Let's help Matt

“We have a pretty good deal here, let's all admit that. We also have, among us, a tremendous amount of "practical" knowledge re backpacking issues. Motivated by the format change, I just surfed around the other aras of thebackpacker.com, and guess what? We (collectively) have a lot of info that would make this a much cooler site for many. We have A LOT of gear info that WE DON'T POST, we have a lot of trail knowledge that WE DON'T POST, etc. I'm guessing, just guessing, that having a lot of current gear reviews, trail reviews, etc., would be beneficial to Matt. SO, let's get with it!

Matt, if I'm wrong please let me know!”

“Wanderer, I'm getting b!tch at on other threads about speaking for other people, and now I know what they mean. I am probably one of the few that posts gear reviews of my tent and other stuff. I too think it is probably help full to matt if we put more emphisis on the other side of Thebackpacker.”

“Tea, as usual, I have no clue as to what you're saying.

My plea was to try to get the regular folks who post here to share their knowledge with others by also updating the various other areas of thebackpacker.com. I think Matt (Thebackpacker.com) would only benefit from having current gear reviews, trail reviews, etc.

Tea, I am not speaking for others; I am asking them to share their knowledge, if they wish to do so, for the benefit of all who end up at this site.”

“You're assuming that people here actually have something to contribute about backpacking. I think that there are much better sites on the net with much more knowledgeable people for that.”

“Lets just say I'm agree-ing with you.”

“So Slut, what are those other boards? Maybe those of us who really backpack should get on there too.”

“I plan to do a review on my new pack after this comming weekend.”

“Gear Slut, I *assume*, or at least hope, that most of us are here because we, first, have an interest in (and some knowledge of) backpacking; secondly, were here because we enjoy the banter, etc. If you think people should go elsewhere for backpacking info, then I have to assume that YOUR primary focus is turning this into a board for banter.

I will oppose you, every step of the way. There are a zillion sites you can go to for mindless drivel, I ask that you please go there when you are so inclined. I may be crazy, but I'd like to see this site retain some semblence of a backpacking site.

Who is Matt going to sell his mindless drivel site to for advertising? What do you think keeps this (or any) site alive? How much will advertisers pay to reach an audience of idiots?

Grow up, contribute to society a little.”

“You got it. Unfortunately I see this site as a mindless drivel site. It's fun but it lacks substance. Why mess with a good thing?”

“No offense Chas, I know you seem like a pretty serious poster, but I'd rather not be responsible for a migration of posters from this site to some of the better backpacking ones. This one serves it's purpose as do the other's. I come here for a laugh. Anyone really serious about backpacking will have already discovered some other boards or are willing to do the search.”

“Maybe that's your problem Slut, you take all this too seriously. You're right though, I'm not a serious backpacker. I just go a lot and have fun.”

“Sorry China Chas, I think you missunderstood. You'd probably be a great contributor to some of the other backpacking sites, if you aren't already, as would a few other's here but I just don't feel right about posting URLs to other sites on this board. Maybe matt will get around to updating his hopelssly outdated links.”

“GS, maybe you could help Matt out and email him a list of URLs.”

“GS, thanks for being the protector of all that's good and right with the internet. It's great to know you are on the job.

The bottom line is this, Matt runs a great site here. You're snide little remarks about what's "wrong" with the site do nothing to help. Maybe you would be so kind to let Matt know which links are outdated. Many of us have expressed what we like and what we don't like in constructive manners. Matt is very good about implementing these suggestions when they fit into his overall scheme.

Here's another suggestion, why don't you actually try backpacking rather than just reading about it on the internet. You might find that it will improve your overall outlook on life.”

“Testy, testy! Take a pill China Chas. Everyone has a right to have an opinion. Perhaps you need to get out on the trail rather than throwing a snit just because I don't happen to find this site to be the all mighty resource that you obviously do. Time to grow up.

Hey I admit I come here only for as Austin Powers would say for the ,"sh!ts and giggles".”

“If there was a *better* site I'm sure we'd all spend more time there than here....but there's not imho. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy AND makes for a dull site. There's so much more proverbial *color* on this site which keeps it fresh makes it more enjoyable than talking shop all the time.

