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Sharing wisdom on TTOL
#34901
01/18/2015 09:23 PM
01/18/2015 09:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192 Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
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I know we all appreciate the TTOL website and all that the moderators do to support it. Endless cheers to "y'all"!
I know we often see the same postings over and over, with somewhat endless redundancy on topics like best beaches, restaurants, grocery shopping, currency issues, tipping etiquette and practices, best restaurants in xxx, etc. Think about the number of the same topics we get over and over. I'm sure our moderators could best identify the topics they get tired of seeing.
The main thing to me is that we see SO many GREAT suggestions over and over as well that basically boil down to a list of “Best Practices” on how to best handle cash, foreign transaction fees, tipping, airfare management, etc. You ALL have a wealth of information to share and you do, but unfortunately, it gets buried and lost all too quickly by subsequent posts. After that, one gets frustrated by trying to find "that post they saw" on a particular topic as it's beyond "our" search engine capabilities and thereby we lose all that wisdom of experienced TTOL’ers who just posted a gem not all that long ago.
Is there something else we can do to better support recurring information requests? Could we create specific folders or categories that would facilitate searches? Could we have separate sections like "SXM people talk" but titled "Best practices on xxx" and have separate blogs therein? Could we expand the FAQ's somehow? I’m sure there are ways that we can use to improve our ability to organize and retain the wisdom you all have and have posted, sometimes repeatedly.
Again, let me emphasize. I'm not meaning to criticize anything about TTOL. I just wish we had the means to consolidate similar information into libraries that can be more easily read, searched, shared, and retained.
I'm begging for no snarky responses. I'm just asking with good intent.
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: gd1147]
#34903
01/19/2015 12:12 AM
01/19/2015 12:12 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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We can make posts sticky, yes, but I don't see that as an answer for this situation.
Carol Hill
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: mprevo]
#34906
01/19/2015 09:46 AM
01/19/2015 09:46 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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There is a FAQ section here. the problem is writing the ANSWER, as the answers to those kinds of questions often change, or people don't necessarily agree with the answers..
Carol Hill
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: kim]
#34908
01/19/2015 10:03 AM
01/19/2015 10:03 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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In fact, your opinion is correct in my opinion and that IS a FACT!
J.D.
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: kim]
#34909
01/19/2015 10:07 AM
01/19/2015 10:07 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Ditto what Kim said. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
OPINIONS are often given and stated as if they're facts. My concern would be if people are looking for answers to real questions, many won't know the difference between the two.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: pat]
#34910
01/19/2015 10:23 AM
01/19/2015 10:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
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Geez Pat, it sounds like you and Kim know each other. Is that a fact?
There are also two kinds of opinions; ones based on facts or first hand knowledge, and then there are those opinions based on ignorance or lack of knowledge. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: Rasputin]
#34911
01/19/2015 10:26 AM
01/19/2015 10:26 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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It's true - we've met and on occasions we even agree on things. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
#34913
01/19/2015 10:59 AM
01/19/2015 10:59 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Sticky notes get out of hand and quite irritating IMO. I've been a member of a board where EVERYTHING under the sun was given great import. Announcements, stickies, etc...took up the whole first page. It was unwieldy, and a turnoff. I personally have no problems using the "search" function to find a topic I recall. I also keep an electronic folder with bookmarks to topics. In addition I keep a running "note" on ipad & iPhone with SXM stuff To Do, Places to eat, things to check out, or great ideas. I never seem to get to all of the places to eat, but that's "for next time"
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: BeachKitten]
#34915
01/19/2015 11:20 AM
01/19/2015 11:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763 Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763
Chicago area & St-Martin
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BeachKitten said: Sticky notes get out of hand and quite irritating IMO. I've been a member of a board where EVERYTHING under the sun was given great import. Announcements, stickies, etc...took up the whole first page. It was unwieldy, and a turnoff.
I personally have no problems using the "search" function to find a topic I recall. So maybe just ONE sticky which says, "Before you post, please try the 'Search' function..." with instructions on how to use it on TTOL?
--ChiTownHarry
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: DandM29212]
#34918
01/19/2015 06:01 PM
01/19/2015 06:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001 Cape Cod
whammy
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001
Cape Cod
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When we used to go to Aruba, I found their forum very easy to navigate (and post pictures!) It's well organized into different sections of interest. Link here http://www.aruba.com/forum/(Just an observation! Do I need to get ready for major blasting?)
