNI would benefit IB -- page views, ad revenue. But I like to keep it closed somewhat, there used to be many more troll fake handles there than there are now, they'd usually pop up on the weekend.

Randy: There would be nothing better for me than to enjoy FT more as a member and hang out with you all, but the back end of this thing is very daunting and I don't envy having others deal with the mechanics of FT.

Randy: OMNI really is not a major or even minor topic for them. The news is that they have several other new travel Web sites and they are busy with them. As long as we stay the same, there's no reason for them to even come around....

tom911: From the technical side, though, you would expect a better FT experience?

Randy: I expect they have more expertise than we do in certain areas - they have nearly 400 employees and all are Web site based. I think we can get FT much faster. I was facing another three servers or so and that gets expensive, as I haven't paid off the other ones yet...

tom911: Will the site remain on your servers, and at some point move over to theirs?

Randy: On our servers for the time being as I have a large contract for bandwidth. I'd say that maybe 3-4 months from now they might take them over and move to their platforms, that really is part of an ongoing transition team function.

obscure2k: Welcome John McG!!

JohnMcG: Thanks...just checking out the chat and saying hi!

obscure2k: Appreciate your responses in ORP

JohnMcG: Will be writing to all the moderators shortly and hope to communicate regularly

Gleff: Welcome, JohnMcG.

Randy: Evening John and welcome to chat. I was just telling everyone how great Internet Brands is and I think they get the idea that I am a very happy guy to be working with you all.

GoingAway: Do you plan on participating in a forum similar to an ORP?

Randy: John is the General Manager for Travel for Internet Brands - a great skier and a super outdoorsman guy who goes hiking a lot.

Ewrfox: I think its time people get to enjoy OMNI in its all glory... Being open to all might make it pretty civilized and more fun... Instead of the daily politics threads, new users can really open it up to something new, than what we are used to on a daily basis

JohnMcG: Well, I think we're the happy ones...great site, great community, Randy and his team staying involved.

obscure2k: OJ.

obscure2k: Sorry, meant to say Only JohnMcG.

JohnMcG: I'm happy to communicate however is most helpful. Though we don't have a lot of news or answers yet.

Scoow: IB does not (as of this afternoon) include a link to FT on their homepage. Do you expect this to change in the near future? (Like maybe Monday?)

JohnMcG: We hope to be students first, and learn the ways of FT.

Randy: Right answer John!

obscure2k: Some nice mentors, here, John

JohnMcG: We will get that up at some point

tom911: Hopefully we'll see you at some FT events....all over the world and in the U.S.

JohnMcG: Yes, I plan to attend the Moderators Do 4/28 in Arlington

Randy: John, tonight we have with us, gleff, the member-elected president of the TalkBoard for FlyerTalk

obscure2k: Excellent!!

JohnMcG: Heck, since I'm buying the breakfast now, I guess I should enjoy the food. :)

obscure2k: More smoked salmon, please:)

JohnMcG: :)

Randy: tom911 is one of our most helpful members and obscure2k is our most charming and valuable moderators.

Ewrfox: What about me?

Ewrfox: :D

Randy: The fox is my personal bodyguard and confidant

Mshaikun: JohnMcG -- Hang around and you'll become addicted. Your travel costs might drop as well! You'll also learn that many of us can't type or spell.

tom911: John--are you a frequent flyer, or member of hotel programs, yourself? I know Randy belongs to a whole list of them, but do you have some personal experience in this realm?

Ewrfox: :)

Empedocles: I noticed John made his inaugural post on the AA forum. :D

JohnMcG: I love a bargain! Though I wish I had more time to travel than I do!

Randy: Very funny.... we purposely don't have spell checkers on FlyerTalk...

JohnMcG: Yes, AA since the mid-80s (remember triple miles?!) and UA almost as long

Empedocles: Hoo kneads spill chick?

JohnMcG: Yes, I’m old :)

obscure2k: I'm older

gleff: Around here we remember sextuple miles.. and that was just 2004. ;)

tom911: Great...a fellow AA FTer :)

mshaikun: Spel checkers, which would take all the fun out of random typing

gleff: (paging gfowler)

ewrfox: I’m not old

JohnMcG: Yeah, AA Gold occasionally...not as often as I'd like

gfowler-ord-1k: you rang :)

Randy: Just in time, evening!

GoingAway: The support guys from HOM have been great .... would you mind sharing if they are remaining HOM employees or have transitioned to IB and also whether they are the long-term support for FT or does that transition over entirely to IB at some point? They've been great and I'd hate to lose their support and participation :)

Mshaikun: University of Louisville/ Pittsburgh game is just starting. Hope it doesn't go two overtimes.

Randy: They will stay associated with FT for some time and they remain on my payroll - I just could not think of ever losing them.

JohnMcG: Randy can answer as well. His team is continuing on for now. We'll take on some of the work at some point, but very slow orderly transition.

JohnMcG: I've been to the HOM a couple times...Randy has great people there!

Randy: I've got just as great members on FlyerTalk....

obscure2k: slow and orderly is reassuring

GoingAway: Thanks Randy and John.

Randy: then thanks is always to you and the others

JohnMcG: Yeah, obscure2k, if anything this whole transition is going to be non-newsworthy. That's the plan anyway.

GoingAway: John - can you discuss how your other sites are supported - do they have a dedicated team or is it a general support staff for all the sites you have?

ewrfox: John so do you guys offer some discounts to say Fellow FT members?

Randy: john, I'm pretty sure you are being set up now so I’ll let you answer!

empedocles: Yes! That's what we need, car discounts! :D

ewrfox: If we want to use one the Internet Brand services?

JohnMcG: Our sites have a mix of dedicated and shared support. Sales is by vertical (cruise, vacation rentals, etc.) Customer service is generally site-specific. Accounting and such are shared.

2Ruse: so john - what's in this for you? as u can see u have a built-in loyal base - how can we help u and get some perks etc in return?

JohnMcG: Well, as for discounts, all our sites are free to the users.

Randy: Good, good answer

JohnMcG: perks? :)

Randy: oh you know, I usually give out 10,000-mile bonuses to our evangelists every Christmas.

JohnMcG: We don't transact travel...we assist people in planning travel.

obscure2k: One good positive fallout is that I actually checked car prices on their car website instead of going to Edmunds. seems like a win-win

JohnMcG: We do sell cars.

JohnMcG: Not my area, thought

Randy: it's working already! the deal is successful. All with no changes at FlyerTalk, thanks O2K.

obscure2k: Most welcome, Randy!

JohnMcG: though (geez, now I’m mis-spelling!)

empedocles: I actually had no clue carsdirect still existed until this week...

gleff: Hmm... Perhaps we can leverage this, I'm thinking that since TalkBoard members are elected to two-year terms, each term can come with a new car lease. :D

empedocles: That would encourage me to run again, gleff. ;)

Randy: you have my vote.

empedocles: I'm cutting and pasting that.

gleff: I grew up in the car business. We had a whole lot full of used Yugos...

obscure2k: Wouldn't mind getting out of my lease a little early:)

GoingAway: John - you mentioned attending the Mod Do, do you plan to attend the Freddies as well?

JohnMcG: Hoping to, but I'm already putting in about 70 hours a week here, so getting there by Thursday is just a maybe at this point. Would love to if I can!

obscure2k: Possibly, as an introduction; nothing more.

JohnMcG: What, no award for me?!

JohnMcG: Best newbie?

mshaikun: This chat sends loud sounds to my speakers. Every message is a click. A person leaving is a loud noise. Is that normal? Delta50's leaving woke me up.

gleff: So, I have a question. I am very reassured by Randy's comments that much of his interest in Internet Brands as a buyer for FlyerTalk is a desire to keep FlyerTalk as it is. And JohnMcG's presence here is reassuring as well. But I do wonder... the community of FlyerTalkers is both a boon and a nuisance to many giants in the travel industry. Randy has always supported members speaking their minds, no matter what the pressure. How will Internet Brands feel if a major corporation sends a legal letter about this or that discount being posted on FlyerTalk?

2Ruse: great question gleff!

obscure2k: For the next four years I would not anticipate a change. But, I'm not JohnMcG

JohnMcG: I'm not an attorney, so I can only answer from a business perspective. To shed some light, check out another of our sites, CruiseReviews.com. There are lots of user posts complaining about every aspect of various cruise liners. We post them all without censoring (except for profanity and such).

Randy: just like us....

ewrfox: can we do away with that... :D

Randy: what, the profanity or the censoring of profanity?!!!!

ewrfox: how about a free-for-all?

obscure2k: ewrfox?

