Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 47 of total 47 in this topic |
Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 20, 2013 - 12:03pm PT
|
Did you like the daily updates? Did you like the photos he took of you up on the Big Stone? Did you get his disc of photos of your climb?
Did you donate?
|
|
donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 12:44pm PT
|
No....I have been remiss, but I certainly will!
|
|
climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 12:52pm PT
|
Voyeur??
Spectator, photographer, volunteer, documentarian and journalist. Plus he played the game well himself.
According to Randisi I guess anyone who likes going to sporting events is a voyeur.
|
|
E.L. "One"
Big Wall climber
Lancaster, California
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 12:59pm PT
|
Just Donated! Thanks for all you do Tom. See ya in the Fall.
Bob "Cracko" Porter
|
|
Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:01pm PT
|
yep, worthy cause.
camera equipment ain't cheap folks
|
|
Offset
climber
seattle
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:19pm PT
|
not to mention the dangerous work environment
|
|
FrankZappa
Trad climber
Hankster's crew
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:21pm PT
|
^^No.
Some sort of donation is in order if he's given you photos. So I'm due....
|
|
mcreel
climber
Barcelona
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:25pm PT
|
Well, to turn up the heat for a good cause, I will reveal that I have contributed. It has been a couple of years, though, maybe I'll have to do it again.
|
|
climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:34pm PT
|
My world would be a poorer place without his reports and pictures for over 15 years. He gives me something to look forward to on every report. That is waaaay better than a newspaper. The climbing world is really lucky to have him there doing what he does.
As far as taking pics of your wall climb?? Do you really NOT want those pics when you get down..lol get a grip ..most folks are super stoked when they see the pictures of their climb. Dude doesn't even charge. Although it would be rude not to offer something.
Can you imagine what a regular pro photograher would charge you to take the same pics for you?
Plus he is just a damn decent guy to hang out with.
|
|
Mike Friedrichs
Sport climber
City of Salt
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:42pm PT
|
Actually Randisi, I wonder too. I know I'm really grateful that when I did el cap routes in the 80s that none of that went on. I'm also grateful that we didn't have cell phones. I liked the solitude of just being up there with the Colonel and relying on each other without a huge crowd at the bridge watching us pick our noses.
|
|
Offset
climber
seattle
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 01:48pm PT
|
it's pretty easy to not go to the bridge if you don't want to.. and it's pretty easy to ask tom to not take your picture or report on you...
as for me.. those are two great parts of visits to the valley.
tom - you're greatly appreciated.. on the bridge, here at work... and in the homes of loved ones watching theirs fulfill some dreams..
|
|
Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 20, 2013 - 02:19pm PT
|
Tom will gladly not photograph or report on you if you ask him.
I don't get the solitude thing with twenty or thirty thousand people driving by, some stopping and watching with binoculars on their own, every day. What about the Green Dragon that has been stopping and pointing out climbers since the early 70s?
Cell phones? Isn't that a personal choice? Don't carry one if you don't want to!
|
|
FrankZappa
Trad climber
Hankster's crew
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 02:34pm PT
|
Actually Randisi, I wonder too. I know I'm really grateful that when I did el cap routes in the 80s that none of that went on. I'm also grateful that we didn't have cell phones. I liked the solitude of just being up there with the Colonel and relying on each other without a huge crowd at the bridge watching us pick our noses.
Agreed, however even back then it was common to see people with telescopes and cameras watching closely at times; maybe not augured in at the bridge for the summer, but it's not like this is a new thing aside from the Internet reports an ability to take more photos.
I've even seen the TOOL down in the meadow with high-powered binoculars looking for who knows what.
I am glad for his hobby and service, and for him respecting climbers' wished not to be photoed. The reports bring some life into the cube.
|
|
Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 20, 2013 - 02:44pm PT
|
I don't understand the "I'm grateful we didn't have cell phones" line. Are cell phone on El Cap mandatory? Is there a rule somewhere that we have to carry them? Isn't it a personal choice to take one?
Does it bother you that other people have cell phones on El Cap? Really? I don't get it.
|
|
PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 02:48pm PT
|
^^I agree, Mark.
