Should login be required for access to Mistake Fares?
#136
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This kind of nitpicky micromanaging is not helpful for Flyertalk.
#138
Join Date: May 2004
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Can we please stay on topic?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkb...i-omni-pr.html
FWIW, this thread is about Mistake Fares, not CC nor OMNI. Each TB Topics thread has its own main topic/mission, if I understand FT correctly. When every participant stays on topic and chooses the proper TB thread to bring up their issues, it surely will make discussion focused and TBers' job easier. YMMV.
#139
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#140
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FWIW - and pardon the TSA comparison. But having a log-in requirement or 180/180 requirement to me is a bit of "security theater". Neither will prevent bloggers or company reps from accessing the forum because they're already enabled. Or, as CMK said, it's like "closing the barn door after the horse has already left."
While I was supportive of a log-in feature back in 2010 & even in 2012, I've changed my mind (and I was the deciding vote back in 2012 keeping it open to all/no log-in required when this went to a motion/vote the last time) & don't think it's in the best interests of FT.
FT is about sharing information freely, not trying to keep it only for a few. There's no 'stealing' a mistake fare. And it shouldn't be about well we want to get it for us/not share it w/ others.
Yes, mistake fares still occur but airlines have gotten much savvier about them/catching them w/ their own internal software &/or may not honor them. It comes down to you win some, you lose some! (you being generic you/FTers). As others have said & the mantra has always been for years. If you see a good deal, book it then as it might not last very long. That was true even pre-bloggers.
Also, FT is not the only source for mistake fares being posted (blogs, facebook posts, websites other than FT, heck, even news media, come to mind). It's the internet. There aren't any secrets anymore.
Cheers.
While I was supportive of a log-in feature back in 2010 & even in 2012, I've changed my mind (and I was the deciding vote back in 2012 keeping it open to all/no log-in required when this went to a motion/vote the last time) & don't think it's in the best interests of FT.
FT is about sharing information freely, not trying to keep it only for a few. There's no 'stealing' a mistake fare. And it shouldn't be about well we want to get it for us/not share it w/ others.
Yes, mistake fares still occur but airlines have gotten much savvier about them/catching them w/ their own internal software &/or may not honor them. It comes down to you win some, you lose some! (you being generic you/FTers). As others have said & the mantra has always been for years. If you see a good deal, book it then as it might not last very long. That was true even pre-bloggers.
Also, FT is not the only source for mistake fares being posted (blogs, facebook posts, websites other than FT, heck, even news media, come to mind). It's the internet. There aren't any secrets anymore.
Cheers.
#141
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SkiAdcock has this issue exactly right. Nitpciky security kabuki accomplishes nothing and is not helpful to FlyerTalk.
#142
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,233
I have been reading some of the old threads/votes on this topic and it has an interesting history.
2008- failed.
2010- passed - to move topic forward(?).
2010- passed - to require membership/log-in.
2010- passed - rescinded log-in requirement due to vagueness/clarity.
2010- failed.
2012- failed.
I think that covers it. The 2012 discussion/proposal thread is the best one IMO after it was started by the mods of the MR forum. It is worth a read if you are interested in this topic. Most of the TB votes seemed to come down to a vote on the basic member log-in requirement. It has come really close to becoming a reality (with FT ownership approval obviously pending). This basic member log-in requirement is not really what has been proposed by yuel when this thread was bumped. Maybe it would be helpful to start a new thread (as requested in the Talkboard forum sticky) for this process?
I am willing to make a formal proposal (in the future) and will work on some new ideas/solutions.
2008- failed.
2010- passed - to move topic forward(?).
2010- passed - to require membership/log-in.
2010- passed - rescinded log-in requirement due to vagueness/clarity.
2010- failed.
2012- failed.
I think that covers it. The 2012 discussion/proposal thread is the best one IMO after it was started by the mods of the MR forum. It is worth a read if you are interested in this topic. Most of the TB votes seemed to come down to a vote on the basic member log-in requirement. It has come really close to becoming a reality (with FT ownership approval obviously pending). This basic member log-in requirement is not really what has been proposed by yuel when this thread was bumped. Maybe it would be helpful to start a new thread (as requested in the Talkboard forum sticky) for this process?
I am willing to make a formal proposal (in the future) and will work on some new ideas/solutions.
#143
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Truthfully I don't see that happening. While IB is pretty much hands off wrt FT, MR does bring eyeballs/clicks/helps them w/ google/advertisers, etc, to FT so I don't see IB agreeing to restrict it. IB made their thoughts clear re: the topic in the private forum back in 2012 I.e. it ain't gonna happen. I'd be very surprised if their viewpoint has changed.
The other reality is that whether it's a log-in or a masking of the MR forum & sub-forums, it won't keep the bloggers or company reps out. Discount and mistake fares come and go. FTers will be able to take advantage of some & will miss others. It's been that way the entire 14 years I've been on FT.
Rather than worrying about trying to keep the mistakes "secret" (an oxymoron in today's internet environment), I would suggest to FTers that they put the MR Deals forum in "My Flyertalk", check it on a regular basis, etc.
Cheers.
The other reality is that whether it's a log-in or a masking of the MR forum & sub-forums, it won't keep the bloggers or company reps out. Discount and mistake fares come and go. FTers will be able to take advantage of some & will miss others. It's been that way the entire 14 years I've been on FT.
Rather than worrying about trying to keep the mistakes "secret" (an oxymoron in today's internet environment), I would suggest to FTers that they put the MR Deals forum in "My Flyertalk", check it on a regular basis, etc.
Cheers.
Last edited by SkiAdcock; Feb 25, 2016 at 4:39 pm
#144
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How about an automatic ban for each person who uses the word mistake or error in the MR Deals forum? That would be much more effective than hiding the forum. Those words do a lot more damage now. All it takes now is one person on FT to call something a mistake in their for the airline to be able to void every ones tickets.
As pointed out below, Most of those who you are trying to stop from having access would already qualify to have access.
As pointed out below, Most of those who you are trying to stop from having access would already qualify to have access.
#145
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How about an automatic ban for each person who uses the word mistake or error in the MR Deals forum? That would be much more effective than hiding the forum. Those words do a lot more damage now. All it takes now is one person on FT to call something a mistake in their for the airline to be able to void every ones tickets.
As pointed out below, Most of those who you are trying to stop from having access would already qualify to have access.
As pointed out below, Most of those who you are trying to stop from having access would already qualify to have access.