Randy: must be speechless

FlyingOnceMore: How important was it to IB that FT is a worldwide community ?

Randy: another good question - John?

ewrfox: actually you know what I really like to see, I like to be able to open the chat and still surf FT on the same page

JohnMcG: Great question, and honestly it's too early for me to have a great perspective on that.

JohnMcG: We do have a growing international presence in our travel sites, and that will continue.

Randy: ewrfox - bigger monitor.... iMac with 24i inch screen!

JohnMcG: I'd put the question back to the leadership of the community...what do you think?

GoingAway: are your other communities of a similar size to FT? and as diverse a community geographically and by demographics?

gleff: With I-B hosting WikiTravel, do you see any changes to the FlyerTalk Wikis? (Were those sold, or just the bulletin board? I guess that's the first piece of the question.)

Randy: they lead, I follow, gleff?

gleff: In typical leader style, I think I missed the question. (Or as they say in my hometown, "I have no specific recollection of that, Senator.")

obscure2k: OT, is this discussion time-limited?

Randy: I’m in for a while, whatever the members would like

ewrfox: Can’t it be done on one screen? If I want to look at FT and still be in the chat without being closed, I have to open another IE window and its somewhat annoying

JohnMcG: Some of similar size, some smaller. Wikitravel and World66 even more may be at least as diverse geographically. And demographically for sure...seems that FT isn't as diverse as some sites...probably a skew toward higher income and education than some sites.

JohnMcG: gleff, as for the wikis, we're just digging in and haven't really discussed that much yet.

KosraeTV: What percentage of FT is international? I mean out of the hundreds of thousands of people who are signed up on FT what % is not a US mainland account? Just curious about the current demographics of FT. It seems to me we have every airport covered in the world.

gleff: Hmm, I'm flipping back and forth between chat and FT and have been for the past hour. Not sure what the modification would be to make the system easier to use?

JohnMcG: I hope I'm not sounding evasive...we're leaning on Randy and his team, and are just starting to come up to speed on some things.

gleff: KosraeTV, it really was an amazing thing, the dialogue between Dovster and BEYFlyer when Israel invaded Lebanon...

empedocles: Not in any official FT volunteer leader-type (not for lack of trying ;)), but I perceive the global reach of the community as one of the strengths of the forum. It actually seems easier to get just about anything answered here than in other similar forums.

Randy: I can't remember about the intl. mix but nearly 40% is international

KosraeTV: I agree with the Dovster comment.

JohnMcG: Our World66 site is 75% int'l. -- strong usage in Europe and elsewhere.

gleff: We do have it well covered, local knowledge on the ground from Beirut to the Mariana Islands...

JohnMcG: Wikitravel is in 15 languages, so that will become our most int'l. site.

KosraeTV: 40% international has to be pretty good no? And that doesn't count the amount of travel to strange locations that mainland people travel too.

obscure2k: John McG, very much appreciate your participation tonight. Now, this family is hungry and needs dinner. Look forward to seeing you in D.C. at ModDo

Randy: the thing about FT is not so much the intl. mix since this group is so transient. our reach of intl. is probably better than almost all.

ewrfox: Right now I’m on the FT chatlog.php page and if I click on anyone of the forums it closes... Is that how it is for all?

mshaikun: My favorite source of travel info is FT. TripAdvisor is second. Guess I'll have to check out some of John's sites. Hope we post links somewhere.

gleff: Certainly cross-promoting the wikis will be useful, the knowledgeable user base here would likely love in many cases to contribute to wikitravel to extent they become familiar with it. And newer members are likely to learn a great deal from it (since it's easier than using FleyrTalk's search function... ;) )

GoingAway: ewrfox - just minimize that window and open a new for surfing

gfowler-ord-1k: ewrfx: yes. you need to have 2 windows or tabs

empedocles: Time for me to go, I have a cat wanting attention perched on my keyboard. I appreciate Randy and John's time in answering our questions. Adios.

JohnMcG: yes, we're fans of good cross-linking

KosraeTV: I can understand that World66 might have a higher % of overseas accounts but that is a mostly European site isn't it? I'm still learning IB here so correct me if I'm wrong.

mshaikun: John -- Thanks for stopping by. Randy -- appreciated your email. Best to us all. Gotta go. Louisville needs my help against Pitt. We are up by one.

ewrfox: since the chat is a popup window cant you make it possible to surf on one page? Instead of having 3 windows open, can it be just 2?

2Ruse: yes thanks randy for your time (and for all the great opportunities - I was 1 of the lucky ones who did the Concorde magazine deal a few years ago)

JohnMcG: World66 is strongly European, but as an English language site it has worldwide users.

gleff: Yes, thanks to Randy many folks got to fly the Concorde (and then in many cases BA first class return) for ~ $1k

gfowler-ord-1k: ewrfox: as a techie I can see how that would take quite a bit of work to implement

gleff: I understand he's still paying that one off -- maybe that's why he sold FT!

Randy: it was a very, very, very expensive lesson I learned!

2Ruse: you'd be in hock until the fourth or fifth millennium for sure

Randy: but anything I can do for FlyerTalk!

2Ruse: it was a dream come true for many of us

Randy: I’m glad you got to go. you know I bought 210 million miles that year!

2Ruse: whoa

GoingAway: that’s a lot of miles!

ewrfox: If you make the FT chat an IRC java chat it would only be 2 windows right?

jfe: Who's here?

Randy: you are!

jfe: :D

jfe: Nice job on the sale

jfe: Where's my cut ;)

Randy: warming up for April Fool's day!

jfe: I am a fool everyday

Randy: we were just talking about that, since I’m still paying off the Concorde tickets from a few years ago - you owe me!

jfe: I could, I've wasted lots of bandwidth :o

jfe: So, you going to hand online more?

Randy: any more questions from our members?

gfowler-ord-1k: that is a lot of debt, 210M miles @ $.0125???, ouch

gleff: The other hidden gem, though, was the Diners Club offer you had matched with the 100% BA transfer bonus

GoingAway: thanks to both Randy and John for their time tonight ... and Congratulations to both of you, as well.

Randy: the cost of a mile was much more than that - that's what Citi pays. Heck, even hotels pay nearly 2 cents with tax these days.

2Ruse: yeah thanks randy and john

gfowler-ord-1k: thanks John and Randy, see you at the Freddies

Randy: thank you again and again!

Randy: plat = AA or CO or?

plat: starwood

Randy: you lucky one!

tom911: Good night, all. Thanks to Randy and John for stopping by.

FlyingOnceMore: OK Randy, spill the beans, been dreaming of any new toys

JohnMcG: Good night, all...looking forward to talking and meeting soon.

Randy: toys? I'm newly married didn't you know.....

gleff: If hotels really are paying close to 2 cents that further bolsters my theory that -- following on the award chart devaluations the chains have made for hotel night redemptions, we're going to see devaluations in airline mileage transfer rations. As points become less valuable for hotel stays, people will transfer to out miles more... and those transfers are MORE costly than the hotel redemptions were, even before the devaluation. So devaluation could increase rather than decrease a program's costs... unless they change their transfer ratios.

jfe: Quick question, what is going to happen to OMNI and SPAM, are they going to stay the same?

ewrfox: Yes

gleff: Good night, John. Appreciate your joining us for the evening!

ewrfox: that was my first question

jfe: Ah, as always I am the last one to know

Randy: you can figure out some of the costs, look at the tax you pay per bonus mile with the car rentals.

Randy: jfe: all things remain the same. they really don't want to change anything because it's a given this is a successful Web site the way it is.

Randy: evening missy

gleff: Evening, missy!

missydarlin: howdy

missydarlin: and what brings the boss into chat on a Friday night?

missydarlin: hi gary :)

jfe: There was a rumor that FT was sold, so Randy decided to clarify things

plat: looks like I missed the chat with John, anything interesting come out of it?

missydarlin: no tequila to sample? Sheesh

Randy: oh, I got lots of that, up to 143 bottles now!!!!

scoow: Randy - will any of this chat be posted? Could some of your & John's answers be added to your thread in ORP? Or perhaps a new 'transition Q&A' thread?

jfe: Dude

jfe: Cholula, how are you

Randy: you guys tell me. Do you think it would be of benefit to post these transcripts once I do the spell check?

missydarlin: so if a person wanted to re-apply to be a moderator in a couple of months... do they still go through you?

Cholula: Doing well. Thanks..

missydarlin: hi dave

Cholula: Hey Missy

Randy: I’m still your boss for at least 4 more years! sorry to have to break the news.

