TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Sharing wisdom on TTOL

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.

Most forums have stickies for posts which pin them to the top of the list. Normally you would "sticky" a post that has useful information etc that you don't want to keep repeating. Perhaps this is a feature that could be implemented?

We can make posts sticky, yes, but I don't see that as an answer for this situation.

I've used the "Favorite Topic" feature successfully in the past. It's not the complete answer to your dilemma, but it does help to bookmark a topic of interest.

I too also value the amount of knowledge and information that is shared here on this board. Most of you folks go above and beyond to help everyone out. �Thank You for that� with that in mind perhaps you could Sticky a topic such as �Frequently Asked Questions� (that only the Moderator can post too). Then inside that topic you could have a post for each common question, but that post would only contain a link that would take you to the appropriate thread. Such as:

************************************************************
Which Car Rental Agency would you recommend to provides the best service?
Click here for a link to this thread.

************************************************************
Where is the best place to get groceries in on the French Side?
Click here for a link to this thread

************************************************************
Where is the best place to get groceries on the Dutch Side?
Click here for a link to this thread

************************************************************
Etc., etc., etc�...���

To make it easiest on the Moderators these could all be new threads. I am sure that everyone would jump in an answer the �Common Questions� again just to help get this set up. As time goes on I think this type of system would be a huge help that would give anyone quick access to the most common questions. You folks all have such a vast knowledge of all things SXM and are always so willing to share. �Thank You� again. Just my thoughts.

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..

I think it's fine the way it is!! There are facts and opinions, many times people think their opinions are facts when actually they aren't.

In fact, your opinion is correct in my opinion and that IS a FACT!

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.

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="" />

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="" />

Excellent point!

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"

I like the format the way it is. Im sure many readers are new to TTOL and may not have found the search feature before asking their important question. If I were to ask "if you only had one day, which beach would you choose?" I bet some of the regular posters opinions would stay consistant, but my guess is some opinions would change over time and hopefully some newbie might post a new perspective.

Consider what the island waiters/bartenders go through many times per day..."where are you from originally?"...."how long have you been here?" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Maybe they should have printed cards with answers to FAQ's <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

So maybe just ONE sticky which says, "Before you post, please try the 'Search' function..." with instructions on how to use it on TTOL?

I also do what BeachKitten does - keep a running dairy of cut and paste info from topics that I want to keep
I date and note who posted and then collect under various topics
ie beaches, accomodation resto Dutch etc
Dating the comments lets me periodically search and delete older comments- I started this practice in 2011, since then have pruned the older posts I've kept
Also after we return I update if we went there, ate there etc
J&B

I do similar, if I find a post for something that I want to refer to on a future trip, I copy and paste as a word document, then save it in my SXM Notes file I have on my computer. Before I leave for a trip, I will glean those notes and print out what I want to do for the next trip. I re-read the notes on the plane on the way down. Last thing I copied and pasted was the doctor notes. You never know when you need a doctor visit on the island.

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?)

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.

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

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="" />

I know the expression youse guys. Is y'all a French expression?

Here in Pittsburgh, it's "youins" or "yinz". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

It's "y'all", y'all!! If all y'all don't understand y'all, then I jest can't hep ya! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I stand down on my original post, y'all!

I'm appalled that a man from North Carolina would ask that question!

Must be one of those Damn Yankees from Joisey! Y'all gotta seal off those boaders betta up theya!

I'm surprised that no one answered my question. Obviously the answer is that y'all is used in the SE part of France.

Yeah I've lived as far north as Virginia, or at least southern Virginia and as far south as Georgia (northern Georgia).

However, I've always spelled it as ya'll. Ya know?

Sorry Charlie, but I have to go all grammarian on you here. Y'all is a contraction of you all. Therefore, the apostrophe goes after the "y" to signify the omission of the "ou". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

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="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <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.

Really????

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.

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.

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to create work for you, Carol or Eric.

Todays topic on "Carrying Cash" or Novembers topic of "Tipping on the French Side" are examples of topics that include good info that could just be moved to the FAQ's as they are. They don't need to be re-written. How many people tip wrong, or don't make passport copies, or carry excess cash making them prime targets. Great topics that might be even better archived under FAQ's, IMHO.

OK, thanks for the suggestion..

Please do not try & fix what is not broken......kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

The questions may be repetitive, but the answers change over time. That's why this board is a great resource. Topics like ATMs, Best restaurants in Grand Case, where do I provision, Are travelers checks still OK... are timely. The answers change one year to the next. FAQs grow stagnant over time. My two cents...