As site monitor, I have decided to delete recent comments that have been appearing on this site in regards to the selection process, training and race entry.
Pretty much this has been an open forum and people comment, post and reply on their own and I let it go. I have not liked the tone or direction of recent comments and I will continue to monitor the site to keep things a bit more positive and focused on what we are about--trail running.
If you don't like that your comments have been deleted, there are lots of other sites and forums to express your opinion. I suggest just getting out and running versus spewing your opinions and comments here.
I also suggest if you want to comment here, you get to know some of us first and use your name, not some alias. There are lots of ways to get to know HURT trail runners. Most of the local running shops have contacts and know people who run on the trails. You are always welcome to join a weekly training run or starting in a few weeks, the HURT Trail Series is a great way to meet us and other runners.
I am not sure if the following is from Abraham Lincoln or Mark Twain however maybe it applies to writing here too:
"It is better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and resolve all doubt."
Aloha,
Bob
I have been to eight HURT events over the last 15 months and I have enjoyed each one. I take my hat off to the folks that organize these runs. Thank you for your volunteerism and hospitality!
Aloha,
Chad (a minimalist runner)
Posted by: Chad Carter | March 21, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Here here Bob- thank you!
Posted by: catering | March 15, 2010 at 03:57 AM
I don't know that deleting criticism, no matter how unwarranted, is particularly desirable. True it occurred on a post that is very important to the Ultra Community, and therefore off topic and tending to divert attention from the issues addressed.
On the other hand, as Bob said, we have functioned for years with absolutely no censorship--with the exception of deleting occasional spam posts.
One recent post raised the issue of Saturday running and religious beliefs. I think that one could have been dealt with over time, as many runners are out through out the week to do training. On the other hand we can not satisfy every minority, and those in those groups must understand that they too have made decisions which effect their options in life. That doesn't mean they shouldn't have a voice here.
With regard to the posts claiming we are a closed uncooperative group-- well that may appear so if one never bothers to show up and run with various groups of runners, or does not take the initiative to become a volunteer, or regular runner, or attempt any other form of participation. One can not be in a group if one chooses not to participate. (remember those two non-intersecting circles in logic? Either/Or?
No matter how strange most of us feel some of those posts were, I don't see them as particularly off-topic per se. Posted under the wrong heading, perhaps, but relevant none-the-less to the issues we deal with here on this forum.
Kamo attempted to deal with these subjects, all be it in a rather radical tone of voice. But his views are a throw back to an early time, when the concepts of Hawaiian culture were far less feminized and pasteurized. But, then, out on the trails, some things just haven't changed.
I would hope that we continue to welcome all comments on this site as long as they remain civil. Whining and carping are annoying but certainly not worth deleting. And some posts are outlandish and preposterous simply to raise an eyebrow or promote a smile, though the humor may not please everyone. Such is the life of a very mixed community.
Aloha, (as Kamo would say) Mikem
Posted by: Mikem | March 11, 2010 at 02:57 PM
Here here Bob- thank you!
Posted by: pj | March 11, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I unfortunately missed all the excitement though I heard from others what has been going on. Mahalo Bob for monitoring the chat and acting accordingly!
Posted by: Johnny | March 10, 2010 at 09:08 AM
Nailed it Freddy!
Posted by: Jake H | March 08, 2010 at 06:09 AM
A search suggests that the quote, found in many forms, predates the half dozen or more people that it has been attributed to. The oldest version in print seems to be Proverbs 17:28, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." (King James Version) Your version certainly shows the sarcasm characteristic of Mark Twain :-)
Posted by: Tom | March 08, 2010 at 05:10 AM
I have to remember that saying!it makes sense.
The HURT FAMILY has welcomed everybody with an open mind and respect,and I know out of my own experience with ALL you guy's that there is no greater feeling once you get to know some of the runner's
Posted by: Freddy Halmes | March 08, 2010 at 02:11 AM