Cholula: Works for us, Randy.

Randy: where is my pizza?

Randy: I ordered it one hour ago.

Pizzaman: Chuckle, running late

missydarlin: hi inko

gfowler-ord-1k: yes, please post the transcripts since we are just a handful of the FT community

inkoherent: hello

Pizzaman: Oh, good, so I won't miss the earlier comments. Where will it be posted?

Randy: cool, will do that on Monday unless I can get the tech guys going earlier.

Stephen loves Starwood: I wouldn't mind reading the transcripts as well - Thanks

Dudleydog73: howdy all

missydarlin: it’s the weekend, let the tech guys have some time off!

Randy: I’ll provide a link from ORP and I will post up every transcript though I do not think IB will be on every one of them.

ewrfox: will there be new moderators say OMNI and if so where do I submit my application? Or will the mods be you and the head mods?

Randy: I know, I’ll break a server and that will get them running in!

Pizzaman: chuckle

jfe: OMNI mods, which will never work

ewrfox: it might work, say the mod is from the Omni rank.. :p

Randy: I’ll probably stay as the Mod for OMNI, as noted prior, it's a place that can burn out others and I don't think that's fair. Besides, if we appoint a new mod in there they will want their own RV.

Pizzaman: I would think Mod for OMNI is more than a fulltime job, and a thankless one at that

jfe: indeed

jfe: Never got paid ;)

ewrfox: ill be more than happy to work omni

ewrfox: ;) ;)

Dudleydog73: if I get a RV I would put my name in

Pizzaman: Been here 3 years, never stepped foot in OMNI

tkey75: I vote Greenery to mod ONMI

KosraeTV: Greenery ?????

tkey75: Hehe

Pizzaman: Who was on from IB?

2Ruse: john from IB

Pizzaman: I assume same John that posted in ORP, JohnMcG?

gleff: Yes, yes

tkey75: I heard he and Randy were here. That's why I stopped in.

skye1: probably no better place than FT chat to see what he's gotten himself into :)

Pizzaman: Too bad I missed, have to catch the transcripts

Stephen loves Starwood: Gleff, just reading over your comments regarding the hotel devaluations actually increasing the costs to the hotel programs and you are right that there will be increases in the transfer rations from hotel to airline programs - my only thinking is that airlines are better set up to have 'award sales' so people will not scream as much .

ewrfox: the RV is only reserved for Randy's closest Omni pals... It’s a special group..

Pizzaman: chuckle, yes. A pretty solid indoctrination

tkey75: Truth be told, I've never logged in when other people are here - in almost two years.

jfe: OK, Canarsie is here, let's all leave now

Cholula: Except for mod chats on occasion, I've never been here either.

Dudleydog73: a special group eh?

Canarsie: Story of my life, jfe

Randy: well, we're not that special!

Pizzaman: Speak for yourself :)

tkey75: I've been here, Cholula - it's just been a one sided conversation - with myself

jfe: Me, too, the voices won't stop

missydarlin: HEY! **I** am special

Dudleydog73: its not a little yellow RV is it? ;)

Stephen loves Starwood: I'm thinking out loud here, but with all these point programs dieing out wouldn't it be nice if FlyerTalk had a points program - say one point for every WORTHWHILE post which you can then transfer for free flights

tkey75: We're all a little special, aren’t' we?

missydarlin: not sure about the rest of you peeps though

Cholula: Problem is I can't type fast enough for chat. It's strictly hunt and peck with me. :(

Pizzaman: Stephen, that only works if we get to take away for any stupid posts

Stephen loves Starwood: So, like two points lost for a stupid post ??

tkey75: Me, I just kind of mash the keyboard and let the typos fly. It's a little harder with Canarsie breathing down our necks, though.

Pizzaman: Any points harvested as the result of stupid posts would be deposited into a larger account for disbursement to clueful members

Randy: sounds like a replacement for reputation?

ewrfox: Some get the honor of taking a road trip with Randy.. lucky b(stards :p

gleff: Or maybe a loyalty program a la e-miles for watching ads in the posts, sort of the reverse of FT Premium?

Canarsie: Okay - did I miss the serious portion of the chat, or is this it?

Randy: hey, the RV trips are great. It was just a problem when parnel was with me and the toilet overflowed!

jfe: Great idea, let's bring reputation back. :)^^.

Pizzaman: Heh, silly me is an InsideFlyer subscriber, but didn't know about FT Premium until the ORP IB thread

tkey75: Hey - I like e-miles. A few of their little ads have been pretty decent

missydarlin: you missed it Brian

Stephen loves Starwood: I hope I am up one mile and not down two now

missydarlin: we still have the option of Premium FT right?

jfe: All hell broke when I showed up :o

Canarsie: I came to discuss the weighted average cost of capital pertaining to FlyerTalk and the results of its regression statistics

Dudleydog73: indeed

tkey75: Can you dumb it down a bit, Canarsie?

scoow: NOW your talking...

Randy: yes, I got that into the deal for no changes right away and they actually think it is a very clever idea.

Randy: FT Premium that is

Randy: is that regressive or aggressive?

Pizzaman: Right, but they don't own Inside Flyer, so is there still a connection between magazine sub and FT Premium?

Cholula: FT Premium is the best thing since sliced bread IMHO.

ewrfox: what does FT premium offer?

Stephen loves Starwood: Are there thoughts to add benefits or whatever to FT Premium?

Canarsie: No, regression - which describes some FlyerTalk members.

gleff: Maybe you should offer FT Ultra-Premium in order to access OMNI...

jfe: Well, guys, it has been fun, but I need my beauty sleep, so I must hibernate for 30 years now. Randy, you are more than welcome for ELP DO 3, whenever it happens again, too bad you missed the first one.

Randy: We still own 100 % of InsideFlyer and will do right by all of you if there ever was a change I did not control.

missydarlin: I can think of some other ways to describe some FlyerTalk members ;)

Canarsie: Will there be transcripts of the chat?...

Canarsie: ...the serious portions, anyway.

Pizzaman: Yeah, Randy said probably by Monday

missydarlin: Yes

missydarlin: You missed that part too brian ;)

Cholula: FT Premium is embarrassingly cost effective for FT members so I don't see how add'l bennies can be squeezed into the equation.

Dudleydog73: When the IT slaves get whipped into shape

Randy: Yes, I’ll post up maybe this weekend for everyone. will be listed in the announcement and in ORP

Canarsie: Thank you, Randy.

Pizzaman: Speaking of e-miles, I'm almost to my first 500. Thanks, Randy!

gleff: I know there are technological solutions to avoid the ads, but $1 a month is sooooo worth it.

tkey75: Yeah, thanks, Randy

daph: I agree!

Pizzaman: In fact, just earned 5 miles and got a 20% off Borders coupon

Randy: Glad that e-miles works. I know some of our members were hesitant at first but I know the folks there real well and have some influence.

Canarsie: Was there a good turnout here tonight?

tkey75: I'm up to almost 500 e-miles, too. I've considered taking up Enterprise on the 20% off offer I got from them. Too bad I hate Enterprise.

Pizzaman: Huh, why would someone be hesitant? Maybe you might not think it's worth your time, but if you're trying to keep an account alive, I think it's a great idea

Dudleydog73: Hasta luego folks

Cholula: E-miles keep the account topped off and active for us retirees. :)

Pizzaman: Keeping my UA account afloat

Canarsie: Wow - I know how to clear a room...

Randy: You should have seen it before!

Cholula: Canarsie's here??? :eek:

Stephen loves Starwood: I guess I'm thinking that for additional benefits the costs can also increase - but since Randy doesn't need the money anymore maybe it's not a thought in process anyway.

tkey75: What happened, Cholula - fall asleep at the keyboard?

Gleff: Best way to keep an account afloat is to be a Starwood Platinum, which allows transfers of a single point... I've been known to do 1 points transfers out of SPG ;)

Cholula: I was distracted. Sorry.

Pizzaman: Really? Another gleffism I can take to the bank

Pizzaman: Never knew you could do that

Stephen loves Starwood: Ya, great idea. SPG does have its benefits ;)

Canarsie: ...I think I will go catch up on some FlyerTalk threads. I really had no real questions about Internet Brands acquiring FlyerTalk, as I already had asked most of them on a separate occasion. I do think it is funny how people confuse Internet Brands with the parent company of Twinkies and Wonder Bread...

Pizzaman: And yet people keep saying the program is dead after the recent deval

Gleff: Airline transfers are still amazing with SPG. 1:2 with LanChile, 60k SPG -> 150k LanChile. And check out LanChile's oneworld RTW awards...

tkey75: That's Interstate. Supposedly a guy is a two-year study into the inner workings of a Twinkie. Very interesting what he came up with.