Obviously, you wouldn't be here, Mr.Slut, so much if this site truely were as bad as you imply. Why don't you help this site, like Mr.wanderer is boldly hinting at, instead of ripping on it? There may be "sites on the net with much more knowledgeable people" if that's what you're searching for. But me, I like to shoot the sh!t, cause there's lots more to life to me than just backpacking.”

“The quality of a website is determined by more than just the technical information presented. Just as the quality of a human being is determined by more than just their SAT score. There are many other factors involved that are equally important. I hope I never have to live in a one-dimensional world.”

“This is the only site that I have come to where things really happen. I don't just mean on the site itself (several of the sites you post on and need to wait a few days for a response), I also mean with the people here. Here we have trips going year round, nation wide, where else are you going to find that? And the people I've met have been top notch.

Besides, we have Bacpac here......why go anywhere else?”

“I hate to admit this, but I have to agree with Sirpete (he's a relative, afterall!!)

There are LOTS of other sites where folks TALK about trips but this one wins hands down. We have TT-ers willing to organize trips, help with airport shuttles, send maps/directions as well as provide weather links to where you are going. Thanks to all of you that have made it easy for me to "show up and hike".

As for technical information, I have learned a great deal and gotten alot of good advice from these folks. When I first started on TT I asked lots of questions about stoves, ground pads and sheleters. While nothing can substitute for actually using gear and deciding for yourself what you like/dislike, the comments were EXTREMELY helpful. TT-ers provide the good, the bad and the ugly on a variety of topics. That's what makes this a great site.

Well, that and the resident, cantankerous marine, too..;-)

By the way, where has the ol boy been anyway?? It's been WAAAAAY to quiet on here lately..roflmbo”

“I hope everyone understands that what I was trying to get happen is not an end to the giggles & grins stuff, but that we can all help update the gear reviews, etc., just as we do in our threads. When I posted something about 4 season tents, as an example, a lot of folks came out of the woodwork w suggestions, comments about their preferences. I'm only suggesting that we update the gear reviews (or trail reviews) instead of just contributing in the threads.

We can update those AND have fun, ya' know. They're not mutually exclusive!”

“ABSOLUTELY”

“Why bother? It's matt's site, not mine and he can do as he pleases, I'm a visitor. I come here for the board only and I go other places for the rest. Obviously there are many other's who feel the same way or the rest of the site would possibly be more current.”

“GS, one of the primary ingredients to a "good site" is what those who visit it contribute.

My suggestion was that if we enjoy the boards, then maybe we can contribute to the other areas in order to make this a better site for more people than just those who hit TT.

I believe you're wrong, it's not "Matt's Site" as you say...it's YOUR site if you visit. What's wrong woth helping to make it better for all by contributing to the other areas where you have some expertise?

And you're right when you say "Obviously many others feel the same..." But....because others do something does that make it right???

I'm trying to promote a little "community spirit", so-to-speak. Just like we teach our youth to perform service projects, etc., to give back a little to their community, I'm trying to suggest we all think about giving just a little by contributing to the other areas...

If it breaks your ba!!s that much to consider doing something to make this a better site for all, then just surf on over to wherever you'd like, I sure wouldn't want to waste any of your valuable time.”

“Gear slut, you are nothing more then a web page slut. Jumping from message board to message board, spreading viruses and anti humor. [isn’t it funny how those past two sentences are amusing on many different levels of wit]

I have been posting for over a year now at TT. I love it hear, I consider it a home (homepage to be exact) and for you to say that this site is not informative is nothing but an insult to my home and me. I usually would retaliate with a quick FOCK YOU, however I realize that it isn’t the TT communities fault for not being enlightening, it’s yours. You said “I come here for the board only”, that’s your problem right there; you haven’t bothered to look into the rest of this web site. Matt has set up gear reviews, trail reviews, and articles about backpacking, for you to learn about this site.

This site is quite informative, sometimes too informative with conflicting gear reviews and such. Yet if you use this site to its maximum I guaranty you will find the results you are looking for. I ask you, have you ever posted a thread asking about backpacking information or even searched the old threads concerning that information you wish to behold? If so, and you haven’t found that information that you are looking for, maybe you have a comprehension problem. I stated that I have spent over a year at this site, during this past year I have purchased a sleeping bag, backpack, boots, and a water filter. I am 100% satisfied with all of these purchases, I am so proud of them I boast about my new gear all the time.

