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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Listening Point - General Discussion How did you first hear about BWCA.com? |
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08/25/2016 09:03PM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
This BWCA.com has been available for years. I first encountered it only 4 years ago through a Google search for lake trout fishing in Quetico Lake. Now one of my favorites,, and have even had crew members join us through the site from as far away as Israel. How did other first encounter and discover this great site?
"I shall return" General Douglas McArthur
08/26/2016 07:28AM
According to my profile it was 2004 when I joined officially but I was participating for a year or two before that. I think I was initially a member of canoecountry.com, joined there when I as researching my very first BWCAW trip in the late 90's. One day in the early 2000's I happened upon this site by accident. To tell the truth it was pretty dead, really not much valuable info but while the others I belonged to (canoe country and Quiet journey) sort of died down over time this one has steadily grown and increased significantly in the info posted/shared.
The other 2 websites were so far ahead of this one, but in my opinion they policed themselves to death. Over the years there became cliques of original members that were unintentionally unwelcoming to new members. There was no tolerance to asking the same questions, such as if someone asked "what do you do for an anchor." Inevitably old time members would post do a search we just talked about this 3 days ago...not very welcoming and these posts have no concept of the web... That at any given moment thousands of different people are looking and even similar questions will generate different answers or discussions so they all have value.
Also more controversial members were often kicked off or what I would call close to harassed off. Take Kanoes...I didn't always see eye to eye, maybe rolled my eyes a few times but I mostly enjoyed the banter---he was run off of Quiet Journey by the clique. There was no tolerance to other opinions.
That's my opinion of why most of the other sites have basically died off while this one grows exponentially and why it really is the only one I use anymore.
T
The other 2 websites were so far ahead of this one, but in my opinion they policed themselves to death. Over the years there became cliques of original members that were unintentionally unwelcoming to new members. There was no tolerance to asking the same questions, such as if someone asked "what do you do for an anchor." Inevitably old time members would post do a search we just talked about this 3 days ago...not very welcoming and these posts have no concept of the web... That at any given moment thousands of different people are looking and even similar questions will generate different answers or discussions so they all have value.
Also more controversial members were often kicked off or what I would call close to harassed off. Take Kanoes...I didn't always see eye to eye, maybe rolled my eyes a few times but I mostly enjoyed the banter---he was run off of Quiet Journey by the clique. There was no tolerance to other opinions.
That's my opinion of why most of the other sites have basically died off while this one grows exponentially and why it really is the only one I use anymore.
T
08/30/2016 06:44AM
Ahead of a first return trip to the area since '76 or so, I was poking around the interwebs trying to get my arms around some gear concerns and stumbled on it. Continues to be a valuable source of information for us.
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” - Henry David Thoreau
08/30/2016 02:43PM
Someone posted a reference to bwca.com on canoecountry.com . I believe it was about 2003-2004, because on our 2005 trip we ran into someone from "the canoe board" as we were entering Adams Lake and they were going into Boulder. We each knew about some dude named "bogwalker", but not each other. That's because I (and OneMatch/jstroke) were mostly on CCBB and the other guy ("ND Canoe"?) was on this board.
"Enjoy every sandwich"
08/30/2016 02:47PM
Google in 2014 when I was looking into a spring 2015 trip and wanted to find out about ice out dates and fishing regs in the BWCA.
“It is clearly absurd to limit the term 'education' to a person's formal schooling.” - Murray Rothbard
08/30/2016 03:42PM
I heard about it from Spartan1, my husband, who was a member before me. He lurks on these sites but rarely posts. I am not cut out to function in that manner, so I got more openly involved. We were both members of Quiet Journey first, and still are. We made some of our best canoe country friends there. I will refrain from arguing about the disparaging remarks above concerning QJ, some of which I think are quite correct and some of which are inaccurate, and keep my post positive only.
I have been a member here for more than ten years and, like mr. barley, I have also wasted countless hours here. I have learned here, made friends here, and sometimes ruffled feathers here. It probably is for others to decide if I have contributed anything of value.
