Suggestion: Move/delete freebies from SPAM or retitle this forum
Jul 25, 2007, 9:09 am
#1
Original Poster
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Suggestion: Move/delete freebies from SPAM or retitle this forum
SPAM has been overrun with freebie postings. The last few months I've checked that forum, all but 1-2 threads on the first page were for freebies, most of which have nothing to do with travel.
Personally, I'd like to see the freebies deleted since they have nothing to do with that forum--or a new forum created for them and keep them travel related, i.e., restaurants, toiletry samples. Otherwise, the forum needs to be renamed, or at least the description needs to be updated to be more encompassing.
There was some discussion about this last year, and the thread is back on the front page:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=595865
Personally, I'd like to see the freebies deleted since they have nothing to do with that forum--or a new forum created for them and keep them travel related, i.e., restaurants, toiletry samples. Otherwise, the forum needs to be renamed, or at least the description needs to be updated to be more encompassing.
There was some discussion about this last year, and the thread is back on the front page:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=595865
Jul 25, 2007, 9:52 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
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I have to agree. I very rarely visit the forum any longer because it's over run with non travel/points/miles offers.
If I wanted a list of freebies, I would go to fatwallet.
If I wanted a list of freebies, I would go to fatwallet.
Jul 25, 2007, 9:56 am
#3
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I've been on FT for over 7 years and it was always called S.P.A.M. IIRC.
I don't know the origin of it .. I am sure there was a good reason but it never seemed *to me* to encompass the contents in any way.
Not that I go there often so regular users will have better ideas of what it MIGHT be called if there is TB agreement to look at a new name.
I'd certainly support it being re-titled Freebie Corner or Giveaway Central or whatever .. anything would get the meaning of what it is, conveyed better than SPAM!
I don't know the origin of it .. I am sure there was a good reason but it never seemed *to me* to encompass the contents in any way.
Not that I go there often so regular users will have better ideas of what it MIGHT be called if there is TB agreement to look at a new name.
I'd certainly support it being re-titled Freebie Corner or Giveaway Central or whatever .. anything would get the meaning of what it is, conveyed better than SPAM!
Jul 25, 2007, 12:04 pm
#4
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Not that I go there often so regular users will have better ideas of what it MIGHT be called if there is TB agreement to look at a new name.
I'd certainly support it being re-titled Freebie Corner or Giveaway Central or whatever .. anything would get the meaning of what it is, conveyed better than SPAM!
I'd certainly support it being re-titled Freebie Corner or Giveaway Central or whatever .. anything would get the meaning of what it is, conveyed better than SPAM!
It's devolved into a freebie section where anything that's free is posted.
rrgg noted in the referenced thread that SPAM is a clever name but misleading.
Some options I see-
- Keep the SPAM name but only allow discussion on Miles & Points
- Change the SPAM name and create a Freebie sub-forum
Jul 25, 2007, 12:15 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2004
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A Freebie Subforum Should Do...
I sort of proposed a freebie subforum on another discussion thread this morning before I learned about this TalkBoard thread. I admit I don't like the current shape/status of SPAM either. But I would think deleting all the freebie threads is a too drastic move.
A FREEBIE subforum under S.P.A.M. should make everybody happy. (or close to everybody, I think.
)
A FREEBIE subforum under S.P.A.M. should make everybody happy. (or close to everybody, I think.
)
Jul 25, 2007, 6:03 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Some of us do use the freebies when traveling--I'll toss the toiletries in my bag, and will toss the snacks in carry-ons or my briefcase for work.
That said, I wouldn't be opposed to having it as a separate forum.
That said, I wouldn't be opposed to having it as a separate forum.
Jul 25, 2007, 6:05 pm
#7
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A lot of FTers appreciate the freebies & quite often bring the samples on the road, and are always posting thanks etc. Some of them even collect some of the toiletries to donate to shelters, such as is done at Sea-Do & London Dos.
