Big decrease in # of posts on the <i><b>Helpline</b></i>?

First, I think the frequency of posts here is kind of seasonal. This time of year a lot of those planning to go to Europe next summer have not started serious planning. It seems like when the planning season starts, that's when we get a lot of newbies posting - and they always ask the same questions because they have never been on before.

Second, it's almost Christmas. Maybe a lot of people are out busily shopping and not spending time on travel websites.

Third, the economy is bad. People are trying to pay off debt and worried about their jobs and not spending unnecessarily.

Maybe I haven't been posting enough.:)

No, you haven't.

I think the economy still has a lot to do with it. And things have always slowed for the holidays. February and March are usually when new posts really pick up.

And that every post asking about the Cinque Terre - regardless of time of season or interest - is immediately answered with an advertisement for one hotel in Vernazza.

But, Kent, maybe the work you've done to help people search previous posts is also a factor. It is easier to research FAQs now. So take some credit!

My 2 cents worth:

1) The economy
2) The season
3)I've received many PM's from people turned off by the fact that one person has at least one or two responses to just about every original posting. This probably adds up to about 25% of all postings. That means in all, the number of people coming here is way down.

I know, my attitude here has changed. Over the past few years, this used to be a great, fun place to come to. But, in the past 3-4 months, it's been dragged down. We all used to share and offer our experience. Now, we've taken over by a few people who just have a need to post--whether they have experience or not. Some post just for the sake of posting, others offer bad information, some get their answers from a book, and others attempt to show an erudition they just don't have. And I know that has turned many of us "old-timers" off.

(I'm sure one of them will now complain to the webmaster.) And that's also different. In the past, if we've had disagreements, we handled it amongst ourselves. No need to constantly run to the webmaster. Up until this past summer, my conversations with the webmaster were about the stickies and a FAQ. The only negative PM's to him were to alert him to commercial postings. I never sent a PM to him about anyone here...we are adults, we work things out ourselves. But that's seems to have changed as well.

So, yes, my postings are way down. I just don't have the energy anymore to answer the same questions over and over...or to continually correct the new "so-called experts."

I guess my policy to the newcomers here is: caveat emptor.

I've missed you Kent :) On a side note...I don't answer posts as much as I used to cuz it's pretty much the same questions over and over. I don't know how you guys do it, you're always so patient and nice answering the same old questions!

*I wrote this before Frank II's answer showed, but obviously I agree with him about the same old questions.

Happy holidays to you too, Webmaster.

Jo - to answer your question, I read "geographically", generally frequenting General Europe, Transport., and Italy. However, I can see several reasons for using Classic View, especially if you are one of those excellent posters with expertise in several different locations. Or if you are interested in learning about/traveling to multiple places in one trip.

It is really nice to hear from the webmaster! Thank you for listening to the concerns of all and taking steps to make changes!

I too, would like to encourage Kent to post more often and act as our unofficial moderator...he provided the continuity that made this discussion board different from the others.

While all of the changes listed (stickies, economy, and season) have contributed to the decline in posts I think that it has more to do with the "tone" of the board these days! It's lost the sense of community that existed previously. Hope we all can get that back!

Best wishes for the holidays!

I've missed you, too, Kent! But as Frank says, it just hasn't been as fun lately, when new people show up and try to take over and make rules about who can say what (and how they can say it). Some people seem to have forgotten that many times what we are offering are opinions, not gospel. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and has their own travel style, yet some imply that their way is the only way and they take offense if someone offers another opinion. I guess that has always happened to some extent, but it seems worse lately.

I agree entirely with what Frank II said. A lot of the liveliness has gone from the board for the exact reasons he has cited. It's really too bad because it used to be fun.

Kent, are you on any other travel forums? Have you noticed a decrease there too?

I tend to agree that it is seasonal. I spend a lot of time on Trip Advisor's Israel forum and it seems to me that there haven't been nearly as many new posts as usual.

Mean spirited responses to posts over and over would make me stop asking questions. I understand some people ask some silly questions (Kareoke in Vienna)but not everyone is travel savvy. People hijacking the post to argue over their opinions instead of giving advice would make me stop responding to posts or asking questions. But it is an internet forum, trolls and hijackers are going to exist just to rile up the community. You see it on all forums.

