[at-l] If you were new to the list....

[whoah at verizon.net (WhoAh)]

And I would also like to throw my .02 in...  

I have been a member for of this list for some time, albeit in a
predominately lurker mode.  I've had several questions answered and even
partaken in some of the discussions.

This list had been one of the best I had found, and I felt like there
was a real, caring community here, but lately I have considered dropping
off of it.  Too much time hitting the delete key for the long running
often ridiculous posting wars.  Off-list I have had discussions with
others on or from this list that are now partaking in discussions on
other lists and have pretty much given up on this one.

Ryan has put a lot of time, energy and money into giving us a place to
discuss hiking.  Over the last couple of months this has generated into
name calling, "mine is bigger than yours", and just plain meanness.  If
I was a newbie to hiking and saw this, I would jump list pretty durn
quickly.  When was the last time we had some good discussions on tents?
Lights? Pads?  Sleeping bags?  Many hiking neophytes don't know what to
ask about, and when they see the tone of many of these posts they are
not about to stick a toe in the water and ask a question.

Well... Got that off my chest.... I feel better.... Think I will go hit
the gym and get the rest out of my system...

Thanks, Hummingbird and Hopeful, for jumping out there.  And think you
Ryan for giving us this playground.

WhoAh