What is the scoop behind the forum over at Practical Backpacking? You have to be a member to read a full posting, but they are not accepting new membership right now? WTF? Is it run by the Stonecutters or something?
What possible philosophy could that abide by? How could this forum be soooooo different?

I heard that if you do apply for "membership" you have to give some person details about yourself. Anybody know what those are?

Thanks

I think they are the Carbonari. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
They are also laregly responsible for starting global warming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonari

Check again geo. I just joined 5 minutes ago. Yes, I got the same message you did just weeks ago.

Actually I had to re-join because I was "purged" out due to inactivity. The only personal detail they asked for was my real name.

You need an ISP based email address to join so web based email like Hotmail, Yahoo! Excite etc. won't do.

Once you're in, you'll get your decoder ring and learn the secret handshake. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The PB forum is a bit over-moderated for my tastes. The forum management will append your post to the end of one that is similar if, in their mind, there is enough overlap. And, they don't have the courtesy to tell you about it. I also have had a few postings and responses just disappear with no comment or explanation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

go in undercover and report back to us about your experiences in their secret lair. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Right on.

And heaven help you if you put a link in your post; they'll delete the whole thing!

I agree that TLB is a much better site!

We're very flattered by all those other websites but we know where the action is <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />....You belong here....follow us into the Light <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sarbar used to be a moderator with PB........

Once in a blue moon, I still check in with PB, but I rarely post any more. It's too frustrating to post something you've spent a a good deal of time on only to have it deleted because something didn't fit the format that the Administrator wanted. It's actually a very good site for specific information that always stays on-topic (because it gets deleted if it's off-topic).

But it's like the old saying goes: if you don't care for the policies of the administrator, then don't hang out there. I visit and occasionally find something of interest. But I don't post there too much any more. YMMV.

There's no comparison, TLB is far superior to PB in membership, knowledge, sharing ideas and every other way. Packlite runs a great ship here.

At PB, if you're willing to kneel at the administrators oracle and acknowledge that he is the font of all backpacking knowledge, that he has all encompassing knowledge and experience and that you are a mere peon who couldn't possibly know anything he doesn't know or have any experience he doesn't have, then you should get along just fine over there.

Definite control issues at PB. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />Over moderation is an understatement. I thought the idea of forum was a place of free exchange of ideas. You know, like here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Thank you Charles and mods.

I joined some time ago and I did watch the posts. Recently someone asked where they could meet local hikers and I replied that they should look at local yahoo groups. Shortly after that I received a link to a group to meet fellow backpackers so I went back to PB and posted a link to that site. The next day I went back to PB and both posts were deleted. I looked at eh FAQ and found out that links were not permitted. No links was bad enough but a general reference to yahoo groups was over the top IMO. I figured that they could run their little kingdom without me and I have not been back since that time. The site was not that good anyway.

I'm out.

I joined Practical Backpacker last year to be able read some of the forum posts. (I only posted my first message last week in the "New Member Welcome" forum so I wouldn't get purged for inactivity.) I also joined the forums at Backpacking. But what I find is that I have such limited time to read any forum, that I read TLB forums first. Then if I have time I'll go looking at other sites. I find good information here. And I get my questions answered here with amazing expertise! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Carol

HI BWD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yep the people here are a community and we are interested in each other. Maybe we wish we were out camping instead, but we sit at home with our computers and share our dreams. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Other groups people write in - a month later someone comments etc. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Its the sense of humor and gentle digs here as well as acceptance and tolerance that makes this a community rather than a "board". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

You know, the first time I saw a thread on people having issues with Practical Backpacking was over on BackpackingLight. There were TONS of folks complaining about how draconian the controls were on their posts. I'd had a few small concerns, but nothing too terrible.

A couple of months later, WhiteBlaze saw a thread pop up and folks there, as they are inclined to do, really unloaded. It was there that I also learned that even some of the staff/moderators with PB were becoming frustrated with some of the forum policies. I had recently had some very thorough posts (ones where I devoted about a half hour composing) deleted for no reason that I could determine and never had any notice of. This is when I mostly stopped posting.

Now, even here on TLB, I see concerns popping up. GeoKite, it isn't just you. I said it in an earlier post that PB has good information from knowledgeable folks, and while it tends to be well-organized and on point, it also tends to be fairly sterile. It seems the only personality allowed is that of the site administrator, which, again, is somewhat sterile. Here, we have manners and courtesy, combined with humor and fellowship, combined with solid knowledge and the willingness to share it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

With PB, I think you DO get some very knowledgeable posters and information, but personality tends to fly by the wayside. Maybe the site would be better run as a backpacking wikipedia......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

BTW, this post would be edited without notice or entirely deleted (again without notice) on PB because it refers to other websites, apparently a mortal sin. It seems the site exists for those who only want information specifically from Practical Backpacking itself. And don't waste your time trying to place a link for a good post from PB here on TLB. The PB protocols are set to automatically redirect you back to the home page. Apparently you are not supposed to read anything on PB unless you are logged on with PB as a member. I suspect this has something to do with number of hits from members affecting advertising rates?

