A big difference....

[Robert]

It would be nice to think that you could contribute something constructive and valuable to this board. Especially as your a Caribbean Traveler. The again, maybe we should leave that to the people with a brown nose....

Robert.

Selling advertising space is the only (REPEAT ONLY) way DR1 has of generating revenue to continue this operation and stay solvent. This is a business and as such, must be run like a business. You certainly don't expect them to cut their own throat by "giving it all away" do you!Or do you think this site is maintained for fun and free information to the public.

Robert

I contribute many things to many boards, but not to those who are well known to cater to certain special interest groups and persons under the pretext of being an "opinion" or "advisory board"

You have stated yourself that Jim Hinsch is allowed to post advertising as he promotes your agenda. Any posts not promoting your favored establishments our friends are quickly deleted. I recall a series of posts several months ago regarding the Zapata Hotel that were deleted when they complained of that property. I could contribute much about that property, both on the actions in the Dominican republic and New York City, but they would be deleted.

As you so candidly admit, we should leave the skewed posts to those "brown noses" who may suffocate when you break wind, the truth has no place on this forum

How many people who read your positive commenst about certain properties know that you and Jim receive discounted and complimentary stays at these resorts? Have you EVER remarked on that?

No, I do not expect them to cut of their source of income, but I do expect them to disclose that their opinions are in direct relavance to compensation, be it in money or services.

I am confused as to your reply, as Rob Woodward was asking if he could post free advertising as Jim Hinsch does. The board owner honestly replied NO; Jim is a "contributor' (Read associate) of the board and should be allowed just allowances, again not disclosing to the general readership the true motives behind these remarks

Ernie

We know that DR1 could not possibly stay in business and provide dis-information, oops! Information to the public without paying the piper.

My constant gripe (And I know I don't have to read this site) is that DR1 be truthful in their postings and admit their news is slanted, biased and designed to promote tourism too often I see people remarking that they depend on DR1 for "news"

Tom

[Robert]

In light of your comments... Why do you use this board?

Some answers to your comments.

*** Hotel Zapata *** Have you seen how many Hotel Zapata negative reviews are in our resort dadtabase? Surley we would have deleted them if what you say is true. We host their web site for a fee, like we host others. Thats as far as our business relationship goes. If it's DR news or tourism related and doesn't infringe our guidelines, please post away about Hotel Zapata. Even better, email them as well g.zapata@codetel.net.do

*** know that you and Jim receive discounted and complimentary stays at these resorts? *** If Jim does, that's what he's negotiated himself. Why don't you take that up directly with him? Maybe he can give you some advice on obtaining good rates. So you know, he has nothing to do with with DR1, never has. If you take a look in our archives, Im sure we have posted before about the histroy of DR1 and who does what etc. He is just a valid contributor like so many others.

Has DR1 received good rates on hotel rooms? Of course, thats the perks of the job. DR Tourism is our business, so we have some good connections. Most jobs come with some sort of perks. Do you have a problem with that?

Talking of perks... Dolores daily receives many e-mails from DR1 readers looking for information regarding prices on all sorts of items, room rates, additional hotel information etc etc. All of these emails are usually answered the same day or within 24hrs, plus some people have even been known to save money because of these replies. Are these perks?

If you have any further comments, please email me directly.

Robert.

I think DR1 is doing an awesome job. Jim Hinsch, as well, is an extraordinary wealth of knowledge. I don't mind seeing his "so-called promoting" because if you actually read the posts you are accusing DR1 of allowing, you would realize it is merely him trying to be of help to someone. What have you done for us, Rob???

Trina, If I may call you that, I am hardly "wrong," but making a comment from a different perspective

DR1 freely admits they are a tourist promotion board when asked (And concur they allow Jim to do the same for his business), and are not a News source.

We have spent the last 12 years cruising the Caribbean researching ecological problems, social issues and changes as a result of tourism

We placed a post on the board last night regarding fecal matter in the Ocean at Boca Chica, but this "information" service seems to have deleted in (I don't understand this board all that well and it may be that I can't locate it), but after 2 weeks of random sampling, we found from 1500-2000 coli farms per 100 ml of water in Boca Chica Bay. The allowable limit in US and Canada is 100, not 1000 per 100ml, people swimming in Bica Chica are swimming in water that should not even come in contact with human skin, let alone swim in it. To put in politely, you are swimming in fecal matter.

If this is the type of information board you depend upon, I feel badly for you, especially if they knowingly keep this information from you

Best of luck

The people at DR1 and Jim are typical of the exploitation of the countries and their people Should you choose to believe them, so be it.

Who "Rob" is, I don't know

Robert

I do not begrudge you operating an advertising service with a little bit of information thrown in, I respect you for taking the time and effort.

Do you respect the same from a person trying to educate people that is your primary function and not a news service as many seem to believe?

As for Zapata, you know of the legal problems, I know of the legal problems, I did look at your database, I believe it was 5 reviews that said "never again", all referencing management problems.

You do provide an interesting board though. We are sailing for the North Coast tomorrow, then down the change toward Trinidad for the Winter

Best of luck with your experiment.

"We placed a post on the board last night regarding fecal matter in the Ocean at Boca Chica, but this "information" service seems to have deleted in (I don't understand this board all that well and it may be that I can't locate it), but after 2 weeks of random sampling, we found from 1500-2000 coli farms per 100 ml of water in Boca Chica Bay. The allowable limit in US and Canada is 100, not 1000 per 100ml, people swimming in Bica Chica are swimming in water that should not even come in contact with human skin, let alone swim in it. To put in politely, you are swimming in fecal matter. "

Are you saying your samples show the water in Boca Chica to be not fit for swimming? Thousands of people swim there daily with no problems?

Tom