Never heard of fatwallet or slickdeals before the thread, and haven't gone to them as I spend way too much time on FT
I understand how those who went to S.P.A.M for its original intent might be put off by the evolvement of other items besides sites w/ alternate points & miles, so I'm not saying a change shouldn't be made. But I think deleting the freebies entirely is too drastic, as mentioned above.
My suggestion (which I made when chexfan started the thread last year in ORP) is:
a) create a 'freebie sticky' where all the freebie offers can go. We already have ipod & magazine sticky's & goodness knows those aren't really related for the most part to alternate sites for points & miles, so there is a precedent, or:
b) create a subforum in the S.P.A.M forum, similar to the mileage run/hotel deals or travel/travel photography forums.
Either a or b would clear up the clutter for those who want to keep it in its original format, yet still meet the needs of other FTers who do like the freebies. Meets the needs of both sides.
I have no thoughts either way on whether to keep the forum titled S.P.A.M. or change it to another name. I didn't even know what S.P.A.M stood for until today.
Cheers.
Never heard of fatwallet or slickdeals before the thread, and haven't gone to them as I spend way too much time on FT
I understand how those who went to S.P.A.M for its original intent might be put off by the evolvement of other items besides sites w/ alternate points & miles, so I'm not saying a change shouldn't be made. But I think deleting the freebies entirely is too drastic, as mentioned above.
My suggestion (which I made when chexfan started the thread last year in ORP) is:
a) create a 'freebie sticky' where all the freebie offers can go. We already have ipod & magazine sticky's & goodness knows those aren't really related for the most part to alternate sites for points & miles, so there is a precedent, or:
b) create a subforum in the S.P.A.M forum, similar to the mileage run/hotel deals or travel/travel photography forums.
Either a or b would clear up the clutter for those who want to keep it in its original format, yet still meet the needs of other FTers who do like the freebies. Meets the needs of both sides.
I have no thoughts either way on whether to keep the forum titled S.P.A.M. or change it to another name. I didn't even know what S.P.A.M stood for until today.
Cheers.
Last edited by SkiAdcock; Jul 25, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Jul 25, 2007, 6:14 pm
#8
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I created a thread in the S.P.A.M. forum giving BOTH sides a heads-up to the discussion here because not everyone checks ORP or Talkboard. I did not try to sway it in any way, but encouraged both sides to stop by this forum.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=718463
I think the more the Talkboard members hear from FTers on both sides of the issue, the better informed they are when making their choices.
Cheers.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=718463
I think the more the Talkboard members hear from FTers on both sides of the issue, the better informed they are when making their choices.
Cheers.
Jul 25, 2007, 6:21 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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I created a thread in the S.P.A.M. forum giving BOTH sides a heads-up to the discussion here because not everyone checks ORP or Talkboard. I did not try to sway it in any way, but encouraged both sides to stop by this forum.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=718463
I think the more the Talkboard members hear from FTers on both sides of the issue, the better informed they are when making their choices.
Cheers.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=718463
I think the more the Talkboard members hear from FTers on both sides of the issue, the better informed they are when making their choices.
Cheers.
Jul 25, 2007, 6:21 pm
#10
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As I see it, the members of FT have accepted the fact that Freebies are listed in SPAM. I have received many items because of this wonderful site.
FT is an evolving living community and if SPAM has evolved away from Green Stamps (How long ago did they die?) maybe that's a god thing!
There is nothing wrong with leaving this site alone. In the past year, or so, we have been inundated with sub-forums. Why make FT more complicated?????????
All you have to do is check in once a day and read the posts that you want. If you are not interested in freebies, move on. If you are, they are there.
Please leave the forum alone
FT is an evolving living community and if SPAM has evolved away from Green Stamps (How long ago did they die?) maybe that's a god thing!
There is nothing wrong with leaving this site alone. In the past year, or so, we have been inundated with sub-forums. Why make FT more complicated?????????
