$23,000 trip in F on A380 SIN-JFK
#121
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
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That said, I don't think the standard I hold myself to applies to anyone else.
#122
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, mid-tier with pretty much everyone else
Posts: 873
Originally Posted by Aeran View Post
Thought I'd chime in on this since I know Derek personally (served NS together + alumni from his university).
He's a very nice guy and I don't think he thought the blog would get this much attention. Not that plagiarism is ever warranted, but he isn't a travel 'blogger' and doesn't make any money off of his site or Medium - its just for fun and sharing with friends.
If you look at his site & medium, he only has 8 and 4 posts (respectively) over 8 years, with 2 in the former being about random things like a home-made flamethrower or automating his dorm room. Besides this SQ one, all of his other travel-related posts are about travelling economically for very cheap (e.g. 1 month across Russia for $1,175).
Thus I don't think he is similar to - or trying to be - a luxury travel blogger like the ones most of us at FT keep up on. He blogs rarely, and about things that may interest his friends; plus he has no ads / credit card signups / etc for any form of revenue. It's just for fun.
Again, this isn't an excuse for plagiarism but I think we need to take perspective that he isn't another 'blogger' trying to gain fame and fortune by stealing others' work, nor did he anticipate it spreading so quickly beyond his group of friends and getting so viral.
Thought I'd chime in on this since I know Derek personally (served NS together + alumni from his university).
He's a very nice guy and I don't think he thought the blog would get this much attention. Not that plagiarism is ever warranted, but he isn't a travel 'blogger' and doesn't make any money off of his site or Medium - its just for fun and sharing with friends.
If you look at his site & medium, he only has 8 and 4 posts (respectively) over 8 years, with 2 in the former being about random things like a home-made flamethrower or automating his dorm room. Besides this SQ one, all of his other travel-related posts are about travelling economically for very cheap (e.g. 1 month across Russia for $1,175).
Thus I don't think he is similar to - or trying to be - a luxury travel blogger like the ones most of us at FT keep up on. He blogs rarely, and about things that may interest his friends; plus he has no ads / credit card signups / etc for any form of revenue. It's just for fun.
Again, this isn't an excuse for plagiarism but I think we need to take perspective that he isn't another 'blogger' trying to gain fame and fortune by stealing others' work, nor did he anticipate it spreading so quickly beyond his group of friends and getting so viral.
I don't believe he's a nice guy just out to share stuff with his friends. If you truly are personal friends with Derek, call him up and ask him why he never responded to my email letting him know he stole my stuff, and then ask him why he deleted my comments on his Facebook post and blocked me as well as everyone else who said anything negative about his post?
He never apologized for what he tried to get away with and he STILL has two plagiarized sections of my work on his site that I've told him about that he pathetically tried to reword enough to avoid legal action. He also has a few stolen sections of my work that I haven't told him about, should he try to use this for his personal gain sometime in the future.
He knows how to get in touch with me, but I don't expect to hear from this "nice guy looking to share stuff with friends" any time soon with any sort of apology. But I'll bet you everything I have he never imagined a little-known blogger like me would make it this difficult for him.
Andy Luten
Andy's Travel Blog
EDIT: And if he truly stole my jokes and captions just to impress his friends, that's even sadder.
Last edited by bthotugigem05; Oct 4, 2014 at 4:18 pm
#123
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,337
What a load of crap. He had help spreading the word on this (why else would Casey Neistat and the like be tweeting about it hours after he posted it?) and fully intended for it to get as big as it did. He is currently listed as CEO of a company seeking angel investors. Sure he doesn't have any ads on his blog, but he's simply getting his name out there to generate buzz around whatever project he's working on.
I don't believe he's a nice guy just out to share stuff with his friends. If you truly are personal friends with Derek, call him up and ask him why he never responded to my email letting him know he stole my stuff, and then ask him why he deleted my comments on his Facebook post and blocked me as well as everyone else who said anything negative about his post?
He never apologized for what he tried to get away with and he STILL has two plagiarized sections of my work on his site that I've told him about that he pathetically tried to reword enough to avoid legal action. He also has a few stolen sections of my work that I haven't told him about, should he try to use this for his personal gain sometime in the future.
He knows how to get in touch with me, but I don't expect to hear from this "nice guy looking to share stuff with friends" any time soon with any sort of apology. But I'll bet you everything I have he never imagined a little-known blogger like me would make it this difficult for him.
Andy Luten
Andy's Travel Blog
EDIT: And if he truly stole my jokes and captions just to impress his friends, that's even sadder.
I don't believe he's a nice guy just out to share stuff with his friends. If you truly are personal friends with Derek, call him up and ask him why he never responded to my email letting him know he stole my stuff, and then ask him why he deleted my comments on his Facebook post and blocked me as well as everyone else who said anything negative about his post?
