Let's reconvene in 2 years on this post and see what sort of financial impact it had on Amtrak. Once again, for the record I think it's cool that they're doing it but I don't think it's worthy of the "brilliant" claim. Also, as the one person in this thread thus far that has extensive Amtrak experience, I'll say that I hope they've focused time and energy on improving customer service or put these writers on "special trains" or the testimonials that come from this may prove interesting. Also, I'm having a bah humbug type of day. Sorry.
's okay TNG, we all have them. I really only think it would merit the term brilliant if they are basically laying off their whole marketing department because that would probably save them a nice bit of money. However it would also be a stupid long term move. (Unless they know something we don't.)