We read the Pungent One's comment as a call for action, and endorse it as such. For the sake of argument (or avoiding one), assume that the meaning of letterboxing is completely subjective, and is created by each of us simply through the act of doing something we regard as letterboxing. Letterboxing is whatever you want it to be, let's say. If the majority of what is thereby created constitutes a debris field of easy-to-find tupperware containing stamps that flew off a belt in China, so it will be. What the majority is, or does, in this game doesn't really matter to the game itself if we each create the game's meaning ourselves, and let's say we do. To this extent, if no more, the "One Big Tent" analogy is sound, and there is room for everybody, up to the point where someone's playing actually interferes with another's, and no one need worry whether the majority plays the same way. After all, the majority of people don't 'box at all: we are a self-determined minority of conspirators with an aim to have some fun under the radar, essentially playing by our own rules. A game played this way is like a sudden freshet released on the land, in that it will naturally form channels and eddies, and, surely, backwaters. So, if it's a definitional free-for-all, a flood on the land, His Pungency has pointed out the channel he prefers, as others recently have (admirably, we submit) with respect to mysteries. As calls to flow in these particular directions, to create boxing experiences beyond the banal, we would wish these messages to be taken to heart. Remaining true to the original premise, one cannot say there is no place for easy boxes, or for people who can't or won't hike, nor would we wish to in any event. However, it is perfectly fair to urge that those who can create or seek the extrordinary, do so, and help create what letterboxing "is". If this is what P-Bob advocates, we strongly agree. Some channels of a stream may meander easily and broaden and shoal until they slow and stagnate. Others, however, may relentlessly press on in their determined course and carve out canyons of wonder. If Bob's message doesn't interest you, so be it. We hope it does interest you, however, and spurs on those of you disposed to respond favorably to make the game extraordinary.
End of Biennial Rant.
The Weathergleamsow
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sadness
9 messages in this thread |
Started on 2006-08-27
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: Mark P. Snow (wthrglm@maine.rr.com) |
Date: 2006-08-27 21:05:56 UTC-04:00
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: (Mwverra@aol.com) |
Date: 2006-08-27 21:16:30 UTC-04:00
I have read with interest the "Sadness" chat. I agree that it is more
satisfying to take a long hike and to uncover a box. I too find this very
gratifying but like so many other boxers with young children, it's not possible for
me to do long hikes with my 4 and 2 year-old. My 4 year-old LOVES walking in
the woods and helping with me with the clues because I only choose boxes
that are appropriate for her ability and interest level.
I personally like doing the longer boxes by myself or with other adults but
I just see how much my daughter has benefited from and now has a love for the
outdoors and historical spots because of the easier ones.
I look forward to the day when I can do the long hikes up mountains with my
two kids at my side but we are a few years off and until then really
appreciate the different levels of letterboxing available...GlobeBear.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
satisfying to take a long hike and to uncover a box. I too find this very
gratifying but like so many other boxers with young children, it's not possible for
me to do long hikes with my 4 and 2 year-old. My 4 year-old LOVES walking in
the woods and helping with me with the clues because I only choose boxes
that are appropriate for her ability and interest level.
I personally like doing the longer boxes by myself or with other adults but
I just see how much my daughter has benefited from and now has a love for the
outdoors and historical spots because of the easier ones.
I look forward to the day when I can do the long hikes up mountains with my
two kids at my side but we are a few years off and until then really
appreciate the different levels of letterboxing available...GlobeBear.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: Mark P. Snow (wthrglm@maine.rr.com) |
Date: 2006-08-28 22:39:17 UTC-04:00
Sigh...
A fine rant spoilt by technological incompetence...
To continue the thoughts below:
We are a self-determined minority of conspirators playing a game, largely by our own rules. A game played this way is like a freshet released on the land: it naturally finds its own channels, eddies and, surely, backwaters. We believe His Pungency is urging us to follow a course he prefers, as have others recently, with regard to mysteries, and these calls are perfectly appropriate. We can build whatever game we want. We urge those who can attempt the extraordinary to do so -- to expand your and our perceived boundaries. So, yes, plant boxes that are hard to reach, devise clues that are hard to solve, create art that tests your ability. If people want boring boxing, they can undoubtedly create it, and it will exist for them; if we who want more vote with our hiking feet, our thinking brains and our carving hands, challeging hikes, devious puzzles and new art will come to be, too. Everyone has a right to advocate for their vision of the game, and we think calls for challenging boxing are right on. Bring them on and seek them out; press on and do something extrordinary. Some will fail, but if they really tried, they've already won the kind of game we wish to play.
The Weathergleams
----- Original Message -----
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:05 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
We read the Pungent One's comment as a call for action, and endorse it as such. For the sake of argument (or avoiding one), assume that the meaning of letterboxing is completely subjective, and is created by each of us simply through the act of doing something we regard as letterboxing. Letterboxing is whatever you want it to be, let's say. If the majority of what is thereby created constitutes a debris field of easy-to-find tupperware containing stamps that flew off a belt in China, so it will be. What the majority is, or does, in this game doesn't really matter to the game itself if we each create the game's meaning ourselves, and let's say we do. To this extent, if no more, the "One Big Tent" analogy is sound, and there is room for everybody, up to the point where someone's playing actually interferes with another's, and no one need worry whether the majority plays the same way. After all, the majority of people don't 'box at all: we are a self-dete
End of Biennial Rant.
The Weathergleamsow
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
A fine rant spoilt by technological incompetence...
To continue the thoughts below:
We are a self-determined minority of conspirators playing a game, largely by our own rules. A game played this way is like a freshet released on the land: it naturally finds its own channels, eddies and, surely, backwaters. We believe His Pungency is urging us to follow a course he prefers, as have others recently, with regard to mysteries, and these calls are perfectly appropriate. We can build whatever game we want. We urge those who can attempt the extraordinary to do so -- to expand your and our perceived boundaries. So, yes, plant boxes that are hard to reach, devise clues that are hard to solve, create art that tests your ability. If people want boring boxing, they can undoubtedly create it, and it will exist for them; if we who want more vote with our hiking feet, our thinking brains and our carving hands, challeging hikes, devious puzzles and new art will come to be, too. Everyone has a right to advocate for their vision of the game, and we think calls for challenging boxing are right on. Bring them on and seek them out; press on and do something extrordinary. Some will fail, but if they really tried, they've already won the kind of game we wish to play.
The Weathergleams
----- Original Message -----
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:05 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
We read the Pungent One's comment as a call for action, and endorse it as such. For the sake of argument (or avoiding one), assume that the meaning of letterboxing is completely subjective, and is created by each of us simply through the act of doing something we regard as letterboxing. Letterboxing is whatever you want it to be, let's say. If the majority of what is thereby created constitutes a debris field of easy-to-find tupperware containing stamps that flew off a belt in China, so it will be. What the majority is, or does, in this game doesn't really matter to the game itself if we each create the game's meaning ourselves, and let's say we do. To this extent, if no more, the "One Big Tent" analogy is sound, and there is room for everybody, up to the point where someone's playing actually interferes with another's, and no one need worry whether the majority plays the same way. After all, the majority of people don't 'box at all: we are a self-dete
End of Biennial Rant.
The Weathergleamsow
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: Team Safari (TeamSafari@msn.com) |
Date: 2006-08-29 02:04:44 UTC-04:00
Wow!! Now that's not all about SADNESS and DISTRESS about the state of
letterboxing! Very nice post! Maybe His Pungency should have you write for
him! ;-) You obviously read much more positive in his last sentence than
the sadness and distress about how it ustabe and what it oughtabe that I
read in the first 3 or 4 paragraphs!
Yes, by all means, challenge each other! That's been going on all along!
There are lots of challenging hikes and great scenery, and some of the
coolest boxes and places aren't generally apparent to the newbe or casual
boxer; you have to know somebody who lets you "in" on the box. You can take
the game to whatever form and level that you wish! That's wonderful! But
it does not require telling other boxers that we've forgotten all about the
journey and location. Raising your level of boxing does not require putting
other people's likes and preferences down, and that's what I read in the
bulk of the first post. ("What I'm 'hearing' is...") One does not need to
feel sadness and distress about the way others play the game in order to
take it to a different level or go off in another direction.
Savvy? Why, yes! Thanks for the very eloquent post. I'm glad you finished
your inspiring "rant."
I'd like to add that I don't think there is *any* fighting going on here,
for my part, just expressing of viewpoints. My response to PB's post not
meant to be inflamatory. I just wanted to express my views on what he
wrote. I get that "hey, wait a minute..." feeling and just can't help
myself.
I like it when we all play nice. :-)
Mary
Team Safari
(About as casual a 'boxer you could find.)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark P. Snow"
To:
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:39 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
> Sigh...
>
> A fine rant spoilt by technological incompetence...
>
> To continue the thoughts below:
>
> We are a self-determined minority of conspirators playing a game, largely
by our own rules. A game played this way is like a freshet released on the
land: it naturally finds its own channels, eddies and, surely, backwaters.
We believe His Pungency is urging us to follow a course he prefers, as have
others recently, with regard to mysteries, and these calls are perfectly
appropriate. We can build whatever game we want. We urge those who can
attempt the extraordinary to do so -- to expand your and our perceived
boundaries. So, yes, plant boxes that are hard to reach, devise clues that
are hard to solve, create art that tests your ability. If people want
boring boxing, they can undoubtedly create it, and it will exist for them;
if we who want more vote with our hiking feet, our thinking brains and our
carving hands, challeging hikes, devious puzzles and new art will come to
be, too. Everyone has a right to advocate for their vision of the game, and
we think calls for challenging boxing are right on. Bring them on and seek
them out; press on and do something extrordinary. Some will fail, but if
they really tried, they've already won the kind of game we wish to play.
>
> The Weathergleams
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:05 PM
> Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
>
letterboxing! Very nice post! Maybe His Pungency should have you write for
him! ;-) You obviously read much more positive in his last sentence than
the sadness and distress about how it ustabe and what it oughtabe that I
read in the first 3 or 4 paragraphs!
Yes, by all means, challenge each other! That's been going on all along!
There are lots of challenging hikes and great scenery, and some of the
coolest boxes and places aren't generally apparent to the newbe or casual
boxer; you have to know somebody who lets you "in" on the box. You can take
the game to whatever form and level that you wish! That's wonderful! But
it does not require telling other boxers that we've forgotten all about the
journey and location. Raising your level of boxing does not require putting
other people's likes and preferences down, and that's what I read in the
bulk of the first post. ("What I'm 'hearing' is...") One does not need to
feel sadness and distress about the way others play the game in order to
take it to a different level or go off in another direction.
Savvy? Why, yes! Thanks for the very eloquent post. I'm glad you finished
your inspiring "rant."
I'd like to add that I don't think there is *any* fighting going on here,
for my part, just expressing of viewpoints. My response to PB's post not
meant to be inflamatory. I just wanted to express my views on what he
wrote. I get that "hey, wait a minute..." feeling and just can't help
myself.
I like it when we all play nice. :-)
Mary
Team Safari
(About as casual a 'boxer you could find.)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark P. Snow"
To:
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:39 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
> Sigh...
>
> A fine rant spoilt by technological incompetence...
>
> To continue the thoughts below:
>
> We are a self-determined minority of conspirators playing a game, largely
by our own rules. A game played this way is like a freshet released on the
land: it naturally finds its own channels, eddies and, surely, backwaters.
We believe His Pungency is urging us to follow a course he prefers, as have
others recently, with regard to mysteries, and these calls are perfectly
appropriate. We can build whatever game we want. We urge those who can
attempt the extraordinary to do so -- to expand your and our perceived
boundaries. So, yes, plant boxes that are hard to reach, devise clues that
are hard to solve, create art that tests your ability. If people want
boring boxing, they can undoubtedly create it, and it will exist for them;
if we who want more vote with our hiking feet, our thinking brains and our
carving hands, challeging hikes, devious puzzles and new art will come to
be, too. Everyone has a right to advocate for their vision of the game, and
we think calls for challenging boxing are right on. Bring them on and seek
them out; press on and do something extrordinary. Some will fail, but if
they really tried, they've already won the kind of game we wish to play.
>
> The Weathergleams
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:05 PM
> Subject: Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
>
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: (Stellabaker123@aol.com) |
Date: 2006-08-29 08:44:29 UTC-04:00
Good response.
STAR:W+S=DRR
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
STAR:W+S=DRR
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: (RMORGAN762@aol.com) |
Date: 2006-08-29 10:19:58 UTC-04:00
There is plenty of room out there for all types of boxes. I traveled 1200 miles since Friday due to events and new local boxes, I could have been watching TV sitting on a couch instead.
I would never have visited dozens of parks and points of interest had it not been for letterboxing. I would never have visited certain parts of Indiana, West Virginia or New York had it not been for the boxes there. I never would have seen the monumentsm statues and the graves of some 'lost' relatives had it not been for boxes.
Hiking is great but many of us do not have the time nor are in a position to walk too many miles. While I walk up to 8 miles each and every work day, my diabetic wife cannot do so nor can she tollerate the heat. Everyone can get into the act via drive-bys or handicap accessible of kid friendly.
Pioneer Spirit
Comming soon to a box near you.
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I would never have visited dozens of parks and points of interest had it not been for letterboxing. I would never have visited certain parts of Indiana, West Virginia or New York had it not been for the boxes there. I never would have seen the monumentsm statues and the graves of some 'lost' relatives had it not been for boxes.
Hiking is great but many of us do not have the time nor are in a position to walk too many miles. While I walk up to 8 miles each and every work day, my diabetic wife cannot do so nor can she tollerate the heat. Everyone can get into the act via drive-bys or handicap accessible of kid friendly.
Pioneer Spirit
Comming soon to a box near you.
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: Deborah Faze (fazetwo2@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2006-08-29 07:41:02 UTC-07:00
Thank you Weatherglass for your response. I am brand
new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [LbNA] Re: Sadness
From: Frank-Kate Smith-Holmes (pyratemates@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2006-08-29 10:27:41 UTC-07:00
Have heart. My wife and I go boxing just about every weekend and enjoy ourselves tremendously. I have one lung, COPD, pacemaker/difibrilator and aged 65. I started out with virtual letterboxes and enjoyed it so much that I thought it would be good to get out of the couch potatoe mode and try to help myself more. Thus began our hunting for the traditional boxes. So far we have found 14 boxes, adopted two boxes, planted two boxes and have several more to plant. My health has improved greatly. We have the enjoyment of going for our little walks each and every weekend. A long walk for us may only be a tenth of a mile one way but on some days that is enough. Like beauty, letterboxing is in the eyes of the beholder. Pungent Bob doesn't breath for me nor does his heart beat move my blood around. However, in his defense, he does have the right to express his opinion on the subject the same as we have been expressing ours in response. So lets give him a break and move on
with our own abilities to conquer our own challanges and enjoy the trip.
Frank and Kate your,
Pyratemates
Deborah Faze wrote:
Thank you Weatherglass for your response. I am brand
new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
with our own abilities to conquer our own challanges and enjoy the trip.
Frank and Kate your,
Pyratemates
Deborah Faze
Thank you Weatherglass for your response. I am brand
new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Sadness
From: Becky (imdurangogirl@aol.com) |
Date: 2006-08-30 17:09:56 UTC
One of the things that appealed to me about letterboxing is the
diversity of the hobby. There are boxes available to fit every persons
liking and capability. If you love a brain teaser, a long hike, a
short walk, or straight forward clues there are boxes you can find.
That's what makes it such a great hobby. It doesn't discriminate to
intelligence, physical capability, or age. It brings together people
with a love of nature and outdoors, and makes out inner child happy
with the sense of mystery and hidden treasure. It's all a matter of
taste. I've hiked 5 miles for a box that was magnificent, and I've
done a short jaunt for a box that was equally breathtaking. Every
person that participates is going to be different. They will have
different idea's of what makes for a great box, hiding location, and
stamp. As long as that continues, it will hold appeal for the masses
which is how I feel it should be. If it gives you happiness and peace
and relaxation, get out there and box! It doesn't matter which type you
prefer!!!!
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Deborah Faze wrote:
>
> Thank you Weatherglass for your response. I am brand
> new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
> about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
> the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
> challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
> treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
> hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
> When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
> excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
> for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
> adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
diversity of the hobby. There are boxes available to fit every persons
liking and capability. If you love a brain teaser, a long hike, a
short walk, or straight forward clues there are boxes you can find.
That's what makes it such a great hobby. It doesn't discriminate to
intelligence, physical capability, or age. It brings together people
with a love of nature and outdoors, and makes out inner child happy
with the sense of mystery and hidden treasure. It's all a matter of
taste. I've hiked 5 miles for a box that was magnificent, and I've
done a short jaunt for a box that was equally breathtaking. Every
person that participates is going to be different. They will have
different idea's of what makes for a great box, hiding location, and
stamp. As long as that continues, it will hold appeal for the masses
which is how I feel it should be. If it gives you happiness and peace
and relaxation, get out there and box! It doesn't matter which type you
prefer!!!!
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Deborah Faze
>
> Thank you Weatherglass for your response. I am brand
> new to the concept and at first was very enthusiastic
> about beginning my adventure. But when i read some of
> the clues I felt overwhelmed.Some of us are physically
> challeneged and cannot take steep hikes or arduous
> treks. My exercise must sometimes be with my mind. I
> hoped Letterboxing could include me in that manner.
> When I read the initial posting of Sadness I felt
> excluded like I shouldn't even bother to begin. Thanks
> for encouraging others to allow for all kinds of
> adventures-- physical AND mental. Justafaze
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>