Reputation?  Yeah, maybe.  But if the word applies, then it applies to the sister websites as well.  QJ has a lower percentage of the “I’ve got time to visit, let’s talk about . . .” type of threads in comparison.  You may “like” reading about the dog shows in the Twin Cities or seeing  who wished who a happy b-day, etc.  If so, then QJ might not fit your style.  Personally I am not compelled to congratulate someone for making their 10,000th post.  One well written article in the BWJ has more value.

Cliques? Yeah, maybe.  Fraternity might be a better word, but for the most part, I see the majority of the group preferring to stand individually.   We get a new starting line up every so often and the spike of activity establishes their acquaintance with one another.  The former line up might seem “quiet”, but consider that when any member acknowledges your informative posting, he/she is speaking for any number of members. 

The Search Police? Theirs is a thankless job.  These guys usually display great capacity to sniff out a poster who will gather their research here and then post their thesis there.  It helps the respondants on the other forum to increase their number of postings.

Political forum? It wasn’t always one.  Generally speaking, that is recent.  Once the momentum built, it quickly turned into a spectator sport.  I support the view of hiding it.  The drawback is that I’ve no place to tell you about my dog, my b-day, my drama, my whathaveyou.  Seriously tho, there were many good discussions there, which I miss.

My interests in the forums are trip planning, fishing, and gear.  The rest gets a scan.  Trip reports rate as a favorite.  I know they are time consuming to create.  Your investment is appreciated.  Next would be a good photo sequence complimented with notes.

The time I have to participate on the forums has been quite scarce these past few years.  Work demand is the biggest culprit.  My boss is a corporate VP who has never been to the BW/Q.  If he ever decides to go, I will direct him on the shortest route through Badwater Lake and into the Wolseley Swamp.  He will be advised to make as much noise as possible along the way.  Then I will sit back, image, and delight in typing away at all the possible scenarios of what became of him. 

-YB

solotripper wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2013 at 3:53pm:

ST,

I swear the guy can douse a campfire by looking at it. 

Even so, it might just be the ticket for him and your old pals.

-YB

and what was it that Mick Jagger said about not being able to take a joke?   Seems to me a little 'jacking around' through mild and transparent insults and taunts actually shows acceptance and even' back handed' respect. It is assumed the recipient recognizes that you are playing. ...playing is what you do with someone you like.

Er, back to ticks... Was in Wabakimi area in June and don't recall any (even with lots of brush and moose sign).  Was usually wearing long pants with permithrin, though.  Skeeters, flies and noseeums got their pound of flesh, though!

I am a relatively new member of Quiet Journey and enjoy what I find here. I have not paddled in Quetico or the BWCA in years so I do not ever comment on threads concerning them. I read the threads and if I could help someone I would. I visit different  forums and can see that each site over time attracts a like-minded core of participants. QJ had evolved into a "Quetico" site before I started visiting. My destination is usually WCPP but I have always felt welcome here. No matter where we paddle in central North America the equipment and skills are similar so there is a lot to learn on any of the sites.

IMO every site will end up with a "reputation" and that is not a bad thing as long as the reputation is not one of meanness or elitism. I have seen sites where certain postings would bring out the same biting criticism every time. On QJ a posting on using a double blade or a GPS does not draw such animosity. I hope this thread has given everyone a gentle prod to be courteous and to examine our words before hitting "Post Message."