Poll For Younger Peoples Forum

[YoungMoose]

This is a poll for younger peoples forum Dont vote no if your concerned for the safety of younger people from predators. I will be able to figure something out.

yes
NO

[YoungMoose]

If you vote no Say why Please

[YoungMoose]

comon people vote there has been 65 veiws and only 10 votes

[superman]

Ok, I voted against kids. I say "send them back where they came from." They look funny because they smile too much and they think they know everything (which they might). :)

[Survivor Dave]

I don't think you will have a whole lot of folks around your age participating.
I do wish you the best with you wanting to hike the AT, that's great. Talk to Kirby, he was about your age last year, a couple years older maybe.

[YoungMoose]

Ok, I voted against kids. I say "send them back where they came from." They look funny because they smile too much and they think they know everything (which they might). :)I agree kids think they know everything. Damn I dont know everything about everything.

[Jack Tarlin]

Well, I voted "no" and here's why:

If the Forum is restricted to, say, people under 21, well the fact is, you're going to have very few people participating who have actually hiked the Trail and are therefore in a good position to give really solid, first-hand advice. There just aren't that many peopleof that description here at Whiteblaze.

If you ban older olks from this forum, here's what'll happen:

*You'll have very few folks available who are actually speaking from first-hand
experience.
*You'll therefore have a lot of speculation and opinions, but not a whole lot
of commentary from folks who really know their stuff in re. to long hikes on
the A.T.
*You'll subsequently see folks asking questions that don't get answered, or
worse, they'll get answered incorrectly or poorly.
*Lastly, since the number of under 21 folks who've hiked the Trail who reg-
ularly post here is quite small, there's a really good chance that the "expert"
advice on the Young People's forum is going to come from a really small group
of folks, and it'll be the SAMKE folks, and their advice will NOT always be
good.

What this means, unfortunately, is that by keeping older, more experienced hikers out of the Forum, the people who are in best position to answer people's questions (like, say, someone who is now 24 but hiked the Trail just a few years ago) will not be permitted to post. Is this wise? Limiting participation to younger people only means that whatever advice or counsel is given will come from the same handful of folks, and if this advice is poor, then who will be able to disagree with it or correct it?

So anyway, I voted "No" becase I don't think a Young People's forum would necessarily result in positive results for the participants. The best threads on this site are the ones where we hear from the most people. Limiting participation here won't improve the focus of a discussion; I believe it will do just the opposite.

[kanga]

there is another thread w/o the poll that gives a little more detail into what exactly he was looking for in a forum.

[YoungMoose]

Well, I voted "no" and here's why:

If the Forum is restricted to, say, people under 21, well the fact is, you're going to have very few people participating who have actually hiked the Trail and are therefore in a good position to give really solid, first-hand advice. There just aren't that many peopleof that description here at Whiteblaze.

If you ban older olks from this forum, here's what'll happen:

*You'll have very few folks available who are actually speaking from first-hand
experience.
*You'll therefore have a lot of speculation and opinions, but not a whole lot
of commentary from folks who really know their stuff in re. to long hikes on
the A.T.
*You'll subsequently see folks asking questions that don't get answered, or
worse, they'll get answered incorrectly or poorly.
*Lastly, since the number of under 21 folks who've hiked the Trail who reg-
ularly post here is quite small, there's a really good chance that the "expert"
advice on the Young People's forum is going to come from a really small group
of folks, and it'll be the SAMKE folks, and their advice will NOT always be
good.

What this means, unfortunately, is that by keeping older, more experienced hikers out of the Forum, the people who are in best position to answer people's questions (like, say, someone who is now 24 but hiked the Trail just a few years ago) will not be permitted to post. Is this wise? Limiting participation to younger people only means that whatever advice or counsel is given will come from the same handful of folks, and if this advice is poor, then who will be able to disagree with it or correct it?

So anyway, I voted "No" becase I don't think a Young People's forum would necessarily result in positive results for the participants. The best threads on this site are the ones where we hear from the most people. Limiting participation here won't improve the focus of a discussion; I believe it will do just the opposite.
I am not banning older folks from it. Im saying that this is a spot that teens know were they can put their opinions and other info. id need adults to answer it. otherwise there wouldnt be any answers.

