I chatted with one of my mentors over the Thanksgiving weekend about “what to post and what not to post.” It is an age-old question and, as a blogger, a real balancing act for those of us who disseminate information. There is a guy I’ve been thinking of asking to speak at the 2011 Chicago Seminar DO who is a whiz with computers. Some of his tricks may be considered over the line and “gray to black,” Should I ask him? And will he spill the beans on his best gray moves?
WFFL gave me a terrific example of “to post or not to post”…
“Rick, suppose I told you how to make every Priceline stay you book count for Elite status with the hotel programs. Would you post it?”
This is hypothetical of course.
Everybody would want that information. But I’m sure that being out in the public, it would “kill the deal” in no time. I’m not sure that the blogs are watched by all the airlines and hotels, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Just the increase in low-priced stays showing up in the hotel programs would eventually trigger a change of computer programming by the hotel chains. Hence the dilemma.
I have always tried to take these positions when posting on the blog:
1. If I’m asked to keep something in confidence, I respect the request.
2. If it is already on a public forum or something I found on my own, I consider it free game for this blog’s readers to hear about it.
I am quite certain I have been excluded from some private groups just for having a blog, for fear I would “spill the beans” on a really good deal. I’m OK with that. My thrust from Day One has been to help us all see the world at prices we can afford, not just the “in the know” crowd.
So if you send me info you want to share, tell me so in your email. If you want it kept quiet, I’ll keep it that way until you get your deal booked or it becomes available elsewhere online. Just take the pressure off me, please, by providing your intentions with the information.
