If you want to set the proverbial spark to the flame then there is nothing more flammable than mixing mention of BMC, Bolts and mixing it together with an Internet forum like UKC. A particular classic yet done to death thread was re-ignited when Jack the UKC editor innocently put fuel on the embers when placing a news item that covered the BMC announcing a second round of applications from bolt funds to the Better Bolts Campaign.
I swear that the UKC user johncoxmysteriously must have written a programme that flags up any thread with the word bolt in it. As the original new items is timed at 15.32 and his the first reply 15.33 which sums up his belief well, ‘WTF is wrong with these people? What on earth is their mandate for encouraging – worse, paying – for people to litter the countryside in this way?’
I guess you could say that John doesn’t like bolts, he apparently guards the Internet like a latter day Ken Wilson. Which to a certain extent is a good thing as a counter point to any argument, especially one done so fanatically, really is helping the other side win. The sensitive nature of the subject is probably highlighted by the facts that not one, not two but I think four BMC employees, not mention several ‘active’ volunteers, got involved with the arguing with John and a couple of other supporters.
Whilst it is all well and good the likes of John having a go at bolts, bolting, bolters and BMC policy it is unfortunate that the BMC is a democracy, and that the majority of members that get actively involved at area meetings voted in favour of bolts. Although there are some caveats to their supply with terms like ‘like for like’.
One argument is that the re-equipping is taking place only on the harder routes, however there has been many easier route re-equipped across the UK from Portland to the peak and back across to North Wales. Where the thread really got funny was when the BMC representatives wade in, and it became a bun fight. It was kind of a shame because John is an intelligent guy who doesn’t miss a trick, hence I am trying to use my words carefully, because rumour has it he is a lawyer. So once the BMC representative start to attack his arguments then he attacks back. Even if his ideas and thoughts aren’t in keeping with the majority you’ve got to like his enthusiasm, god loves a trier after all!
It just seems that this particular debate happened a few years ago now, and John either missed it or failed to accept that he lost that particular fight. People alway get heated because if your an activist for the replacing of bolts you know how long they take to place, as well as all the hard work of facing off a minority like John. Conversly if you put your money were your mouth is and actually go out and remove bolts from where you don’t agree with, you know how much effort it takes.
I have sat in both camps, removing a bolted aid route from Parliment House Cave, because no one else seemed to want to take responsibility for keeping Gogarth Bolt free, and actively re-equipping the Slate quarries and all the criticism that goes with it. Basically you often end up in a lose, lose situation