BASE Forum Paradigm Shift
It's become clear that a statistically significant number of actual and aspiring BASE jumpers have become disillusioned with the moderation and general content of BJ.com, I among them. Just a brief analysis of the post view counters shows that traffic is shifting to where BASE jumpers know the knowledge lies - BLiNC Magazine.
Let me predicate this by saying that I am not, nor have I ever been, a Tom hater. I like Tom personally, and as I have said to many of my friends – the man has never done me wrong. And until someone disappoints me, lies to me, or otherwise fucks me over, they are welcome at my exit point. I also do not fault my friends who have a history with Tom and can’t stand the dude. They have their reasons and I fully respect that. I tolerated BJ.com with Tom’s moderation. Didn’t agree with his banning of certain BASE jumpers who held a ridiculous wealth of knowledge, but the site was tolerable…primarily for the scope of its reach with like-minded individuals from our little niche. He managed to avoid allowing someone, for instance, who had been registered for a week to disrespect people who had been in the sport for years. Most of us who actually jump respect others in the sport on merit alone, even if we dislike them. There are BASE jumpers I admire enormously for their skills, however, I’d still pimp slap them given the opportunity. Then we’d drink Patron. And I can assure you that there are plenty of BASE jumpers who would love to reciprocate.
This brings me to the optimistic nature of this post and what I see as a very promising future for BLiNC Magazine.
Mick has poured his all to create an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly site. The site is frequented by some of the best BASE jumpers on the planet. One of the moderators is Johnny Utah - universally accepted in the BASE community as a subject-matter expert. And a hell of a nice guy. We also have a rigger, 2 PG pilots, and MAC for the UK voice in matters. BASE jumpers – active ones – all.
This site has the reputation of being harsh, a flame-fest even. I haven’t seen as much of that recently and others have taken note as well. The Beginner’s Forum is heavily moderated and flame-free. Sure, we have some throw-downs elsewhere in the forums. Mine and Abbie’s was epic. But guess what – he was crashed on my couch like a week after that. That’s how big boys roll. When we have a passionate position regarding the sport we love, we throw it out there. And we’ll stand toe-to-toe until someone comes out right.
Occasionally someone comes along who gets called out. Maybe they’re young, or psychotic, or just a dumbass. And maybe they get their feelings hurt. I’m sure anyone would agree that it’s better to see a kid get ass-hurt than to see him on THE LIST. It is far less important to coddle them in the interest of corporate, traffic-driven profits.
In the spirit of this shift of fortune for BLiNC, I intend to donate some of my time and talents to further the advancement of what is, has been, and will continue to be, a priceless asset to the sport we love.
I’m beginning a work I’m calling the Newbie Chronicles that will put to print the experiences of my first year of BASE. Some background, some war stories, and what happened when a thirty-something Army Officer decided to jump off a bridge and continue on to other objects and adventures. I look forward to relating stories of the many new friends met that year; characters all. Their identities will only be revealed with permission. Some choose to be anonymous, not so they will be sniffed out as unqualified or anything, but legitimately for BASE.
It will be posted in the newbie forum. I hope that it will be entertaining and insightful to those lurkers who have that fire…the fire we all had…before we stepped off the first time, as well as the inferno thereafter.
Tell your friends.
(Oh, did I mention that I’m actually a published novelist? Google me. I don’t need to do this OR offer to show my titties for you mooks to gain acceptance.)
Hugs and Kisses,
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Originally Posted by Para_Frog
And he calls himself a jumper. ha
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