Other than that, I also think that people have other things on their mind except travel to Europe. But not me, it's all I think about.

I think the high-number posters have some responsibility for not jumping on common questions from new posters or what they see as "silly."

Even if the question is asked quite often by others, in the case of a new poster it's the first time they've asked it. It's especially forgiveable here as the search function is rubbish unless you happen to see the sticky about using google site search.

As for unnecessarily "pithy" answers to so-called silly questions I think the "Best karaoke in Vienna?" topic is a good example. For a start why is it a silly question? And secondly the OP asked for "opinions on the best karaoke experience in Vienna" and they even said please. Responding with a link to a google search for "Karaoke in venice" was a bit rude and certainly did not provide any opinions as asked for or indeed any info they could not have found themselves. The thread went rapidly downhill after that with some rudeness in retaliation from the OP but why did we need to be in that situation anyway?

I'll admit that posters who answer every topic with a cut-and-paste from a guide book turn me off (and I think it's time to ban the <image> tag unless people stop using it every. single. post.) But conversely a clique of regular posters who try to control what is posted or see off regulars they don't like is more of a turn off.

This board would be more helpful if the Original (Initial) Posting (IP) question was answered. It would usually require no more than 6 responses before being adequately answered. The tangents off responses are often interesting, but don't respond to the IP. I read thru the new responses most days, but try to respond only when I have something to add to the IP---something that I know or have experienced. I don't answer Italy questions anymore because I haven't been there in 3 years.

At the same time, I don't want heavy policing by the Webmaster or anyone else.

I half agree with Swan here. I do think there are a lot of posts where the OP's question just isn't answered, which is not great, but I also think the digressions are at best useful and at worst occasionally interesting.

If I go at a tangent I at least try to answer the original question first but sometimes giving extra information can be really helpful. If someone asks about train times from A-B there is no harm in pointing out that there is a bus that is quicker, cheaper and "better" in case they don't know but at least answer the train question too.

Sometimes thread drift off into totally different discussions naturally, and again, I have no issue with this as long as the original question has been answered. Some of these topics can end up quite interesting and, TBH, the trick to keeping the most prolific, useful posters, your Kents and Frank I and IIs, is to keep them interested.

Look at what has been added at the top of the Helpline - Read Before You Post.

Numerous responses to the helpline are along the lines of "That's in the FAQ section, why are you posting here?"

If I were a novice on this site, I'm not sure I would be comfortable posting a question.

I would definitely agree with those who have spoken about posters not actually answering the questions. I'm not an "expert," but I'm not a newbie either. This past Fall, I posted a question asking about people's opinions regarding Germany/Austria as we plan for our trip. The first few posts were all about how people couldn't answer unless they knew my tastes. I do my own research and I know my tastes, but was looking for others opinions, not advice.

I think there are some who don't understand that we can read each others opinions and use them to inform our own thoughts and plans.

Just my thoughts.

So a shopkeeper in London gets tired of people coming in just to ask where Buckingham Palace is, so he puts a big sign and arrow out front pointing to the palace. He then complains that fewer people come in to his shop.

Kent, my dear, you have some responsibility here, with your more efficient stickies. It's wonderful but also an unintended consequence.

So, to liven things up, maybe we could have some more of those hypothetical party questions. Not "Who would you be stranded with on an island?" or "What's your fantasy rock band?" but travel related. I challenge you all.

Yes, we have missed you a lot Kent!

I think the numbers of Posts are down for several reasons the same way as others have said. There is the FAQ now, which obviously must be doing its job. The recession. The time of year. After the 1st of the year, people start planning their summer vacations and the number of posts will go up. The new guide books for 2010 will be out and folks will read those too and then come back and ask even more questions.

I have to say I like the "fun" threads, like favorite foods, white shoes, lederhosen and the Sound of Music ones. I dislike the "my country is better than ......." or any of the ones about politics or the posts that slam other countries, bigoted remarks, and the ever popular snarky posts. People do tend to hide behind the anonymity of the keyboard.

Just to address Garys' post: The more information that people give us in their posts, the better advice they get. The time of year, their traveling style, do they like scenery, big cities, churches, art, museums, are they driving or taking a train, traveling with kids and if they are, how old are they, etc? The more specific the OP gets, the better the advice gets. I don't think it is a bad thing to ask for more details about a trip, though it should be asked nicely and not in a snarky tone, which is what happened with Gary. (not that Gary was snarky, but some of the people posting on his thread were)

To respond to Peter about the "image" tag:

The webmaster has decided, although he hasn't posted it yet, that it is no longer allowed. No one is supposed to be posting videos, diagrams, maps, drawings, lengthy cut and paste of an article (which can be construed as copyright violation), photoraphs, etc.

HTML links to all of the above and to webpages will still be allowed.

It just takes up too much space and on the classic view boards can truly clutter things.

If you see anyone doing this, a polite PM might be effective. If they don't respond, the webmaster wants to be alerted.

I have to agree that fewer people are posting and that the economy, etc is probably why. Also due to the economy, people are working more and have less "free" time to do things like this. I just retired and am in the reverse position... I am reading more posts and replying more (I think). I really like hearing different opinions on a topic. I love the trains in Scotland and Pamela likes driving the wee roads... posters need to hear us both and evaluate what works for them. We just need to mind our manners.

I also agree with Karen--- we need more FUN posts and PHILOSOPHICAL posts. These give regulars a break from the run of the mill newbie questions (I DO NOT WANT TO STOP THEM)and add a sense of humor and make us all think. Again- we all need to MIND OUR MANNERS.

Welcome back Kent. Frank I and II keep posting.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Another possibility is that the growth of places such as TripAdvisor is pulling traffic away from RS' site. People who don't know where to start could google "european travel" and get this site in the results. People who just type in 'trip advisor' won't.

I also agree the economy, time of year, and I think a growing interest in non-European travel, are pulling people away.

Some great observations. A combination of the season, the economy, and current exchange rates makes it harder to get excited about taking trips -- trips many cannot afford right now.

That said, I'm a recent returning contributor. We havent' been able to travel for a few years due to having a child with some medical needs -- -- we're past that now, and ready to hit the road.

I plan to be part of the positive-attitude Helpline revival!!

(Besides... I love Rick Steves, and the ETBD approach to live deserves to be supported!!)

I read the classic view almost everyday and enjoy doing it>I even give a little advice now and then.I dont see what the big deal is about having the same question answered.If I dont want to read it I dont have to.Anyway I enjoy this forum just the way it is.I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas.

I'm going to have to agree with Frank. The thrill is gone. This is first time I've read the Helpline since August. Used to read and respond to it daily. Things change. Personally I do no suffer fools gladly.

Question - why do some of you prefer to read the "Classic View"? When I look on there, the massive amount of posts on there about themes that don't interest me drives me nuts. Wading through posts about places I have never been and don't plan on going to. So, I wonder why not just go to the forums, and then to the questions that are about things you are interested in.

Happy holidays, regulars!

A few notes...
Everything Frank said in his last post is correct (Thanks Frank!). The reason behind the decision to prohibit the use of html (for anything other than links) is indeed visual space, slow loading pages, and primarily source control. I know many of you have been frustrated with all the things embedded here in recent months and I can't say that your collective voice hasn't influenced the decision.

I'm glad you are all discussing this as all these concerns are important. I'm not too worried about the lower number of posts this time of year as, like many of you have said, it is seasonal. I also hope that the new stickies are doing their job in reducing the number of repetitive questions, leaving more time for you to respond to the more enjoyable posts.

In the holiday spirit, I wish to say thank you to all of you who have contributed so much time toward helping travelers, new and experienced, with their many questions. Your experience and insight is invaluable and makes a real difference in helping travelers have the best trip possible.

Thanks, and enjoy your holiday(s).

RS Webmaster

Webmaster- Thanks for contributing! We appreciate your hard work. The new "stickies" are a great help.

The content of this Board is excellent and enjoyable. However, it is still running on technology from 15 years ago (sorry Webmaster).

Searching should be much, much easier. If it were, it would improve both ease of use and content as redundant topics would be reduced.

When someone replies to a post I have started or added comments to, there should be an option of telling me when there is an update.

You get the idea. For an example of discussion board with state-of-the-art functionality, check out TripAdvisor.

Michael, in Phoenix, there is a way to be notified when there is a response to one of your original topic posts:

Go to My Profile>Edit Your Profile>then click on the box that says: Notify me at the above email address when I receive private messages and/or when someone posts a reply to my topic

Thanks....

I used to be addicted to this site - even when there was no possible trip in the forseeable future. I used to avidly read and occasionally post. Then about 15 months ago I lost interest as I found it starting to get a bit opinionated. I read the classic view because I pick up lots of information that I may not pick up geographically. We are now planning another trip, and I've started to log in occasionally, but I'm biding my time before I post because I don't want to be seen to be asking a "silly question". Everyone has different needs. Some of the responses I have read to what have been considered "silly questions" by some or not giving enough information by others, would be enough for me to decide to go elsewhere if it were my question. Having written that I still find that there is a wealth of knowledge out there and there are people who are gracious enough to give it freely to those of us who don't have that knowledge.

Kent, You're back!

Over the last few years, I've noticed that this seems to be a trend on various travel message boards at this time of year. I'm a Moderator on another Message Board, and the same question has been asked there. The decrease is probably due to several factors:

• People are pre-occupied with Christmas at the moment and probably only a minority are thinking of travel or actually travelling at the moment.

• I know in my own case, I know I'm less focused on many things, including getting work done around the house. It could be due to "the weather" - I'm not sure? Typically in the winter, I tend to "coast" for a few months.

I try to check the HelpLine at least once a day, but I know the number of replies I've made has decreased lately also, perhaps due to the fact there have been less questions to answer, even repeat questions.

I suspect that posts will increase as spring approaches and the weather improves.

On another topic, I'm sorry to see that I won't be able to post the occasional photo here, as it sometimes illustrates my answer better than mere words. However, I guess a link will work just as well.

Cheers!

Ken, the occasional diagram or photo wasn't a problem. Unfortunately, certain posters took advantage of the capability and constantly posted images clogging up the board. Even when asked to, they refused to stop. The only thing the webmaster could do was to ban them altogether.

"ban them (images) altogether"
Well, almost.....;)

Every morning I check the Helpline and have my coffee with you all! I just go by the philosophy that if I don't have anything extra of value to add to what's already been posted, then I don't. You all help me keep my dreams alive! Thanks to you all!

In response to Jo I read the Classic view because ,while there are a lot to wade thru,its amazing how much information you can obtain on places that you have never been to and may not be interested in.I only takes a short time to go thru each days posts.

Kent, perhaps your stickies are doing their job?

oh geeeeez you guys. I stopped replying in the "karaoke in Vienna" thread and even said a little prayer asking that it would never come up again. Did you have to?! ;)

I admit, that thread (amongst others) killed my spirit here a bit. I got really frustrated and was snippy in response to the "pithy" comments, sure, but it really awakened me to the new "mood" that this board has lately. (And no, I still don't understand what the heck was so controversial about the inquiry, and yes, I did say "please!")

I'm sorry I was rude, but I'm even more sorry that the place has a rain cloud over it in general. I mean really, someone called me "trailer trash" over that?! Not cool.

I will often start responding to a question that someone has posted, and just close the window before hitting "Submit" because I am afraid someone's going to get all contrary for the sake of being contrary.

I love living in Europe. I love traveling Europe. However, I no longer love reading this board about Europe, not like I used to.

I am sure Tamara would not know if Italy has any trailer parks, Tom :)

As for the lower activity, for me it was the repetition and the lack of answers on point. Unless you can cleverly segway into a similar topic with your answer, it would be of great benefit for some not to respond at all.

However, on occasion, I do get a refreshing opinion on something that had not occurred to me, or a fresh take on something. But it really helps to stay away for a bit, then come back and see what is going on.

"someone called me "trailer trash" over that?! Not cool." Does Italy even have trailer parks?