Cholula: Got too much invested in Marriott Rewards to change horses in midstream. Plus Bill made me lifetime Platinum a couple years ago and I kind of owe him something.

Stephen loves Starwood: Well changed for sure but I don't think dead - Anyway look at what's happening over at Marriott (and with no warning)

gfowler-ord-1k: I don't think SPG will be winning any Freddies (again) this year

gleff: They've really been pushing the Freddie’s, too. They want it BAD.

Missydarlin: Who wants it bad.. Marriott or SPG

Randy: well all, hope it's OK to scoot, got the bride ringing on the BatPhone. I hope you are all getting comfortable with this and if you do have questions, any questions don't hesitate to contact me. IB is a pretty good bunch and I do plan on keeping FT the same - or better!!! Evening....

Gleff: SPG

Missydarlin: Night Randy

Canarsie: Why is the banned Delta logo here? Where is the original Delta widget?

Canarsie: Bye all

Missydarlin: Well they pretty much got owned last year

Gleff: G'devening, Randy, and thanks - as always

Cholula: Take care, Randy.

Randy: Cheers.

Saturday, March 10@7 p.m.
Randy: Looks who's here tonight, evening all

gleff: Evening, Randy-- and John back with us!

JohnMcG: thx!

Pizzaman: Good Evening Randy and John

Kiwi Flyer: Hi Randy, hi John

Pizzaman: John, thanks for coming back or more punishment :)

Randy: that means they love you John!

JohnMcG: no punishment! :)

JohnMcG: happy to be connecting with y'all!

Randy: Kiwi, morning to you!!!!

Pizzaman: As soon as gemac insults one of your posts, John, you're one of us :)

JohnMcG: Kiwi, are you really in NZ?

Kiwi Flyer: Yup, at the moment

Kiwi Flyer: Psst Randy - its afternoon here too

obscure2k: Kiwi also shows up for Mod Dos

JohnMcG: Tops of my visit-next list! :)

Randy: Kiwi one of the two bloggers that make up the excellent "The Gate" blog for FlyerTalk

Pizzaman: Will someone *PLEASE* tell John to use the search function?

gleff: :p

Kiwi Flyer: John - there's a member DO here (well Queenstown) in November. Of course you're all invited

Randy: Any questions today regarding the future of FlyerTalk?

obscure2k: My questions were well answered last night

cfischer: how are the new owners going to handle OMNI?

Randy: John, you want to start? If you've got any thoughts?

JohnMcG: I can only say no particular plans for change from our side.

JohnMcG: We're still very much in learning mode.

Randy: and it's posting as usual from my view.

obscure2k: posting as usual is normally a sad thing to see

Randy: I'll remain the Moderator in OMNI, occasionally take members out for a nice drive in the RV, but nothing changes....

Pizzaman: Well, thanks for stopping by, John :P

gleff: John, what do you like most about FlyerTalk from a business perspective? and what concerns do you have?

cfischer: that is good to know ;-)

gfowler-ord-1k: we need to tell John about keeping the parent chat window open

gleff: Looks like we lost John, at least briefly

gleff: Welcome back

JohnMcG: yeah...operator error! :)

gleff: John, what do you like most about FlyerTalk from a business perspective? And what concerns do you have?

Kiwi Flyer: happens to the best of us

JohnMcG: I'll answer like most first, then concerns.

JohnMcG: Like a lot...strength of the community (mods/TB/contributors), market leading position, quality of the site to date, ongoing involvement from Randy’s team

JohnMcG: Randy and all of you have created something that is really one of a kind. And like eBay, the world doesn't need a bunch of them...better to have one large and really good one.

Randy: nice compliment to our members, thanks John.

JohnMcG: We were so impressed by the governance of the community by the moderators and TB. FT is truly world-class in terms of managing an online community.

cfischer: Any plans to involve more airline reps and hotel insiders? Market leading position? How is the ad situation (and ad free option) going to evolve?

JohnMcG: I think more industry people could be a good thing. But like most of this, I plan to be doing a lot of "What do you think?" questioning to all of you before I start thinking I have a good perspective on such things.

Kiwi Flyer: Will there be any planned interaction between FT and your other sites in ways that affect content and user experience?

Kiwi Flyer: I mean your other travel sites

JohnMcG: We like the idea of an ad-free option for FT.

obscure2k: Links to InsideFlyer?

JohnMcG: Funny story...while we were contemplating the purchase, one of our advisors at Google was giving us advice on using their AdSense ads. They gave us a few examples of sites that do it really well. And FT was one of the ones they mentioned! So probably not a lot of need to change things there!

Pizzaman: What prompted you to consider buying FT? Can you discuss your thought process in deciding to acquire?

gleff: John appreciate your thoughts on the positives. The second part of my question, if you're willing to share with us, your concerns?

JohnMcG: Yeah, we hope to maintain lots of good linkage between FT and IF

Kiwi Flyer: I'd be interested in hearing of any concerns too (thanks gleff)

obscure2k: Will FT continue to be based in COS or Los Angeles, or elsewhere?

JohnMcG: In terms of concerns, we aren't approaching the site with many. Loyalty programs aren't going away. The FT community seems strong and stable. As long as we don't mess things up, hopefully there won't be many problems. If Randy and his team were leaving, I'd have a lot more concerns!

Kiwi Flyer: so would we!

JohnMcG: In terms of interaction with our other sites, we'll probably want to do some cross-linking that is done for search engine optimization. But from a user experience, only changes that make sense, and probably just slow baby steps.

JohnMcG: Well, FT is served offsite from the HOM now, and even if we switch servers in a different location, which will always be offsite at an appropriate facility. In terms of staffing, we'll have our people in LA, and a mix of Randy's team in COS both involved. No planned moves. I imagine more trips to COS for me and others at IB.

Kiwi Flyer: Trust Randy giving you some tips to maximize the miles on those trips :)

JohnMcG: :)

obscure2k: Trust O2K for restaurant recommendations in Los Angeles

JohnMcG: We have a nice direct flight! And our office is literally two buildings from LAX!

Kiwi Flyer: You might not want to mention that on FT. I can see it now. Every time FT goes down you'll get visited by an angry mob :D

JohnMcG: Really, O2K...do tell! One of the things I really enjoy! Going down to Long Beach for dinner tonight after we're done here.

gleff: Yes, last night you mentioned that you were mostly an American flyer... but United has the only non-stops LAX-COS.. so perhaps you'll consider asking UA for a status match...

gfowler-ord-1k: John, you don’t want a direct flight, maximize you miles and rout thru PDX ORD DEN the COS :)

obscure2k: Not an expert on LGB dining. Very good on W.L.A.

Pizzaman: mix in an IAD stop, too

Randy: That's what I do when I visit them!

techgirl: And I imagine Randy gets to enjoy a few brews at the Four Points LAX too

cfischer: check the MR forum for some creative routings :0

gleff: LAX-SAN-SFO-SMF-DEN-COS...maximize those 500-mile minimums

gfowler-ord-1k: I was impressed with the 4pts beers at the Freddies last year

JohnMcG: I did that once...LAX to PHX via DFW. But that was when I was young and had time on my hands! :)

techgirl: Yeah, that location has quite the selection

obscure2k: I was disappointed in the egg rolls:)

gleff: Something about 'egg rolls' and '4pts LAX' that lead one to wonder

obscure2k: Question for Randy: Truly, I expected a larger turnout from the FT community for these chats. Are you surprised at the number of participants? I am.

Randy: The goal is just to be available!

Randy: As well, we'll be posting the transcripts and everyone has a chance to read from there.

Pizzaman: I think it's great that IB has made themselves available in this format.

Randy: I think the thread in ORP has answered many members interest.

techgirl: agree - I didn't anticipate being able to log in until Monday

JohnMcG: I'm happy to dialogue here and/or elsewhere. Will eventually have lots of questions, and whatever answers I can provide.

Randy: And these current hours aren't real convenient for our European contingent

obscure2k: PM is your friend

Pizzaman: Everyone likes to complain when they have a free moment, but actually showing up to have a reasonable discussion....

gleff: It has for me, at least as well as questions and answers can. Speaking of loyalty, FlyerTalk is a huge part of the lives of a very large number of people. Any kind of change to something held so personal and dear will engender fear and distrust. Randy's been reassuring. Personally I buy that I-B has an interest in maintaining and growing the community (more ad views!) and doesn't have an interest in pushing one travel vendor over another (in contrast to some possible buyers). And Randy's staying on. But time will tell how things evolve, just as it would if ownership hadn’t changed hands.

