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Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

October 20, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Bonus Premium!
* Essential Gadgets for the Home Office?
* Movin' On
* Context-Specific Ads
* Give Loyalty Programs a Lift
* Airline Knee Defender Redux
* No Photos, Please

>> First Off <<

** Bonus Premium!
Alright, we've begged, pleaded and threatened in order to get you to become an underwriter. Now we're trying bribery. This week, the first five underwriters at any level will also receive a cool CD player/disc carrying case from Roadwired.com. It's great for cameras, compact camcorders, and any kind of small electronic device you might travel with. For more information and features, visit the Roadwired site. The carrying case retails for $49.95, but it's yours just for becoming a supporter of this site. How do you do that? Here's how.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Noble Vintages
Winery-direct fine wines at 20-30% off. Custom, commemorative and collectible labels with your name, logo or picture. Perfect for weddings, sales events, contests, openings, anniversaries and reunions. Winners of over 100 medals. Free email newsletter. Order now.

>> By The Way <<

** Essential Gadgets for the Home Office?
Do you work in a home office? If so, then this week's question is for you. What gadgets have made your life easier? Wireless headsets? A home computer network? Ergonomic chairs? Tell us about the gizmos that have revved up your home office, and why. Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Movin' On
We're migrating most of our Web sites to a new server this week. We're also switching e-mail newsletter transmission software. Please let us know if you don't get next week's issue of Elliott's E-Mail - or if you have any trouble accessing the site this week. You can e-mail us.

** Context-Specific Ads
Over the last several weeks, we've introduced text-only, context-specific ads on the right side of our columns. We reluctantly agreed to test them for a few reasons. First, they aren't banner or pop-up ads - the same ones you asked us to remove a year ago. Second, they are text-only and fairly non-intrusive. Also, they're served by a third party, which means we can be as critical of a company as we want and it doesn't matter. So we've decided to keep them - for now. Any comments or questions? Please send 'em to us.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Give Loyalty Programs a Lift
Why do business travelers feel betrayed by recent changes in airline loyalty programs? Ask frequent fliers, and they will tell you that the airlines' revisions make it difficult - and more often, impossible - to reach those coveted elite levels. The only way to qualify for the most sought-after flier perks, such as seating upgrades and complimentary lounge access, is to buy pricier tickets. Some thanks that is for their allegiance, they say. Maybe it's time for the airlines to reverse course. While they still can. > Details in Opinion.

> Find out why travel agents are to blame for the demise of airlines, how the Jamaican press covered a questionable travel award, and why a startup airline will fly, on Elliott's Travel Notes.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Airline Knee Defender Redux
First, let me assure you that some of my article about the Knee Defender was for dramatic effect. But not much. Really, I don't even know the lead-in to Iron Butterfly's Inna Gadda Da Vida and certainly don't have the stamina to play the intro to Wipe-Out. My emails are coming fast and furious regarding the Knee Defender. Either they are in favor of the Knee Defender or are threatening me with bodily harm (or worse). > Read more in Charles Leocha's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** No Photos, Please
A Delta Air Lines employee stops a passenger from taking photos of a gate, claiming it's a "security area" and referring to a secret TSA directive that forbids cameras. Huh? After the traveler fails to get a straight answer from the TSA, he turns to the travel troubleshooter for help. Is there really a rule against using your camera at the airport? Find out. > In Fix My Trip.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** GPS4FUN.com
Don't get lost again on your next trip. Adventure GPS specializes in all kinds of GPS including voice-routing, turn-by-turn navigation products from Garmin, Navman, Magellan, TravRoute, TomTom, Delorme, Pharos and Destinator. Access info on hotels, restaurants, and addresses, and route to it. We recommend the Garmin iQUE 3600 PDA/GPS or new StreetPilot 2610, but we also have products for laptops and PDAs. Order one today.

** Knee Defender
Stops reclining seatbacks so your knees won't have to. Unique, patent pending Knee Defender puts you in control when facing aggressive seat recliners. Lightweight, pocket-sized, all-plastic, and simple to use. Just slip Knee Defender onto the arm of your drop-down tray table and you're set. Reviewers say it "works like a charm" and "for business travelers who need space for their knees or only to work on their laptop, this is a must-have." Only $9.95. Order one today.

** Award Traveler
Award Traveler buys and sells transferable frequent flier mileage awards and upgrade certificates. We are a broker between frequent fliers who choose cash rather than miles and air travelers who want first- and business-class service at a reasonable price.

>> Who's Reading Elliott's E-Mail? <<

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 15,876
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 35,560
Ticked.com - 20,902
Triprights.com - 8,020
Not2far.com - 2,297
Total E3 Network visitors - 66,779

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