[at-l] AT2004 Yahoo Group

[daveh@psknet.com (Dave Hicks)]

I understand the bonding part (if you  need it).

OTOH -- were I a "new hiker" and I had questions, I would far rather ask
them and get a variety of answers from the board experiences of a list that
contain many successful thruhikers and a handful of triple-crowners, than I
would rely the opinions other "new hiker", like myself.

But what ever floats your boat on that account.  There is plenty of room in
cyber space for all sorts of list.

Fell free to enjoy your list.  Albeit, I will miss watching the excitement
that "new hikers" bring to this list every year as they raise the pitch of
"Springer" fever.

Chainsaw

BTW -- If you have questions relevant to the long journey you are
considering -- just ask.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bushwacker" <bushwackerfish@mindspring.com>
To: "t." <tfort@jam.rr.com>; <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 11:29 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] AT2004 Yahoo Group

>>

Here's the major complaint - from a variety of users - that AT-L has way
too much volume and little content.

Several new hikers have complained that they feel overwhelmed by getting
on-line and then discovering 100 e-mails from AT-L and hardly one of them
is of interest to the new hiker contemplating the AT thru-hike.

SNIP

These individuals are looking for quick references or discussion relevant
to the long journey they are considering.  As has been pointed out, it is
not sought to be "the ultimate resource" but a focal point for those in the
same category.  It has been a major bonding force for the class of 2003 and
the same could happen for 2004.  There is also evidence of peer pressure
types of influence inhibiting the newer hikers from posting their questions
on AT-L . . . HikersRUs and AT2004 are avenues for the inhibited to use to
get what they need without feeling embarrassed.
SNIP
<<