What is it worth?
Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:57 pm
What is the cost of a trail day or other effort to preserve access to our favorite crags?
Step one: Some poor schmuck will have to volunteer to organize the event. This individual will occupy the dubious position of target and dump site for each and every entitled potential participant to unload upon. “Do this, don’t do that, should do this and would never do that’ … the list is endless and generally generated by those who would never step forward to commit to participation in any sort of event. The only gratifying (and frustrating) part is that the loudest critiques originate from those who will never attend. The down side is that the non-attendees will reserve the right to complain endlessly regarding the end result of your efforts.
Step two: Obtain a list of potential attendees and organize food and drink for one and all, as well as the occasional bit of schwagg; spend your own hard earned cash and hope that the folks that have committed to attending will do so … perhaps if unable to make it, they will let you know in advance … this is unlikely, but hoped for in the world of the cultured and well raised. Perhaps many do not realize that food and drink often cost money and that being forced to discard the same due to non-attendance of committed participants translates to lost revenue to the organization.
Step three: Your efforts are widely panned but a few appreciate the time and will condescend to use the trails, etc. to show solidarity … it does not help that their use is offered while the trails are being constructed and that their support is voiced as they pass you on their way to climb.
Step four: Console yourself, next year will be better and the “communityâ€
Step one: Some poor schmuck will have to volunteer to organize the event. This individual will occupy the dubious position of target and dump site for each and every entitled potential participant to unload upon. “Do this, don’t do that, should do this and would never do that’ … the list is endless and generally generated by those who would never step forward to commit to participation in any sort of event. The only gratifying (and frustrating) part is that the loudest critiques originate from those who will never attend. The down side is that the non-attendees will reserve the right to complain endlessly regarding the end result of your efforts.
Step two: Obtain a list of potential attendees and organize food and drink for one and all, as well as the occasional bit of schwagg; spend your own hard earned cash and hope that the folks that have committed to attending will do so … perhaps if unable to make it, they will let you know in advance … this is unlikely, but hoped for in the world of the cultured and well raised. Perhaps many do not realize that food and drink often cost money and that being forced to discard the same due to non-attendance of committed participants translates to lost revenue to the organization.
Step three: Your efforts are widely panned but a few appreciate the time and will condescend to use the trails, etc. to show solidarity … it does not help that their use is offered while the trails are being constructed and that their support is voiced as they pass you on their way to climb.
Step four: Console yourself, next year will be better and the “communityâ€