I have been a member here for more than ten years and, like mr. barley, I have also wasted countless hours here. I have learned here, made friends here, and sometimes ruffled feathers here. It probably is for others to decide if I have contributed anything of value.
08/30/2016 06:17PM
Been a "Member" under this name since 2007. I actually started out for a few years under a different profile, probably about 2003-2004? Changed name since I lost my password and since most of my paddling is in the Ozarks.
But, to the original question. I did an internet search to find this site. I had been on two other BWCAW sites, but couldn't seem to break into the "Cliques?" Thought maybe a different site may be better? Third time was the "Charm," I guess?
But, to the original question. I did an internet search to find this site. I had been on two other BWCAW sites, but couldn't seem to break into the "Cliques?" Thought maybe a different site may be better? Third time was the "Charm," I guess?
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
08/30/2016 07:03PM
Researching for a trip after a long hiatus. We had only been to Quetico and knew very little about the Boundary Waters. Searched on Google for info and this web site came up. I was #1236 to join the website.
"Half the things you read on the internet are false"-Abraham Lincoln
08/30/2016 08:41PM
A case of mistaken identify, sort of, and got here in pretty much same way as many others who've posted. I'd been on another forum for quite a while and wanting some information about something in Quetico, I decided to Google it to get me to anything quicker than just going through all the threads. When I got here, I at first thought the other forum had been rearranged into nice discrete categories of posts. Took me a short time to realize it was different. I seldom go to other message board anymore. BWCA.com is the best!
08/30/2016 08:42PM
Found it when I was researching lakes for a trip several years ago. Lurked for a while, did not post as I felt others had more experience, and I'm not very outgoing. Love the friendliness, the info, the variety of topics, and people's willingness to share what does and does not work for them.
08/31/2016 01:00AM
I was looking for some used gear on-line and found the site. Have spent a lot of night shifts on-line and having a 'hoot!' Back in early 2009. The girls are on their cell phones and I am on BWCA.com! Thanx! Adam!
Joy is a great teacher, but so is dispair. Wonder is a great teacher, but so is confusion. Hope is a great teacher, but so is disillusionment. And life is a great teacher, but so is death. To deny yourself any of those in any aspect is not experiencing life totally.
08/31/2016 09:54AM
Happened onto this site while researching for my first BWCA trip, a couple years later I decided to post my extensive trip report, appreciated the feedback, and got involved. Lots of substantive advice here for all things canoe country and outdoors and some really nice folks.
aka HermitThrush "Such sights as this are reserved for those who will suffer to behold them." -Eric Sevareid
08/31/2016 11:47AM
Also probably Google. I joined in 2007/2008 while planning for a trip in 2008. After that trip I disappeared for a couple years before returning to research a trip in 2011. The site has been part of my routine of websites I visit ever since.
When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known. - Sigurd F. Olson, "The Singing Wilderness"
08/31/2016 07:54PM
After my first trip to BW I was researching, buying books, exploring websites and this one was the one I kept returning to. I was learning so much and enjoying this site to the point I signed on. I thought I would be able to contribute to the site more than I have as I was tripping and getting experience, but the truth is I came here to mostly learn and get to know the people and their opinions. When I first joined I remember lots of joking and having fun with stuff like "portage monkeys" and portagers wearing kilts and other teasing. Do we do less of that now or does it just seem like it to me? It really crushed me when we lost kanoes. I know of other great former members that have passed on but somehow I caught the flying moose fever from Jan. I never met the man but was affected by the way he contributed, ticked off, helped, and loved his fellow bwca.com members. I have met Suncatcher, nctry, and a few others at Canoecopias over the years so I know there are many fine folks to carry on this wonderful site.
Some physical issues have cropped up that are slowing me down some but overall life is going well enough for me to continue on pretty well with just about everything except real heavy duty stuff like my BW canoe camping trips the last two years. Goal is to get back for a trip next spring. I keep checking in here to fill the void and continue to learn and keep up with some really fine people.
