General Info

[Kabul Guy]

Re the senior members vs newbies.

This occurs with surprising regularity on many different forums, I was active on the Dubai one and it chewed up a lot of bandwidth. I have seen it on other ones when I have been researching a new location. Not only ISG but other mongering and even non-mongering forums.

What the newbies don't realize is that the previous newbies have already asked the exact same questions and the information that they seek has been posted numerous times.

For the newbies, first, read the FAQ on any forum. You will get a lot of your answers there. For example here you need to pay the $20 or make enough posts to be a senior member to get PM ability. Then you don't have to ask in your first post "How can I PM someone".

Then please read the forum back a couple of months or at least 4 or 5 pages of posts (whichever is more posts). You will get a very good idea of the local scene from that. You will most likely get your questions answered in a lot less time than posting it and waiting for a reply. If once you have read back a little in the forum, you still have a question then you can ask an intelligent one i.e. Not where can I get laid, but something along the lines of I am trying to decide on bar A or bar B, which do you recommend for a first-time visitor? I am looking more for "XXX" than "YYY".

Remember in any new endeavor, you usually have to pay your dues somehow; here it is in making good reports about your past places. Even if you have never been to the Philippines, you can always post about other places you have been and by making a contribution there you will be accepted here. I started in the Dubai forum because I was there a lot and when I shifted to the Philippines, my history and contribution to the collective was recognized.

Also realize that the guys with the huge post counts are generally well regarded here and respected for their contributions, by insulting them you are not enduring yourself to anyone else here and are unlikely to get the information you are looking for.

Once you have paid your dues by making a contribution and even by asking intelligent questions, never answered before here, you will find that acceptance is surprisingly fast and total.

And for the senior members, why even reply to dumb newbie posts? Just ignore them and hope that they will get the hint instead of wasting bandwidth on replying to them except for perhaps "RTFF".

[CallSign Papa]

How can you expect a newcomer to make a contribution when they are just beginning? You want a newb to contribute before they can ask a question. But how can they give information if they have no information to give because they are new?

The conundrum really is how did this site ever get going if no one had any reviews to read first?

There are 11,169 posts in this forum, over 50,000 related to Manila and the surround areas. Have we all been wasting our time if people just ask questions instead of researching for themselves? Why post reviews at all in this case, just make the site one big chat room.

[Wicked Roger]

You are stumbling on a conundrum. How can you expect a newcomer to make a contribution when they are just beginning? You want a newb to contribute before they can ask a question. But how can they give information if they have no information to give because they are new?

It is not necessary. Regular members are able to make contributions and ask questions on the forum without any restrictions. Your attempts to enforce your pseudo-rules are interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of the forum. Leave people alone..

You expect them once they have RTFF and done some homework and then ask clarification points as some do to me via email. I did when I first joined and those 'rules' are what I expect but are mine and based on what I read all over the board many others.

The newbies who post "where is that location" for example (see UAE AMPS) get nothing as the location is hinted in numerous FRs and if you RTFF you will find. The location is never given because the LE watch that board a lot so can trace it also. The ones who ask this invariably have no PM.

Similarly "please send me her digits" or "where is the best place to find a girl in Manila" or "does the hotel allow a second guest" can all be found by first RTFF and then asking specific questions to clarify. Again many who ask either have no PM facility or have a long history of asking questions with promises to contribute but never do.

Worse it some screws it up for seniors who do help and are kind by showing the girl ISG etc and causing grief etc (ask me, ask Joe K in UAE as 2 good examples).

So we welcome newbies Pomp as long as they FR and contribute and show a sign of RTFF before asking an inane question that is easily answered buy a 1 minute RTFF, but those asking those questions above with no history of contributing is like playing Russian roulette with your contact list at times IMHO so many don't like that.

If you want to share all with anyone not knowing if LE or worse, go ahead no one stops you but we all have our own guidelines and these differ enormously.

[Deleted by Admin]

BTW Westie does share a lot but you won't see it as this is via PM.

[FreebieFan]

You have unintentionally created irony. The 'he' that you are referring to here is me. I had asked a question back in 2013. At that time your investigation of me revealed I had made several (comprehensive and informative posts) on Dumaguete (and Cebu which you overlooked). Yet in your estimation you adjudged that this was an insufficient basis to warrant a reply to the inquiry that I made. You got gall. You did a half-ass review of my posts and then in a condescending and insulting tone instructed me as to your set of ISG rules which incidentally were dead wrong as to how senior status is attained.

You are stumbling on a conundrum. How can you expect a newcomer to make a contribution when they are just beginning? You want a newb to contribute before they can ask a question. But how can they give information if they have no information to give because they are new?