Hi Kent. Reasons I posted replies less often,during the past year and a half, compared to the years 2007 and first half of 2008 : (1) Very many people were posting replies, and I thought replies by me would not be needed. (2) I decided to stop replying to the requests : "What do you think of my itinerary", if the trip being planned had a duration of 30 days or more. Some of those requests were replied to by 32 people who gave suggestions. The person posting the request made plans that were different from any of the suggestions. After that happened a few times, I think people decided to not reply to that kind of question again.

Some people, in this discussion thread, said : some people may have stopped posting replies at this Travellers Helpline because of the unpleasant attitudes and arguing and disagreements between people posting replies here. I, personally, did not feel upset or discouraged by that. A few years ago, I thought about starting a discussion group, on the general topic of travel in Europe and Britain, in the town that I was a resident in. The group could have met in a big room in a public Library in that town. I was interested in hearing people's thoughts about how to plan a trip to Europe, and what they like to do in Europe. I decided to not start that group, because I thought it would not be a success : not many people would continue going to it. In the year 2007, in approximately November, or October (?) this Travellers Helpline at this website began to be more lively, and more fun. It was a group discussion : the participants were a diversified assortment of people having various personalities, temperaments, interests, experiences. The Travelers Helpline became a lively group discussion, not merely a place for questions and factual answers. At the website www.Frommers.com (Community/Europe ...) people can get good answers to their questions about places in Europe. But at this Traveller's Helpline I felt like I was in a group of real, live people, similar to the discussion group that I had imagined. I liked it when some people said some information about themselves. In a discussion group, at a place like a room in a public Library, some people will express opinions, and an other person may not like that opinion, and the tone could become ugly. That happens. Or one person might talk excessively, and that talking is not helpful to a person planning a trip. It is normal. Thus, I think it is not strange that the tone can be unpleasant, at times, in a group discussion at an Internet website. And, on the internet, you are not required to read a reply by a person you dislike.

Very well said, Ron, thank you!

I too got bored, Kent, reading the same questions over and over again and then questions asking basic questions that ANYONE could find the answer to in 2 minutes using Google or by reading a RS guide book. When I started frequenting this web site, most of the questions were quite specific which were easily answered but lately some posts ask such general questions that an answer is hard to give without taking up too much space. Maybe we all just need to take a break and recharge our batteries. aloha charlie

As a newbie who has asked some of those old boring questions in the past couple of weeks, I just want to say Thank you to those of you who have responded. Yes I've read the guide books, yes I've tried the search function (sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't).

So thank you to all of you who are willing to share what you know even if I (& others) often ask the same thing.

Chris

Hey, another welcome back Kent!

Another thought provoking question that brings out the best of the differing opinions we have here on the Helpline.

Guilty! I for one have neglected this site alot over the past few months. For me the reasons have had nothing to do with some of the postings and discussions that have occurred on this site - really! I think that's what makes this site as good as it is. How can you trust postings if they're all harmonious and don't really reflect one's opinion.

It truly has was a combination of things:

1) The trip which prompted my initial involvement was completed.

2) The economy has had a huge impact on any future travel plans I might have dreamed of. I was somewhat afraid that visiting would just make me sad.

3) I have been ridiculously busy and really haven't had the time I used to have to contribute like I'd like.

When I began posting on this site over a year ago I also became addicted to the site. I loved the answers to my questions, the differing opinions and I just ignored any negative thoughts thrown at me (example - I made a spelling error along the way which was quickly pointed out and corrected, and I could have easily felt that this was petty, but those who wrote were correct, so I could admit I erred).

I enjoy contributing to help others, even if my opinion is against what I know is the majority of the way most on this board feel about various topics (example - car vs. public transportation). I think it's important to have differing points of view. the person who is asking the questions should be able to consider as much information as possible to make their own decisions.

The best karaoke bars, oddly enough, are located in Wales, the best country in the world. This nicely leads to my next fun fact which is that Wales is so culturally progressive they are instituting dedicated segue parking.

