I belive this was designed to limit multiple handles. An awful lot of effort in time and posts just to gain entrance to OMNI.

I disagree. It is a good place to have fun away from the intended purpose of the other forums.

I used to read OMNI before the restrictions were put in place. Personally, I think if you have been a FlyerTalk member for a number of years, don't post that much, but visit FlyerTalk every day, you should be able to get into OMNI.

I used to post on OMNI. Then I broke OMNI Rule #3. Thou shalt not question any liberal dogma, nor propose a conservative point of view.

I did. I was banned for life.

I would support that. I've been on for awhile, but I haven't posted much because it seems like frivolous posts are looked down upon and in some cases have been subject to penalty (e.g. having your post count reduced). On the other hand, it does prevent spammers and people who like using multiple handles from just starting up new usernames and storing them for later use in a flame war or for trolling purposes.

On that note (postcount=postcount + 1), expected date of access to coupon connection is sometime in late 2008. Omni? yeah right.

Perhaps there might be an option in the future to get probationary access to Omni, with full access given after some number of posts and the user has shown they can behave in public.

As for coupon connection, I understand the need for having a minimum usage. I've seen several people with 1 or 2 posts coming to the forums and asking for coupons or air miles.

Let me offer some closing comments as a FlyerTalk volunteer: The idea of a minimum post count and FT membership term as a prerequisite to OMNI admission is to emphasize that the 99% of what makes up FlyerTalk (frequent travel programs and travel itself) is the appropriate focus of FlyerTalk and OMNI is meant to be a side-forum/periodic diversion where members can meet to discuss non-travel topics. Since we should be discussing travel topics in TravelBuzz and this thread has aired a range of views, I'll close this now. Those who have suggestions about OMNI access may address them in the Only Randy Petersen forum or by email. Thanks, Ocn Vw 1K, CoMod, TravelBuzz.