It is not necessary. Regular members are able to make contributions and ask questions on the forum without any restrictions. Your attempts to enforce your pseudo-rules are interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of the forum. Leave people alone.

You should re-read the person that you are quoting. That person said nothing about not sharing with newbs on the open board. Moreover, the forum administrators said nothing of it and yet we see frequent evidence of them policing the forum of inappropriate posts but never have they objected to anyone responding to newbs on the forum. The good news for you is that you don't have to police the forum: someone else is doing it. That frees up your time to develop other interests. You should work against your instinct to exclude people and learn to be inclusive. I live on the west coast of my country and that is how we are here. I can't answer for how they are on the west coast of your country.

Of course it is your opinion. I know that you wouldn't suppose to give someone else's opinion. That is a fatuous comment.

Let it go, man. You have your view, others have a divergent view. Thats how life works. You are like a dog with a bone at the moment. Is your life really worth spending 15 minutes on trying to refute another persons opinions which differs from yours. LET. IT. GO.

[Member #4566]

If that sounded rude, its not because he's asking a question. Its because he's taking without giving back.

You have unintentionally created irony. The 'he' that you are referring to here is me. I had asked a question back in 2013. At that time your investigation of me revealed I had made several (comprehensive and informative posts) on Dumaguete (and Cebu which you overlooked). Yet in your estimation you adjudged that this was an insufficient basis to warrant a reply to the inquiry that I made. You got gall. You did a half-ass review of my posts and then in a condescending and insulting tone instructed me as to your set of ISG rules which incidentally were dead wrong as to how senior status is attained.

Its a pattern without newbs.

You are stumbling on a conundrum. How can you expect a newcomer to make a contribution when they are just beginning? You want a newb to contribute before they can ask a question. But how can they give information if they have no information to give because they are new?

I should have suggested that info be shared with PM-able members.

It is not necessary. Regular members are able to make contributions and ask questions on the forum without any restrictions. Your attempts to enforce your pseudo-rules are interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of the forum. Leave people alone.

Your opinion that we should respond to newbs on the open board is obviously not shared by all (see below).

You should re-read the person that you are quoting. That person said nothing about not sharing with newbs on the open board. Moreover, the forum administrators said nothing of it and yet we see frequent evidence of them policing the forum of inappropriate posts but never have they objected to anyone responding to newbs on the forum. The good news for you is that you don't have to police the forum: someone else is doing it. That frees up your time to develop other interests. You should work against your instinct to exclude people and learn to be inclusive. I live on the west coast of my country and that is how we are here. I can't answer for how they are on the west coast of your country.

The above is my opinion.

Of course it is your opinion. I know that you wouldn't suppose to give someone else's opinion. That is a fatuous comment.

[WestCoast1]

It is sarcastic. It is unwelcoming and discourages newcomers from continuing further. (Not me because I earned my bones when this honoree was still trying to diddle cheerleaders.) This poster suggests that you need to pay in order to be a senior member of ISG. Not true. You don't have to pay a farthing. Additionally, this poster says that quality information is the exclusive domain of paid-for members to share among themselves. That all others are unwelcome to it until they pay. Here is more incorrect and misleading information and the arrogant tone further alienates the newcomer.

If that sounded rude, its not because he's asking a question. Its because he's taking without giving back. Its a pattern without newbs. Your opinion that we should respond to newbs on the open board is obviously not shared by all (see below).

Apology. I suggested that the info should be shared with paying members, and that might have been wrong. I assumed that only paying members had PM function. I should have suggested that info be shared with PM-able members. Anyone contacting me in PM has my support.

The above is my opinion. Its worth what you paid for it. Anyone can disagree.

My golly Sir you really do have a bee in your bonnet about how newcomers are greeted here. Suggestion. Start your own ISG clone whereby you can be the administrator, moderator and owner, and kick off all who fail to live up to your won high standards of welcoming.

You tell others they should diversify, but it would appear that you are on a single one track approach. Pots and kettles and black?

Pomp has given a lot of good info to the board. He's not the only one who feels this way. I get the occasional PM from someone expressing a similar view (once every year or two). Its roughly equivalent to those gents who think the PG should be open to anyone. Pomp, probably we just will have to agree to disagree.

[Wicked Roger]

This is an example of the treatment that newcomers receive from so-called experts. It is sarcastic. It is unwelcoming and discourages newcomers from continuing further. (Not me because I earned my bones when this honoree was still trying to diddle cheerleaders.) This poster suggests that you need to pay in order to be a senior member of ISG. Not true. You don't have to pay a farthing. Additionally, this poster says that quality information is the exclusive domain of paid-for members to share among themselves. That all others are unwelcome to it until they pay. Here is more incorrect and misleading information and the arrogant tone further alienates the newcomer.