He never apologized for what he tried to get away with and he STILL has two plagiarized sections of my work on his site that I've told him about that he pathetically tried to reword enough to avoid legal action. He also has a few stolen sections of my work that I haven't told him about, should he try to use this for his personal gain sometime in the future.
He knows how to get in touch with me, but I don't expect to hear from this "nice guy looking to share stuff with friends" any time soon with any sort of apology. But I'll bet you everything I have he never imagined a little-known blogger like me would make it this difficult for him.
Andy Luten
Andy's Travel Blog
EDIT: And if he truly stole my jokes and captions just to impress his friends, that's even sadder.
#125
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 51
SQ has a bit more class than to milk this, no? Well, kind of touching it with a ten-foot pole: their Facebook post links to an article that praised SQ and slammed Derek at one go https://www.facebook.com/singaporeai...52767139808679 I love SQ's b*tch face
Being an occasional reader of trip reports, I didn't find Derek's post special. Sure enough, quite a bit was lifted. Not special in that some tall bloggers have posted overhead shots before, only not wide angle. And I've been in with a gorillapod and 24mm... Oh well anyone feel sorry for the kid and just interwebs in general? He only flew OW on miles and quoted the RT cash fare, occupied two seats at most, etc.
+1
Sorry, mate [Andy]. Man if I were his father...
Being an occasional reader of trip reports, I didn't find Derek's post special. Sure enough, quite a bit was lifted. Not special in that some tall bloggers have posted overhead shots before, only not wide angle. And I've been in with a gorillapod and 24mm... Oh well anyone feel sorry for the kid and just interwebs in general? He only flew OW on miles and quoted the RT cash fare, occupied two seats at most, etc.
Sorry, mate [Andy]. Man if I were his father...
Last edited by orsetto; Oct 6, 2014 at 12:23 am
#126
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,671
I too would like to criticise Derek for his plagiarism, especially given the fact he's college educated. And for not taking the plagiarised material off once it was pointed out to him.
But I don't take issue with his photos, or the unplagiaried bits. I had a LOL myself over "I’d slept for 6 hours, or $6,000 worth of the flight".
Recently I had the slightly less (but still immense) privilege of flying redeemed CX F from HKG to CDG - I don't intend to TR but you can see my last minute tarmac posts for help about second helping of caviar. I too wondered how I can make the most of my F experience - if I did nothing I'll sleep sitting upright all the way to Europe.
I ended up bottling three cans of Red Bull into eight shampoo bottles purchased from Sa Sa the night before departure. One leaked before I left the office (it was a Friday) so I was left with seven. HKG security cleared all of them after asking what they are, and I downed three on the way there. I still slept five of the twelve hours going there, which I thought was fair since I should road test how is sleeping in CX F like. I woke the missus up in time (yes, I redeemed two, this is a hell of a lot of manufactured AS Watsons spend) to order our snacks and gaze at the lights of Moscow under us.
On the way back CDG security confiscated the remaining four bottles whilst leaving the rest of my LAGs untouched (well, they bagged them). I didn't really need the Red Bull on the return flight anyway.
Derek's TR has been translated into Chinese, in the third person perspective http://www.teepr.com/46077/55%E8%90%...C%89%E7%9A%84/ - the Chinese version reads "hH wakes up 6 hours feeling disappointed, because he slept TWD182,000 worth of flying".
I read through his blog and felt maybe except for the service, SQ's suites beat CX F in every aspect. Especially the food. I asked the missus if we want to do Suites ourselves - with appropriate redemptions of our Amex and Citi points Suites is within our reach. But the missus wasn't terrifically keen (esp since we have to SIN detour) and really neither am I.
But I don't take issue with his photos, or the unplagiaried bits. I had a LOL myself over "I’d slept for 6 hours, or $6,000 worth of the flight".
Recently I had the slightly less (but still immense) privilege of flying redeemed CX F from HKG to CDG - I don't intend to TR but you can see my last minute tarmac posts for help about second helping of caviar. I too wondered how I can make the most of my F experience - if I did nothing I'll sleep sitting upright all the way to Europe.
I ended up bottling three cans of Red Bull into eight shampoo bottles purchased from Sa Sa the night before departure. One leaked before I left the office (it was a Friday) so I was left with seven. HKG security cleared all of them after asking what they are, and I downed three on the way there. I still slept five of the twelve hours going there, which I thought was fair since I should road test how is sleeping in CX F like. I woke the missus up in time (yes, I redeemed two, this is a hell of a lot of manufactured AS Watsons spend) to order our snacks and gaze at the lights of Moscow under us.
On the way back CDG security confiscated the remaining four bottles whilst leaving the rest of my LAGs untouched (well, they bagged them). I didn't really need the Red Bull on the return flight anyway.
Derek's TR has been translated into Chinese, in the third person perspective http://www.teepr.com/46077/55%E8%90%...C%89%E7%9A%84/ - the Chinese version reads "hH wakes up 6 hours feeling disappointed, because he slept TWD182,000 worth of flying".
I read through his blog and felt maybe except for the service, SQ's suites beat CX F in every aspect. Especially the food. I asked the missus if we want to do Suites ourselves - with appropriate redemptions of our Amex and Citi points Suites is within our reach. But the missus wasn't terrifically keen (esp since we have to SIN detour) and really neither am I.
Last edited by percysmith; Oct 7, 2014 at 8:52 am
#127
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Southwest
Programs: HAL Platinum, JetBlue, KrisFlyer, NWA, USAirways, Alaska Air
Posts: 105
Well he's been found to have stolen pictures and plagiarised parts of the report. http://www.reddit.com/r/singapore/co...pore_airlines/
Yup seems as though some of the post is copied - http://mustsharenews.com/blogger-plagiarises-story/
Thought I'd chime in on this since I know Derek personally (served NS together + alumni from his university).
He's a very nice guy and I don't think he thought the blog would get this much attention. Not that plagiarism is ever warranted, but he isn't a travel 'blogger' and doesn't make any money off of his site or Medium - its just for fun and sharing with friends.
Again, this isn't an excuse for plagiarism but I think we need to take perspective that he isn't another 'blogger' trying to gain fame and fortune by stealing others' work, nor did he anticipate it spreading so quickly beyond his group of friends and getting so viral.
He's a very nice guy and I don't think he thought the blog would get this much attention. Not that plagiarism is ever warranted, but he isn't a travel 'blogger' and doesn't make any money off of his site or Medium - its just for fun and sharing with friends.
Again, this isn't an excuse for plagiarism but I think we need to take perspective that he isn't another 'blogger' trying to gain fame and fortune by stealing others' work, nor did he anticipate it spreading so quickly beyond his group of friends and getting so viral.
All I can say is good luck to him. I would hate to be in the crosshairs of the redditors. The internet can be a cruel mistress and those who cross this line can be taken down.
All that being said, cool photos. I'd still opt to use my miles for something better. Their Business class is just fine with me, and miles can be used to share trips with friends and family - which means more to me than temporary luxuries of a suite.
OK - enough of my 2.5˘... sorry for awakening the thread again.
And Andy - LOVE your blog ^
#128
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Singapore / India
Programs: SQ QPP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Taj Inner Circle Gold
Posts: 639
But agree that one can skip their First Class although personally i still do. I think that First Class is indeed 30% better than their business class and is fairly valued. The Suites, however, is 100% better. It's a completely different thing. And the amount required for 2 Suites tickets with your partner is not much more than 2 Business tickets. And the experience in Suites as a couple is priceless.
But good if more people think like you then we have more space in Suites for the rest of us.
#129
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,818
Yeah the redemption amount between Business and First/Suites isn't huge as compared to Economy to Business.
I want my mom to try Suites as least once in her lifetime. Unfortunately SQ doesn't fly to IAD so she'll probably have to fly to JFK to connect.
I'm assuming she'll have to go through immigration and check-in again right? She can't just go to the transfer desk to check-in?
I want my mom to try Suites as least once in her lifetime. Unfortunately SQ doesn't fly to IAD so she'll probably have to fly to JFK to connect.
I'm assuming she'll have to go through immigration and check-in again right? She can't just go to the transfer desk to check-in?
#131
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,818
Sorry, I'm not sure how domestic flights work. She lives in IAD.
I wonder what happens to her check-in luggage when she flies from IAD-JFK. She goes to pickup her bags and then heads to check-in for the flight at JFK?
I wonder what happens to her check-in luggage when she flies from IAD-JFK. She goes to pickup her bags and then heads to check-in for the flight at JFK?
#132
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
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Posts: 7,657
If traveling on separate PNRs, then it's a different story. Depending on the airline combination(s) and if the same alliance (Star, oneworld etc) or not, then you may well have to claim at JFK and re-check.
#135
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
Traveling IAD-JFK-SIN on one ticket/PNR, your checked bag(s) go through to the final destination. No need to collect and re-check at JFK. Likely just change terminal.
If traveling on separate PNRs, then it's a different story. Depending on the airline combination(s) and if the same alliance (Star, oneworld etc) or not, then you may well have to claim at JFK and re-check.
If traveling on separate PNRs, then it's a different story. Depending on the airline combination(s) and if the same alliance (Star, oneworld etc) or not, then you may well have to claim at JFK and re-check.
At JFK, your mom will have to pick up the bags, clear customs, and then drop the bags off for the next airline.