But enough free advertising for the site. If you can get on, go and check it out. It's not bad. It's just different...............

WOW, good insight. Nothing to add, just giving everyone another opportunity to read what you wrote. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<< Its the sense of humor and gentle digs here as well as acceptance and tolerance that makes this a community rather than a "board". >>

Jim, very nicely stated.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Carol

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> There's a 'Little Kingdom' out there somewhere that I have'nt caused a controversy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />, say it ain't so! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I must go drink from the well, and partake of thee waters; lest' my 35 years of backpacking knowledge dwindle to nether <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Sounds as if it's run by Ray Jard*** , careful now, I don't want to get my post deleted <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

We probably have twice as many lurkers here as they do members <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ok, all you lurkers start a Thread 'For Lurkers only' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

As long as folks continue to remember to shop through our own Portal here, this site will continue to be Thee Holy Grail of Normal backpacking without all the stresses of the other sites <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I haven't been back to PBF since August. I have no idea if he has taken me down as a mod. Hope so. I just found I could not agree with his idea of rules - I felt that too much was being taken down for no good reasons (well, except for his). Also, as a mod I had little power - and let me put it frankly: the mods do LITTLE moderating. He is there 24/7 and by the time you go to check on something it is already done <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> So why have mods if you don't let them do anything????

Anyhoo, I don't have an issue with PBF besides that it isn't for me, I like more laid back forums and not having to worry if my uses of emoticons will get my post pulled (yes, the mods even got posts removed!). I also got busy with life in the past 6 months and like being able to buzz in and say hi, doa read and get back to work <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (Like here!)

There are other things about my decision as well, but those are not things I publicly talk about. I prefer to not spend my time with things that offend my core beliefs. And someone is guilty of this. I know I told Bearpaw about what bugged me.

Sarbar....I should be 'purged' any day now. Will I feel anything when it happens??? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Lol....... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, Normal once again <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Whew! That was a close one....almost lost another to that crazy cult over there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I had a negative experience at PB in regards to a post that really turned me off to the site. I had joined in on a topic regarding DIY down quilts. I had just completed my own quilt and was sharing info on my success. I was asked by a poster to share some photos. I attempted to post them but was already at my 3 photo capacity for the day or something like it. Since I already had them posted on the Hammock forum (primary use was intended as hammock underquilt), I found it easier to just link to the already posted photos. I also thought that the purpose was exchanging ideas and that maybe there were some people that had not heard of the hammock site that might benefit from it. Man, was that a NO-NO.

The moderator deleted the post. When I asked why, I was given a speal about linking to "other" sites. But what I felt was very ironic was the fact that the moderator had a link that appeared in his signature on every post. The link was to his own personal web page complete with his wedding photos, yet I was not allowed to link to a hiking/backpacking related site to show requested photos. When I brought this up, I was told signature links were allowed. I felt he was missing the point.

What I came away with was the idea that links to the moderators wedding photos were okay but a link to a hammock forum with benificial hiking/backpacking info was taboo. I was baffled. I just don't spend anymore time there.

The other thing that was funny was that the moderator was also sewing his own quilt at the time and was involved in the thread complete with his own photos. I think I was stealing his thunder.

I think that is the worst sin for those posting on PB.

I had a similar experience when I posted on my experience with the IMUSA aluminum mug. I had been using one for nearly two years and mentioned that in a post. I also included a photo of my weather-beaten modified mug. I suspect that since my experiences with the mug pre-dated that of the OP (the moderator and purported discoverer), my post was made to disappear after about 2 hours of residence on the forum. I have not posted on PB since and seldom visit the site; TLB is both more congenial and more informative.

Well, the good news is we don't have to worry about them ever talking about "us" (TLB) over there, since it "vould never beeeee ALLLLOWED!" "Nie!" "Nie und immer!"

And if zeh try it, then . . .

"Auf Nimmerwiedersehen!" -- never to be seen again, like your mug post, Pika. In fact, they might have a "mug shot" of you to alert zem of future posts!

I'm waiting for the "Soup Nazi" to come forth and say, "No soup for you!"..or perhaps in this case, "No forum for you!"