I have and will continue to do so.
|
|
Lambone
Big Wall climber
Ashland, Or
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 03:20pm PT
|
Tom is also really careful about what he lets tourons look at when working the Ask A Climber program. He always checks the scope first.
I didn't donate this season, but we bailed. Usually I give him $40 per visit for a cd.
|
|
Mike Friedrichs
Sport climber
City of Salt
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 03:43pm PT
|
//I don't understand the "I'm grateful we didn't have cell phones" line. Are cell phone on El Cap mandatory? Is there a rule somewhere that we have to carry them? Isn't it a personal choice to take one?
Does it bother you that other people have cell phones on El Cap? Really? I don't get it.//
I wouldn't go up there without a cell phone now. That's just the nature of the world today, and arguably, it would be irresponsible to go up without one. What I meant was that I'm grateful that I didn't have to make that choice back in the day.
Times change. I'm good with that. But with every innovation, something is also lost. There was something about being up there and knowing it was just me and Frank.
And Mark, I enjoy your trip reports immensely. It's one of the first things I click on. Probably makes me a hypocrite. I'll live with that.
|
|
Mees
climber
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 04:03pm PT
|
I kind of doubt the noobs he disses (often) in his reports asked for him to do that. To me that kind of commenting is low class and just mean. I don't care if they are doing it "wrong" or how badass of climber the photographer used to be. Did he get it right his 1st time out? did he have some dude peeping his progress and reporting what a phuq up he was to the world when he was cutting his teeth? Besides they're all butt shots!
|
|
climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 04:12pm PT
|
Dude that last stick clip guy is famous!!
He definitely should show up at the bridge with that massive stick! If you're going to use a stick or do something that isn't in perfect form you might as well go do it big and be proud of it! Lol
Compared to the things us climbers say about each other out in the real world Tom is pretty mild, all in good fun and generally informative
Being slandered by Tom means at least you're up there. You'd have to have a thin skin to take it too seriously.
Plus he doesn't just pick on noobs he also got pete pretty good last year. Deservedly so
|
|
Roots
Mountain climber
SoCal
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 04:14pm PT
|
Folks - spectators (and often climbers) have been watching teams progress up big walls/faces with scopes, etc since waaaaay back to early Alps climbing. This is nothing new.
Tom's service gets my vote! What a great souvenir to get a CD of your climb and for him to keep everyone up to date on teams' progress along their way. However, slamming noobs is unprofessional and should be stopped IMHO.
|
|
saa
climber
not much of a
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 04:50pm PT
|
Tom : happy 69th birthday!!!! Eat more salad.
Others:
Yes Tom īs humour is drilling, abrasive , sarcastic, rough.
Or something like that. It takes getting used to. Took me 2 years.
Nooooobies hammering:
Tom did spank Nico and Sean (Favresse- Villanueva ODriscoll)
in october 2011, suggesting they bail.
Nobody would put that team in the nooooby category.
So itīs not only the newbies who get hammered. Just sarcasm.
If i was up there in the yellow ocean, i d be happy to know that my family knows
I m ok. With or without cell phone.
Cheers.
|
|
Impaler
Social climber
Berkeley
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 04:57pm PT
|
Yes, have donated. Comments about the noobs are pretty awesome and I love them! If you want to learn to climb walls and eff up as much as you like, go get on the column or on the tower. Nobody will be watching you there. Your personal choice.
|
|
Gene
climber
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 05:15pm PT
|
DISCLAIMER:
THESE REPORTS ARE THE MUSINGS OF AN OBSERVER WHO IS FAR FROM THE ACTION AND ANY RELATION TO THE TRUTH IS THE MEREST OF COINCIDENCE. SOME OF WHAT IS WRITTEN IS SIMPLY A FABRICATION, WRITTEN TO MAKE THE STORY "BETTER". SO DON'T TAKE THIS STUFF TOO SERIOUSLY. IT IS MEANT AS ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE MOST PART ALTHOUGH I DO TRY TO GET THE CLIMBING FACTS RIGHT. {SNIP}
Seems pretty clear to me.
|
|
j-tree
Big Wall climber
Classroom to crag to summer camp
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 05:20pm PT
|
Donated last year and this year.
|
|
Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 05:55pm PT
|
"not an exhibitionist"
Must have read that wrong. DMT puts even the bear scat on display!
|
|
Morgan
Trad climber
East Coast
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 05:57pm PT
|
No.
