Writing isn’t easy. We’ve been at this website thing for a while and thankfully it’s been going pretty well. Thanks for that! You seem to like reading what we write and we like writing it.
We continued to write even through a time when people weren’t traveling, and now it looks like we’re approaching the end of what’s been known as “revenge travel.” Throughout it all, we discovered that we didn’t do anything differently. Fortunately for us, we’ve always written about what interests us. It was never about what Google said was popular or who paid us the most. Other websites may operate differently, and that’s fine. The internet is a complex place, and everyone has to draw their own line in the sand about what they’re willing to do and what they’re not. Sharon and I strive to be completely honest about what we write on the blog. The things we write are our own thoughts and haven’t been approved by anyone, except perhaps each other (I guess it’s a “married couple” thing LOL). When we receive any form of compensation for a link or referral, we always disclose exactly what you’ll receive and that we’ll receive something as well.
I have some strong opinions about what websites and blogs should and shouldn’t do. However, I wouldn’t call this post a rant because rants are just a way of venting. Instead, I see this post as a collection of my thoughts on how I wish the world worked. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t always work that way, but it would be great if it did. While I don’t have the power to make it happen, I can still share my ideas.
There are numerous travel tips and tricks available on the internet. However, when I read these articles or watch short videos, I am aware that the primary motive behind publishing such content is to attract more clicks. Unfortunately, some of the information provided in these posts is completely inaccurate, unethical, or even illegal. As a blogger, should I share such information? In the words of Meatloaf, often misquoted, “I’d do anything for the blog, but I won’t do that.”
We got into writing Your Mileage May Vary because our friends would constantly ask how Sharon and I were able to travel around the world the way we did without having hit the lottery. I explained some of the basics of points and miles but there’s so much to share that having a reference online was a better way to go. Now when someone wants to change a Southwest flight, has questions about where to eat in Orlando or even wants to know how to see the sights from The Sound of Music, we have an article to send them with all the information. We even shared how to get to a hidden waterfall in Iceland with people in our tour group while visiting Vietnam.
As I’m currently searching for topics to write articles on, I have come across some questionable ways to gain access to an exclusive bar, avoid paying for parking, and even manipulate a credit card sign-up bonus by editing a URL. While this information is easily accessible, I’m not going to share it with you.
I’ve made a firm decision to only write about things that align with my values and principles. If it’s not something I would personally do or recommend to my loved ones, then I won’t publish that information. I take full responsibility for my words and don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to justify their actions based on my writing.
Heck, I’ll even share a link. Not from any fly-by-night page but from READERS (FREAKIN) DIGEST! The magazine is sold at the grocery store for your grandparents to buy. Here’s an article I found on their website:
Finally! Here’s a Map with Airport Wi-Fi Passwords All Over the World
Here’s the kicker, This isn’t just a map for how to get free Wi-Fi at airports, as that would be fine. It’s a map with passwords so you can access locked Wi-Fi networks like lounges, restaurants, etc. Ever wonder why you see people sitting outside airline clubs on computers? They’re stealing the Wi-Fi. To make things worse, that slows down the network for everyone who is rightfully inside the club.
I would never condone doing this. I’ve never done it. I’d find some way to get internet access through the correct channels or I’d do without. This sets off my moral compass so I’m not going to tell you to do this. I had to share this article as an example, but please don’t do this, OK? Promise? I’m trusting you.
I’ve had many instances of things I’ve read but don’t share. Sometimes they’re just too time-sensitive for you to be able to act on them. Other times they’re things I’m not interested in, so if you’re looking for cheap airfare from Turkey to New Zealand, not much help will be found on our site. Most importantly, I’m not going to share information that I wouldn’t use myself. End of story!
However, if you want to know How To Avoid Crazy Toll Charges When Renting A Car in Orlando, What Are “Preferred” Seats on Delta and Why Pay Extra to Sit There? or even what to do When You’re Staying At A Hotel, Don’t Be Like “Naked Guy” – keep tuned for more of our articles.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
5 comments
Great post Joe. I don’t fly or travel much anymore but I read. You and Sharon have a very different and interesting take on travel. I wish you both nothing but good luck on this adventure.
+1
You’ve become my favorite blog on Boarding Area. I always enjoy your post. I think your travel philosophy fits more with mine than some of the big boys. You actually mention and comment on the destination, not just a scheming way to get there.
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad there’s room for all of us on Boarding Area.
Lot of ethics posts are just narcissistic drivel. You shouldn’t have to write an ethics post. We already should be able to tell if you are ethical or not. And if you write an ethics post and then do something opposite of what you just wrote we know you are just full of s***.
Like customer service in america. They are told to sound contrite and understanding but not necessarily do anything to fix the problem. So you just making show of it without actually meaning any of it.
This is not directed at anyone.