Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Pulling the Plug


We live in truly weird times. The information age no doubt. I look back on my life and think I could never have imagined the likes of the Internet. If someone told me some day I'd be able to surf the world wide web from a device small enough to fit in my hand while deep in the bush of my favourite trib I'd have brushed it off as impossible. I often find myself marvelling at the graphics and liquidity of the games I can play on my cel phone while waiting at a doctors appointment. I find myself wondering how we ever managed to navigate the hi ways and bi ways of our great continent without Global Positioning. These are weird times indeed. So weird that I can honestly say the information age has had an effect on what I hold most near and dear to my heart...Steelheading. The Internet has granted me the ability to network with people of similar interests. It has granted me the ability to reach out and do the research necessary to further my horizons, shorten my learning curves, and improve my opportunity for successes. The Internet has fueled my creative spirit and appreciation of writing and photography. Honestly without the Internet I would most likely have not experienced the last 7-8 years of adventure and for this I am forever grateful. Without the Internet I would have not met a number of decent people that share the ridiculous passion I have for this sport. But with all good things come the spoils. In life there are givers and takers and the Internet is another avenue for both sects to operate. There will always be those who choose to share and there will always be those who chose to take. This basic human nature. I believe it is ingrained in humanity and it will never change. I guess where I am going is that lately there has been alot of angst and dissension in regards to these blogs and the lurking going on. By the hits counters I can see we do generate a fair amount of traffic. I'm sure the overall group of travellers are small as these blogs do appeal to a niche audience. However, the overall fear is that the information relayed in these avenues will somehow have a negative impact on the rivers we so love and cherish. There is no denying that us "Steelheaders" are very passionate/irrational individuals. We are extremists and by the very nature of the word take everything to the limits. Who else chops shelf ice free to fish a run? Who else drives by "Road closed by order of OPP" signs to go fishing. So as with our extreme actions come extreme feelings and emotion. We will do whatever it takes to guard and protect what we hold near and dear to our hearts. Sometimes we over react and once again take things to the extreme. We may tend to blow things out of proportion to protect what is important to us. I guess what I'm saying here is that we don't need to shut down these blogs that so many get enjoyment from. We don't need to pull the pin on it all and hibernate. We need to become more creative on how we share our experiences. We need to focus on the creative content and continue to improve and enjoy our experiences. Also there are a great deal of visitors to these sites that can share their own experiences as well or better in their own blogs. It would be nice if the people that take from our blogs were to give back in their own. It would be nice to have a circuit of sites to visit with different perspectives and avenues of expression represented for Great Lakes Steelheading. I do not plan on pulling the plug on my blog. I get much enjoyment out of putting together the days experience and sharing it with those that care to enjoy it. I get equally as much enjoyment looking back into the journal of adventures we have experienced over the past number of years. I would like to think the positive well out weigh the negatives with these efforts. And as someone recently told me the effort put into our adventures is far too much for the masses to handle. Our little pieces of Heaven will be safe mainly due to mankind's inherent laziness. God bless lazy humans!

15 comments:

18 Mile said...

Well said my friend and through my site meter I have pin pointed a few lurkers that show up a few of my tribs the day after I post.

All I can say that a the blogs authored by Gene,Steve, Greg and of course yours have added value both to my steelhead experience and my life. There are some deep philosophic lessons and points of view one can gleen from these men.
It is an honor to have met these men over the last few years through this medium.

lambton said...

Wow! Thanks Joe. You know I feel the same way. We do all share core fundamental values and an inherent passion for the rediculous. There are few that would understand the essence of our desires and I am glad we have all met and can share our experiences equally.
My wishes for 2010 would be that we can all continue to do so without feelings of guilt or fear.
I also know there are some peeps out there that can offer far superior offerings than ours and wish they would step up and share their experiences. It is possible to do this in a mannor that affords protection to the resources. A talent really isn't much if it is not shared.

Trotsky said...

Again...
People who say "peeps" like it in the stink...
Both you guys are gay...
I will probably go private anyway but welcome anybody who wants to read my dribble..
..except you Morin you POS

Trotsky said...

I drive a mean tractor..

lambton said...

Norland,
So by going private you will be returning to your roots and once again become a closet HOMO. Don't forget your cheese!

Wallacio said...

Your decision to move to a non-public forum is a wise one, even if (as you mention) the risks to things that we know and love are relatively small.

While maintaining a blog is "not my thing" I certainly appreciate the time and effort put forth and in the end, it allows me to virtually visit a place than I can only hope to experience "in the flesh" more than once or twice a year (due to the distance involved and my ever-shrinking amount of free time).

I hope to see you "on the other side" and hopefully I can find a non-blog outlet where I can give back as well.

lambton said...

Dave, may I suggest Beer? Beer is a wonderful way to gi
"give back"!

KLB Raspberry Wheat or Rickards White in tall cans! Oh ya.

Wallacio said...

Done and done...however I refuse to purchase Beer which is infused with any type of fruit. It is more gay than Merdus' hat and I would risk serious injury at the hands of the knuckle-dragging patrols at my local "Beer Store".

lambton said...

Beer Store you say? Why the Beer Store is nothing more than a hang out for "Plunkers" and "Lure Chuckers" I prefer to acquire my Pilsners and Ales from Andrew Brandt himself at the LCBO.

Trotsky said...

Morin likes his Beer semen infused..

JDA said...

Rickards White is definitely an acquired taste, but the KLB is decent, though it still tastes processed.

If you get a chance, try and keep an eye out for anything by 'Railway City' breweries, they are located in Elgin county, and make a decent variety of Ale / Lager ~ I suspect beer tasted like this back in the 1800's.

http://www.railwaycitybrewing.com/

The only issue I have with driving on a closed road, is that I believe that you might have some difficulties related to insurance in the event of a mishap, if I remember correctly.

Have a good holiday guys,

Joe

Trotsky said...

I would rather drink from a public urinal than drink 'Rickards White'...
Christ...just when I think there is hope for you Morin.
Thx for the tip on the Railway Brewery Joe.
I will definately look into that one.
I had the great pleasure to try the KLB's back when they were just a two man operation and it was like a religious experience.
Pretty hard to keep a beer pure once they go big time (Creemore does a great job) but they are still unique and tasty to my palate.
The Nut Brown is a great winter beer...
Yes I said "NUt BroWn"....let the comments fly homos.....

lambton said...

You have drank from a public urinal. My guess is Harv was behind you diving his cocktail weiner into you while you were.

Freaks!

JDA said...

I have nuts, and happen to be brown, I will be sure to check my 'six' next time we fish :D

Trotsky said...

I get an assist for lobbing that one in to you guys...
No where is my santa suit?