Some physical issues have cropped up that are slowing me down some but overall life is going well enough for me to continue on pretty well with just about everything except real heavy duty stuff like my BW canoe camping trips the last two years. Goal is to get back for a trip next spring. I keep checking in here to fill the void and continue to learn and keep up with some really fine people.
My superhero name is TYPOMAN. Writer of wrongs.
09/01/2016 08:17AM
quote Canoearoo: "I was on the CCBB and Jackfish invited me to join him and some of the others on bwca.com . It was a long time ago before I had any kids..July 2003"
I don't know how you remember that stuff, but now that you mention it, I do sort of recall inviting you and a bunch of CCBB friends over here. Lots of changes in 13 years, huh? :)
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
09/01/2016 08:23AM
quote Jackfish: "quote Canoearoo: "I was on the CCBB and Jackfish invited me to join him and some of the others on bwca.com . It was a long time ago before I had any kids..July 2003"
I don't know how you remember that stuff, but now that you mention it, I do sort of recall inviting you and a bunch of CCBB friends over here. Lots of changes in 13 years, huh? :)"
it was in lunch room chat.... right after the "real Jackfish" chatroom shenanigans
Life jackets float, you don't!
09/01/2016 05:44PM
Looking for an alternative outfitter to BSA Northern Tier. Was not impressed with my first contact with the staff at NT and decided to look around on the internet for general information about BWCA. The forum really helped and our Troop eventually decided to use a private outfitter with complete satisfaction. (North Country Canoe Outfitters)
09/04/2016 01:22PM
I'm old. I am allowed to fergit, right?
I think I got frustrated trying to log in to QJ
Long ago I forgot my password and there was something about money required. I can lurk there today. I still dont know who I am there
so it must have been googlerescue
I think I got frustrated trying to log in to QJ
Long ago I forgot my password and there was something about money required. I can lurk there today. I still dont know who I am there
so it must have been googlerescue
09/05/2016 04:12PM
Not exactly sure of the first time. I do remember about 5-6 years ago every time I searched anything BWCA the first result would be a list of links to posts on BWCA.COM. I was reluctant to join as I can't stand social media but after a year I couldn't take not being able to help others the same way others had helped me.
"Leave it as it is.....The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it." Theodore Roosevelt
09/12/2016 12:09AM
Was looking for portage pads a few years back. Found a nice set in the for sale forum. Contacted the guy, agreed on a price and exchanged via mail. No hassles, both able to trust each other having never met etc. Decided this place had some good people and became a member.
03/18/2017 07:27AM
Like Howie, I used to post on canoecountry.com (since 1999, I believe) It was a GREAT site. A board with lots of experienced paddlers, sharing tons of good information. Because of a lack of moderation, it went WAY, WAY down hill, almost to the point of extinction. It was always a chore to re-subscribe to network 54 so I quit it altogether. Actually, Howie is still the main poster there at a rate of about 1 post per day ;-) He tries to keep it alive.
Don't recall how long I have been here, but it seemed like the next best place after canoecountry.com I'm happy to be here and very happy that there is good moderation and a good board owner!
Don't recall how long I have been here, but it seemed like the next best place after canoecountry.com I'm happy to be here and very happy that there is good moderation and a good board owner!
“The more you know, the less you carry” Mors Kochanski
03/19/2017 02:11PM
It's my 10th year and I'm pretty sure I was researching a route when it came up. One of my first posts was a picture submitted for the monthly contest. I didn't realize there are different themes each month and my generic off theme pic was greeted with a slap on the wrist by a character named Kanoes. Thus our rocky relationship began.
"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw
03/19/2017 03:54PM
A google search of the BWCA, and this site comes up first every time.
Lurked a while, and then jumped in w/two feet on the posting.
Lurked a while, and then jumped in w/two feet on the posting.
