Pitlamp
Well-known member
Dear caving colleagues,
I've spent quite a while today pondering on a possible way forward over that stumbling bock of the slogan regarding the recent conservation initiative. The originators clearly still like it - and admittedly it's probably done loads of good in many intangible ways. Many other experienced cavers have reservations about the "doubt" aspect however - and these reservations are not going to go away. I'd not want it to - but this concern could start to have adverse effects on the main aims of the scheme.
As is often the case in such situations, maybe a slight compromise would be the way forwards? I've tried to come up with the most minor of tweaks to the original slogan. How about, simply:
Rubbish lying about? Bring it out!
This looks so similar to the original version I bet many folk wouldn't even notice. I honestly can't see how any reasonable caver could take issue with these six words. This would also leave the interpretation of what actually constitutes unwanted rubbish usefully open. We can carry on our wonderful discussions about just who has responsibility for verifying what is and isn't wanted separately on the forum and the slightly amended slogan could then stand unchallenged - so we can all get on with conservation work unhindered and with renewed vigour.
What's not to like? I have huge respect for my fellow cavers who came up with this scheme, for the very best of reasons. I'm keen that we find a way forwards so that everyone can throw their weight behind the initiative, unreservedly.
Finally - one plea. Some may still dislike the above idea, others may be willing to go along with it. But how about those with strong views maybe mull this over first? Perhaps sleep on it, before commenting either way?
Oh, one other "final" point - it may be that someone's already come up with these words and I've missed it in all the kerfuffle. If so, you have my humble apology.
Best wishes all.
I've spent quite a while today pondering on a possible way forward over that stumbling bock of the slogan regarding the recent conservation initiative. The originators clearly still like it - and admittedly it's probably done loads of good in many intangible ways. Many other experienced cavers have reservations about the "doubt" aspect however - and these reservations are not going to go away. I'd not want it to - but this concern could start to have adverse effects on the main aims of the scheme.
As is often the case in such situations, maybe a slight compromise would be the way forwards? I've tried to come up with the most minor of tweaks to the original slogan. How about, simply:
Rubbish lying about? Bring it out!
This looks so similar to the original version I bet many folk wouldn't even notice. I honestly can't see how any reasonable caver could take issue with these six words. This would also leave the interpretation of what actually constitutes unwanted rubbish usefully open. We can carry on our wonderful discussions about just who has responsibility for verifying what is and isn't wanted separately on the forum and the slightly amended slogan could then stand unchallenged - so we can all get on with conservation work unhindered and with renewed vigour.
What's not to like? I have huge respect for my fellow cavers who came up with this scheme, for the very best of reasons. I'm keen that we find a way forwards so that everyone can throw their weight behind the initiative, unreservedly.
Finally - one plea. Some may still dislike the above idea, others may be willing to go along with it. But how about those with strong views maybe mull this over first? Perhaps sleep on it, before commenting either way?
Oh, one other "final" point - it may be that someone's already come up with these words and I've missed it in all the kerfuffle. If so, you have my humble apology.
Best wishes all.