Although winter is approaching, the Fort Collins Bike Library has big expansion plans. This bike sharing program based in downtown Fort Collins has been so popular this year people have had trouble accessing their fleet. Best of luck to them – and a hopefully they’ll be a great example of bike sharing programs based in the west.

Bob Kretschman and Mike Taylor of Colorado Biz Today writes about the travel industry and customer service, with specific directives regarding web 2.0:

“You should be aware of all the major blogs and websites that refer to you,” Levine said. “Answer each and every complaint.”

Web-enabled handheld devices, such as the iPhone, will transform the travel industry as they become more popular. Potential customers will be able to use their handhelds to surf travel sites and change travel plans and reservations at a moment’s notice. As a result, Levine said, tourism-related businesses must be ready to answer customer requests and engage in two-way dialogue with them.

This is very true. I have found restaurants and hotels at a moments notice, and often rely on sites like Yelp and Tripadvisor to gauge the general grade of an establishment. Thus its very important to address complaints and concerns in a timely manner, if not immediately. I keep this site focused on well run and above average places, but on occasion I have brought to attention places that have been especially horrific.

A place that’s bad WILL get attention on the web, and not the good kind. Web 2.0 enabled consumers have power. Even Dwight Schrute from “The Office” agrees that Trip Advisor is key to maintaining his Bed and Breakfast’s reputation.

This sounds familiar: over in Seattle they’re debating the larger benefit of light rail. The Stranger’s Erica Barnett cites the home value increases in Denver around light rail neighborhoods, and notes a Seattle shopping center that thinks “transit people” moping around their mall will be a detriment. This has been proved false by Denver’s Park Meadows, which originally shunned involvement with the County Line station but later changed their mind.

added 5:15pm:   Sad news for Denver’s international reach:  Claire Walter reports that Lufthansa’s non-stop Denver Munich flight ceased to exist on October 28th.  I flew this in May of ‘07 and loved. Not only does it provide easy access to the heart of Europe, but it offers an alternative for connecting passengers too. I would much rather fly DEN-MUC and make a morning connection another European city, (even if it meant backtracking a bit to a Amsterdam or London,) than connect via Chicago or New York – especially in winter.  And when returning to Denver here you can clear customs at home and skip that groggy second flight.  Disappointing and hopefully it will return. I’ve never been to Frankfurt airport, (only MUC,) but from what I read Munich is far superior.