[Egads]

I am not banning older folks from it. Im saying that this is a spot that teens know were they can put their opinions and other info. id need adults to answer it. otherwise there wouldnt be any answers.

Seems pretty much like the other forums:cool:

[superman]

I agree kids think they know everything. Damn I dont know everything about everything.

I appreciate your enthusiasm, involvement and your youth. Be at ease and keep on keepen on.:)

[YoungMoose]

Seems pretty much like the other forums:cool:what ur problem on both my threads ur critizing everything.

[Donnie]

I cannot see the need for a subforum dedicated to the interests of younger (teen?) hikers. In addition to the potential downsides mentioned earlier in this thread, I believe that young people will greatly benefit in taking in a little bit of more mature viewpoint. Even though I still consider myself to be young (I am 21) I believe that through engrossing myself in more "adult" activities growing up I have been able to become a more knowledgeable person instead of just another kid who thinks he knows it all. Nevertheless, to each his or her own.

[mtnkngxt]

I voted No as well. Your young and enthusiastic, and we can appreciate that, but your not being open to our views either. You are not liable if something was to happen, nor are the powers that be going to grant moderator status to a young kid. An adult would have to patrol that forum like all the others, and the questions would not be posed any diferently than in the straight forward section. If you'd like a suggestion about something then go to the Straight Forward Forum and ask away. A good way to phrase your question would be, Advice on Resupply for Young Hiker, or Question about outfitters having supplies for young hiker like shoes or shirts and shorts. Another Resteraunt and Food stops for Young Hikers. List goes on. Also since your not doing your thru until 2013 then the information us older folks talk about will apply to you when you do your thruhike. So it really isn't neccessary, and for those younger folks who plan on doing a thru before their senior summer of highschool, again the straight forward section will prove to be more than helpful.

[prain4u]

I am not against younger folks having their own hiking forum--I just don't think that WhiteBlaze is the proper place for it (sorry!!!!!!!:(). My reasons would probably echo the reasons already listed on this thread and on the previous thread concerning this topic. To highlight a few:

--There are many "predators" in the world who might target young people on a young people's forum. WhiteBlaze moderators simply don't have the time or software to watch the forum closely enough and keep predators out. Having a separate "young person's forum" is like drawing a bullseye on the teens. That bullseye WOULD definitely attract predators. (Occasional young people's threads would not be so "attractive" or "obvious" to potential predators.

--Facebook (and similar sites) have better monitoring personnel and better monitoring software to "weed out" potential sexual predators. MySpace has already banned 90,000 known sex offenders and Facebook is attempting to do the same.

--New/additional WhiteBlaze forums are a lot of work--and the members of WhiteBlaze are already debating (on another thread) whether the "Women's Only" forum should be closed. Thus, the majority of people are probably not likely to be in favor of starting an "age-specific" forum.

--You (and other younger hikers) are already able to start specific THREADS on WhiteBlaze regarding young people's issues. Try that approach for a while and see what happens.

I wouldn't take any of my comments as a slap against you or against other young people. AND, I would really encourage you to keep using WhiteBlaze. I voted "no" on the poll because WhiteBlaze simply isn't equipped to deal with all the potential problems that would be associated with a forum that was dedicated to younger hikers.

[Bidwell]

The hiking and backpacking communities in my opinion are a lot like the communities that form around ultra-running and bluegrass... who gives a **** how old you are, we're all in it for the same thing.

I felt weird the first time I went on a trail run with someone who could have been my grandfather, but I learned a hell of a lot that day. I like to think that I taught him a few tricks as well.

[theinfamousj]

I believe that Outward has solved his dilemma with a Facebook group (as seen in this post (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=779736#post779736)). I'm glad to see that he was able to find a venue that fit his needs and those of the others who voted, "Yes."

For the record, I voted "no" because I already knew about his Facebook group.

Problem solved?

[Desert Reprobate]

I have to agree with most of the above posters. There are differences between men and women and I can undertstand the ladies wanting to get away from us here sometimes. I don't see that much difference between a teen hiker and one my age. There are some physical differences but we both are hiking the same trail. I've been hiking for a long time and I've learned a lot reading this forum. Please invite your friends to join us here.

