Sorting through the trash...

[JokerJersey]

I've only been a member of WB for about a week now, but already in that time I've seen about 80 posts by one person who has never even set foot on the AT by self-admission, a number of others by folks who talk tough about thier guns or knives, and several threads dealing with nothing but conjecture based on second-hand (or third, fourth, fifth-hand) information about people's behavior and a town's outlook on hikers.

As someone who is actually looking for decent advice on a far-flung range of topics that aren't all covered by guidebooks or travel brochures, how do those of you who have been here awhile actually sort through all the garbage that flies around here to get to the single kernel of worthwhile information without spending hours each day pouring over it?

Please enlighten me. Is there any way to ignore posters whom you've already singled out as being bad or worthless sources of information? Also, I'm not talking about banter back and forth between friends or jokes in appropriate areas, but more along the lines of someone asking a direct question only to be met with 2 decent replies followed by 6 pages of drivel that doesn't relate in ANY way to the topic at hand. I'm also not talking about anything directly related to me either, just an "in general" question.

If there is really no rhyme or reason to it, just come out and say so. I'm cool with that, if that is truly the case.

[jrnj5k]

Unfortunatly, theres no way to know whos advice is legitimate and who's is not without having been here for a while and getting a feel for it. Also just because someone hasn't been on the AT doesn't mean they dont know what they are talking about. Its like a coach teaching a sport that they themselves could never play. However, I recommend you use the same skills sets you've used in life to weed through all the bull and apply it here. Question what people say....and listen to there responses.

If all else fails just listen to everything I say....

[Engine]

We hikers as a group come from vastly different backgrounds and often have opposing viewpoints. That is true of any slice of society, but if you look at those who you meet on the trail, it seems especially so with the trail crowd. Since we are human and thus prone to being opinionated there are frequent disagreements over the subjects that come up. I tend to be more vocal in my thoughts than some and as such I have angered a few already during my relatively short time here at WB. However, as adults who can agree to disagree, we stand to learn much from each other if an open mind is maintained.

Don't be put off by what seems to be a contentious group. Most people here would be awsome to spend time with I'm sure, we just seem a little rough some times and often it's just playful ribbing among electronic friends. Enjoy the site for it's valuable information and in time you'll learn to seperate the wheat from the chaff.

[Lugnut]

There is an "ignore" feature for those you find to be idiots and you could also try the straight forward forum where not as much BS is tolerated.

[JokerJersey]

Also just because someone hasn't been on the AT doesn't mean they dont know what they are talking about. Its like a coach teaching a sport that they themselves could never play.

Well, I get this part of it. If it's a hiking related question, then yes, anyone with hiking experience can chime in on it. But when it's a question directly related to the AT, one of the towns around the AT, outfitters on the AT, etc. and someone who has never set foot on the AT answers it...how can you (not you personally, but the all-encompassing you) apply that same logic?

To me, that's like asking someone about how to properly care for a beagle only to have someone say, "Well, when I'm combing my cat...".

[JokerJersey]

There is an "ignore" feature for those you find to be idiots and you could also try the straight forward forum where not as much BS is tolerated.

Ah thanks...where can I find this ignore feature at?

[Two Tents]

I think when you ask a question you are going to get good answers,some smart remarks and some comments that have nothing to do with anything. You just never know. Use your head and sort through it.There are enough people here who care and will try and answer your question.---Two Tents.

[modiyooch]

One thing that is happening is people in the know are hiking and unable to give good responses, and the rest of us (knowledgeable or not) are not hiking and getting cabin fever; therefore, getting rowdy.

not a good time for the forum. IMO

I will say that it is a valuable tool for hiking and serves me well.
If you ask a particular question, it's usually answered.

[Lugnut]

Ah thanks...where can I find this ignore feature at?

Click on User CP and then on Edit Ignore.

[emerald]

What you have observed is absolutely true and sorting the wheat from the chaff is often no simple task for someone new to WhiteBlaze or a topic, yet it's those individuals we are here to serve.

You might PM someone whose posts you've come find are consistently reliable and ask their opinion or request a referral to someone who is knowledgeable about a particular topic.

It helps to find a few friends with whom you have more in common than simply the AT. Read the user profiles of members who appear to have similiar interests.

