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And I may add that the Forum has always plyed an important role in the promotion of Italy Mag throughout the years, considerably helping its revenue by generating more interest on what is advertised. I further agree in that Facebook is a bit of a flop and many people, like myself, come and go and are not particularly impressed by it. As for Yahoo answers... quite pathetic and does not favour interaction, which isexactly what a good Forum does. If Admin fils to see that... I would respectfully say that they are in the wrong business.

Totally agree with you, Lisa. The PMs have been vital. I can only hope that they will be reinstated. And we lost quite a few contributors because of difficulties with the use of the site. All this can be easily fixed and will entice members to become more active. Groups are not needed, particularly those with a restricted membership. On the other hand, dividing contents according to topics is necessary. To sum it up, I would suggest the current Admin to take a close look at the old Forum. It worked. 

Well, Alan has answered the question, but yes, the bus service runs regularly and it is very popular. Parking in Positano  is limited and expensive. We were there last October and the area was still very busy. Be patient as roads are very narrow and there is a lot of traffic. 

Again, I agree with Badger. I think that the old Forum can still provide not only useful answers and solutions, but also a way to exchange thoughts and promote ItaLy in the process. And please get the PMs back, they are an essential element.  

I can only hope that the current Admin will reconsider its position, although I fear that the damage has already been done. I agree with Badger, Facebook or Twitter do not fulfill the same role as the Forum/Community/Piazza or whatever you want to call it. And the PMs have always been a very important communication tool. I have made many friends from different countries and backgrounds over some 7 years and I have enjoyed sharing information and even having a few arguments. BUt that is what a Forum is all about. It is neither Twitter, nor Facebook, it is a different and more personal way of communicating that some, perhaps many of us still enjoy. Time to migrate, perhaps??? I would hate the idea... 

Rent a car and follow the Costiera Amalfitana. We stayed at Praiano (next to Positano) and we drove our car all the time. IT is one of the most pleasurable drives that you can experience. Fabulous!

No idea and it has always been a very useful feature. Also Member's lists and profiles. It would be nice to hear something about this new site and what is intended from Admin.

I am under the impression that they must be working on it, as I see that my group list is not correct and I cannot find the Northern Tuscany group... Perhaps posting may be easier... I do not know. I can only hope.In any case, format is not my main worry. Contents is what makes the difference in a Community, forum or whatever you want to call it.I had no problems accessing it. Just logged in and that was it. No mistaken identity in my case. We'll see...Could we get some nice smilies? What about a "thank you" button?

I also agree that it would be a great opportunity for anyone before taking the plunge. The area is also beautiful and handy to Tuscany as well. We frequently go there on day trips from Bagni di Lucca.

Well, all those matters should be taken into consideration. We were originally talking about "prima casa" and holiday residences, and I have heard about some people who owned rental units who are in deep trouble. In the case of businesses, government should take into account that during hard economic times, they are simply trying to survive and increasing taxes is a recipe for disaster. The trouble is that we seem to have gone from one extreme to another. I can remember that some years ago property taxes were incredibly low. Then, Berlusconi decided that "prima casa" was not taxable. It did not affect us, as we have never been residents; however, we saw what the loss of a big chunk of revenue did to the Comune. And then, here comes Monti and his solution is to triplicate taxes... No common sense at all!