AlaTrails this spring

[Magic City Matt]

Lot's of big things on the horizon for Alatrails this spring. I figured I would give you guys a heads up on the things I have been working on.

#1 Trails Database - This has been my favorite project for the last few weeks. Basically this will be a member contributive database of trail guides. It will be I feel a really great social site for those of you super genius types who know tons of things about the trails here to get noticed for your intimate knowledge about the trails and a good way for those of us who are new to things to learn about what is out there.

#2 Trail Condition Alert System - Tying in with the trails Database will be the Trail Condition Alert System which will alert members to conditions on trails they are planning outings on and trail maintainers about hazards. This too will be a member contributive system.

#3 Contests - We will be holding contests with some cool prizes and lots of karma involved so pay close attention because when the race is on it will be fast and furious.

#4 Leadership Elections - Well we are starting to get to the point where I will have to set Alatrails out on it's own because it is getting to big for me to handle all by myself but I didn't want to just enforce upon anyone who I think should be the leaders for you so we are going to hold elections. Start thinking now about who you would like running the show around here. We will be electing Trail Guide Experts, Forum Moderators, Calendar Keepers, and perhaps a few positions of stature.

#5 ItsaSecret - There are all kinds of surprises in store this spring with events other things so keep your eyes open and check back often because there are quite a few tricks up my sleeve that I have yet to unveil.

Let me know what you think

Matthew

[Nalgene Ninja]

I love the idea of the trail database. Questions like where to get water on the Pihoti? And where and how far between campsites in the Sipsey are ones that need answering.

[Joshua Szulecki]

All excellent moves.

What format is the trail database going to take?

[Lostsheep]

I'm seconding the trail database. Sounds like an excellent idea...but have you looked at trails.com? It's a subscription based site that has detailed trail listings for most states. I've let my subscription lapse and haven't worried about upgrading.

Also, w/ these new elections, you aren't leaving are you? I mean, you're not going to set this up, throw us in there and then ditch us and let this go down the chute, right??

Sound fun, I'm looking forward to it.

[Magic City Matt]

I'm seconding the trail database. Sounds like an excellent idea...but have you looked at trails.com? It's a subscription based site that has detailed trail listings for most states. I've let my subscription lapse and haven't worried about upgrading.

Trails.com is excellent. I am not real fond of their topo maps though.
This database will be a little more dynamic but most likely not as all encompassing as trails.com. I plan on covering Alabama trails only. I do not have the funds or the time to deal with a national level project right now.
This DB will be free to all as well. The content will be reviewed by the members and corrected as we discover changes in trails. I feel it will be a much more thorough and up to date system than most.

What format is the trail database going to take?

The site will be based on the new drupal 6 engine the forums will remain as they are with the trail journal and maps and trail info sections removed and put into the internal drupal blogging engine

Also, w/ these new elections, you aren't leaving are you? I mean, you're not going to set this up, throw us in there and then ditch us and let this go down the chute, right??

Heck no, I am not leaving. With a note from my personal life: I am going to be right here in this state for the next 6 years at least. I have never been as excited about anything as I have been with AlaTrails. To me it is my little way of contributing to the community and it feeds my need for a social outlet based on real life skills and fun hobbies like Hiking/backpacking.

I will always play the role of gracious host here but I might need some help form other along the way. Like I say I just didn't want to do all the choosing for everyone. I figured it would be more democratic of me to hold elections based on the needs the site has to be filled.


Matthew

[lawnmowwer]

 Sounds Great!!! In the words of Tony the Tiger.

[Cuffs]

I love the idea of the trail database. Questions like where to get water on the Pihoti? And where and how far between campsites in the Sipsey are ones that need answering.

Pinhottrailallia nce.org will answer your first question and there are no designated campsites in Sipsey.  Use a map wheel to figure out your own distances.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Thanks for the tip Cuffs.

[lawnmowwer]

 I have to agree with Jaybird on this one, but I think We might need to state an agenda to let new member know what We are about.
Don't kill Me yet.

 I was thinking something like.
   
   We exist to promote responsible, safe, and lasting backcountry friendships. Provide reliable backcountry information, and Provide a forum for open discussion by anyone on social, environmental, and other backcountry related topics.

I am not very articulate so this is just an idea. Someone else could do a better job with this one than Me.
It might be a bad one but it's just an idea.   

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'd just keep it simple. Helping people find trails to hike on, and people to join them, and jawing about.

[lawnmowwer]

 Maybe I thought to much, and like I said could just be a bad idea. I'm willing to admit that.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Lawnmowwer,

I don't think you overthought it at all. In fact, I think it sounds pretty good, in light of what's been said in this thread.