An excellent thread idea. Some are apt to not like what you've observed called to their attention, but good luck anyway. I expect you will get a few good answers like with most threads. It might be easier for you to determine the good responses to this thread than with some of the others.

[modiyooch]

Personally, I think there should be an off topic forum, for those threads and comments that you are weeding through. It does get frustrating. If there is an off topic forum, then we can just avoid those threads, or cater to them as we feel inclined.
You will also find an old timer that will bite your head off if you repeat a question, but just ignore it. It's the fastest way to get an answer.

[jrnj5k]

Well, I get this part of it. If it's a hiking related question, then yes, anyone with hiking experience can chime in on it. But when it's a question directly related to the AT, one of the towns around the AT, outfitters on the AT, etc. and someone who has never set foot on the AT answers it...how can you (not you personally, but the all-encompassing you) apply that same logic?

To me, that's like asking someone about how to properly care for a beagle only to have someone say, "Well, when I'm combing my cat...".

Sometimes they just know and others they dont. You'll have to judge that one yourself. Remember the movie Good Will Hunting....he got all of his knowledge from books...

[max patch]

If you want good answers by an experienced hike then put everybody on ignore except Jack Tarlin.

[Engine]

Personally, I think there should be an off topic forum, for those threads and comments that you are weeding through. It does get frustrating. If there is an off topic forum, then we can just avoid those threads, or cater to them as we feel inclined.
You will also find an old timer that will bite your head off if you repeat a question, but just ignore it. It's the fastest way to get an answer.

I tend to find that most threads degrade progressively with time and as such the really good information tends to be found among the earlier responses. After the question of the OP has been answered a few times it seems like a green light for thread drift to start and once started it rapidly gains momentum.

[JokerJersey]

I've already started to get an idea of a couple of those whose advice should either be directly avoided or taken with a LARGE grain of salt. Then, it seems like there is at least one with experience enough to teach a platoon, but the general gruffness of said individual is enough to make you take at least one step back and then rethink even asking.

I'll keep the Straight Forward forum in mind Emerald, thanks! Also good idea on looking at profiles. One of the main problems I have with that is I'm working off a dial-up connection for 75% of the day during the week and on the weekends, I'm not around a computer at all since I'm out doing what we're all talking about! Looking up profiles would just cut down my time looking for info, but I guess it wouldn't be any worse than spending that same time sorting through all the silliness.

Thanks for the tip on the ignore feature Lug! Looks like I'll be using that a bit in the future.

[Linesman]

Whats with these threads complaining about the quality of Whiteblaze? It is what it is, which is a forum, meaning that anyone can come and say what he or she things. No one expects everything said here to be golden; you clearly have figured out for yourself how much you trust some posters more than others.

[emerald]

I've already started to get an idea of a couple of those whose advice should either be directly avoided or taken with a LARGE grain of salt. Then, it seems like there is at least one with experience enough to teach a platoon, but the general gruffness of said individual is enough to make you take at least one step back and then rethink even asking.

You mean you only found one person who fits your description? Your newness is showing!

I can be pretty be direct and fire from the hip myself, but don't let anything I say bother you unless it causes you to pause, think and ask better questions or write better posts.

[Lugnut]

If you want good answers by an experienced hike then put everybody on ignore except Jack Tarlin.

Even Jack would not agree with this statement.

[Summit]

Some people come to WB for information and knowledge sharing. Some like to just hang out and amuze themselves, joke, and rarely be serious about anything.

The 'General' forum is probably the place where you'll find the most time wasting threads, but don't ignore it completely because there is the occasional informative one there too.

Straight Forward, Trail Info, and 'Gear' forums are pretty good places for advice, albeit a place of dissension at times as well.

With your 'ignore' filter in hand, you can reduce the distractions further if that is your desire.

[modiyooch]

I tend to find that most threads degrade progressively with time and as such the really good information tends to be found among the earlier responses. After the question of the OP has been answered a few times it seems like a green light for thread drift to start and once started it rapidly gains momentum.

yep, you are right. and if we read 375 posts about damascus than it was for sheer entertainment or our own stupidity (me included) I missed a good show last night just waiting for that one thread to be closed. oh, how I long to be hiking.