Last issue we asked the question:
"Does publishing climbing material online have a detrimental impact on climbing?"

 

We got quite a good response from this, so I sincerely thank those that have shared their opinions, and those that have voiced their support. Here are the responses in the order they were received.

 

1

Information and ideas ..... you cannot suppress such things 


--AK 

6/7/2000 
2

First of all, good job on the latest issue. It was a good read. In regards to the editorial, don't worry about the knockers, there is a hundred of them, qurank is a great publication...


--Rod, Crag X
6/7/2000

3 I guess I've been a quiet enjoyer of qurank since it started but I think it is great! As someone who has been enjoying climbing for over a decade it's good to get a feel for what is happening in the State and new spots I can visit and climb. I don't think the increased traffic is an issue. As climbers get out and see the great assets we have in Qld I think more of us will recognise the value of them and be more active in their protection and in support of maintaining access to these places. Agreed that some people will not respect the crags or the environment, but I think that is a responsibility we, as climbers, all share to ensure that these recalcitrants are spoken to at the time.

Keep up the good work, and go hard!

 

--Paul Eastment

26/7/2000
4

I think as long as the self-imposed climbing government(?) realises that really no single person has ownership to the rock, then all shall be better off.

Guide publishing (in paper form) by its very nature IS controversial. Posting material on the web amplifies this. Every guide book that I have read gives, (along with route description and grades etc.) a history on the area and SOME sort of environmental awareness statement. Maybe this might be something to consider when posting the material on-line... simply reminding climbers of their impact and how to minimise this to keep their sport alive.

I feel respect follows knowledge and influence... not demand.

To simply walk along the bottom of Frog and mouth off at every 2nd climber about their safety (mis)techniques does not really draw much positive attention.

What YOU have is basically a forum which now has the opportunity to reach a much far reaching audience than any book can have. So along with the guides and photos, I think a few safety comments and the like would definitely not go astray.

Forums like this are a good opportunity for a few people to actually open their gob about this sport. Communication = knowledge = safety = happy climbers.

 

My 2 cents,

 

--Patrick Simon

11/8/2000

5

Responding to the editorial of the July issue. I for one have used the [Original] Queensland Climbing Reference and qurank as my primary source of information on Queensland climbing. Before these resources existed I had to drill other climbers for information. Some of which were less than forthcoming with their information, even lying about the location of crags. Is this an image we want to present to new climbers? We should be helping new climbers, and supporting the climbing community as a whole, by making information readily available. Has qurank made an impact to Queensland climbing? YES! In my eyes, a contribution made to the sport of this magnitude is a positive step. Ask those who degrade such contributions, what have they done in the way of positive input to the sport of climbing?

 

Thanks,

 

--Shane McCarthy

4/9/2000
6

No better site exists for climbing in Australia. Keep it up.

 

Pity really, as there is great climbing from coast to coast in most directions. A few people have proposed a GUG (grand unified guide) to Australian Climbing, but, to date it's been hot air (climbers seem to be good at talk).

 

The sport, almost uniquely, is enhanced by the quality and availability of information about locations. Thanks to qurank for making the best contribution in Australia so far.

 

--David Hennessy
4/9/2000

 

Send letters to lee@qurank.com