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: pat]
#34919
01/19/2015 07:02 PM
01/19/2015 07:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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I'm going to agree with Kim here also. I like the current format -- it gives the board a 'give and take' type feel. Opinions, and occasionally even facts, change from time to time and what might have been true last year (or even last month), could be totally different today. I've seldom had a problem using the search function; and if I do, I simply ask my question and someone either answers it or gives me a link to the topic.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: irish1223]
#34920
01/19/2015 10:02 PM
01/19/2015 10:02 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,455 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,455
Virginia wishing STJ
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Most of the folks who first come to TTOL or may even be active on a different board on this site are looking for answers, but I think more importantly they are looking for feedback to their question at a personal level. Granted the questions do get repetitive, but I think a reader feels more satisfied when someone has read their post and more importantly took their time to answer.
A FAQ page is pretty impersonal and is one way communication. Which is fine if you are looking for the location of the bathrooms at SXM airport, but does not meet the mark if the question is where should I take my wife for a romantic dinner.
The new guy that gets a personal answer here is more likely to become a life long TTOLer and the more we all will learn from their experience. And maybe they will discover and share some place or thing that no one bothered to put on the FAQ page
Of course IMHO
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!†José Andrés
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: TomB]
#34921
01/19/2015 10:06 PM
01/19/2015 10:06 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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What a very nice response. Thank you for sharing your perspective and I agree absolutely! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: BEERMAN]
#34930
01/20/2015 10:35 PM
01/20/2015 10:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: BEERMAN]
#34931
01/20/2015 11:30 PM
01/20/2015 11:30 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 Greensboro, NC
charlieh
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
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BEERMAN said: Must be a Virginia thing?...I spell it ya'll. If ya'll sound out y'all you sound like a donkey! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Well I'm glad we're "sharing the wisdom". As to the original post on this thread, my contention after spending years online and countless hours researching stuff, TTOL sets the standard worldwide for an online tourist forum. As has been mentioned, I'd copy and paste info that I found useful for planning trips. My biggest trip was one involving 9 couples, most of whom had never been to SXM for a really big occasion. TTOL was pretty much invaluable for the info I learned here.
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: DandM29212]
#34932
01/21/2015 12:28 PM
01/21/2015 12:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726 New Jersey
NJHarry
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
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DandM29212 said: Must be one of those Damn Yankees from Joisey! Y'all gotta seal off those boaders betta up theya! Really????
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: Rasputin]
#34933
01/21/2015 01:27 PM
01/21/2015 01:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192 Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
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This goes to my original point though I’m not trying to argue. Yes, there are many TTOL'ers who have spent countless hours researching stuff here or just reading for entertainment, that have thousands of posts, or that maintain their own databases to cover points of wisdom shared previously. I'm talking about the other group of readers who come here only occasionally, usually in preparation for an upcoming trip, and who are looking for quick answers, be they facts or current opinions. For many of us, good “wisdom” gets buried on the main page quickly due to the high volume of posts here, and while the search function is ok, it doesn’t work for certain instances such as popular keywords (Orient).
From reading the responses above, my opinion is that an opportunity exists to use the FAQ's better. When one looks at the FAQ posts, one can imagine that there are several topics or issues that could be included and covered with clear, factual answers that wouldn’t change with the wind. Tipping practices and etiquette is just one example; island safety practices / suggestions are another important concern.
Then you also have the questions about grocery shopping or restaurants. Surely one would say those are “FAQ’s”, and comments along those lines could be organized in a reasonable manner within FAQ’s. Sure, a category like “Best restaurants in Grand Case” would collect the same comments and opinions as are seen on the Main Page, but if people posted their comments under FAQ’s for those topics, responses wouldn’t get buried so quickly as on the main page.
Ultimately all I’m suggesting is that we could use the FAQ’s better as a way to consolidate similar posts and information into FAQ libraries that can be more easily read, searched, shared, and retained. One well written Sticky could provide people with the guidance on what topics could be better posted and reviewed under FAQ’s.
I’m just speaking with good intent from the perspective of an occasional user.
Thank you.
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Re: Sharing wisdom on TTOL
[Re: DandM29212]
#34934
01/21/2015 01:50 PM
01/21/2015 01:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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While I don't disagree with the concept that there could be a much wider range of FAQ's, the problems include 1) who is going to WRITE the answer 2) is the topic REALLY one that people would agree on the answer and 3) sometimes the answers to such things change over time. If some people would volunteer to write the answers to the FAQs, that might be a start, but I make no promises.
Carol Hill
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