ISG is not a club for a few who have lost the ability to diversify their interests and then use ISG to play out their Weltschmerz. Let's come together and allow newcomers to ask their questions, however amateurish they may seem. Answer them if you want and if you don't want, well then don't. But let's not chase them away by being rude and wrong.

You can't use the PM facility to share information such as phone numbers etc unless you have paid the subscription as a newbie – that is fact.

You can be a senior member on ISG by asking 25 questions (or is it 50 now I forget) – fact.

I was advised by a senior member many years ago that the FR history of newbies especially is important as it show if they can and have or will contribute – sensible advice as many promise but never deliver (the UAE forum is full of the promising newbies who have asked question over many years but somehow never followed up with a FR).

Also by checking the FR history you can a get a 'feel' for the person in some ways I was advised so you can sometimes weed out real time wasters, lurkers etc who could spoil your contact list badly or worse (this has happened to a few friends and me to a degree in the past despite my generosity).

I welcome people to contribute but will call them out when they post question after question that clearly shows no intent on sharing whatever they find after they receive – and maybe ruin a good 'relationship contact' also – why run the risk? You have spent time and effort and someone could easily ruin things. It is a risk you take and decide and'est pas?

If you feel happy sharing all the information all the time please do as no one stops you.

Westie, FF and others contribute a lot and do help many – I do also and mainly via PM (especially on the UAE thread nowadays due to LE etc). But we choose when and how and who due to our own in-built suspicions or whatever you call it. I have been burned by sharing in the past and now am more wary and do some back check if needed. That is me.

And any newbie should at least RTFF first – you would agree? This is what Westie and FF are alluding to. And me also plus countless others.

Example, my first time in the Philippines I did a big RTFF, I had lots of information of where to stay, go and prices etc. I then contacted a senior member and asked specific info via PM that he gladly shared (plus other advise not asked) as I had done my homework. Am grateful and I learnt from that experience and now I try to keep the same guidelines myself.

Another example: Loso69 (who was / is a prolific contributor on the PRC forums) came to Abu Dhabi for the first time and we met up. Why? Because he RTFF and sent me a lot of questions of clarification via PM (which showed me he had RTFF before) so I was happy to advise etc. I still do this but I draw the line at times of newbies with no intention of even the basic RTFF.

We are all different minded on this Pomp but I have not seen you helping much but you do criticise those who help but then call out some lazy managers who ask things like "where should I go to find a massage in Manila?" or "where do I go to find girls in Makati" etc.

My tuppence worth.

[FreebieFan]

This is an example of the treatment that newcomers receive from so-called experts. It is sarcastic. It is unwelcoming and discourages newcomers from continuing further. (Not me because I earned my bones when this honoree was still trying to diddle cheerleaders.) This poster suggests that you need to pay in order to be a senior member of ISG. Not true. You don't have to pay a farthing. Additionally, this poster says that quality information is the exclusive domain of paid-for members to share among themselves. That all others are unwelcome to it until they pay. Here is more incorrect and misleading information and the arrogant tone further alienates the newcomer.

ISG is not a club for a few who have lost the ability to diversify their interests and then use ISG to play out their Weltschmerz. Let's come together and allow newcomers to ask their questions, however amateurish they may seem. Answer them if you want and if you don't want, well then don't. But let's not chase them away by being rude and wrong.

My golly Sir you really do have a bee in your bonnet about how newcomers are greeted here. Suggestion. Start your own ISG clone whereby you can be the administrator, moderator and owner, and kick off all who fail to live up to your won high standards of welcoming.

You tell others they should diversify, but it would appear that you are on a single one track approach. Pots and kettles and black?

[Member #4566]

Or, he could pay up the $20 membership fee. His remarkable penmanship over 5 years on the board includes a whopping 15 posts, several about Dumagette (years ago) , and mostly questions since. Am suggesting Pompetus join, as the exchange of quality information is for paid members to discuss among themselves.

This is an example of the treatment that newcomers receive from so-called experts. It is sarcastic. It is unwelcoming and discourages newcomers from continuing further. (Not me because I earned my bones when this honoree was still trying to diddle cheerleaders.) This poster suggests that you need to pay in order to be a senior member of ISG. Not true. You don't have to pay a farthing. Additionally, this poster says that quality information is the exclusive domain of paid-for members to share among themselves. That all others are unwelcome to it until they pay. Here is more incorrect and misleading information and the arrogant tone further alienates the newcomer.

ISG is not a club for a few who have lost the ability to diversify their interests and then use ISG to play out their Weltschmerz. Let's come together and allow newcomers to ask their questions, however amateurish they may seem. Answer them if you want and if you don't want, well then don't. But let's not chase them away by being rude and wrong.