[Gumbi]

I said no. Have you thought about joining boy scouts? Do you go to any kind of summer camp? Do your parents have friends who love to camp? If you want to learn more about camping and you want to talk to people your own age, but are afraid of online predators, then these are the best places to start.

If you are looking for great information, Whiteblaze has got it. Everything you can think of has probably already been discussed before at one point or other. Do a search and read to your heart's content. I lurked around the site for a good month before I made any posts at all, just taking it all in.

In short, if you want to relate to other people your own age, the best way to do it is (gasp!) face to face. The internet is a great tool, but you really have no way of knowing who is sitting behind the other computer. I would really hate to see whiteblaze shut down someone decides that whiteblaze is responsible for hooking up a minor with a perv or molester.

[WalkingStick75]

I loved to hike as a kid, started a thru hike in 1975 but between 1975 and 1990 it just was not in the plan. When I started hiking again in 1990 I told myself I better get going before I'm "too old" to hike. Well in 1990 I met a lot of hikers and quickly learned the error of my thinking. Never too old (or young) to hike and except for some physical differences no difference between hikers in their needs, problems etc.

Enjoy the forums here at WB. Take advantage of the experience here that you would not get if it were a forum of just inexpierenced hikers. In a few years you will be one of the "expierenced" hikers.

Take care

[Sleepy the Arab]

I voted "no" because I am mean.

[YoungMoose]

I voted "no" because I am mean.
lol

[YoungMoose]

alright i guess this idea is shot down. hehe. here a link if any kids are looking for a place to talk.http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=52191855901&ref=mf its called The Appalachian Trail Conservancy for Teenagers

[santa]

alright i guess this idea is shot down. hehe. here a link if any kids are looking for a place to talk.http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=52191855901&ref=mf its called The Appalachian Trail Conservancy for Teenagers


I joined for the heck of it. Don't know how often ill be participating on there.

[YoungMoose]

I joined for the heck of it. Don't know how often ill be participating on there. it doesnt matter

[YoungMoose]

do u think i should call it whiteblaze for teenagers or appalachian Trail For teeangers

[boarstone]

I voted no for much the same reasons, they have their own sites, I suggest they go to them and set up their own hiking site aimed to the younger set. i think if allowed they would hijack this site as it is....you know how kids and computers can be...:eek:

[superman]

do u think i should call it whiteblaze for teenagers or appalachian Trail For teeangers

"Appalachian Trail For Teeangers"

[Bearpaw]

"Appalachian Trail For Teeangers"

I agree. Definitely avoid the term "Appalachian Trail Conservancy". I'm pretty sure it's trademarked for the Trail's maintaining group. "Appalachian Trail For Teeangers" sums it up nicely. Nice photos BTW.

[YoungMoose]

k

[alaska moose]

I voted "Yes", Ok there may be some problems with it but it could encourage youth to hike the AT and/or follow their dreams! They could see that there are teens out there who are so determined to reach a goal.

I started a thread about the same topic ( I did not know Outwardboundbackpack did so also) and many people said "What is diffrent with teen and adult view points?" Well we take everything in diffrently, and well this will give us a chance to talk to other peers about what we love The AT ! Because I know all of my "friends" think I am cazy for wanting to hike 2,175 miles.

That is why I voted yes!

[the goat]

i voted "yes" just to chap everyone elses' ass.

[superman]

Here's the problem as I see it. It's bad enough that the teenagers make me look bad on the ski slopes. They're all happy as they do crazy, silly stuff and if they fall they pop back up grinning like hell and saying stuff I don't even understand. Now you're talking about bringing herds of teenagers up the AT. They'll be all smiley and they won't even sweat. When they find out what a good time they can have hiking they'll send for all their friends. the horror...the horror.:)

[WalkinHome]

I am not against younger folks having their own hiking forum--I just don't think that WhiteBlaze is the proper place for it (sorry!!!!!!!:(). My reasons would probably echo the reasons already listed on this thread and on the previous thread concerning this topic. To highlight a few:

--There are many "predators" in the world who might target young people on a young people's forum. WhiteBlaze moderators simply don't have the time or software to watch the forum closely enough and keep predators out. Having a separate "young person's forum" is like drawing a bullseye on the teens. That bullseye WOULD definitely attract predators. (Occasional young people's threads would not be so "attractive" or "obvious" to potential predators.

--Facebook (and similar sites) have better monitoring personnel and better monitoring software to "weed out" potential sexual predators. MySpace has already banned 90,000 known sex offenders and Facebook is attempting to do the same.

--New/additional WhiteBlaze forums are a lot of work--and the members of WhiteBlaze are already debating (on another thread) whether the "Women's Only" forum should be closed. Thus, the majority of people are probably not likely to be in favor of starting an "age-specific" forum.

--You (and other younger hikers) are already able to start specific THREADS on WhiteBlaze regarding young people's issues. Try that approach for a while and see what happens.

I wouldn't take any of my comments as a slap against you or against other young people. AND, I would really encourage you to keep using WhiteBlaze. I voted "no" on the poll because WhiteBlaze simply isn't equipped to deal with all the potential problems that would be associated with a forum that was dedicated to younger hikers.

Ditto - Personally, if a forum is aimed at a particular demographic, I stay out of it unless I qualify. To echo one of Jack's points, if other like minded folks do the same, then those types of forums do not get the benefit of the widespread knowledge that is the heart of WB. I suggest, as others have, to work within the existing framework of WB. Good luck.

[Blue Jay]

I voted yes because your posts are entertaining and remind me of Matthewski's.:banana Keep up the good work.

[JAK]

Since I am actually a dog, in people years I am actually only 6 going on 7. Do I qualify?

[Nightwalker]

The only reason that I voted no is that it makes more work for the mods. They have enough headaches already.

[johnnybgood]

The only reason that I voted no is that it makes more work for the mods. They have enough headaches already.
I have to agree , besides hangin' out with us geezers isn't so bad ....:cool:

[puddingboy]

Sorry, Outwardbound I think we are outnumbered.

[ryanwheeler007]

I too vote no... We all need the wisdom of the old men around here, even if they are a bit grumpy! But a forum for stupid questions now that's an idea, god knows I've asked enough of them!

[The Phoenix]

I'm all for it. If it provides a place (just like the women forum) making teens feel more comfortable and more independant I'm all for it... heck... I'm 19... key on TEEN!!! (a little biased perhaps)

When I was 14 I was into dope, stealing, and raising hell that is 10^10 beyond the trouble a 14 year old should raise.

This seems productive... somewhat healthy... though hiking is healthier than typing about hiking :)

I love the wise old vets... I want a lot of what they have (though I may leave some)... but no harm in the young bucks gettin a little love.

Though everyone had good points above... I perhaps am naive to some of the dangers???

keep on keepin on youngin and geezers alike!!!

God Bless

[Rain Man]

But a forum for stupid questions now that's an idea, god knows I've asked enough of them!

Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question.

Stupid answers?! WB has a surplus of those and we could use a forum just for keyboard junkies who like to post stupid replies! Lord knows, we have an abundance! LOL

Rain:sunMan

.

[Chenango]

I voted No because I do not want WB to get too fragemented. Older and younger folks interact just fine on the trail. Let's not get splintered.

[JAK]

Separatists Unite!:banana

[David@whiteblaze]

hear me out guys, speaking as an early teen, i think it's a great idea.

Exceptions:

Thread starters should be less than 30 or wahtever is deemed young. i know there are weirdos who would get themselves banned w/ something for under 20 y.o.'s

Moderaters, Lone Wolf, Wise Old Owl, Ranc0r, and anyone else who thinks that they can offer some advice for teens+ should be allowed to start threads.

There should be someone who can discern a post not pertaining to hiking/thruing and put a poll w/ a link to post if they think people should deem it unneccessary and remove it (Example:a post by a guy about girls)

Anyone is allowed to reply to posts and offer their advice.

(btw, i respect the aforementioned people and think that they are some of the greatest advice givers around.

[Gaiter]

no, some people are tooo paranoid, if you want to protect the young ones then tell their parents not to let them get online, or at least not allow them on google, yahoo, any e-mail for that matter, facebook and other social networking sites and any thing else where one can post a comment like any newsite or blog..... basically don't let them online if you are that paranoid

[jesse]

I voted "no" because you ain't takin away my Social Security.

