[pct-l] PCT FAQ

[Jeffrey Olson]

I like the idea of pure facts - references to books, craig's pct 
planner, and most of the stuff Brick listed.  But I don't think it needs 
a Wiki, and shouldn't include information that has any chance of 
changing more than once a year.  Let it give a list of resources and 
then once someone new to the list and the PCT has soaked up what they 
will, let them ask all the same questions.  An easily expandable FAQ 
evolves and is no longer a FAQ - it's a forum. 


I just don't see a problem with newcomers asking the same questions each 
year.  There is always someone in a talkative mood to offer advice or 
experiences.  I do so off list most of the time.  As I said a couple 
days ago, I look at new people's questions as the lifeblood of the 
list.  I often forget what it's like to wonder about really basic 
things.  It affords me a re-looking at my own orientation, attitude, and 
gear. 


And I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but there are lots more 
women piping up and sharing their experiences and asking their 
questions.  Go to the list archives and look at the gender of posters in 
the beginning - almost totally men...  The list is a better place for 
the new voices speaking up!!!


Just my opinion, of course...


Jeff, just Jeff
Martin, SD, where it's 9 degrees, there is really crunchy snow on the 
ground, and it's getting colder... 




Donna Saufley wrote:
> I believe the PCTA FAQs are a good place to start for much of the questions
> listed below, which is one of the "primary" sites newbies should be advised
> of in their welcome letter.  Beyond the "how do I get started," and "where
> do I find the information" questions, there is much, much to be asked and
> answered on this forum, from the many points of view!
>
> L-Rod
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of jeff.singewald at comcast.net
> Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:32 PM
> To: Brick Robbins; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ex
> use me sir.
>
> Brick,
>
> There are no hard and fast answers to the majority of these questions.  The
> answers are based on personal preferences.  The answers to these questions
> will vary amongst the 1000 people on this list and I think that is one
> reason why new hikers pose these questions each year.
>
> If these questions were put into FAQs section, I don't see how these newbies
> (and others that are not so new) are not going to get the varied responses.
>
> How will this work?
>
> -------------- Original message -------------- 
> From: "Brick Robbins" <brick at fastpack.com> 
>
>   
>> You can ask whatever you like. There will be no riot. 
>>
>> The FAQ discussion is an effort to put all the most commonly asked 
>> questions in one heap. 
>>
>> Common questions: 
>> When should I start. 
>> What books/maps do I need. 
>> Where/how do I resupply 
>> Northbound or Southbound. 
>> What sort of gear do I need. 
>> Desert Travel 
>> Snow Travel 
>> Ice Axe/Crampons 
>> Footwear 
>> Trail Safety. 
>> Permits 
>>
>> Here are the topics that often start a "heated" thread. 
>> Guns 
>> Dogs 
>> Horses 
>> Cell Phones 
>> Bear Cans (not so much any more....) 
>>
>> What did I forget? 
>>
>> Brick Robbins 
>> brick at fastpack.com 
>> List Admin. 
>>     
>