I participate at PBF from time to time. Its a good place to go if you're looking to get started into backpacking or looking for info on a specific piece of gear. Finding what you need is pretty straight forward since there isn't much off topic buffoonery to sift through. The draw back, is just that. Its not a very personable community like the one here at TLB or over at BPL. I find myself drawn more towards posting at BPL since the SUL stuff and nerdy gear talk is very interesting to me. Though I find myself stopping by here quite often because the members are a bunch of fun and there's always something interesting going on.
There are many people that are members at all three of the sites and provide great information in each but you don't get to know people as well at PBF.

Adam

Just made my first post over there. A few rather benign words about the REI UL45 pack. But as of now my post isn't appearing. Apparently it must be reviewed before anyone else actually sees it. No instant gratification. At least not for a newbie like me.

Well said Earthling. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I’m not a lurker here (from that ‘other’ post).
I’m a lurker at PBF. They recently announced:

““Hi Fellow PBF Members,

In the near future there will be a purge of non-active member accounts. This means that there will be a deletion of memberships that have not had any activity (posts) in a substantial amount of time.

If you haven't posted in a while, now's a good time.

Thank you for your participation.

Reality
PBF Administrator””


This scared me so I posted the following:

“I don’t know if I have been inactive, but just in case, here’s my post <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />”


It got deleted within an hour <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> That is funny and sad at the same time.

Did Reality have some kind of break down or something? When I first started watching the forum it seemed to be well run and informative. Has this behavior just been a recent thing or is it just that I never experienced it before?

I just logged onto Practical Backpacking forums and got this warning message at the top of the screen:

"Welcome back brownwetdog! It appears that you have not posted on PBF in several weeks. We'd sure appreciate your participation. Please take a moment to share a backpacking experience, ask a question about gear, or to post about some other backpacking related matter. Thank you. We look forward to your post."

I sense I'm about to be purged.... (hoping it isn't painful) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Carol

What's Practical about it? Don't think I'll bother.

This site is fun too!

ROTFLMAO! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Let's start ANOTHER thread and see how many jokes we can make about the two words Practical Backpacking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

That message pops up every time you log on without posting for about a week. I wouldn't get too worked up.

Barry, I like your post. What else could you have said? Maybe it was too long, you could have just said "here's my post". Then it would have only taken a few seconds to be deleted. Brum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

“What else could you have said?”

I couldn’t find an ‘Off Topic’ category so I posted in the ‘General Gear Discussion’.
I got a PM from Reality. He said

“Your recent post in General Gear Discussion was removed due it's off-topic nature.

Do you really think that we were asking for an off-topic post in the gear forum saying "here's my post"?”

Oh well. I’ll have to be careful of my humor over there.

I’ll still stop by once in a while to see if there’s anything interesting.

-Barry

I think what is sad is that he took the time to admonish you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I rememeber discussing this with Sarbar this summer on one of our treks. I think Reality is having some problems dealing with some issues at home. I will admit that last summer an into the fall he was a very "difficult" person to deal with. But I think he has since calmed down. I know I quite posting for a long time not just in PBF but others as well, just becasue I was getting bored. It seems as if the same questions are posed, the same this and that, so I could not find anything to post on or about so I just merley observed for about 2-3 months or so. Now I am kinds back in the saddle again, and starting to get involved with various forums again but on a limited basis. as far as PBF I will admit that it is very rigid in some regards and not very family feeling like here (TLB was my first BP forum by the way) but I do like the varied topics and the catagorization of it all.

I have no hard feelings.

(don’t tell anyone, but I thought it was entertaining)

Earthling, if you think PB is weird, you should try HikingForums.net. I joined a couple of months back, mentioned that pepsi can stoves were dangerous due to poor design and promptly got flamed (no pun intended). One member got so angry that he rejoined the forum under an assumed user name, with zero profile info, and attacked me personally, all the while accusing me of directly attacking pespi stove users by my remarks, when in actuality, my remarks were only directed at the stove's negative design faults.

On another post on HikingForums.net I mentioned that wool itched me and I preferred the high tech synthetics over wool, and promptly 8 people lined up to brag about their $90.00 merino wool T-shirts they all bought at some new age outdoor design fair.. One fellow got so riled that he bragged how he lived and played in his wool shirt for 4 days at a time, was currently visiting his friends while dressed in the same 4 day old shirt, and "they were not offended". He lives in Iran. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Go figure.

One of the few positive aspects of the HikingForums.net site I could find is the moderator, Natchez, she is too cool!

