TUG BBS Questions

What is the TUG BBS?
The TUG Bulletin Board System (BBS) is the online discussion area of the Timeshare Users Group. This is where you can have your timeshare questions answered, or discuss various aspects of timesharing (please be aware that this is an area for discussion, not sales). Participation in the BBS is open to all, TUG members and guests alike. You may read available posted messages in the public forums by going to www.tugbbs.com, but you must first register as a bbs user in order to post messages. Some bbs features are reserved for those identifying themselves as TUG Members. TUG Volunteers, who are long time members, administer the Bulletin Board.

Why won't the BBS let me log in with the username and password I received in my TUG Membership email?
The TUG BBS is a separate automated program which utilizes usernames and passwords unique to each individual. You choose your own bbs username and bbs password when you register as a user of the bbs and now you will be able to have the SAME USERNAME AND PASSWORD for both sections!  For help on passwords click here.

I am a TUG Member and have registered as a user of the BBS. Why does the BBS show me as a guest?
You must enter the current BBS VERIFICATION CODE into your bbs profile to be recognized as a TUG Member on the bbs. Note that you will need to update this any time the TUG Member password is changed. Please see this thread on the bbs for further information.

Where can I find more information about the BBS?
For more information about the bbs, please consult the various information sources on the board itself. Two areas of interest are:

1. The TUG BBS forum within the board is the place to discuss the bbs itself. In particular, a series of 'sticky' threads at the top of this forum deal with the most common problems people have with the board.
2. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section

Review Questions

How do I get into the Reviews  Database?
There are a number of places on the website which link to the review database. On the homepage under Hot Links find the link Tug Reviews which will take you to the Review and Ratings entry point. Once here click on Tug Reviews Database. We suggest you bookmark your favorite pages for easy future access. If you are having trouble with the required username and password, please review the Password Help Page.

How do I submit Resort Reviews?
The preferred method is to use the TUG Review Input Form. You may also send in your review as a direct email message to the appropriate resort Review Manager at his/her personal email address as shown on the resort listing pages. Each resort listing page in the review database has the associated review manager listed there. This information may also be found in the Volunteers List page.

How do I submit personal resort pictures I have?
Coordinate submission of resort pictures through the appropriate area review manager as mentioned above. See also the Photos section of this page, below.

How often are the reviews updated?
It varies depending upon the review area manager. As volunteers, each person has their own availability to process the reviews submitted. If you have not seen your review posted within two weeks, it is fair to write to the appropriate review area  manager and ask why. Reviews occasionally get lost. We want to know about it. Reviews are what TUG is all about and we highly value them.

Does TUG have reviews on international resorts?
TUG has separate sections for Canada, Mexico and International. The international area covers most countries around the world with thousands of resorts reviewed.

Ranking Questions
How do I submit my resort ratings?
Firstly, you must be a TUG member to submit ratings or to see the lists of ratings, since they are password-protected. Assuming you're a member, click "Ratings" on the TUG Home Page under Hot Links. Enter the password, and you will be at a page "Timeshare Survey Results and Input" that includes a link, "HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN SURVEY" near the top of the page. Click that link, and you will be given instructions on how to do it, and then you will see a link for RATING FORM. Use that form, which will have spaces for you to enter resorts, RCI/II codes, locations, and ratings from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) for up to 10 resorts.
 
If you are having trouble with the required username and password, please review the Password Help Page.

What are the ranking guidelines?
There is a detailed list of rating guidelines on the page "Timeshare Survey Results and Input." Please read them before you submit the Rating Form.

How do you select the Top Ten Resorts?
The Top10 TUG Resorts are based entirely on the average of the ratings received from Timeshare members. They are NOT based on the opinions of TUG or its coordinators. In order to have some statistical validity, a minimum of twelve ratings for a resort must be received for it to qualify for the Top Ten.

How often are the ratings updated?
The ratings are updated bi-monthly.

Classified Ad Questions
How do I submit my classified ads?
All classified ads must be submitted using the Place New Ad link located in the Classified Ads. With the new automated ad system you will be able to edit your ad prior to submitting it. You will also receive an automatic response email for each ad you place. It will contain the ad id number and add password which will allow you to edit your own ads.

What is the cost of the ads?
The standard $10 ad is four lines.

How long are ads posted?
Your ad is good for 3 months from its post date. The ad managers send out an expiration notice a few weeks prior to deleting old ads, so that you can renew them if you desire.

How big can ads be?
Standard ads are about 4 lines.

How do I change or remove my ads?
Once your ad is posted, please double check it and try out your email link to make certain it works correctly. If you need to edit or change your ad, use the Ads You Placed link on the Classified Ads page. This will give you a list of you current ads. To edit just enter the ad number and password for the ad. If you have forgotten your ad password just complete the Forgotten Ads Password Form and it will be email to you. If you still are having trouble editing your ad, please send an email to Ben Hum, the For Sale Ad Manager, at benhum@alumni.uwaterloo.ca or Brian Holliday, the For Rent Ad Manager,  at gbraslow@pacbell.net (please provide info on the ad number and where it is located when sending any email messages)

How do I pay for my ads?
Ads (like all TUG features) can be paid for in several different ways.
Payment Options -
To pay using credit cards (Visa, Master card, Amex or Discover) you have many choices.
1- Use the TUG Secure Online Payment System
2- Use PayPal Payment
3- call 800-243-1921 (US & Canada only) or 904-298-3185
4- fax 419-793-5716
5- send the information by email to tug@tug2.net

To pay by check (in US funds - please use an international postal money order outside USA & Canada) mail to:
TUG, po box 1442, Orange Park, Fl 32067 USA

When are the new ads posted?
With our new ad system, ads are being updated several times each week..

How do I determine what price to ask for my resort?
TUG has become one of the most effective (and by far the best priced ) places to advertise your timeshares ... we sell and rent many. However, with the current glut of timeshare offers available, your success will depend mostly on your pricing... with so many choices most people are only interested in bargains! We have several articles on both Selling and Renting timeshares located in our Advice Section.

What do I do when I get a buyer?
Contact a 3rd party timeshare escrow and closing agent. Many licensed timeshare brokers do this for a fee. See our TUG Business Ads for a list of resale brokers and transfer agents.

Direct Exchange Questions

How do I submit a Direct Exchange ad?
Use the Direct Exchange Form to submit your ad.

How do I put my unit in the Direct Exchange List?
Use the Direct Exchange List Form to submit your data.

What is the cost?
There is no cost for either the Direct Exchange Ad and the Direct Exchange List.

How long will the ad be posted?
A Direct Exchange ad and Direct Exchange Listing will run until you request it be removed or in the case of an ad, until the date of the available week for trade has past.

How do I update or remove my listing?
For ads write to Hans; for the listings write to Ron.

What do I do when I get someone who wants to exchange?
A direct exchange is the use of your timeshare week by a guest. There is no cost involved. Each Owner is responsible for making all arrangements such as  notifying your resort of the guest use. You also warrant that the time has not been deposited with an exchange company and is available for exchange and that applicable maintenance fees have been paid. TUG does not get involved in any way with these trades, we are only providing this space as a public service to help our members and other timeshare owners.

Promo Question

What are Owner Referral Promos?

New resorts often have special vacation promos that they offer thought their current owners. The owners are encouraged to submit referrals and will receive various incentives from the resort for their leads. We have a section called Member's Resort Promos which post these specials.

How do I submit my resorts owners referral promos?
If you have an owners referral promo special you would like to have posted, just send all the details by email to: tug@tug2.net Please include what must be done to qualify (also list restrictions and time frame) for the special and any incentives received by taking advantage of the offers.

How does my resort advertise on TUG?
Detailed information is available in the TUG Resort Ads section of our website. This would be an excellent place for resorts to advertise their promos, resales or rentals programs. Our Banner Ad program has proved to be one of the best advertising sources for timeshare resorts and cost less than 2.5 cents per banner impression.

How can I advertise my timeshare company on TUG?
Detailed information is available in the TUG Business Ads section of our website. This would be an excellent place for any timeshare or travel related business to advertise their promos, resales or rentals programs, etc. Our Banner Ad program has proved to be one of the best advertising sources for timeshare resorts and cost less than 2.5 cents per banner impression.

Advice Section Questions

What kind of information will I find in the Advice Section?
The TUG advice section contains information on  FAQ about Timeshare, tips on buying/selling or renting your timeshare, how different clubs work, exchanging tips, glossary of timeshare terms, and general advice from the collective wisdom of past and current TUG members.

How do I submit an article for the Advice Section?
Advice section submittals can be emailed as a plain text email message to tug@tug2.net

What articles are needed?
If you are in the timeshare business or can provide timeshare information articles,  please submit them for our advice section. Just email your plain text email message to tug@tug2.net.   We have a long list of articles we would like to have at the bottom of our Advice Page , plus would love to have any other topic you feel would be worth sharing with fellow timeshare owners.

HOA Questions

How do I get my HOA info posted for Free?
This Home Owners Association News section is available to all Homeowners Associations for FREE to post information about their organization. This can include notices of owners meetings, minutes from those meetings, resort owners newsletters and even lists of foreclosures sales that are being handled by the HOAs. TUG members, please contact your Homeowner's Association (HOA) and let them know about this section, there is no cost to the HOA's. To submit info, just email us at tug@tug2.net

Photos

Where can I see the TUG photos?
With the demise of Photopoint.com, there is currently no official TUG photo site. Resort photos may be submitted to the appropriate Review Manager for possible inclusion with the resort review pages.

How do I submit photos to TUG for inclusion in the review pages?
Please see the Photo Tutorial to help you through the process.

Member Services

What do I do if my name shows up in the Bad Email list?
Bad email addresses and undeliverable email is one of our biggest headaches. If your name is on the Bad Email List, please send us your real name and your correct email address in the body of the message. Please note many of those bad addresses listed have had incomplete (not listing the @domainname.com) or invalid email addresses. The only way our group communicates with its members is though this website and by email.

You must also have your correct email address on file to receive the new TUG password when it changes.
p.s. If your name is not on this list and you have not received any email from TUG lately (we will normally send out an email update notice about every 6 weeks), it probably means your membership has expired, please contact so we can check your membership status. Send mail to Timeshare Users Group

How do I change my email address?
Please use the Email Address Change Form linked on our home page to submit your new email addresses. This notifies each rep, so if you have ads or are listed as a resort contact, the reps will also get your change.

Volunteers

Who are the TUG Volunteers and what do they do?
TUG survives because of a dedicated group of people who volunteer their time to perform the tasks that keep TUG alive. If you are interested in helping out please see the TUG Needs Your Help page.

For a list of current TUG Volunteers and the functions they serve, see the TUG Volunteer List page.

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