All you have to do is check in once a day and read the posts that you want. If you are not interested in freebies, move on. If you are, they are there.
Please leave the forum alone
Jul 25, 2007, 6:22 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 760
It seems to me that over the last few years there have been fewer offers for free points / miles. The few programs out there like Mypoints and E-rewards and now Coke, dont have as many redemption abilities or lots of restrictions or difficulties using them. When there IS a great mile/point opportunity, it seems to me that it stays on Page 1 for quite some time!
I like the freebies! Let me rephrase that - I LOVE THE FREEBIES!
Please dont get rid of them - at the very least make a sub thread!
Just my 2.5 cents per mile!
Peace!
I like the freebies! Let me rephrase that - I LOVE THE FREEBIES!
Please dont get rid of them - at the very least make a sub thread!
Just my 2.5 cents per mile!
Peace!
Jul 25, 2007, 6:25 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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A lot of FTers appreciate the freebies & quite often bring the samples on the road, and are always posting thanks etc. Some of them even collect some of the toiletries to donate to shelters, such as is done at Sea-Do & London Dos.
Never heard of fatwallet or slickdeals before the thread, and haven't gone to them as I spend way too much time on FT
I understand how those who went to S.P.A.M for its original intent might be put off by the evolvement of other items besides sites w/ alternate points & miles, so I'm not saying a change shouldn't be made. But I think deleting the freebies entirely is too drastic, as mentioned above.
My suggestion (which I made when chexfan started the thread last year in ORP) is:
a) create a 'freebie sticky' where all the freebie offers can go. We already have ipod & magazine sticky's & goodness knows those aren't really related for the most part to alternate sites for points & miles, so there is a precedent, or:
b) create a subforum in the S.P.A.M forum, similar to the mileage run/hotel deals or travel/travel photography forums.
Either a or b would clear up the clutter for those who want to keep it in its original format, yet still meet the needs of other FTers who do like the freebies. Meets the needs of both sides.
I have no thoughts either way on whether to keep the forum titled S.P.A.M. or change it to another name. I didn't even know what S.P.A.M stood for until today.
Cheers.
Never heard of fatwallet or slickdeals before the thread, and haven't gone to them as I spend way too much time on FT
I understand how those who went to S.P.A.M for its original intent might be put off by the evolvement of other items besides sites w/ alternate points & miles, so I'm not saying a change shouldn't be made. But I think deleting the freebies entirely is too drastic, as mentioned above.
My suggestion (which I made when chexfan started the thread last year in ORP) is:
a) create a 'freebie sticky' where all the freebie offers can go. We already have ipod & magazine sticky's & goodness knows those aren't really related for the most part to alternate sites for points & miles, so there is a precedent, or:
b) create a subforum in the S.P.A.M forum, similar to the mileage run/hotel deals or travel/travel photography forums.
Either a or b would clear up the clutter for those who want to keep it in its original format, yet still meet the needs of other FTers who do like the freebies. Meets the needs of both sides.
I have no thoughts either way on whether to keep the forum titled S.P.A.M. or change it to another name. I didn't even know what S.P.A.M stood for until today.
Cheers.
We have enough stickies and subforums. If we kept the original format of FT, Republic Airlines, Ozark and other dead lines and chains would still be represented.
Jul 25, 2007, 8:43 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 287
A rose by any other name...
What difference does the name make? With the exception of "newbies", we all know what the SPAM thread is, has, offers, etc. What is wrong with just leaving it as is? There is obviously many who like it the way that it is. Why change it? It certainly will never go back to the way that it was. Points, programs, sites, the internet, and even life itself has evolved since it's inception. The thread merely has evolved with them.
The SPAM thread is a very active thread which changes everyday and this lends a certain excitement to my wanderings on FT each day. Unlike most of the other threads I visit, which the exception of a few links in each, have become very, very stale with the same info. I look forward to the SPAM thread more than any other. If there was no SPAM thread, I would visit FT maybe every 3-4 days, not the 3-4 times day like I do now.
