Not able to get onto WhiteBlaze; anyone else having the same problem or know what the issue is?
Thanks
Two Speed
WhiteBlaze - Appalachian Trail
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#3
“No body goes there any more. It is too crowded” Yogi Berra.
I was on my early AM fix and made no connection. They have been having problems with band width. They are in the process of fixing it. Whiteblaze will rise again, probably as we speak.
I am almost ready to give it up. The usual 80-20 rule is roaring to life. About 20% of people who post make 80% of the entries. Some days it is the 95-5 rule. Many show no restraint and WhiteBlaze is becoming social to a fault and is descending into irrelevancy. I appreciate that some people locked away in their dens need a social outlet but that is not what Whiteblaze.net is supposed to be about.
My opinion is that this site is so far more helpful. Persons who post here have a genuine sense of concern and interest and truly believe “Collaboration is multiplication.”
Whiteblaze will be up soon I am sure. In lieu of cyber space connections, I wish more would consider spending some time with some real live people who give a hoot.
Early morning regards,
Clark Fork in Western Montana
Clark Fork
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#4
Just opened another window to check it out and it is up… One of the 80 percenters I guess…
red hat
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#6
Each hiking site has its own “flavor.” Something for everyone. Who wants to live in a vanilla world?
The recent front-page ALDHA article by Sanne “Ready” Bagby lists a vast array of online resources, many of them chatty. It’s pretty cool to see.
Live gatherings are great because meeting folks face-to-face tempers the tone of some of the online “discussions.” Hiking together is even better. It’s alot harder to diss someone who has slogged the same mountain, eaten the same noodles, seen the same mama bear and her cubs as you.
Jan LiteShoe
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#7
Right now Whiteblaze is the biggest trail forum site on the web. This distinction used to belong to the AT-L List and to Trailplace in the past; for various reasons both of these sites are less popular than they once used to be. The same phenonenom is happening to Whiteblaze. Trolls have taken over and the admins are unable or unwilling to take the “drastic” step of terminating members when applicable. It is just a matter of time before a different site becomes the “biggest” on the web as many of the individuals serious about the trail continue to leave Whiteblaze.
troll hater
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#8
I agree, the recent posts on whiteblaze have been dominated by BS. I think part of the problem is that most worthwhile topics have been beaten to death.
But the site still contains some great resources. And I’ve found that if I need information about anything trail related, a post on whiteblaze gets me what I need to know.
Bob McCaw
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#10
I like WhiteBlaze because it just deals with the AT, I live on the east coast and hike the AT. The Wb pictures are great and you have a few regular great people. Like Clark, troll hater and skeemer mention there is a lot of wasted, self absorbed, people that appear to have little or no respect for others. Jan is right as well, variety is the spice of life, but I can take so much of negative comments, and it is tough to read through those posts.
I know this is not the place to hit on other sites. I like Whiteblze, I guess every site has its drawbacks. Competition is a wonderful motivator.
Bilko
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#11
I like WB, this site, and most of the others. Each is somewhat different. ALL are run by overworked volunteers who give of themselves and often their money.
WB has had its Red State vs. Blue State factions get into it over various topics. These have wisely been moved into a Political area. People who don’t want to participate simply don’t go there. People who go there and then complain about the political threads want it both ways IMHO. Personally, if I’m in the mood I like political debate so long as it’s civilized.
The best parts of WB are the AT and hiking-related topics, photos, and the recently instituted Articles sections. The other stuff is just extra . . . there if you want it, but nobody holds a gun to your head to view it or participate. I think the administrators of WB have struck a workable balance and they, along with ZipDrive and Leif on this site, deserve our support.
Skyline
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#12
I’d like to heartily agree with the WB supporters. There are two particulary positive aspects to WB that others would do well to emulate. One, you have to register. This keeps people from using other peoples names in posts as has happened here. Two, the photos are randomly selected from the entire photo album so you aren’t seeing the same photos everytime you log on. Plenty of room for trail related websites on the internet so each find his or her own and enjoy.
Gene Roll
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#13
Serious hikers shouldn’t take WhiteBlaze serious. As mentioned earlier it’s full of trolls and BS artists. Occasionally, a real hiker will participate, but soon departs when they see thru the bs and realize that most are just cyberhikers who just want to argue about nothing. And, a small percentage of the stuff on there (by real hikers) is good stuff. Also true is the 10/90 rule where 10% of the members do 90% of the posting. And only about 10% of that is worthwhile info. Want be around long.
webster
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#14
I’ve been checking out WB off and on for a while and I agree with Webster. Small number of people (who don’t hike) doing most of the posting over there. It’s really bad for new members who go there to get creditable info only to get misled or flamed off the site.
stumpjumper