But, I did receive some awesome posters Nose + Moon and El Cap at night. The recipients of these gifts were super psyched! And that was before his lens got stolen. I bet the prints and CDs are even more rad with the new gear.
|
|
Nilepoc
Big Wall climber
Tx
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 08:20pm PT
|
Here was the scene in 1992. This seems a whole lot more invasive than the current setup. Note the live video feed on the table.
And here is the quality. I would say we are better off and in some respects have more privacy than before. Toms images are artistry, and don't forget we are in a public space.
I am actually a little remiss that my last climb was not better documented (we climbed at the end of August when he was on break). I cherish the grainy images I have from my first time on the capitan. I would cherish newer images just as much. They may all be butt shots, but they are great buttshots.
Thank you Tom, I will donate based on the entertainment alone. And I have to say I may do my next wall at a time when I know he will be on the bridge.
|
|
elcap-pics
Big Wall climber
Crestline CA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 08:26pm PT
|
It's entertainment... nothing more... don't want to be entertained? Then don't look at the site.. your choice, no one is forcing you to read the report. More than a few people climb elCap and never get mentioned or photographed, as they requested. I don't take butt shots or people doing their own "business", so it would appear some of you are misinformed.
Many thousands of readers enjoy the site for the shots and commentary, most of which is just an attempt at simple humour. It is not an easy task to do the photography or the report, as it takes many hours in the evening and morning of each day. Many thanks to all of you who are readers of the site and if you donated over the years then that is great... if not then that is great too! Donation is not mandatory and if you got shots and didn't donate then that is fine with me... enjoy your shots as my gift to you, that's why I take them. It has been suggested that I make it into a "pay to read" website... no thanks! The Report is not about making money. That is one of the reasons don't have any advertising on the site. It is there for anyone to see, free of charge. RI or Climbing... etc usually have one issue, with several photos dedicated to Yosmeite, A YEAR! You get more than that on the Report every day, for free!!
I get a lot of email from parents, friends, family and loved ones who appreciate and find comfort in the chance to see their loved ones on ElCap and read how they are doing.
I do find it humorous that some of the biggest sprayers of hate on the Taco find the "Stick or Bail of the Day" somehow offensive!! If I wrote what you haters write on the Taco I wouldn't have a single reader left by now!!
Anyway... have to get busy on the images for the day and the Report now. Thanks to those who support my efforts to keep ElCap at the forefront of big wall climbing. See you at the Bridge!
|
|
Studly
Trad climber
WA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 09:17pm PT
|
Tom, you and El Cap report rocks. Keep up the good work and public relations you do for the climbing community.
I am a poor boy and can only contribute beer, so whats your poison?
Cobra venom?
|
|
McHale's Navy
Trad climber
From Panorama City, CA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 09:43pm PT
|
Tom, PM me your address and I'll send you a little check.
|
|
mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:02pm PT
|
Being slandered by Tom means at least you're up there.
Exactly.
|
|
GhoulweJ
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:02pm PT
|
Toms report is inspiring.
Pictures he hands the victors and victims are priceless.
The man is a living legend of El Cap passion. I look forward to his report and a few minutes of face to face hello each year.
Yeah, I donate to him... If you ask me, it's never enough, but it's something.
Tom, keep it up!
Jay Renneberg
|
|
Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:27pm PT
|
To make it easier, would it not be prudent to post a link to the donation spot in this thread?
I have it copied
here is the El Cap Reports page where the Donate Button can be located in the upper left of the page.
P.S. I will be donating to Tom momentarily
Cheers all, and thank you Tom, you inspire with every slap of the shutter
Done
|
|
E.L. "One"
Big Wall climber
Lancaster, California
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:38pm PT
|
"I do find it humorous that some of the biggest sprayers of hate on the Taco find the "Stick or Bail of the Day" somehow offensive!! If I wrote what you haters write on the Taco I wouldn't have a single reader left by now!!"
You're a Good man Tom. Damit! I'm sending another donation
Bob "Cracko" Porter
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:39pm PT
|
i dropped him a 6 pack of beers at the bridge,
a handshake and an apology for my asinine ways.
thanks tom.
i am allowed (1) donation a year.
sometimes it's public radio,
last year it was blitzo / big mike.
i appreciate your work
and this year i'll deliver some funds.
|
|
elcap-pics
Big Wall climber
Crestline CA
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:50pm PT
|
Thanks for your gift Norwegian, did you introduce yourself to me?
I am getting old and forgetful and would like to have remembered seeing you.
BUT IF ANYONE'S FUNDS ARE VERY LIMITED, I WOULD RATHER HAVE THE DONATION GO TO OTHER CLIMBERS WHO ARE REALLY IN NEED, RATHER THAN TO ME.
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 10:55pm PT
|
tom i was by last saturday,
my introduction sounded something like,
"hi. i'm chuck."
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 11:35pm PT
|
matt how did zenyatta go?
i heard you bailed and tailed
it back to your simple life?
|
|
youri
climber
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 11:40pm PT
|
I gave to Tom twice and will give more in the future !! :-) He is so constant over the years... This guy is a machine! Thanks Tom
|
|
Gene
climber
|
|
|
Jun 20, 2013 - 11:43pm PT
|
If you are like me and don't have cash to spare, Tom also takes smiles, conversation, and the occasional cigar as bona fide donations.
g
|
|
Raafie
Big Wall climber
Portland, OR
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 12:56am PT
|
Gave last year and encourage everyone who enjoys ElCapPics to contribute a little something.
Have a thick skin. Tom's sense of humor is pretty good.
In this world you have givers and takers. Tom is a giver.
|
|
Enty
Trad climber
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 01:08am PT
|
I donated when I climbed the Captain twice in 2011 - and I still look at the shots Tom gave me on a daily basis. I'll be donating again in the future.
Last year I had a non climbing friend on honeymoon in Yosemite - as soon as I realised where he was I sent him a text message to go and get Tom a six pack from The Lodge.
In 2010, after meeting and talking to Tom for all of 30 seconds I knew he had the same northern England sense of humour as me.
E
|
|
thedogfather
Trad climber
Somewhere near Red Rocks
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 10:24am PT
|
Never been on El Cap but donated last year since anyone who sees his site can appreciate the massive amount of work it takes to maintain.
|
|
ag.Fox
Trad climber
Reno, NV
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 03:25pm PT
|
Having trouble with the Paypal donation - anyone else?
|
|
Gorgeous George
Trad climber
Los Angeles, California
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 03:46pm PT
|
Jeeesopeet, or something like that.
I'm really more concerned about all the lame brains on this site that have to find something critical about someone to make themselves feel better. El Cap-Pics is about the best way of climbing the Captain other than climbing it.
I'm an older climber (still young at 58 - tomorrow), and have attempted El Capitan a few times without success, and love the vicarious enjoyment I get of seeing people way up on the wall in places I'll probably never get to. And I'm sure I'm not alone.
IMHO Tom has found a great outlet in keeping involved in climbing after reaching an age where your body just won't do it anymore. We are not all gifted in gracefully aging so we can still climb 5.12 in our 60's (Werner). But the climbing bug is hard to kill, it lives on in us in many ways. Tom brings us dramatic pictures of people in action, putting it out there. I LOVE IT.
It's been at least 15 years (hard to remember now) since I climbed Tacquitz with Tom, and every time I go to Yosemite I love to go to the bridge and look through his telescopic lens at folks high on the wall. I have a beautiful picture of climbers high up on the wall with a full moon right behind them, which almost everyone who sees it makes positive comments.
Like Tom says, if you don't like it, don't clic on to the site. Your prerogative.
|
|
Lambone
Big Wall climber
Ashland, Or
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 05:31pm PT
|
Pretty hard to not like Tom once you've met him in person. I suspect most people making the negative comments have judge Tom soley based on his internet personality. And really that says more about them then Tom...
|
|
Lennox
climber
just southwest of the center of the universe
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2013 - 08:14pm PT
|
I'd rather be an ignominious bail of the day than an anonymous cubicle puke.
|
|
| Messages 1 - 47 of total 47 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!