JohnMcG: I like the way you think...more ad views, don't mess with a good thing, and maintain objectivity and vendor neutrality

JohnMcG: Over time we hope to add increasing value, but we're in following mode

cfischer: what about CC? Most FF programs don't allow such transactions, but on FT they are possible within CC. Any changes?

JohnMcG: We do have good tech folks, and that's a place we should be able to help in the months ahead.

JohnMcG: cfisher, will you please elaborate on that question?

gleff: The real open question, and this doesn't speak ill of I-B in any way... Randy has really 'been there for us' over the years. When travel providers don't like what's posted here, or threaten to pull ads, he doesn't flinch. When members wanted to speak with a common voice to Delta about changes in their program, he was first in line contributing real $$. And no doubt Randy will still be doing that, though his other businesses no matter what happens here on FlyerTalk. But we've been incredibly fortunate and spoiled, so I guess it's an open question just how valued members feel with the new ownership of FlyerTalk. Basically, an open question about the value proposition we represent to I-B.

cfischer: within coupon connection members can 'trade' miles and points, which is technically not allowed

obscure2k: Well said, Gleff. Thanks.

JohnMcG: no immediate perspective on CC

gleff: (by the way, in the above I do not suppose any ill will, changes, or otherwise -- just trying to voice some of the fears that have no name that come naturally from change...)

obscure2k: ditto

Randy: good evening old...

oldandslow: Hi.

JohnMcG: The FT members are the asset...that’s clear. We have some good experience recognizing the core value of community on some of our other sites, such as Wikitravel. It's not the content, it's the community. And we have gone to lengths to ensure that the community maintains a strong sense of ownership of the site and the goings on. We'll manage the ad views in a sense, but this is more than just that. These online communities are really living organisms and they need to be cared for as such.

obscure2k: I love your answer

gleff: ^

JohnMcG: great to get us addressing the unspoken fears. I think we'll be a good partner for FT, and so I want to be transparent in our plans.

obscure2k: Please don't use the "T" word on the TalkBoard Forum.

gleff: :confused:

JohnMcG: The Wikitravel community feared we were going to destroy that site, and a year plus later we still haven't even added advertising and the founders are still running the site. Slowly they fear us less! :)

Pizzaman: So, knowing that you'll leave stuff alone for that long, how do you value the business such that you are interested in acquiring it, from a financial perspective?

JohnMcG: Well, we'll need to make money from it at some point. But we're more interested in long-term growth than paying this month's rent from that site. One of the nice things about being a thriving business. :)

JohnMcG: For FT as well, we hope it will be a good long-term investment. But that doesn't mean we need to change it...in fact, it seems largely the opposite.

cfischer: so what are the long-term revenue plans?

obscure2k: As I said last night, I have become a new viewer of Internet Brands.

JohnMcG: I think mostly just advertising, just as now. Hopefully more advertisers, but nothing that will compromise the objectivity of the site.

cfischer: sounds good :)

oldandslow: Meaning absolutely no offense to anyone, sir, but there is a clear difference between a community and a business. The decision-making process in business is profit-motivated, even when keeping a sense of community or serving the "membership." The decision-making process in a community involves the members, and Randy et.al. have done an excellent job of moving the community forward within rational, defensible, and even-handed limits with no (okay, with very, very little) sense of a profit motive. I for one expect that this change of ownership will result in changes in FlyerTalk - changes that may not be obvious today, but will happen. Given that changes will occur - perhaps not today, or tomorrow, but soon, and forever - how will Internet Brands be able to attract new members (the lifeblood of any community or business) now that this is a (more) commercial site?

obscure2k: Randy, thanks again for your time. John, thanks again for your reassuring presence and time. Now, I have to cook dinner. Remember to turn your clocks back tonight.

Randy: thanks O2K, remember, 350 degrees for 45 minutes...

obscure2k: Oops, meant to say turn clock forward.

obscure2k: Ha Ha, Randy, I'm Micro waving T.J.'s stuffed peppers for 6 minutes. Great! Ask John to bring them to COS :)

cfischer: think about all the delayed red-eyes :o

gleff: (But our non-US members should ignore O2K's clock advice or suffer adverse consequences.)

obscure2k: You have exactly 4 minutes

JohnMcG: I don't view it as becoming any more commercial. Randy had bills to pay and profit to generate. I hope we remain clear that the best way to generate ad revenue from the site is to let the community thrive as it always has.

gleff: Question as a TalkBoard member. One thought that occurred to me is that the FlyerTalk privacy policy restricts disclosure of information to 3rd parties... but one might argue that other Internet Brands websites would no longer be 3rd parties. In the past, the TalkBoard would take up issues like privacy policy. Say, hypothetically, Internet Brands wanted to cross-market to the over 100k FlyerTalk members... and the TalkBoard wanted to look at the privacy policy.... any new boundaries for the TalkBoard, or are we all just sort of felling our way here?

gleff: (I'm not really throwing softballs tonight, am I? ;) )

techgirl: good question

Randy: my position is that our current privacy policy stands. No exceptions, even for me.

JohnMcG: Feeling our way here sounds right. As for things like cross marketing, we approach that very slowly across all our sites. If it adds value to the user, that's great. Cross-links and small stuff are often okay. But we don't foresee any aggressive cross marketing to FT. As for privacy policy, not my area of expertise, but we're generally very white-hat when it comes to user privacy.

Punki: Is this live or are the questions edited?

Punki: I guess it is live. ;)

Randy: just the members are edited!!!!!

Randy: evening Punki.

gleff: Live.... and trial by fire for our new friend from Los Angeles. :) John, I do appreciate your taking the time, truly.

Punki: How are you feeling about the sale, Randy?

Randy: John, Punki is among our earliest members of FT and served on several Boards prior to the current TalkBoard.

Randy: Me? I'm very happy for our members.

Punki: I'm glad you didn't say oldest members. Although that would be true as well.

JohnMcG: Punki, will you be in Arlington in April?

Punki: Yes we will.

Randy: she's married to "Hunki"

Punki: My daughter, who registered initially back in 1999 forgot her handle. She was going to reregister as Klunki

Punki: John have you previously attended a Freddies?

JohnMcG: No, I haven't

Randy: Any other questions tonight for John? I know he's got some dinner plans in Long Beach and he's been very generous with his time. A reminder that transcripts of all the nightly chats will be posted to ORP by Monday.

Punki: It is an extremely interesting industry event.

Punki: This has probably been asked, but are you, John, already a FF fanatic?

JohnMcG: I think it's an awesome resource! I'm going to ask my boss for more vacation time so I can take better advantage of it! :)

Punki: It is amazing to me to see wealthy people finesse their trips to get the very last mile.

gleff: Indeed, thanks for taking the time this evening, and don't let us keep you from your dinner plans. But then I guess we've just been keeping you away from traffic on the 710...

Punki: Thanks, John. Have a great evening.

Punki: Hi Boy!

gleff: Welcome, BAMAT

Randy: evening BAMAT

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Thank you (better late than never) :)

JohnMcG: :) Good night all! I hope to be back tomorrow evening and will be happy to answer other questions then.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: My timing is excellent, as always :)

Punki: Randy, has Rudi explained to you his elaborate plan to get millions of miles and have it be a tax write off?

Randy: not his latest - has he been talking to beaubo lately?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Congrats, Randy :)

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Lol...Beaubo

Randy: Thanks BAMAT....

gleff: I imagine if the trips are for a legitimate charitable purpose, eg volunteering for a tax-exempt entity, the travel expense should be a write-off

Punki: Don't know, but he says he is now set for life.

gleff: I've been meaning to set up my own 501(c)3 to educate the public about the benefits of loyalty programs...

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Wow...I need me some of that

Randy: I’ll give him a ring. I'd visit him but then you'd all get the wrong idea of this latest deal! Switzerland....

BoyAreMyArmsTired: heh

Punki: We just got back last Saturday from celebrating his 64th birthday. Not much snow in the Alps.

Punki: Hi jfe. How is your beautiful little girl?

gleff: Nah, OMNI folks would start getting ideas though if you were making political contributions at the end of the Bush administration, hoping for a presidential pardon...

jfe: she is gorgeous, and growing quickly

Punki: An already got her Daddy wrapped around her finger, I am sure.

jfe: completely, she said "love you daddy" :o

Randy: wonderful!