I like it here at Backpacking.net. You people have actual on-the-trail experience, you're sensible, reasonable, and decent. And hopefully you change your wool T-shirts at least every three days. Yes, I know all about merino wool... it itches me too. Brum

Yeah, I resemble the later part of your post <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Gary! Glad to have you here too, you fit right in, which, is either a compliment or a nasty remark depending on how much tequila you've had before reading this post <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Yikes! I don't want to get deleted I better watch what I say, I might offend some new members who catergorize my remarks as to mean they are nuts too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My 35 yrs of sailing, bicycling, motorcycling, backpacking, camping, farming may account for some sembleance of knowledge...though I may have to refrain from posting my 'thoughts' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Pepsi stoves and the like ROCK <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> But I won't flame you or blame you for your nievity because you have not seen or experianced the light. I can only wlecome and encourage you to join us and come to the dark side of stove makers anonymous. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

If you have to refrain from your thoughts then I guess I will have to shut up too. So much for my politically one sided hieracheal ideologies about life, substainability, econmoics, history, politics, religion, and UL hiking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Earthling, you would get deleted by merely showing emoticons. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Vee at PB doo not LIKE zee one mit zee feelings!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Now Mugs, we had the "guts" not to delete a certain post about the spread of UL hiking, didn't we? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Mostly, we worry about truly rude behavior or posts that advocate unsafe suggestions. A bit of reasoned controversy is OK.

Of course, while I noticed that post here and on Backpacking Light, it never showed up on PBF where the author is a moderator.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Sorry, couldn't resist.

Go ahead Mugs, share your thoughts. We welcome them, partner!

I did post it. It shut down the web site for an emergancy for 20 min "for repairs" and then it got deleted imediatly.

Now Mugs, we had the "guts" not to delete a certain post about the spread of UL hiking, didn't we? Mostly, we worry about truly rude behavior or posts that advocate unsafe suggestions. A bit of reasoned controversy is OK"
"

That was kinda my whole point...that we are allowed to say some wild and crazy stuff.

Why is that not a surprise? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It created MANY great points of discussion here, so I figure we were all winners.

Heehee...I am SO going to give Mugs a bad time next summer if he joins me yet again on another PCT adventure <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am waiting for the lecture on my sellout to The Man:

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

For those of you who haven't seen Mugs invention, it is the HPS Stove <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Post deleted by Brumfield

Yoda, I am, of stove makers, I am the Ultimate SRAFL (Shining Rubbing Alcohol Fueled Light) that will lead you out of your shellac thinner and Heet fume induced darkness.

My Colima stove is made from cans too. But, being here in Mexico they are bean and pepper cans. OK! That does it... if you don't stop laughing I will cut off the entire Tequila supply to the USA. This will cause all salt mines and Lime groves up there to go out of business and then you'll regret making fun of my Volcano Colima stove. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My Colima has a built in wind/snow/rain screen, built in fuel storage, built in secondary primer for freezing temps, can be tilted nearly horizontal with no fuel spillage due to the built in catch basin, and has a built in fuel over flow reservoir, can be moved around with your bare hands while operating, can be placed on any surface while operating with no damage done, and I could go on and on.

We already know that pepsi can stoves have none of the afore mentioned convenience or safety features, but perhaps we could compare strength and durability. I can stand on the Colima with one foot, with zero visible damage to the stove. I weigh 225. Could you please stand on the pepsi can stove and then post a photo of it here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Dare not mess with the Ultimate SRAFL - Brum

So lets see pictures and/or plans for this wonder.

Mugs, you and Barry should exchange stoves as a sign of International friendship <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and yeah Leadfoot, I'm emoticon addicted no 12 step program can rescue me now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Come on, admit it, you intended that pun. You don't have to lie to us for us to like you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Only 4 days! He was only half way there. His friends weren't offended because they were doing the same, but with cotton.

Like many others, I had pretty much stopped posting at Practical Backpacking at least partly due to the hyper-controls. However, earlier this week, I posted over there and got a nice response from one of the moderators (not Reality), so I thought "hey, maybe I'll give this another try."

Today, someone posted asking for a gear list; I replied that I'd be glad to email him mine if he'd send me a private mail with his email address. (I've done this quite often here, with some very pleasant exchanges with other members.) I check back later, and find my post has been deleted. Plus a note from Reality saying that no one is allowed to use an alternative method to disseminate his gear list.

He deleted my post from his website, rudely. I deleted his website from my bookmarks, permanently. Life's too short.

Now that's what I call 'User friendly controls' on a Forum Glenn <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would be very interested in seeing your stove. It sounds like a proverbial "rock". I am very interested in taking a look at that. I have some pretty darn good pepsi can stoves but, as you said, they don't have the features that you mentioned yours having. I would also be interested in how much it weighs and whether you have instructions to build one? I'm telling you when it comes to light weight trekking stuff, you build it and they will come. I'd love to see it. Can you send pics of it. Any thing would be appreciated. Thanks...Happy Trekking...sabre11004...

The first step that you take will be one of those that will get you there !!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

why would you want to stand on a Pepsi Can Stove???... trying to cook yourself for dinner <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />?