Hey gang,

A couple days ago I heard an interview with Aaron Ralston on the local radio station. He was plugging his book (big surprise there!) "Between a Rock and a Hard Place".

I know we had quite a fiasco between his supporters, ETS and the forum awhile back, but I was actually impressed by how he represented himself in the interview, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. He admitted that he screwed up and didn't take simple precautions like letting people know where he was going and such, and he didn't try to make any excuses for it, for which I give him alot of credit.

Not to mention that I cannot even fathom breaking the bones in my arm and then cutting it off with my leatherman. I honestly have no idea if I could do that.

I haven't read the book yet, or seen it in stores, but I probably will read it when I do manage to find it, when I probably wouldn't have before, based on the negative experiences I saw with his supporters on ETS.

Trying to keep an open mind...

Greg

I also saw several interviews on T.V. The only issue of merit here was Mr Ralston's lawyer trying to censor free speech. Our society with multiple 'reality' shows, tabloid journalism and urban mythology isn't satisfied with real time coverage. We have to validate the real event with the unreality of T.V. docudramas, book deals and social reward-money and fame for being dumb or unlucky. The indians understood this. Trickster Coyote was both a wise and powerfull entity and equal idiot in their stories. People used to grow or make things; food, riding boots or poems. Now we hope to win the lottery or parley misfortune into benefit. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Greg, I agree.

I think anyone who has the will to survive like he showed has something potentially important to say about the experience.

In the book stores full of entertainment biographies and loads of utter sheit not to mention tv full of fake reality wannbes this book is as real and raw as it gets. I for one will be reading it.

I don't fault the man for making a buck either. Unlike other armchair survivors and irrelevant to life topics this deserves the money spent in my opinion.

For what its worth.

Flip

Oh, dear. Here we go again.

I saw the interviews, too. And yes, he came across as nice, likeable, and respesented himself as having made a mistake. No argument there. He is most probably a nice guy who got into a bad situation, and took drastic measures to come out alive. And therein lies the drama of his story. I have no quarrel with him.

With his lawyers/publicity people, however.......

What they did round here smacked of crass consumerism and greed. Shameless.

Aaron (if I may be allowed to use your name), I wish you all the best in future. I do not know if I could do what you did if in the same situation. I'd love to see you join into our conversation round here - add to our base of knowledge of how to survive. You offer a unique perspective. You will find a receptive, and yes, cordial, audience. Just keep the suits at bay.

All the best,

.....CLIFF

Gentlemen,

A few thoughts,

As free and open as this forum is, it's not a democracy; it's a very benevolent tyranny. And, our benefactor is Doug. Aron Ralston had a very interesting story. We all discussed his situation. He was not kind to Doug; more precisely, he was very heavy handed. Believe me, I do not lightly entertain the prospect of discussing legal situations on line. Nonetheless, I could not in all good conscience, let Doug proceed blindly without counsel. Fortunately Doug had already consulted good counsel specializing in intellectual property. Subsequently, hostilities did subside.

I am sure we would all love to hear more from Mr. Aron Ralston, but only after he has made his peace with Doug.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

John

P.S. I've been busy lately, but it's good finally to have some free time and be back.

Yep, it's pretty sad the way our society is currently evolving.

Aaron Ralston is anything but heavy handed <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

We complain about agressive lawyers until we need the pibull on our side. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Flip

1. Having only one arm, the guy probably needs some income.

2. I'll save my sympathy for the people who don't deliberately put themselves in dangerous situations.

So..... has Cody Lundin got anything new out?

'Pup

Pup,

Kinda harsh huh.

MAybe he does need money who doesn't. Maybe he wants to share his story as well. Maybe some want to hear his story.

Did he make mistakes that cost him his arm? Yes

Did he go climbing that day with the intention of self amputation? Think not!

WOuld you have the courage to do the same? Well, we will never know will we because you never make mistakes apparently. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Flip

The schmucks that go whitewater canoeing or kayaking without a life jacket probably don't intend to drown.

The folks that skydive but don't remember to release their first twisted 'chute before they pull the cord on their second probably don't intend to splat themselves on the ground.

Drivers who drive with a 3.0 BAC probably don't intend to kill themselves or someone else.

Guys who stop on the railroad tracks and taunt an oncoming train & then stall out when they gun the engine probably didn't have that intention, either.

The people who deliberately tempt fate by indulging in dangerous hobbies simply don't get my sympathy. If they think the rules of common sense don't apply to them, or the laws of physics don't apply to them, fine. But don't ask me to buy their book, watch their shows, make donations or, in general, pay much attention to them.

The train ain't gonna jump the rails just to go around ME, and I know it.

Of course, if A.R. lived in Florida, he wouldn't get your sympathy either, right?

'Pup, who thinks driving is dangerous enough! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />