I don't think it's fair to ask people who would like to have extra attractions available to forego them to "protect" folks who wouldn't and can't trust themselves to pass up the temptation of non-Buffista activities. Theoretically we're all adults here, and capable of taking responsibility for our own vacation choices—regardless of whether those choices are exclusively group activities or involve sightseeing on the side.

I'm not asking anyone to "protect" me. I'm stating a preference. You don't like that preference, that's your bag.

Personally, I don't think it's "fair" to ask people to travel to an amazing location to see people when it's going to be difficult to both see the people and experience the amazing location.

And, you can take that "Theoretically" and...change it to "actually".

And, speaking for myself, eat...a lot.

In my world, regional food counts as atmosphere.

I don't think it's fair to ask people who would like to have extra attractions available to forego them to "protect" folks who wouldn't and can't trust themselves to pass up the temptation of non-Buffista activities. Theoretically we're all adults here, and capable of taking responsibility for our own vacation choices—regardless of whether those choices are exclusively group activities or involve sightseeing on the side.

And yes, this.

One thing for NOLA - we probably won't startle the locals.

Matt, I'm not espousing a position, sweetie. Truly. I was just saying what I thought MM meant, is all.

Me? I don't mind either way. So unless it's someplace I really have reasons to not want to visit - I am not, for instance, going to Orlando, Florida, and giving either Der Maus and Jeb Bush my tourist dollar - I'm fine with it. My caveats are more along the lines of, can I get a nonstop flight there, and is the weather going to kill me, and are there lots of rednecks?

But you are, I think in this case, experiencing the amazing location just by being there- see my pitch above about not having to go out and see the cool stuff.

The talky-meatness of us might startle them, or cause them to hand us a drink.

I don't think it's fair to ask people who would like to have extra attractions available to forego them to "protect" folks who wouldn't and can't trust themselves to pass up the temptation of non-Buffista activities.

Nobody's asking them too. He was just stating, that when deciding which city he, himself and only himself would prefer, he'd more than likely pick one that didn't have as much stuff to do. He's not asking for NOLA to be taken out, he is stating a personal preference. That's all.

One thing for NOLA - we probably won't startle the locals.

And where's the fun in that? Iowa, people!

It didn't seem to be an issue with any of the other major cities.

See, I see the amazing location as a bonus. Not an argument for going to a less attraction rich locale so the attraction rich Buffistas aren't a competing issue.

I think a balance can be easily struck by bringing Buffistas along to the attractions- or not if not all of us are attracted by the same bright shiny things.

For example, I'm not a bar hopper/live music expert. I'd ask some of my local friends who are for expertise as to best bets. But if the Buffistas are headed there, I'll decide whether I want to go and hang or seek an alternative quieter venue with other like minded-istas if there are any.

Iowa? Pshaw. I say we hold the next F2F in one of this year's F2F hotel co-habitors' Baptist chuches.

What?