Whenever an A-list consumer travel writer like James Gilden, Wendy Perrin or Gary Stoller scores a terrific story, my reaction is: Good for you! And good for your readers!
The same is true for a hard-hitting public radio commentary from Rudy Maxa, or a TV expose by Peter Greenberg.
Ditto when travel bloggers like Mark Ashley, Edward Hasbrouck and Brett Snyder uncover something newsworthy.
Even my colleague Joe Sharkey, a relative newcomer to blogging, has had some brilliant coverage of the Brazil mid-air collision on his Web site.
I have to admit, “good for you” isn’t always my first response.
I kick myself when the competition has a great story that I wish I had. But at the end of the day, I congratulate them because dammit, the story got told.
This unity — indeed, this sense of camaraderie — is something the travel industry we cover loathes. It would like to see us fight among ourselves rather than fighting for their customers.
Travel companies with millions of advertising dollars at their disposal are the only ones who benefit when the industry’s few remaining watchdogs turn on themselves.
We should not let that happen.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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