[David@whiteblaze]

Since I am actually a dog, in people years I am actually only 6 going on 7. Do I qualify?
wouldnt that make u 315 or so, u r in ur teens again!!! Welcome!!!

[OldStormcrow]

I voted "no" for a forum for young people for the same reason I would vote no to a forum for gays that hike, a forum for blacks that hike, a forum for whites that hike, a forum for men who hike, a forum for women who hike, a forum for yankees that hike, a forum for funny looking people from England who walk funny while hiking, etc. I'm for forums for hikers......period.

[emerald]

I voted "no" for a forum for young people for the same reason I would vote no to a forum for gays that hike, a forum for blacks that hike, a forum for whites that hike, a forum for men who hike, a forum for women who hike, a forum for yankees that hike, a forum for funny looking people from England who walk funny while hiking, etc. I'm for forums for hikers......period.

But would you vote for a silly-walk forum, provided posts be permitted without prejudice due to age, gender, ethnicity or nationality?

[BobTheBuilder]

I voted NO because apparently they don't teach spelling anymore to young people and the darn thing would just be unreadable.

[Rocket Jones]

Voted No. The kids here are hikers, period. I haven't seen any hostility towards them in my short time here. Unless they own a dog. ;)

If you want to start threads just for the youngsters, then preface your subject lines with "Whippersnappers:" or something. If nothing else, the various spellings could be entertaining.

[The Weasel]

Ok, I voted against kids. I say "send them back where they came from." They look funny because they smile too much and they think they know everything (which they might). :)

-- "But I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now." - Bob Dylan

Seriously, while I think it is a good thing if it can be done, speaking from a lot of experience in Scouting with websites from almost the inception of the Web, there are several serious issues:

- Confidentiality of email addreses. There is an email option in PMs, which while anonymous, can result in youth responding with their actual email. This would have to be disabled.

- Prevention of adult involvement. The Female Forum was initially supposed to be only for women, and thru-hiking class forums just for those years. These rules are routinely ignored. They would have to be strictly enforced.

- Identification of youth correctly. There is no way here to insure that a registrant is a youth upon registration.

These problems are fairly minor when there is no dedicated "youth" area. But when the population of such a forum becomes identified as involving youth, there are some serious administrative problems that will require a LOT of admin/moderator effort. I'm not certain everyone will think it worth the effort.

TW

[Blissful]

Predators is a biggie also. The Weasel also makes good points.

[CowHead]

A hiker, a hiker nothing more needs to be said.

[kanga]

I voted "no" for a forum for young people for the same reason I would vote no to a forum for gays that hike, a forum for blacks that hike, a forum for whites that hike, a forum for men who hike, a forum for women who hike, a forum for yankees that hike, a forum for funny looking people from England who walk funny while hiking, etc. I'm for forums for hikers......period.
ummm, yeah...:D

[Shutterbug]

This is a poll for younger peoples forum Dont vote no if your concerned for the safety of younger people from predators. I will be able to figure something out.

yes
NO

I voted "no" because I don't believe a forum for younger people will last. I have a lot of experience with online forums and have tried to get younger people (teens) to participate. So far, I have been unsuccessful.

The Facebook type of discussion fits teens a lot better than an online forum.

[Many Walks]

I can understand why the younger hikers would want their own forum. When I was 15 I was bullet proof and knew everything, while the geezers were clueless. As I gained some life experience the geezers seemed to gain wisdom. Hmmm, imagine that!

I see no need to further partition this site. Aside from all the garbage and egos that enter into the threads, the site is a fantastic resource for sharing information and knowledge about hiking. If desired, a straight forward thread is easy enough to start for kids topics only.

I also must add, it's great to see so many young people enthusiastic about the outdoors and hiking. We geezers welcome you!

[sheepdog]

I voted yes because I hate following the crowd.

[Foyt20]

I voted no in February, due to the reason, the board should not have to police itself, parents should take responsibility for their own children, and the PARENT should police what the child/tween/teen is doing on the internet.