“The Wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask.” - Nancy Newhall
03/20/2017 08:32AM
quote hobbydog: "Back in 2010 I was doing some research for work when I found the site. "
Boy, I want your job. lol.
Me? I accidentally googled kanoes... Haha. Acually I was doing some canoe country searching and first it was solotripping, then quiet journey, then here. This is the most active site by far solotripping got to be too much for Harlan, quietjourney has great people, But not real active... This site is crazy good.
Nctry
03/20/2017 04:18PM
I believe that I was cruising the web looking for trip reports. I stumbled across this site. I only read trip reports for a few months before joining the site.
LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/
03/20/2017 08:06PM
quote nctry: "quote hobbydog: "Back in 2010 I was doing some research for work when I found the site. "
Boy, I want your job. lol.
"
Some wingnight you will have to ask me what the research was about. :-)
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
03/21/2017 09:48AM
quote WonderMonkey: "Google.com. I was searching for BWCA forums and this was listed first."
+1 - the forms always come up first for me in my searches still...guess i shouldn't doubt the depth and wealth of knowledge that's been shared here!
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
03/21/2017 10:20AM
Member since 2008, but lurked around since summer 2006. Probably came across this site through google looking for info on my first trip that summer. As others have stated, several hours/days/weeks/months of my existence have been spent on this wonderful resource. Need to make a donation.
Jonesy
Jonesy
03/21/2017 11:00AM
quote mirth: "Also probably Google. I joined in 2007/2008 while planning for a trip in 2008. After that trip I disappeared for a couple years before returning to research a trip in 2011. The site has been part of my routine of websites I visit ever since."
When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known. - Sigurd F. Olson, "The Singing Wilderness"
03/21/2017 06:40PM
Like others, I came here from other boards. I'm a member of most of them, but to be honest, it is too hard to keep up on all other boards, so I just try to use this one.
There are other planning sites that are better, but this site has FANTASTIC information and pretty good folks....
There are other planning sites that are better, but this site has FANTASTIC information and pretty good folks....
03/21/2017 06:42PM
quote Jackfish: "quote Canoearoo: "I was on the CCBB and Jackfish invited me to join him and some of the others on bwca.com . It was a long time ago before I had any kids..July 2003"
I don't know how you remember that stuff, but now that you mention it, I do sort of recall inviting you and a bunch of CCBB friends over here. Lots of changes in 13 years, huh? :)"
I prob moved over from your invite........
03/23/2017 01:46PM
Found "bwca.com" planning a trip to the boundary waters in February of 2002. Paid some guy in the Ukraine a good chuck of money for the domain name, and the adventure without boundaries began. And it would not be the same without the many wonderful members and moderators who have participated on the site and local gathering over the years.
Adam
Adam
03/23/2017 03:11PM
Google search while contemplating a return to canoe country after a 15 year hiatus (how did I ever go so long between trips?! Now I can't stand it if I don't get in multiple trips in a year)
Lurked for a couple of years.
Finally signed up right before our second trip with kids back in 2011. Met both Mocha and Nctry on that trip. Have met numerous members since that summer.
Have made a ton of great friends on this site and learned a lot. Still lurk far more than post.
I always know it's been a busy week at work if I haven't visited bwca.com at least once or twice. Sadly that happens a lot these days.
Thanks to Adam for creating this place for all of us. And thanks to all of the members and moderators throughout the years who have contributed to this community. I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people...life long friends and canoeing buds.
Lurked for a couple of years.
Finally signed up right before our second trip with kids back in 2011. Met both Mocha and Nctry on that trip. Have met numerous members since that summer.
Have made a ton of great friends on this site and learned a lot. Still lurk far more than post.
I always know it's been a busy week at work if I haven't visited bwca.com at least once or twice. Sadly that happens a lot these days.
Thanks to Adam for creating this place for all of us. And thanks to all of the members and moderators throughout the years who have contributed to this community. I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people...life long friends and canoeing buds.
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