Exactly!

I agree. Eventually the extra topics based upon "useful" information (ie, not a flame war) will die off. Especially in a not-overly-frequented board like *A. We have yet to have 35 different message threads about the same topic (why does the word Bora keep ringing in my head again and again?)

Can I also just add that my comments are not directed solely at this board nor at kawoh and Patron specifically - I think it is an FT-wide phenomenon at the moment.

I too sensed that too heavy of a hand closed down a thread, unnecessarily. That heaviness would seem to discourage valuable participation, even if one only says it didn't work for me. Many great finds will go undiscovered. As much as personal flames extinguish the joy of reading a thread, similarly, overbearing moderation too will have that same negative effect.

I laugh at the use of the word "humble" earlier in this thread! lmao. I needed that. Thanks! It's been a tough week!

I think Patron has been a little overzealous, however he has also provided reasoning for his moves that shows he's clearly thought about his actions and not just made a snap decision. I too think that the threads could have stayed as is, because they all did relate to Star Alliance in one way or another, but it's all a matter of personal judgement.

I think Patron can take from this a valuable lesson and I am sure he will be more thoughtful in the future, but as others have said and least he's making an effort to help the community along by putting his hand up to be a moderator, and I think rather than tear into him we should support that effort.

The message seems pretty clear that none of us really minded those threads and that most of us see their relevance in this forum. That's all.

Let's move onwards and upwards (to business or first class, I hope!).


------------------
RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

I think Patron showed good judgement and caused no harm. I find it fascical that certain members who would not be allowed within a mile of moderation, now have become self appointed moderators and are trying to moderate the moderators.

If anyone has a problem with the moderators they should contact Randy... Oh wait a sec, a certain person has already tried that in a very public way and was told to lay off?!?!?

I would just like to point out that Patron has not closed this thread here yet, so no further reason to complain .

After your very welcomed feedback, I evaluated very carefully my decisions I made on the treads in question:

RTW award trips: Two days after open exactly the same thread on the LH forum, attorney28s basic question was to redeem miles in M&M. I closed (but not deleted) this thread here and invited everybody to contribute on the original thread on the M&M board (link was provided).

N.A to China � what is my best Stopover option on the return? After dominick clarified that he would like to redeem an award ticket on UA, I closed (but not deleted) this thread here and moved it to the UA forum, the place for discussions regarding MP.

Both threads have in common, that someone likes to spend miles for *A Award. In contrast to RWSTAR tickets, every *A FFP has different terms & conditions for *A Award ticket. If some like to redeem miles in M&M, MP rules do not apply. To show you an example out of this thread:

attorney28 likes to spend M&M miles, therefore ozstamps valued answer for MP member is not practicable for him!

The reason for my action was the help the posters to receive a sufficient answer and to avoid confusion.
Where's the best place to post my topic?
You should look at whether or not your post deals specifically with a company, program or location (if you're in FT Dining or FT Airports). If it does, then you should post in that company's/location's forum. The more general forums, such as MilesBuzz, are meant as catch-alls for topics that don't specifically deal with a program/company/location.

ex. You want to start a thread announcing a 10,000 mile Air Canada promotion. Although this would have a home in MilesBuzz, it has a better home in Air Canada's own forum. This separation of forums makes it more convenient for people interested in Air Canada issues, rather than having them search through a generic forum to find things related specifically to their program. (� FlyerTalkers Ask Questions)

When exactly does lot join?: As it turned out, that bonzos question was if it is now possible to redeem MP miles for award travel on LO, I closed (but not deleted) this thread and moved it to the UA forum, the place for discussions regarding MP.
Star Alliance Online Survey: Changi announced this targeted promotion here on 02-04-2003 02:02 AM. Bond Boy provided the same information on 01-27-2003 02:00 AM on the BD board and cordellis opener on 01-29-2003 08:30 PM was the first on the UA board. I closed this thread here one week later on 02-11-2003 10:49 PM and I am pretty sure, that every piece of information about this targeted promotion is available on ft.com. Everybody can try to get access to the site in question. I am happy for everyone who finds a loophole; as I made the observation, that airlines observe these boards, it is not the best idea to bump this up ever and ever again. However, Randy should decide what is best in dealing with targeted promotions on public boards.

Star Alliance survey � please don�t close this: To this one I would like to say only this: If someone opens the link I provided on Changis thread, he will realise, that posted on 01-27-2003 the first flyertalkers reported there is/was a loophole on this targeted promotion.

I hope I was able to clarify my points and appreciate your contribution.

Patron
TalkModerator

Patron,

Undoubtedly, I think Flyertalk is very fortunate that you are a moderator! You definitely show you're willing to listen to us and explain your positions in your posts.
Many thanks again.

Indeed.

Though I'm quite new to FT and still a big lerner: I totally agree with crankyusi (well said!) and blairvanhorn. You explain and hear to us.

[This message has been edited by I_Ripoff (edited 02-14-2003).]

I suppose at the end of the day it will come down to free choice.

Some Moderators (such as Patron) moderate with what some of us (me included) consider to be excessive zeal. Other Moderators do not seek out reasons to close threads.

The forum clearly shows who moderates which areas and I imagine we will get to a point when some will choose to avoid a forum or to actively seek it out based, in some part, to the identity of the moderator. It is a shame for the subjects concerned but such is life.

I for one would be reluctant to post to a forum where I felt that someone was going to pour over my words to find a reason to close them down. But, at the end of the day, that is just me.

This is kind of like some of our airline debates. Some like the staff who will enforce every last little rule just for the sake of airline purity. Others like a more realistic, flexible approach to be taken. We have never agreed on that one and I am sure we will never agree on this one.

Stephen

I think Patron has been great in providing us articulate information. I have been thankful to him/her for some information in the SQ forum.

But might I add that I do not check all the forums and every day?

I do not mind multiple topics posting at all.

Once in a while, I have been helped by those 'dupe' posts providing valuable information, which may have already been posted in other forums or some earlier dates.

I am against heavy moderation being imposed on this forum and if that is the policy, I probably would not visit as often as I have been.

And I do not visit ft.com, when there is flyertalk.com

I agree, I think closing threads for merely being slightly off topic actually detracts from the usability of the board.

Cheers, Zac

I am supporting all moderators here on FlyerTalk in their difficult task, and accept, that there will be, at the beginning anyway, some judgements that might not be mine.