Randy: Any more questions for me tonight?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Do you have the winning lottery numbers for me?

jfe: nope, sorry for the interruption

gleff: Sounds like we've gotten most of our questions answered for the evening! Before we let Randy go, any quick frequent flyer wisdom we're all seeking?

Punki: No, you go have a wonderful dinner as well.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I'm going to zip in at the beginning of one of the next ones :)

Punki: Tell Julie "Hello".

Randy: I lost the last 5 years of twice a week drawings so I’m not good at numbers!

gleff: See, that's the chat we need...

Punki: The fun is plotting how you would spend it.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: My office co-workers won 2.2 million dollars when I wasn't in the office

gleff: (And finally bringing back Mileage Plus for a chat, maybe ;) )

BoyAreMyArmsTired: So I figure, I'm due.

Randy: then I'll join my lovely bride. Thanks all of you for continuing to be FlyerTalk and I trust you're feeling OK about all this.

Pizzaman: So far, so good

gleff: Thanks, Randy. Have a wonderful (rest of your) Saturday night!

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Thanks, Randy

Punki: Happy weekend.

jfe: it was my turn to scare everybody away :o

Randy: cheers.... good night all.

Sunday, March 11@7 p.m.
Randy: Evening all...

Randy: Hope your "short" day was great. Any questions this evening?

FCYTravis: Evening gleff

Pizzaman: Sure, now that the decision has been made and there's some time since the deal was consummated, how do you feel as compared to the day you agreed to sell FT?

Pizzaman: Hey, gleff

gleff: Hi all.

Randy: Evening Gary.

FCYTravis: What do you see as IB's goal in buying FT? Some sort of "synergizing" with their other travel-related sites?

Randy: Actually, still pretty numb. I have quite a few other things going on so no real time to reflect.

Pizzaman: Fair, honest answer. Thanks

gleff: Pizzaman's question wasn't directed at me, but I've been giving the transaction, potential changes (or not) a good deal of thought. I've been in chat the past three nights. And I have a ton wrapped up in FlyerTalk, a huge personal stake here, as many of us do. I have my 6 years/13 or 15 thousand posts/TalkBoard time/senior mod/etc. It's a huge part of my life. So any change is a red flag. But so far....

Randy: As you say, probably the synergy. We really don't have to do anything to FT ad wise or anything, but if cross traffic works in all their Web sites then they will have won.

gleff: I trust Randy, and believe he genuinely sees this as a benefit, so I'm inclined to trust it's not an immediate loss...

gleff: Something that John McG said last night really resonated with me.

gleff: He pointed out that WikiTravel still doesn't have any ads. Their announcement back in April 06 said they'd be getting advertising, but I-B hasn't put the ads in yet. They're clearly taking a cautious approach to changes, not wanting to act contrary to community building (long term development of their asset)

markbach: hi all

Randy: Evening Mark.

markbach: congrats, Randy ^

FCYTravis: As long as they keep the ads "removable" via a yearly subscription, I'll be peachy

Randy: I don't really know if it's congrats, but I’m pleased to have help with the future of FT.

gleff: The WikiTravel announcement of the acquisition said that they thought commercial and community weren't antithetical, they could go together. We already know that's true, with the community that's been built here on FlyerTalk. And looking at Wikitravel they seem to have a track record of working to maintain that, or at least respecting it.

Randy: FCYtravis - I'll buy your ad-free if they change while I’m here!!!

gleff: So the rather pointed questions I was tossing out last night notwithstanding, I'm feeling more comfortable the more I think on it.

FCYTravis: welcome gfowler

gleff: Don't know if this is worthwhile to anyone else but me, but writing it down (even here in chat) is helpful (to me).

Pizzaman: Heh, you did come up with some good ones for John

FCYTravis: LOL randy

Randy: There are other roll-ups going on as well. If any of you missed it, a fried of mine who owns SmerterTravel.com sold to Expedia/TripAdvisor this past week as well.

FCYTravis: ad-free = :up:

FCYTravis: small price to pay

obscure2k: type it one more time, Randy.

Randy: "I'm from the front office, I'm here to help!"

gleff: Hey, I'm happy even with a 50% increase in the cost of ad-free, if it still comes with IF content.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Evening all. I'm a little closer to the beginning tonight :)

Randy: I won't raise the price - that's my revenue not theirs so it is something I control.

FCYTravis: Interesting. Well, if airlines can have merger mania, so can air travel sites

FCYTravis: Ahh

Randy: don't be bashful, ask a question if you like!

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Is it open question time? Or is everyone just sleepy with daylight savings?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Yeah, that :)

Randy: a little of both I believe.

Pizzaman: Nah, we saw BAMAT, and figured it was time to leave again :)

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I had the travel day from hell, so I will try to be coherent

BoyAreMyArmsTired: lol

obscure2k: Sorry that I can only join for a minute. Question: Randy, when will the transcripts be available from these chats. Hope you answer quickly; Family is starving.

Randy: Monday when Tim wakes up!!!

BoyAreMyArmsTired: My main wondering is this (and I'm not sure how much you can answer this, Randy)...You have done such a great job creating a community. I think people (including me) worry a bit about making it feel more like a "business" than a community.

Randy: actually the community comes from within. That and how over the past few years I have not been as active in policymaking. I do not think I am as needed as in the past - except for those bar bills and late night dinner tabs

obscure2k: Wishing Tim a good night's sleep. Bye all... Time to make a proper meal.

FCYTravis: night obscure

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Heh. That is fair enough...however, if the mandate of the owner(s) change, this may not necessarily be so, IMHO

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Night O2K

Randy: The problem that was becoming worse is that I was rarely able to be part of the community - the admin side of things and the mods on board tonight know that the backend of FT is really, really frightening with all the spammers and other things that go on.

Pizzaman: So, how long do you think it takes before you can control your level of interaction with the community vs. having it dictated by spammers, etc?

FCYTravis: Randy: I guess that brings up another question... will this change the mod selection criteria/process?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I think I have a tiny sense of that. I'm happy to hear that you are going to continue to be involved. And if you are the "front guy" for the next few years, how much input do you realistically have on the new owners?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Or with, rather (my brain is rather scrambled)

Randy: I think the owners know fairly well I am a bit stubborn with FT and it will not be easy to make changes. The real important thing is that I interviewed the 6 potential suitors for FT and IB is truly the one that talked less about any changes and listen more and really want me to help them. I like that approach.

FCYTravis: wow, six suitors?

FCYTravis: didn't know we were that popular

Randy: Actually the Mod/selection criteria process has changed a lot recently. All the original mods were simply shoving tools in the hands of anyone who raised their hand. Think about the chances we took and how far worse that could have been. When you measure that, we are oh so lucky.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I'm not necessarily in favor of just "status quo", just because (and I'm a bit of a change junkie anyhow), but do you sense a willingness of the new owners to get to know the culture of the community before they institute lots of changes?

markbach: hey MA

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Hey MA :)

MileageAddict: hello :)

MileageAddict: Hi Bammy

markbach: and Pizzaman... NoVA represent :P

gleff: Not luck - just software limitations -- the old mods didn't have the ability to issue suspensions way back when ;)

Pizzaman: :)

Pizzaman: Hey, Mark

gleff: and gleff.... Alexandria...

markbach: and gleff too

markbach: hehe

MileageAddict: another Virginian here

BoyAreMyArmsTired: (and I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions). It's a woman thing.

markbach: I keep thinking you're in MD

MileageAddict: Bammy likes to talk :)

MileageAddict: Randy, good seeing you!

gleff: That's 'cause MileageAddict is so far away it kind of counts as a different state

MileageAddict: Are you going to have a website registration for Freddie attendance?

Randy: Today, mods are not chosen strictly by raising their hands, we proactively as well seek out outstanding members of the community. we also do reference checks on new applicants and these are not just to current mods, we want to know from other regular members. As well, thanks to the senior mod group, we now have a formal mod mentoring program, which I am very, very proud of. I almost messed it up and did, but just last week it was redone and the future looks bright.

MileageAddict: gleff, I earn miles for every time I drive to IAD :p

FCYTravis: OK, thanks. I was just wondering because I had "raised my hand" a couple months ago ;)

Randy: So indeed the mod process has changed, but not from the outside, just the inside and the unfortunate thing is that the handful of critics want to hold hostage this whole program from something in the far past. Anyway, it's a good program and IB commented about it from the buzz they here about our mod program from outside FT. It is considered one of the better programs of any web site.

Randy: Again raising hands is not automatic and we don't appoint a new volunteer until we can match them with a mentor - some of the lag in that was we were only trying to get the mentor program done. BAMAT was a victim of the mess I started but that has now been fixed.