In general,

I too second Jaybird's request that Alatrails stay agenda-free. It seems like every group eventually feels the need to over-organize, and adopt some sort of a cause. Both are dangerous trends. Over-organization leaves to people inside and outside the "group" which in turn leads to chafing, resentment, and ultimately people seeking out a new group. Adopting a cause often leads to a blinding effect, where only the cause becomes important, and discussion, activities, and behavior all end up following the cause. Those who don't agree with the majority's (or at least the control group) interpretation of the cause are pushed aside.

Keep Alatrails simple. No more organization than is absolutely needed. Users should feel free to discuss any causes they might be involved with, but trying to foist a cause on a larger group will ultimately decrease the size of the group.

Cuffs (and take note Matt, stuff applicable to you in here),

I love that while we are fawning over the idea of a trails database, you suggest a map wheel! It actually raises something that I think would be VERY helpful. First, it would be great if some knowledgeable Alatrailer (that sounds TERRIBLE) would compile an article (actually, a formal articles section might be a good idea, too) on how to navigate using a map, compass, map wheel, gps, etc... The last thing we want to do is make a trails database sending people into the wilderness with no idea what to do if they get lost!!!

[Magic City Matt]

I have to agree with Jaybird on this one, but I think We might need to state an agenda to let new member know what We are about.
Don't kill Me yet.

Alatrails really has no agenda so much. If anything it is a dynamic agenda that changes based on the membership.

Here is our mission statement

"The primary function of AlaTrails is to provide to provide an open, robust channel of communication between all groups and individuals for the means of exchanging information about the state's various trail systems."

That is it. Now that is not to say that the members of AlaTrails cannot organize events and their own charitable functions or even form their own groups using AlaTrails for organizing themselves. I am perfectly happy with groups like AHTS and Pinhoti Trail alliance promoting themselves and their events here. This should all be welcomed and encouraged.

Matthew

[Joshua Szulecki]

Matthew,

You have that posted somewhere, right? I could have sworn I've seen it somewhere.

PS, you forgot an apostrophe in there. 

[Magic City Matt]

PS, you forgot an apostrophe in there. 

MEH Law students

 

[Joshua Szulecki]

Hey, I couldn't tell if you were talking about Alabama, or the United States of America. 

[Rob]

Gee, I sure hope this doesn't end up like some of the other sites I used to frequent. You know, the "big wheels" of the forum trumping the opinions of others because only their opinions count, intimidating those who are less familiar with the topic, thereby stifling the possibility that everyone still has some valid input no matter how small of a contribution it may be. Oh....O.K. I think you get the point..... Matthew you have done an outstanding job at getting this forum up and running, and you have consistently  asked for our opinions and input, I would really like to see this NOT change to the degree that those basic premises change drastically.    Trail Friend....Rob

[lawnmowwer]

 I guess I got a reaction. It was not intended that way. I think Matthews mission statement is a good one. Maybe just stick with it. Seems to be working pretty good. If I stepped on any toes I am sorry. The good news is some of us are showing signs that this is important to us (Me included), and that is good.
 
 It might be a good time to say this. So I will.  We want to have a great place to go and interact with other outdoors people, and I assume to form friendships with those people (at least I do).  So the more people We get. The better chance someone will get offended. As friends We should agree to disagree with each other at some point. Because it will happen someday.

I think We all want basically the samething here. I also think everyones opinions and various experience is valuable. In his own words Jaybird has had some bad experiences so He should have some very good input.

Oh, Thanks again Matthew.

[Magic City Matt]

Gee, I sure hope this doesn't end up like some of the other sites I used to frequent. You know, the "big wheels" of the forum trumping the opinions of others because only their opinions count, intimidating those who are less familiar with the topic, thereby stifling the possibility that everyone still has some valid input no matter how small of a contribution it may be.

I will try to put as many physical barriers in the way of any body trying to bury the opinions of others. The main thing to utilize in that arena will be the election system. For the position of moderators and trail guide experts you might seriously want to consider who is going to be the most likely to defend your right to free speech. I will be putting my faith in the elected official on here because it is you who are choosing them. I will only step in if the situation becomes abusive or someone is at risk of getting hurt from the actions of those officials.
Understand also that being a moderator and an editor is a tough job with almost no reward other than people complaining. In the end the jobs only benefit is knowing that you have eased  someones ability to find the information they need, helped preserve the opinion of someone who is not as willing to speak up for them self, or kept the peace if for only a little while. That is the only thing that makes it really worth it.

I think We all want basically the samething here.

I think you are absolutely right. We all just want to feel free to express ourselves and not have some dogma getting in the way of that.
Like I say, I am not opposed to any of the clubs and groups having their own opinions about things and sharing those opinions here. In fact it should be encouraged, but AlaTrails itself will remain neutral on these opinions.

Matthew

[lawnmowwer]

 I agree. I was just trying to get people to think about what We are and want to be. I thought my statement was basically neutral, and wanted to see what others thought. Even though I didn't get the result intended. I was very glade We are so passionate about this project. I was at Alabama small boats today and I think they are going to help use promote the white water section. I will run by next week and talk to they again and drop a flier.