If some threads need to purged to make room, how about those 14 "Discontinued Programs/Partners" threads at the bottom, many of which have not been touched since 2005 or later? Seems like a great place to start "culling" rather than a very active thread.
The SPAM thread is a very active thread which changes everyday and this lends a certain excitement to my wanderings on FT each day. Unlike most of the other threads I visit, which the exception of a few links in each, have become very, very stale with the same info. I look forward to the SPAM thread more than any other. If there was no SPAM thread, I would visit FT maybe every 3-4 days, not the 3-4 times day like I do now.
If some threads need to purged to make room, how about those 14 "Discontinued Programs/Partners" threads at the bottom, many of which have not been touched since 2005 or later? Seems like a great place to start "culling" rather than a very active thread.
Jul 25, 2007, 8:43 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I think the notion that the free samples should be allowed b/c people take them on their trips is complete bunk (and an utter stretch to make it allowable). Really, this group of savvy travelers is going to rely on a coupon for free deodorant that they receive in the mail 6-8 weeks after registering for it? 
Nice try.
OK, so say the TB solves this issue by creating a sub-forum for the freebies. Is any freebie allowed in there? Only ones that can be brought on a trip? Can people post free passwords to get into porn websites?
It's a slippery slope, and one that does not enhance FT's core mission of catering to the World's Most Popular Frequent Flyer Community.
bhatnasx, Cholula, Dovster, gleff, Jenbel, ozstamps, ScottC, Spiff, and techgirl-
Upon even more consideration, I urge you to completely ban posting "Freebie" threads in SPAM.
It's quite simple, these threads do not deal with "Sites with Points and Alternative Miles, including referral bonuses, congas and any other loyalty currencies." Moreso, the SPAM Forum is under the Miles&Points Category which, as you know, are "topics are all about frequent flyer programs - and only frequent flyer programs." I fail to see how these posts contribute to that.
Nice try.
OK, so say the TB solves this issue by creating a sub-forum for the freebies. Is any freebie allowed in there? Only ones that can be brought on a trip? Can people post free passwords to get into porn websites?
It's a slippery slope, and one that does not enhance FT's core mission of catering to the World's Most Popular Frequent Flyer Community.
bhatnasx, Cholula, Dovster, gleff, Jenbel, ozstamps, ScottC, Spiff, and techgirl-
Upon even more consideration, I urge you to completely ban posting "Freebie" threads in SPAM.
It's quite simple, these threads do not deal with "Sites with Points and Alternative Miles, including referral bonuses, congas and any other loyalty currencies." Moreso, the SPAM Forum is under the Miles&Points Category which, as you know, are "topics are all about frequent flyer programs - and only frequent flyer programs." I fail to see how these posts contribute to that.
Jul 25, 2007, 8:46 pm
#15
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I think a subforum would be a good thing. I think compared to when SPAM was started to now, there just are not that many true SPAM related sites out there anymore, and it's grown to free stuff.
I like the free stuff. My cats like the free stuff. The dogs at the animal shelter love the free stuff. My wife likes the free stuff, I like the big crumbs deposits, etc.
And yes, I can get most of it at Fatwallet, but I can also get most of the Mileage stuff at other sites, and I'm not helping a fellow FT'er with their downline. I don't believe that's a reason not to have it here.
If there needs to be a change then two forums, one for SPAM as it was first meant to be, and one for the other stuff would be my vote.
I like the free stuff. My cats like the free stuff. The dogs at the animal shelter love the free stuff. My wife likes the free stuff, I like the big crumbs deposits, etc.
And yes, I can get most of it at Fatwallet, but I can also get most of the Mileage stuff at other sites, and I'm not helping a fellow FT'er with their downline. I don't believe that's a reason not to have it here.
If there needs to be a change then two forums, one for SPAM as it was first meant to be, and one for the other stuff would be my vote.