MileageAddict: poor Bammy :(

BoyAreMyArmsTired: No, no worries, really :)

FCYTravis: Right, I understand, like I said, was just wondering if the process was changing any ;)

Randy: Evening Punki!

FCYTravis: evening planeluvr

gleff: Actually, I have it on good authority that Internet Brands plans to enforce new medieval approaches for moderators... oath swearing and trials by ordeal.

Punki: Thanks, Randy. I tried to make it on time tonight.

planeluvr: Good evening, have I missed anything exciting

BoyAreMyArmsTired: lol

Randy: another leak Gary!!!!!

Pizzaman: Branding and drawing of blood as well, I assume?

MileageAddict: does it earn miles?

markbach: and stoning!

Randy: I didn't see koko posting that yet.

gleff: .If the wound heals cleanly then we're not witches

FCYTravis: rofl

Punki: then it must not be true.

Pizzaman: The "mod" brand will look great underneath the two A’s I have branded on my shoulder

Punki: Crazy as the things he posts might seem, they are always true.

Pizzaman: And, of course, my Eastern Airlines "tat"

gleff: I have 'betamax' tattooed on mine..

gleff: Good evening, John.

Punki: Hello John

Pizzaman: Good Evening, John

Pizzaman: How was dinner last night?

FCYTravis: :sigh: My PSA one is obsolete too

Punki: I hope you had a lovely dinner last night.

JohnMcG: Good evening, all (and other time zones!)

MileageAddict: Allegheny Airlines here

FCYTravis: "Failed Airline Tattoo Collection. Only on FlyerTalk."

JohnMcG: We did...a first-time visit to a place, which didn't look promising from the outside but was a delight on the inside. Live jazz in the background.

Punki: With room to dance?

Punki: Dancing with dinner should be mandatory!

JohnMcG: I guess depending on the dance...no room for a circle of two-steppers! :)

Randy: John, thanks for making even more time available for this. The early comments seem to indicate that everyone is getting more comfortable with this and they very much appreciate your comments....

Punki: We absolutely do appreciate them.

Pizzaman: Yes, John. We don't plan on burning you in effigy until Monday night's chat

Punki: I think it helps a lot to have a name and cyber face to the corporation.

FCYTravis: Medieval torture, now burning in effigy, John must be wondering what he's gotten himself into ;)

Pizzaman: Question for John: I assume based on the distance between IB and FT that you anticipate "digital" interaction with Randy? Or do you feel there will be some sort of regular "board meeting" structure?

FCYTravis: Seriously, the transparency and honesty is a major plus. I've been through a couple non-travel forum implosions, and they're not pretty

JohnMcG: Randy...yes, happy to be available however to answer any questions people have. Though I was unaware about burning danger! :)

FCYTravis: And the common thread has been that the people running the forum, haven't been up front with the "userbase."

FCYTravis: that mistake wasn't made here

Punki: I am sure that that was one of the things that Randy had in mind when choosing a buyer.

JohnMcG: gleff, I appreciate the observation. yes, I hope we're respectful and intelligent about how online communities grow and stumble. but definitely happy to hear others' thoughts as we engage with FT. on some level, many of you are much more experts on this than we are.

Punki: I must have missed gleff's observation.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I have two questions for John. The first is I guess sort of a follow up to the gazillions of questions I was asking Randy. I will try hard to only ask one at a time, this time. The first is personal...are you a frequent flyer, or is all this mileage craziness new to you? (and if so, are we scaring you)?

JohnMcG: Pizzaman, we've already set up weekly conference calls between us and the HOM staff. But communication is daily, between phone and email. I'd like to get out there again during ski season! :) But don't know if that will work out!

Pizzaman: :)

party_boy: hello

party_boy: hmm is the chat function lagging?

markbach: nope

Pizzaman: Nope

markbach: jinx

JohnMcG: FCYTravis, yes we hope to be very good communicators. If that ever seems not to be the case, please just ask. [email protected], or messaging here on the site.

JohnMcG: Boy, yes I'm a frequent flier who wishes I were more so! :) AAdvantage for about 20 years, occasionally Gold. United, as well.

FCYTravis: Oh, if you spend any time at all on here, you WILL be more so

FCYTravis: I guarantee it.

FCYTravis: ;)

BoyAreMyArmsTired: It's addictive, no doubt. :)

party_boy: haha yeah

FCYTravis: Just wait until the next big mistake fare hits the MR forum.

party_boy: you'll be 1k or explat before the year is out

party_boy: haha

Punki: For instance, during D.C. weekend, we are staying in three different hotels. That is a real FlyerTalk trait. ;)

Punki: Never does it even occur to us that if we just stayed home there would be no need for top status in multiple programs. ;)

gfowler-ord-1k: John: what Punki is doing is called a "mattress run" maximize stay credits

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I think that's what I've appreciated about Randy's leadership. It's always felt like a community. Not "us and them"....just " us." So I hope that kind of a feeling will carry on.

Punki: To get more status in more programs so you have to travel more to maintain status.

party_boy: which can make or break your life on the road

Punki: I love the Starwood 4:00 p.m. for Plats. I couldn't live without it.

JohnMcG: I agree with "us." We hope to be a good addition to this already thriving community.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Great to hear :)

party_boy: so can we expect Internet Brands to sponsor some FT Do's?

FCYTravis: It's almost not an overstatement to say that FT can be life changing.

gleff: Even better, Intercontinental offers Royal Ambassadors guaranteed 8am check in. :)

FCYTravis: certainly has been for me.

Punki: Absolutely not an overstatement.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Absolutely. Some of my very best friends now, are FTers I've met. And I have dinner company almost anywhere I go, if I want, which is great :)

party_boy: I wouldn't say life changing, but instead I’ll say life enlightening

FCYTravis: My coworkers always wonder why I take the wacky routings... then they look at my UnitedFirst boarding passes and family vacations in C to Europe

FCYTravis: :p

Punki: I can remember when we planned the first PIP. I really thought it was weird to jump on a plane to go meet a bunch of strangers. Now it seems perfectly normal.

party_boy: yes, yes that is a real perk

MileageAddict: FT is integrated into my lifestyle as I’ve been here almost 9 years now

Punki: Mileage Addict and I met very, very early on.

MileageAddict: back in 1892

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Geezer

FCYTravis: rofl

party_boy: wow

BoyAreMyArmsTired: MA knows I love him. We talk almost every day. :)

MileageAddict: mmhmmm

Punki: I think he was the 4th FlyerTalker that I met.

FCYTravis: I will *never* forget the p.s. Do!

FCYTravis: that was absolutely fantastic

MileageAddict: I’ve spent time in FT homes on 3 continents

Punki: That is what so amazing. Some of the folks I have met on FT have become among my best real life friends.

party_boy: fcy yeah I heard it was fun...to bad it was on UA

party_boy: but nonetheless, I heard it was fun

Punki: I can remember back in the beginning when I first started to really care about some of the other posters, wondering how we would know if someone died. That was a weird crossover between cyberspace and the real world.

Punki: As it turned out, when we finally did lose members, their friends and family knew about FT and posted so we would know.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I think the 'war stories" you are probably hearing in the chats demonstrates a real desire of members to have you understand how much FT means to us, as a community. That we are very connected, and have relationships that have crossed over into our "real lives".

Punki: Very much so.

FCYTravis: Yep.

Punki: Randy, how many FlyerTalkers do you think are actually involved with real-life FlyerTalk activities?

Randy: Real-life?

Punki: I know I personally have met hundreds.

Punki: Parties, Dos, airport meetings, etc.

MileageAddict: I’ve been to dozens of events

JohnMcG: It's inspiring to see the relationships that have been fostered in this community. In addition to the free travel! :)

party_boy: oh no, the travel is never free

party_boy: just highly discounted

party_boy: =P or rebated

FCYTravis: Darn taxes ;)

Randy: good question and I do not know that answer. My guess if we could go back and spreadsheet anyone who has ever attended at Do, the Freddies or other casual functions, it will certainly number in the thousands - my guess, more than 5, less than 10.

party_boy: I’ll stick with the IRS definition

Randy: evening KVS.

party_boy: kvs

KVS: Evening everyone!

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Tool :)

KVS: BAMAT: ;)

FCYTravis: heya KVS

BoyAreMyArmsTired: You're not a tool. I just like your availability tool (actually, I was going to say I like your tool, but that just sounded bad)

FCYTravis: LOL

MileageAddict: OMG, put some duct tape on her

MileageAddict: laffin

party_boy: yes that wouldn’t sound good, not in the least

KVS: LOL

Punki: Maybe you should stop while you are ahead. :)

party_boy: kvs

party_boy: you live in Toronto right?

party_boy: or area?

party_boy: I’m headed there on wed, do I need to pack a parka?

party_boy: or is most of the snow gone?