You have complained that there is not enough info. I offer you a quote from JFK,” Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. This applies to this website too. If you offer information you will receive information.

“Anyone really serious about backpacking will have already discovered some other boards” I do come here for a laugh, and that’s great. Humor keeps the world going. During all the laughing I have constructed my own stove, 3 of them to be exact. I know that must be tough to understand because after all I can’t spell, so that means that I can’t execute measurements. My point is that the laughs are all good, but if you want to learn you will (I would recommend SGT rocks home page for learning cool stuff), I bet now you are thinking that I just agreed with you that one must leave TT to get good info, but lets think about it. Would I know SGT rock if I never went to TT? No. The bottom line is “you can bring a parched mule to a lake, but you can’t make the beast drink”

I think I speak for all of TT including scull cap when I say “_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _””

“By all means, go for it. I wish you the best of luck.”

“Mrs. Slut,
You are not anything more then the scum that drips of our troll's a$$ cracks!”

“Ice Tea, you always only speak for yourself. Anything else is delusions of grandeur.”

“Ice Tea, grow up little boy. There's a big world out there, don't be afraid to explore it.”

“i think that ALL of you need to take a hike. geez.”

“You're right. I definitely need to get outdoors. .”

“Ice Tea.. My gawd.. is that you?.. wow.. and I didn't think you could string more than four words together.. (are you sure you didn't cut and paste that?)..

heh.. anyways.. my two cents.. it's a great website.. and my favorite website..

there are things I like.. and things I don't.. but is still heads and tails above any other website.. and I put that challenge out to anyone to find a better one.”

“I agree with TD. Yes, we all dive into subjects that are not stictly backpacking related, but I have never observed a single instance where a request for help or information was not answered with multiple posts. Besides, where else can you speak so openly and still get invited to a group hike?”

“group hug blah blah blah”

“Any of you in Oz and wanna go hiking?
.............?
Didnt think so.”

“I wonder if Gear Slut could post an example of some kind of information that is on another site that wouldn't be known or have already been discussed here? more knowledgable people???? This isn't rocket science LOL! The Gear Slut challenge!! Ask a question, any question(pertaining to backpacking) and see if it can be answered better any where else”

“Still don't get it yet do you? Talk about fragile ego's!!! Someone doesn't think that this site is all that and you're crushed. Get over it all ready!”

“blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. I've got little kids that argue better than y'all.”

“I agree with Wanderer that we should contribute to the site in other ways. Unfortunately, some people that regularly post on the site (Gear Slut, Spock) don't even contribute to Trail Talk in any meaningful way. If they go to other sites to find info on gear (which I find hard to believe because I don't think they actually hike), it's good for us, becuase that means they aren't on here as much.

You are right Gear Slut.... spend more time on the other sites, they are better! :)”

“Ah yes BB, the voice of meaningfull postings (not!) LOL!. I could care less whether you think I backpack or not, that's your problem, not mine. I would hope that you have better things to do than concern yourself with.”

“It's amazing! It is midday, I've already had a pepsi, and am fully awake, yet Gear Slut can still make me yawn. You have a talent GS, please don't let it go to waste.”

“Mister Gear Slut?

Now I'm hopelessly lost!

What guy likes Madonna as a performer?”

“Ummmm....there was a highly visible group of gay men at a place I used to work. They all LOVED Madonna.”

“LOL! 8P”

“i added a couple of gear reviews today. thank you wanderer, for pointing it out.”

“Good side step GS and the question is? .............and we're still waiting....... I dont think anyone is crushed because you dont agree it's a good site.I'm not anyway I'm truly curious about how any other site could honestly be more knowledgable? I've never seen a question go unanswered or answered in a way to steer someone wrong if you dont prefer it as a site that's one thing. but to say there's no good info here is a false statement I'm sure there are sites with as good info but I'd dispute BETTER info. AND you get to debate everything in such a GREAT way LOL!!!!!!(with no extra charge)”

“21”