[Smily59]

Dear all,

Although I am a member for several years, I took notice of the price thread today only.

http://www.internationalsexguide.inf...hp?1083-Prices

The forum is full of posts complaining about increasing prices and guys asking for price information in paticular threads.

The price thread being a general one could be a very useful tool for all of us, so I would like to encourage my fellow mongers to put some recent info there. IMO it could be done in a brief way (widely practiced already) mentioning:

Country.

City.

Type of establishment.

ST / LT.

Looks of the lady X /10.

Performance X /10.

Price.

Link to your post.

Sorry for cross posting, happy mongering!

[Dg8787]

I'll believe it's all a case of incumbents resisting new entrants who perhaps don't apply enough grease to the ride skids until I see evidence to the contrary. Regardless of the cause, aren't there one or more apps in the Philippines that summon taxis for backup, however distasteful? Is that Grab or some other app?

There is Grab but they are after Grab too.

[MrWoolyBooly]

Clearly to me there is some corruption involved to maintain status quo by keeping Uber and Grab out of the market. The Uber rep made a great case to the board without trashing anyone. Looks like retaliation to me and last ditch effort to squash Uber.

I am speculating that the Filipinos had a taste of reputable riding with Uber and Grab that they will not stand for this suspension, especially if it will make them wait in long lines again for unreputable taxis again.

There is only one reason for the success of Uber and Grab and that is the unsavory crooked market created by the existing taxis.

I'll believe it's all a case of incumbents resisting new entrants who perhaps don't apply enough grease to the ride skids until I see evidence to the contrary. Regardless of the cause, aren't there one or more apps in the Philippines that summon taxis for backup, however distasteful? Is that Grab or some other app?

[Dg8787]

Clearly to me there is some corruption involved to maintain status quo by keeping Uber and Grab out of the market. The Uber rep made a great case to the board without trashing anyone. Looks like retaliation to me and last ditch effort to squash Uber.

I am speculating that the Filipinos had a taste of reputable riding with Uber and Grab that they will not stand for this suspension, especially if it will make them wait in long lines again for unreputable taxis again.

There is only one reason for the success of Uber and Grab and that is the unsavory crooked market created by the existing taxis.

[Buko Max]

Quote.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday suspended the accreditation and operations of Uber System Inc. (Uber) for one month.

In its advisory, the LTFRB said the board meted out the penalty of one-month suspension "on the accreditation of Uber System, Inc. (Uber) and was ordered to cease and desist its operations of their online booking application during the period of suspension. ".

LTFRB also recommended that Uber extend financial assistance to affected peer-operators during the one-month suspension "as an expression of good faith", noting that the operators "would not have suffered the current predicament were it not for the predatory actions of respondent user. ".

The suspension takes effect immediately.

Copies of the suspension were furnished to enforcers of the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group.

In a statement, Uber Philippines said they have received the order and is currently studying it.

"Uber received an order around 6 pm tonight (August 14) to completely stop operations. We are studying the order at the moment. We will update our riders and drivers as soon as we can," the company said.

Uber and rival Grab are in dispute with the LTFRB over the scope of regulation on ride-sharing services, sparking separate investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The LTFRB earlier fined Uber and Grab P5 million each, accusing the companies of operating some 50,000 vehicles without proper permits.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/...-for-one-month

[KongKing]

...Snipped....
A few ISG members who are frequent posters on the Philippine forum are harassing newcomers. Here are some of the methods they employ:

(1) Investigating
(2) Promulgating rules
(3) Insisting
(4)Directing
(6) Ridiculing newcomers and making ISG hostile to newcomers.

they are deluded ....snip.... an elevated status ...... snip...... persecuting newcomers.

Why do some people bully those that they can?

Pompetus, you are entitled to your own opinion, like anyone else. But methinks you are way over the top with your hyperbolic language (I have boldened the type as examples). Yes some members, not necessarily senior members, post opinions that may get up your nose and may to you seem excessive. We all have our own gripes about styles and patterns of behaviour. But, if I may coin a phrase, swallow it and move on!

I for one get a little bit pissed off with some members using unfamiliar abbreviations forcing me to move to the Abbrebiations page to find out what the hell they are talking about. Sometimes it is easier to say "read the forum" than wondering what RTFF means!

Some of us advocate that the Photo Gallery should be for photos and not for chit chat about photos and other topics. That is not "promulgating rules". That is urging common sense when there is also an adjacent Photo Gallery Chit Chat Forum available for comment. The Philippines Photo Forum shows how successful this self policing is. Of all the ISG photo forums it has the most photos (16,836) associated with the most postings (8796) at a strike rate of almost 2 photos to every posting. Well done guys!

Sorry mate, but your post, whilst eloquent and polite seems to me to be a waste of time and bandwidth.

I agree FreebieFan.