AFF'rs come and go

[drewbles]

So who is going to aim for one post only in 2016?

I'm aiming for zero

 

[SeatBackForward]

Perhaps the silver, gold, platinum membership on here ought to be the Australian Frequent Flyer Frequent Forum'er program?

 

[tomo69]

I'm more of a lurker than a poster ðŸ

 

[chelzmalee]

I'm more of a lurker than a poster ðŸ

I tend to lurk a bit too. Also how busy work is usually determines how often I'm here. I rarely use the internet at home because I use it all day

 

[Foreigner]

You may have missed the tongue in cheek (my error, not yours). I was referring to the unnecessary number of welcoming posts that only serve to boost post numbers. I expressly exempt you (johnK) from this - you've bid a welcome to the forum to almost everyone for as long as I can remember.

I didn't know welcoming posts counted.

 

[JessicaTam]

I didn't know welcoming posts counted.

Yep, everything except posts in the playground.

 

[Foreigner]

Yep, everything except posts in the playground.

I'm a slow learner obviously

 

[amaroo]

FT can be a rite of passage.

 

[Buzzard]

I don't know that posters necessarily say welcome to pad their count. If we were to stop posters saying welcome we may as well stop introductions unless the newbie contributes on their first post.

 

[Steady]

What gain is there in padding a post count, I could see someone trying to get enough posts to PM another member?

 

[Princess Fiona]

I don't know that posters necessarily say welcome to pad their count. If we were to stop posters saying welcome we may as well stop introductions unless the newbie contributes on their first post.

The introductions are relatively new. I say relative as they didn't exist when I joined.
I don't think the welcomes are given to pad anyone's post count. Regardless of that they definitely do pad out the post count of those who do welcome everyone and quite considerably in some cases.

 

[OATEK]

I don't know that posters necessarily say welcome to pad their count. If we were to stop posters saying welcome we may as well stop introductions unless the newbie contributes on their first post.

It would be pointless asking new members to post if they all went unanswered.

 

[kermatu]

It would be pointless asking new members to post if they all went unanswered.

Agree. There's no point or gain in padding posts. I just think it's nice to say hello to new members.

 

[incumbent]

Whether there's a point to padding post counts or not, I still question the sincerity.

 

[Princess Fiona]

It would be pointless asking new members to post if they all went unanswered.

My personal opinion is that it's pointless asking new members to post introductions. It adds nothing whatsoever to the forum in the vast majority of cases. Would be better if new members gave some genuine background to themselves if they posted a question in a new thread or a reply to an existing one.
YMMV

 

[Awesom Andy]

My personal opinion is that it's pointless asking new members to post introductions. It adds nothing whatsoever to the forum in the vast majority of cases. Would be better if new members gave some genuine background to themselves if they posted a question in a new thread or a reply to an existing one.
YMMV

I've never bothered with introductions, to be honest. Those who care will find out about me soon enough, and those who don't, well, they haven't missed anything.

 

[OATEK]

My personal opinion is that it's pointless asking new members to post introductions. It adds nothing whatsoever to the forum in the vast majority of cases. Would be better if new members gave some genuine background to themselves if they posted a question in a new thread or a reply to an existing one.
YMMV

At the top of the very first page on the board is Introductions.

The sticky at the top of Introduction page says: Welcome to the Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF). Please feel free to introduce yourself to our community in this section.

When I joined a few years ago I followed this advice, and I assume many new members also think this is the appropriate response.

Whether there's a point to padding post counts or not, I still question the sincerity.

Sometimes when I respond to these new members posting in Introductions I find something in their message to respond to. I certainly try to vary my responses. I appreciated the welcome I received and the gentle way many (but not all) dealt with me as a newbie.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

My personal opinion is that it's pointless asking new members to post introductions. It adds nothing whatsoever to the forum in the vast majority of cases. Would be better if new members gave some genuine background to themselves if they posted a question in a new thread or a reply to an existing one.
YMMV

Agreed – tell us your story! Everyone has one. Otherwise there's just no point saying 'Hello' and nothing more.

 

[QF WP]

A really good idea for a thread, one where we all have an opinion.

Whilst I was one of the first to sign up under this iteration on AFF, I haven't been able to spend much time in AFF particularly since May, as my company went through a separation (into 3) and I needed to set up a new company from the ground up.

I am always amazed by the knowledge bank in this community and the willingness to share. I remember when I knew a bit and travelled regularly both internationally as well as domestically and Platinum was a given with Flexi fares.

Now my life revolves around business domestic travel and the annually leisure trip to AKL or NAN. My highlights now are the upgrades to J (thankfully air have enough to upgrade most of my flights across both QF & VA). I live vicariously through others whose travel knowledge exceeds my own and flying makes mine pale into insignificance.

What is never certain is moderation - whether it be old members who should know better or new members who aren't aware of the rules. We all play a part to make this a vibrant melting pot of opinion, dissection and unfortunately sometimes infractions and worse. But do a job we must, to keep the majority of good posters coming back for more. Most recalcitrant posters learn from their mistakes and are contrite...

 

[ReLoad]

It's an interesting topic, I'd love to have more time to be as into AFF as I used to, and I'm sure I will again at some point, but work really puts a dent in it. I've really restricted my reading down to core threads that are particular to my travel circumstances.

AFF has given me so much over the years, so I really do like to give back, but time is just such an issue these days

In saying the above, there are certain posters whose opinions and advice I really respect and am very grateful for their continued participation.