i actually think the Points Activity Statement is not too bad once you figure out the language.
although from reading Rich's story about how sometimes MS can't even decipher the statements, i live in fear that MS will some day lose some of my points. that's partly why i thought i'd stay on top of the points accounting right from the beginning.
here's some pointers:
the Quantity column shows either a positive (credit to your account) or a negative (debit to your account) amount.
Arrive = the transaction that happens the first time you call in and make a brand new reservation.
Cnl = the transaction that happens when you cancel or modify a reservation.
if you are just modifying a reservation (see below), the Cnl line will just have the original reservation#.
if you are
actually cancelling a reservation, the Cnl line will be followed by a cancellation confirmation# that usually starts with the letters CN.
Chg = a reservation modification. this transaction usually occurs as a pair with a "Cnl" transaction (see above). when MS makes a modification (add some nights, change the arrival date, reallocate ressie to use banked points, etc.) what happens in the computer is they "cancel" the reservation, and then they "change" the reservation.
sometimes one single modification will show up as multiple lines of "Cnl" and "Chg" transactions.
this seems to happen when you are using a combination of Regular points and Banked points.
other transaction types are:
* Manual points adjustments (these are harder to figure out)
* Borrowing transactions
* Banking transactions (sometimes these include a Banking confirmation# starting with the letters BK. but many banking transactions are done manually, so don't have a confirmation#)
* Transfer transactions
so far i haven't encountered any other transaction types.
i'd suggest using a program like Quicken or MS Money to track each of your
DVC contracts.
hope this helps! let me know if you have any other questions.