Luke Nelson

As climbers, whether advanced or inexperienced, our minds are at times clouded with climbing related questions. It is often difficult to locate the most valid and applicable answers to these questions. Rockclimbing.com is one of the largest and most well-known climbing social media sites around. The forums on Rockcliming.com contain a variety of viewpoints, and while there are a myriad of answers to questions posed, it is easy to determine which are the most popular and widely acknowledged responses pertaining to these questions. The viewer is left to use her/his own discretion to determine which answer is personally optimal.

Use of proper equipment is a vital component of rock climbing. Many factors can affect what is defined as proper climbing equipment. Those answering equipment related questions seem to recommend the same two or three brands of gear when equipment suggestions are sought. A forum titled “In the market for a new harness” contains numerous conflicting conversations in regard to which type of harness is the best overall. While a vast number of harnesses are mentioned, there are two particular harnesses that are declared as generally the finest. Many people supported Misty Mountain Cadillac harnesses; one person even said that “Misty Mountain makes the best harnesses in the world” (rtwilli4, 10/11/11). At the same time others backed Black Diamond Momentums. Rtsteed said, “I have the BD Momentum right now and it works great…”(9/28/11).  Because two different brands of equipment are being promoted, the only way for climbers to determine which harness is best is to test the two harnesses out themselves. Gunkiemike vouches for this by stating that in the end the climber should go to the store to try out the two pieces of gear in order to find out which feels best. When equipment is discussed on Rockclimbing.com, it seems that those searching for answers still need to  conduct  experimentation on their own even after viewing the most popular results of those who posted.

 As with most sports, equipment isn’t everything. Climbers are constantly looking to hone their skill. Various technical improvements can greatly boost one’s climbing ability. Whether this be technique of belay, technique of clipping (for sport climbing), or even post climbing recovery, there are many aspects of each skill that, if improved, can greatly improve one’s caliber or mastery of climbing. Belay technique is often controversial, and as I have found on rockclimbing.com forums, there are two techniques pertaining to the use of a GriGri. Both techniques allow for safe yet speedy belay, and enable the climber a more comfortable and effortless climb. One technique requires using the GriGri as if it were a regular ATC. A person in favor of this method said, “If you treat it like an ATC the GriGri doesn’t even have to cam and it still holds” (mustclimb69, 11/17/03). The other technique makes use of the GriGri’s auto lock function, and allows the climber’s brake hand to come free of the rope. One climber who prefers this technique stated, “The self locking feature makes it [easy] to tolerate a lot of hang dogging” (dreday3000, 3/20/08). While other techniques for operating GriGris were given, these two were the most prevalent. Many bloggers agreed that, in the end, it is personal preference that truly matters. As we climbers sift through this information regarding belay style, we are expected to find what works best for us as individuals, from amongst the most popular answers given.

As I’ve clearly illustrated, like the jutting jugs of a 5.6, the search for answers to climbing related questions  can be a non-ending quest when visiting the rockclimbing.com forums. These forum threads are but footholds for those seeking answers to questions; the rest of the climb is up to the climber. You must determine, as you will, which holds to use and which holds you personally prefer. Questions relating to climbing gear and technique, along with many other aspects of climbing are not answered clearly on forums. The climber is left with but a few solutions that stand out from the vast array of opinions. From there, the climber must determine how to find one solid solution. In the end, isn’t this what climbing is really about?  We climbers love the thrill of the unknown.  We are challenged with suspense as we climb a new height and individually determine what skills and tools work best for us.  Climbing is a craft best left to the discretion of the independent thinker.

dkirkhoff:

It was very cool and neat how you showed 7 solid examples of how The office community follows the principles that define a community. It was a very unique way to go about the presentation. I loved the movie you played at the end.

This article (danah boyd’s) was very thought provoking. I never thought about how the priority for identifier names issue is being wrongly approached by social media sites. I agree with what danah boyd says and think that there should be a balance between Trademark and first-come-first-serve. 

danah seemed very adamant about her argument. This can be visualized through her use of language. I have read multiple articles from this author and this is the first time I have seen her swear. With that, she used maldiction twice. Her choice of language definitely shows how she feels about what she speaks. 

lampert19:

Where did the name Sabermetrics come from? I know the Yankees don’t use Sabermetrics, as you informed us, but do other MLB teams use it?

erinnk:

I had never heard of Etsy before. I find it very fascinating, and did not know that there was an online community of salespeople. This is very cool! It is very fascinating that you can add particular shops you are interested in/like to your interests. This really is more than just a bunch of stores, but is rather a community. You showed this through the art that you have online.