Tom Rankin
Well-known member
"One of the problems though is that some in the AMC slam Meetup as being a bunch of unprepared yahoos while some in Meetup slam the AMC for being too bureaucratic and uptight. Both are right and both are wrong. Its not the organization per se but rather the people in those organizations that run the activities. Same goes for groups like VFFT and the hiking groups on Facebook. There are people that should lead trips and help teach new leaders and hikers and there are some that shouldn't. "
An excellent assessment!
As the president of the Catskill 3500 Club, I/we have to deal with meetups in this area as well. There are quite a few excellent leaders in Meetup, but there are a few that make me cringe. Similarly, the Club has been criticized for the actions of some of our leaders. But at least in our more tightly controlled environment, I/we can deal with these problems in a timely manner.
If anyone wants to read the last incarnation of this thread, (where David Metsky said "I've met great friends and lifelong hiking partners via clubs, VftT, and chance meetings on the trails. It's not the organizations, it's the people."), it's here. (And wow, 7 years ago, I wasn't even on the 3500 Club board at the time!)
An excellent assessment!
As the president of the Catskill 3500 Club, I/we have to deal with meetups in this area as well. There are quite a few excellent leaders in Meetup, but there are a few that make me cringe. Similarly, the Club has been criticized for the actions of some of our leaders. But at least in our more tightly controlled environment, I/we can deal with these problems in a timely manner.
If anyone wants to read the last incarnation of this thread, (where David Metsky said "I've met great friends and lifelong hiking partners via clubs, VftT, and chance meetings on the trails. It's not the organizations, it's the people."), it's here. (And wow, 7 years ago, I wasn't even on the 3500 Club board at the time!)