Fair point. But we still haven't resolved the duplication problem. Does this mean that you (and I mean as an individual rather than a moderator, as I realise it's not your call) would support getting rid of all the geo-specific fora?

IMO there is a well designed FT overview page and a short description of FTs main five boards. There are guidelines & rules, tips for (new) users (eg how to use the search function), FAQs etc� And there are threads on FT miles dealing with airports and travel. Maybe this was one reason that our host Randy introduced moderation. I hope, that every moderator act out of these guidelines�
This would be the logical reason. IMO it is not only a question of subgroups but also for main boards!
I agree with you, that this group exist. I also spot another one: People who like to get a profound answer in a reasonable amount of time.
But see your previous quotation: If there is nobody who introduce the new structure and nobody to relocated off-topic posts, I see little change.

Any new structure clearly comes from the FT top brass, no one else.

IMO, relocation of off-topics is one of the moderator's roles.

The way I'm reading the moderation of Travelbuzz is such:

Richard the moderator has chosen not to relocate mis-posts in Travelbuzz due to the fact that the posts might get put in low viewed/responded to forums which will then not get good response time/feedback.

I have nothing against Richard, I'm just pointing out that his actions perpetuate the lack of viewing/responding/posting in the subgroups.

Essentially Richard is choosing how the Flyertalk Travel Board operates by choosing not to move posts to the subgroups that were clearly created by FT staff.

If the FT brass has instructed Richard to act as he is doing so, fine. But then we come full circle to the original question.

If the subgroups are not to be used, why have them?

From FT Moderator Guidelines:
WHY DO WE HAVE MODERATORS?
FlyerTalk has moderators because it�s an enormous community. � Like a small city, FlyerTalk needs some help to keep things running smoothly.
Moderators serve 3 primary roles. They enforce the rules, provide first-level dispute resolution, and guide posters towards good behaviour. Enforcing the rules is the obvious task, and you will be called upon to take real action, by closing threads, moving them, and even removing them altogether. �
Even I prefer to run a tight ship, and keep the deck clear so we don't get washed overboard (@transpac) I would not move threads from TravelBuzz! to relevant subgroups. IMO one moderator cannot enforce the rules (please count the off-topic posts on the first page), and honestly speaking, right now I do not see enough support from the authorities. Please consider the reactions if richard goes this straight way�

I have been around here about three years and remember when pretty well EVERYTHING went into "The Buzz".

Then that was split to Miles Buzz and Travel Buzz, and I still see a ton of locked threads every time I look at Miles Buzz, so even all this time not everyone "gets it".

Just my personal view ... but I do not believe I have ever looked at or posted-in any of the sub forums here on the travel board, other than a few that I was advised about etc, but that might be 10 posts total.

In short, I agree with all those who say 'why have all the sub Forums'.

I have been around here about three years and remember when pretty well EVERYTHING went into "The Buzz".

Then that was split to Miles Buzz and Travel Buzz, and I still see a ton of locked threads every time I look at Miles Buzz, so even all this time not everyone "gets it".

Just my personal view ... but I do not believe I have ever looked at or posted-in any of the sub forums here on the travel board, other than a few that I was advised about etc, but that might be 10 posts total.

In short, I agree with all those who say 'why have all the sub Forums'.



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~ Glen ~

Come visit HERE the most ** FRIENDLY FORUM ** on FlyerTalk. No flame wars, no personal abuse, no substance abuse. Not much of anything really!

DIRECTION from the Flyertalk Authority on subgroups is what I hope to see.

Bump.

Re-bump.

Bumpity-bump-bump.

I think travel buzz, as FT is now, is necessary to obtain a "critical mass" to answer a lot of the questions people have, especially if they're time-sensitive. The region forums can lie dormant for days, and it must be frustrating for those who post a question and don't get a response, when a post on Travelbuzz could (in many instances) get 5+ responses in <24 hours.

On the other hand- especially with the limitations of the search function, it'd be great if buzz topics could make their way into the subgroups for archival purposes.

Of course, it's unfair to ask volunteer moderators to be reference librarians, so this will never happen.

The main thing that drives me nuts about the "buzz" forums is that (IMHO) there's a big gap between travelbuzz and milesbuzz- air travel threads that aren't miles-related thread get closed at miles buzz and sent over here. However, most if not all, of the air travel discussion on FT occurs on the FT Miles side of FT. Hence my proposal for "Air Buzz" as a new buzz forum....

MilesBuzz has been quite strictly monitored, and I think much to the improvement of MilesBuzz.

I think strict monitoring of TravelBuzz will have the effect of increasing the activity in the other threads, and allowing for easy searching of repetitive questions such as "Should I buy a ..... pass when I go to Paris/London/Venice"

I also think one gets better answers in the specialized threads, as the more knowledgable seem to read and answer in the specialized thread, while not contributing to TravelBuzz.

[This message has been edited by slawecki (edited 07-16-2003).]

Perhaps this thread needs to be moved?

Suggestions perhaps?

William