Why dont people write trip reports?

Trip reports are my favorites. I especially like reading about areas I've been in, but I read them all. If I read a report I like - I'll say so most of the time. Fairly often I'll say 'nice report'- even if I didn't like it much. The author put his/her time into it, and should at least get a pat on the back by someone. Everyone has different writing abilities and varying amounts of time to put into writing. We can't all be perfect and lordly.

Two or three times I've had my reports picked up and published by someones online website. Once, the request to use my story, was the only response my report got. Go figure. When my TR gets no response, I'm certainly not excited to sit right down and write another one. However, I know I'll keep putting them out every so often regardless of opinion or lack thereof. I'm equally sure that many people will just go away and stop writing, if criticized - or ignored.

I suggest:

Everyone writes reports when they feel the need or desire. We respond with strong praise to really great efforts. We respond in some respectable way to all reports. We keep our mouths shut if we don't like someones writing style or ability. If we don't like the content - I guess that's another story.

ps I don't feel like writing right now, but I'll try to dredge up an old TR to see if anybody's out there.

I thought I was the only one who wrote detailed TR's for nobody's eyes but me own... I just finished a TR about a trip I took a few weeks ago, that was special and important to me, but I can't bring myself to post it because I assume everyone would be bored to tears (3+ pages about The Great White Book and Royal Arches does seem a bit much). However, I do write 'em for a couple of reasons: One, to record for later review. Two, to refine my writing style for the eventuality that I do publish one someday, Three, to share with close friends/partners.

- Sumo

Before you buy.

I do write TR's. Rather like what Brent said, I can't *not* write them. I only send them to my friends, though, in the hopes that they'll be mildly amused. I don't post them because the one that I did post got a negative response (I think it bored people through not being enough of an epic) and so I decided I should leave posting TR's to those who are doing more cutting-edge climbs.

While I did find zionwalls' TR hard to read, and I often skip over similar posts, I was glad I read it. I thought it captured the moment well and was very humorous. I think it's silly that it's generated so much spray. I bet we'll never see another TR from that guy... too bad...

Man Dingus. Your so write, about this,

Right on, Dingus.

Write on, too.

Yeah, what Dingus said. Cutting edge climbing is not required for an enjoyable TR. I've read good stuff from cutting edge climbers doing mediocre or easy routes. I've also read good stuff from mediocre climbers doing popular or hard routes. Additionally, I've read some completely phony and made up TR's that had me crying from laughter. It's all about capturing a moment or feeling and then communicating that to someone else.

I've posted a couple TR's about incredibly low-grade climbs and fifty foot choss piles simply because they're the only routes I can get up without multiple bivies. An easy route can make for just as interesting a TR, although it probably has much less audience appeal than a blind folded grade V in a day decription.

K

Before you buy.

Yep.

Dingus Milktoast wrote:

Saving this entire post for reference.

Thanks Dingus!

Brutus

Before you buy.

too busy climbing.

Good thread!

Many wrote reasons for writing TR's, but I didn't see two good ones.

1. Chicks dig 'em, especially if you can subtly portray yourself as bold, heroic, studly and godlike. Somehow, in actual practice this actually works out to including stuff about how you were cowering behind a boulder while the avalance missed you by several miles, don't ask me why, and remember the keyword *subtly*.

2. I dig 'em, my own, after the fact. Great way to relive the trip when the guy on the phone is explaining why the fact that he can't find the on-off switch to his PC makes him a rare, valuable, and exciting individual.

Also many people wrote tips for writing good TR's, I would add the following. Pix. Lots-o-pix. Big pix, but not so big that they are too big to see on an average PC screen. What's everyone using these days? 1024x768 I think, but would appreciate correction if needed. Pix of sicko steep drops, and huge faces, and waterfalls. Kewl babes if you come across any. Lightning. The stuff you usually can't see from your office window, and if you can, what the hell is a highly paid individual like youself doing inside on a day like this, huh?

l8r.

Before you buy.

As Dingus might say, 'Fear sells'.