FCYTravis: I should try and set up a Montreal Do! when I'm there for Grand-Am...

KVS: Party_boy: Actually, you may be in luck, it has been quite warm here over the last couple of days

MileageAddict: I’ve slowed down this year....only 28 segments so far

party_boy: FCY, Montreal is a crazy city

party_boy: kvs, any snow on the ground?

party_boy: mileage, I’m worse....I’m going to be going on my first 12 segments of the year in the next month

KVS: P_B: There is some, but most of it is gone

FCYTravis: D'oh. Late start?

party_boy: FCY, yes, my new business has kept me stationary

FCYTravis: I've done 30k BIS so far.

party_boy: last year I was at 40k BIS by the end of Feb

FCYTravis: plus the Visa bonus, 1/3 to 1K...

MileageAddict: Explain BIS to John ;)

gfowler-ord-1k: I am doing 12 segments , 36K miles this week

party_boy: Butt In Seat

JohnMcG: please :)

FCYTravis: Butt-in-seat miles, that is, miles a person has actually flown

gleff: I'm running up the segments this year. Since I likely can't double and triple dip on the UA Chase Visa EQMs anymore, as a domestic flyer mostly I'm going for 1K requal on segments.

MileageAddict: remember, he doesn’t speak our language yet

BoyAreMyArmsTired: You know you're a real FlyerTalker when you can speak whole sentences in acronyms.

FCYTravis: Quick mile acronym lesson:

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I did my 24th segment for this year today.

FCYTravis: RDM: Redeemable miles. From all sources - flying, bonuses, credit cards, whatever

MileageAddict: EQM = elite qualifying miles

BoyAreMyArmsTired: BIS

FCYTravis: Those are the miles you can redeem for free flights, etc.

party_boy: I'll be doing about 20 segments and about 40k BIS in the next month if my math is right

MileageAddict: Heck, I dont know if Randy even knows all the FT acronyms :p

party_boy: FCY isn’t' there an acronym thread?

Punki: Happily, we take mostly longer trips these days.

FCYTravis: EQM: Elite Qualifying Miles, those are the miles that count toward next year's elite status. Comes from miles actually flown, plus certain high-fare bonuses, promo bonuses for credit cards, etc.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: There is an acronym tool in the help menu

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Thankfully

JohnMcG: I get a good portion of my AA miles with my credit card. Citi is even encouraging me to pay my taxes with it. But I imagine that's just basic to some of you veterans! :)

Randy: I don't think I do either because you all keep making 'em up as fast as I can study them.

FCYTravis: LOL

MileageAddict: FTers never type out the name of a city either

FCYTravis: IATA codes!

Punki: I heard a rumor that Randy isn't quite as crazy as we are and that he even flies in coach sometimes. :o

MileageAddict: Bammy is from YEG, I am from IAD.....

FCYTravis: there's a whole 'nother story

party_boy: McG depends on your charges....Does the IRS still charge 3@=%?

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I am, but tonight I am in BDL

party_boy: QSF

Randy: actually, I’m coach 70% of the time - that's the new generation of FTers I have to talk to "back there."

FCYTravis: fly from FAT to SUX via FUK

FCYTravis: ;)

MileageAddict: I fly to ORD this week, easy trip

Pizzaman: People still fly coach?

gleff: I used to live in FAT

Punki: Bless you, Randy.

JohnMcG: good question, party_boy...will have to check

party_boy: I am in Toronto and Milan this week

party_boy: oh and Boston

gfowler-ord-1k: Paying taxes with CC is probably not a good deal because they charge 3%?? CC fee

FCYTravis: E+ makes coach livable

gleff: In about a week I'm doing another YYZ-LCA trip

Randy: Well, I’m off to London for a one-hour meeting and back home this week. Good miles and I did snag Biz upgrade...

party_boy: gleff me too

BoyAreMyArmsTired: A one hour meeting?? Lol

party_boy: gleff what are your flight dates?

Punki: I am relieved to hear that Randy.

Randy: a new Web site idea!!!!

FCYTravis: One-hour meeting sounds like a good excuse to me :)

Radiocycle: good evening

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I am flying to Bucharest in coach (ouch)

party_boy: Radio Cycle

Randy: Radio - evening!!!!

gfowler-ord-1k: I am going to KIX from BKK, via SFO and back the same way in F

Punki: Hi Radio

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Hey RC

gleff: 3/22 YYZ-MXP-LCA, 3/25 LCA-MXP-FCO, 3/29 FCO-LIN, 3/31 MXP-YYZ

Radiocycle: hello Chat!

party_boy: LIN?

FCYTravis: I'm doing my first intercontinental premium cabin trip at the end of the month

MileageAddict: Ok, I’m heading out, goodnight all

FCYTravis: SFO-PHL-MAN/FRA-IAD-SFO in Envoy/Business

Punki: Night MA

FCYTravis: taking my mom to Europe for spring break, on miles :)

gleff: Linate, the close-in airport in Milan

Randy: John - Radiocycle posts most of his stuff on FT from a cell phone!!!!!

FCYTravis: she's never flown a premium cabin, ever.

party_boy: gleff I think we might be in LCA on the same date

FCYTravis: not even domestic First

FCYTravis: hehe

Punki: I have never flown international in coach.

Punki: I am too old to learn now.

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I think I am getting carpal tunnel thumb from my blackberry

gleff: I admit, I *have* flown international coach. But that was pre-FlyerTalk.

Randy: I did Cape Town.... in coach. Gave the upgrade to my bride.

Radiocycle: hey, standard WBC award was available DTW/NRT - NRT/HKG and HKG/NRT >>> NRT/MSP for Wednesday this week 3/15 returning 3/22. I was surprised that it was available one week in advance of departure

party_boy: gleff ahh

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Wow....THAT'S love!

FCYTravis: I flew KLM international coach to Munich in 05. But that was on a $200 mistake fare

party_boy: I mostly fly international coach...in my own row

Punki: That was very gallant.

KVS: Ah, the AZ LCA deal :) I still can't forget myself for only purchasing 1 pair of tickets :)

KVS: forget=forgive

JohnMcG: Impressive, Radiocycle! But that Blackberry thumb thing is real...my girlfriend has it pretty badly.

party_boy: KVS haha no worries I only bought one myself

BoyAreMyArmsTired: I know! But I can't stop myself!

FCYTravis: why is it that NW has all the fare mistakes?

FCYTravis: lo,

FCYTravis: l

Punki: Last year we got my daughter a saver award to Paris in June one week out

KVS: Well, but now that my Cyprus Airways downgrade cheque is about to arrive, I kind of feel better :)

party_boy: FCY..cause they're too cheap to pay for better systems

party_boy: KVS actually I do have a question about that

party_boy: that

party_boy: what happened?

party_boy: did you get the standard 400?

Radiocycle: I was able to book all 744 upper deck seats on the intl segments to HKG

BoyAreMyArmsTired: Ok...I guess I should try to wind down. Thank you Randy and John. And G'night everyone else. :)

party_boy: Gnight BAMAT

gleff: YYZ-LCA... I assisted with the purchase of 28 tickets. Many in my office had never flown int'l business before.

KVS: Well, it's a long story, but basically they added the 3rd seat on the A-B side, so the entire flight became single Y class. After 6 months of negotiations, I was finally able to make a deal with the CY's lawyers :) ... I can only say that the amount has 4 figures in it :)

Randy: Say, if there are no more questions about the change/no change for FlyerTalk and Internet Brands, I’ve got some homework for the Mods to get done by a.m., SanDiego1K has me working!!!!!

party_boy: Gleff, I understand I only bought myself one...and bought my friends quite a few more

Punki: Thanks for the time Randy

party_boy: KVS...on the MD80?

FCYTravis: Thanks, Randy

gleff: Thanks, Randy. And thanks, John. I'm going to be heading off as well.

gleff: Cheers, all!

Randy: evening all and thanks, and thanks, and thanks!

Monday, March 12@12 noon
It seems that the Q/A format from above and the answers put forth in this thread have members comfortable with the change. There were no questions in the noon session.

Monday, March 12@7 p.m.
Just a few additional questions and transcript will soon be posted.

Tuesday, March 13@7 p.m.
It seems that the Q/A format from above and the answers put forth in this thread have members comfortable with the change. There were no questions in this evening session.