Actually, I think Neil is right about the karaoke bars in Wales! I've been to one in a small town, and let me tell you , it was fun, a bit rowdy, and just an all around good evening! When two Welsh guys rip off their shirts and start into "Bob the Builder" you know that you are in for a awesome night! I can neither confirm nor deny my participation in that.

Being one of those people who ask some pretty basic questions that may have been answered long before - let me just respond that as a fairly inexpierenced traveler looking for information - I may not know about all of the links etc. but honestly isn't this what this forum is all about - asking for information? I have gotten some very helpful suggestions from people and I appreciate all the help regardless as to the questions previously being asked. Sometimes I just don't have the time to do a lot of research and quick answers are always appreciated. Frank II - good to see you back - I was worried you had left back at the early part of Dec. You have helped me before.

Thanks for the compliment, John. I'll make sure it doesn't go to my head!!!! :)

Gee, I'm intrigued. I'll have to look up the karaoke posts.

I admit I haven't been surfing or posting lately, but my excuse is a bit different. We have a new grandbaby, and at 3 months, she had open heart surgery. She is doing great, fab Dallas surgeon...she is 6 months old today, so I've been rather preoccupied, and accordingly, we haven't been planning another trip. YET. Still have this site on my bookmarks toolbar. It's a good thing.

Hi Sharon, My heart goes out to you and what you've been through. My son has had 4 open heart surgeries, is now 20 and doing well. Congratulations on your new grandchild! :)

Hello from Austria everyone!

I haven't been on RS since early 2009, the little bout of ugly mails was the main reason for leaving then, but I also felt at times that overall my posts weren't always welcome. As an European I am quick to bring history and politics into my responses, and to make matters worse, I lived in the USA for over twenty years, and felt that I had the right to speak my mind about American issues as well.
I ended up deciding that, since this is a board where Americans exchange tips and ideas, I really didn't have the right to shower everyone with my particular brand of Weltanschauung und Zeitgeist.

But I did miss some of you terribly, namely Jo, and have had a bad consciousness about not checking in here and there. Doing so was one of my New Year's resolution, and here I am :-))

I was shocked and delighted at all the unread messages on my profile, all of them positive and wonderful! Thank you all for them! I tried to answer them as best I could, to make some amends for simply disappearing from the RS horizon.

That said, I can only speak from my heart, but it is a little bit of a challenge posting in this forum, at least for Europeans, because politics with Americans is such a touchy subject, and history such a subjective one for both sides. Geography without history and politics is unthinkable from a European point of view, and I often had a very hard time framing my responses into the 'travel advice only' frame of this forum.

But, I want to give it another try!

with warm greetings from Austria

Welcome back. When is tea? We'll try to behave.

Welcome Back Corinna!!

Let me be the first to officially welcome you back!! I have also received you "message" and will write back later. I have to head off to work bur wanted to at least say HI!

We've missed you, your input and your experiences. We worried for you and am glad to have you back!

best regards,

gary

Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome back, Gary and Karen!

Tea is in about an hour, and I think it is I who needs to behave, Karen! ;-))

That is right, I forgot about all of us having Tea together. What was I thinking???Thanks for reminding me Karen.

Welcome back Corinna. Good to have you back on board.

Welcome back Corinna! I've always enjoyed your postings.

Thank you so very much, Liz & Jo! :-))

One more Thank You from me: I am touched by all the sweet PMs from so many of you, it makes me glad I came back! :-))

Is it my imagination, or have postings increased dramatically in the last day or so?

I noticed it too--postings have totally increased!

Corinna, I had wondered where you disappered to.

What I have found interesting is that once I am back from a trip, I feel so homesick for Europe that I end up browsing this site!

Posting have increased and the clutter has gone down. Most excellent!

Corrina,

I'm glad you have returned to the site...I for one appreciate all of our experienced posters on this site, both American (including our Canadian cousins) and our non-American posters (including our great European contributors and our friends from down under). Despite a fall off in posting, I suspect that many of the regulars keep tabs on what is going on..and as evidenced by Kent's timely posting, add their two cents when they feel moved to do so.

Greetings, Corinna. Good to see you again.

Thanks Bill & Sharon! It looks like I picked a good time to come back!