I'll be the first to admit your daughter's column doesn't really do much for me since I don't fall into the rookie category. In a way it's also duplicating what other forums also do – there are plenty of FAQ and newbie topics of discussion.

At the same time, I read it anyway. Even the most experienced reader here may potentially learn something new in Friday's columns. It's also good for the experienced to politely correct misinformation when it's encountered – the internet is full of it, after all – no need for a rookie to learn anything the wrong way. Twice as hard to unlearn something!

Also – any progress reports or wishful thinking timeline for the relocation of this blog? (Going to WordPress, was it not?) I really only have one complaint about this site and that's the presentation. I know our beloved Frugal Travel Guy is not a techie and content is more important. But since the content is pretty solid it would be great if the site were more readable.

Arizona Guy: I want you to know how much I really appreciate your constructive comment and questions. When I started this blog my goal was to help teach and the wording and phrasses for us old timers is just Greek to the Rookies. Hence our Friday blog helps the 20% of our readership that are admitted Rookies and your offer to help correct them is in the spirit of the blog. Thank you.

As far as moving to WordPress that is up to Howie who happens to have a full time job. He is testing moving all the content as we speak and helping us with SEO issues as well. The schedule is entirely up to him. It has not been forgotten. It is in the works. I would love to be able to tell you tomorrow but his help is volunteer help and on his time frame.

Thanks again for supporting our blog, your willingness to help correct the rookies (you can't imagine the amount of email I get) and being a positive influence on our project.

Rick

That bitter person is called, in Internet slang, a troll. Thanks for keeping that person away and keeping this blog clean and professional. Your kids are great and thanks for adding them. There is no democracy here as this is YOUR blog.

A comment on those who are not nice to Rick et al:

"Stupidity is always and option, but you are abusing the privilege"

…. and if you have to think about that the poetry it is lost on you – sorry!

Thanks for the link on the 100 AA miles. However, when I clicked on it, I did not see any mention of the 100 miles – only for a chance to earn 100,000 miles.

Given the content of your blog as it relates to travel, I think you should be a blogger on Boarding Area. I think you would have a lot more views and folks who can benefit from your advice on credit, earning points and travel.

Rick… I am very grateful for the information in Shannon's column. You're right – some of the wording, phrases and acronyms are just Greek to us Rookies.

I have a question on an unrelated topic for which I haven't gotten an answer. I would like to know if anyone has experienced a problem in using a Capital One card to make coin purchases from the Mint. I read in your blog that Chase closed accounts for doing this and US Bank isn't awarding points for Mint purchases. I don't want to use Capital One if there have been any problems.

I appreciate everybody's efforts as well. I'm flying my brother and myself out west this summer for a trip that wouldn't have happened without this blog…so thanks! Question: what is the address for Gary Leffs blog referenced above?

I take no issue with Andrew's or Shannon's posts on Frugal Travel Guy. In no way does it detract from the website. It is nice to see young people who share our love for travel (or FRUGAL travel, I should say). I enjoy Andrew's comments and especially his amazing photos, and I also enjoy the "rookie" commentary of the Shannonbug. It was actually Shannon's comments that FINALLY motivated me to sign up for the Alaska Air mileage plan. This is something I should have done years ago! Thanks everyone, and keep up the good work! Take no heed to those who have nothing constructive to say!

Nick
Port Richey, Florida

Rick. It's your blog…so people need to understand it's your rules.

Hi Rick –

For the past several months, I've been reading your blog nearly every day; if I skip a day, I try my best to catch up and read all the entries.

In the face of the recent negative comment you received, I feel compelled to send a note expressing the opposite view.

I consider myself at least "intermediate" on the frugal traveler scale, but still read most of Shannon's entries. Often I find a useful nugget in her posts, so I look forward to her entries as well.

As for Andrew, although many of his posts are not as "tip-oriented," they do provide a respite from the rat-race (incl. the rat-race of learning of and signing up for deals, etc.)

They're definitely interesting stories, and often provide insight into places we might want to visit.

If memory serves, I believe Andrew mentioned that he is in law school (or soon will be), and as an attorney myself, I wanted to mention that I find his pieces to be particularly well-written, which is impressive in this day and age when so few people have a grasp of the English language. His writing skills should help him in law school and when he eventually becomes an attorney.

I think it's great that you are giving your kids a platform where they can get their feet wet "publishing" some pieces and expressing themselves.

I'm sure you're very proud of them – as you should be – and I'm sure they'll continue to give you reasons to be proud.