[barochallo]

A question, please excuse my ignorance as I am a 'newby'.

I noticed a post wherein a member was requesting suggestions for a hotel to stay on a trip that he was planning.

It so happens that I am going to the same place for a trip 2 months from now and I only wanted to share the details of an extremely good deal that a particular hotel in that town was giving me.

I have ABSOLUTELY NO alliance or connection with the above hotel or its management (In my defense, I can forward the email from the hotel offering me the deal)

I posted a reply to the above member with details about the same.

Unfortunately it was misinterpreted that I am a travel agent and I am selling my wares to the member.

My post was deleted and I was politely issued a warning not to do it again.

I have absolutely NO complaints against the Forum Leader. I understand the need to keep out from the forums, travel agents and other people who try to sneak in and try to pass off travel deals. I would be irritated if I was contacted by such a person myself.

But the above experience leaves me in some doubt as to how to share any such info about a particularly good deal with a member if I come across it. Also, if I have used the services of a particular travel agent/ company/ hotel, that may benefit some other member, can I recommend it in the forums and if so, what details may I give or leave out so that it may not appear that I am trying to sell a deal for that particular travel agent/ company/ hotel?

Again, I repeat, I am NOT complaining about anyone. I merely wish to clarify my doubt for as I am as I’ve mentioned, a ‘newby’

Thanks.

barochallo

[Hal]

Originally Posted by barochallo

A question, please excuse my ignorance as I am a 'newby'.

You could send them a Personal Message?

Usually the mods allow tips from users. You will see threads here about deals on flights etc. It could have been that since you are a new and unknown user that they were just being cautious. Don't give out personal info, or ask users to contact you, just point them in the right direction. If it sounds anything at all like you are trying to set up a deal (and I have no way of knowing if you were, since the post was deleted) it might raise an alarm.

Welcome to the site. You'll find it's a friendly place with lots of excellent information and the mods are always fair.

[Darmabum]

There may be some lag-time too, between the time one joins the forum and when one is able to send Personal Messages . . . think I read that somewhere . . . but I agree with hal, PM's might be the best venue for that.

[capt_mahajan]

My post was deleted and I was politely issued a warning not to do it again

If you reply to that 'warning', you will reach a mod. If there is a problem with that (can't see why), you can use the 'contact us' link on the homepage (bottom) which should get you through to nadreg (admin and site owner).

If you do, give them a little time to respond, though. (the first option may be faster)

[barochallo]

Dear Hal, Darmabum and Capt Mahajan,

Thanks a lot for your advice, it was most reassuring. For a moment, it was a bit disconcerting for me to be labeled as a sneaky travel agent when I was just trying to help out . I guess over time, through my interactions in the forums, I'll be able to 'prove myself'.

Perhaps I was a bit too enthusiastic in giving the info to the member. It's just that I had noticed a number of people giving very precise details (itineraries, costs, names of travel services etc) in many of the threads. So I thought I could do the same.
Hal, I will like you've suggested, just point members towards the right direction without giving precise details.

Yes, I'm not yet allowed Personal Messages so I don't know how to request any mod for permission to post any tips that I may have.

Thanks again, have a virtual on me.

barochallo

[karuna]

Hi barochallo and welcome to IM,

Firstly, with regard to contacting mods, although you do not yet have PM privileges you should be able to respond to messages from Forum Leader.

Alternatively as the Capt suggests, use the "Contact Us" link on the red nav bar at the bottom of the screen.

We prefer you to contact us in the above ways rather than starting a thread about these issues. Threads on individual cases can lead to misunderstandings and also distract from the purpose of the forum, which is discussing travel in India.

As regards your post, the message you received from Forum Leader will have explained why it was deleted. For the benefit of others, I will explain briefly: commercial activity of any kind is not permitted here. Travel Agents and hotel owners are not permitted to post advertising their services.

This doesn't stop them trying. Some create sock-puppet accounts which they use to make fake recommendations. It is not possible for us to be sure, when a new member makes such recommendations, if they are genuine or not. Therefore we enforce a general rule that discourages recommendations in first posts or from very new members.

Please understand that this is not anything personal about you.

This thread is now closed, but you're welcome to reply to the Forum Leader's message if you want. Any member can contact us via the red nav bar at the bottom if they have queries.