Last week, my daughter and I went to a movie. Before going, I checked my favorite Internet Movie site to get the show time...
But it was wrong... and we missed the first fifteen minutes of the movie
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Last month, I had an business appointment, and I went to MapQuest to get directions. I left in plenty of time... yet was late for my appointment because, as it turns out, the directions MapQuest gave me were incorrect...
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I mention these because it has made me face one fact I would rather ignore: The Internet is a good source for information... but it is an equally good source for mis-information.
This board is certainly no exception.
I don't say that to criticize anyone... just to point out to those guys who are starting the journey, and who have latched on to this board like it is the fount of all knowledge.
That was how I felt when I first found it.
And, this board HAS been very helpful. But it has also given me bad advice. Not deliberately... but because the answer to many of these questions is "It Depends" or "I don't really know"... but since that isn't "helpful", people will speak up and offer their (often flawed) advice and opinions.
I will say that I am as guilty as anyone of this.
I am shocked when I read that I come off as a "know-it-all". I certainly don't feel that way. I probably should end every post with FWIW, or IMHO... but it becomes redundant. I assume that everyone KNOWS I am simply speaking from my limited experience, and telling you what I believe to be true.
Have you ever heard that old thing about how you should read fortune cookies? The game is that you add the words "in bed" to discover your "true fortune."
So, if you read: "Don't behave with cold manners"... the fortune reads: "Don't behave with cold manners... in bed" It certainly makes the fortunes more interesting...
OK... so, play that game here. And add the words IMHO to every post. Or "Your Mileage May Vary." Or, better yet, add the words "Yeah... like I really know" to the end.
Doesn't matter who it is. Even a guy who has been over a thousand times isn't neccessarily giving you good advice. There are three reasons for this:
1. The FSU is a big place. If you travelled to Cleveland 1000 times, could you tell someone what to expect when they went to Los Angelos?
2. He is not you. We all have our abilitues and our disabilities. We certainly don't leave them at the border when we go thruogh customs. Do you think the guy who is highly educated, has a huge bankroll, and speaks languages fluently is going to have the same experience as the poor, uneductated carrot farmer who has spent his life savings on the plane ticket?
3. Life changes. There were Customs changes between my trips in June and September in Kiev. How valid is someone's experience from three years ago? How valid is someone's experience with the INS pre-911?
This doesn't mean that the board has nothing to offer. It has a great deal to offer.
But... so do you.
Trust your instincts.
And if you CAN'T trust your instincts... then DON'T GO! You're just scammer fodder if you do.
Believe me.
I know what I am talking about ;-)
