Old Crew

Submitted: Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 21:20
ThreadID: 136699 Views:6198 Replies:39 FollowUps:37
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Hi all,

The forum is a bit quiet of late, not like it used to be.

Who is still here from the old days?

Cheers
Alan



Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:02

Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:02
Hi Alan


How far back are you talking....lol

Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: equinox - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 09:02

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 09:02
Hi Stephen,

You can be the benchmark if you like :-)

Cheers
Alan

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In whatever comes our way.



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Reply By: Member - Scrubby (VIC) - Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:21

Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:21
G`day Alan,

Not really the old days but I have been snooping around this forum for 10 years this time next month and still enjoy it most days.

Scrubby.
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Reply By: Shaker - Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:25

Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 22:25
I reckon I have been here since around 2004, I can remember people like Truckster, Lone Wolf, Mike Harding, iMusty, Willem etc.
I joined because I was about about to do my very first Outback trip & had absolutely no idea what to expect, I found the answers to my questions to helpful, concise, informative & to the point with no arguing, infighting or hair splitting.
I completed the 6 week, 8000km trip with absolutely no problems, nothing unexpected happened as I had been forewarned & well advised, I have been forever grateful for that advice, but would I ask the same questions today, I don’t think so.
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:21

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:21
Nudie(Member No.1) often pops up on the site, if he’s got a query.

Am friends with Willem on Facebook, and we had dinner with he & Judith last June in Birdsville, after our Geocentre Trip.

Royce is another past member who is travelling forever. RIP

Bob

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Follow Up By: Member - silkwood - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 22:01

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 22:01
Ah, yes, remember many a "discussion" with both Mike and Willem. Been around here since around 04-05, stopped contributing and rejoined in 2012.

I think the biggest difference is far less bull around the place. I put that down to the greater ease of fact-checking on the net now. Of course, now we have more "experts" (= ability to Google!).

Cheers,

Mark
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:07

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:07
If I remember correctly iMusty was so controversial that he was banned & if his user name was typed it was ‘bleeped’!
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Reply By: Michael H9 - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 00:10

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 00:10
I've been on here around 10 years, I think the issue is that places that used to be out of reach are becoming relatively easy to get to. All the places have been written about or shown on the explosion of tv shows and youtube clips to the point where you don't need to ask as many questions as you might have in the past. It doesn't help when a novice asks a question and gets shot down by someone saying they should have used the search function. That gets rid of new blood, we wouldn't want to have too many posts would we? The other thing that stifles conversation is people going on about a thread going off topic. Many times the direction it goes in can be interesting, but again the conversation gets cut and the posts stop coming. In both cases, new people to the forum are unlikely to return because the attitude is frankly unfriendly.
I'm very careful what I post these days, there are too many trolls who don't know they are trolling. It's everyone's god given right to ask stupid questions when they don't actually know the question is stupid. I think we all have to adapt to new social norms that apply to social media, even forums. It's quite easy to unknowingly offend people, and to be offended.
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 08:19

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 08:19
Off topic may be interesting, but it can be very annoying when you are trying to research information & & have to read through pages of waffle. It has certainly become worse since the introduction of “social media” where there appear to be no rules.
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Follow Up By: equinox - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:01

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:01
Hi Michael,

Great point about more info being out there so less need for questions.
And yes perhaps we as a whole are too hard on newcomers.

Cheers
Alan

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In whatever comes our way.



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Reply By: Gaynor - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 02:44

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 02:44
I have only been a member for 5 or 6 years, so relatively new to the forum.

My experience is that in recent years I have been shut down/posts deleted so many times by moderators who don't like that I link to my Canning Walker website with stories of Canning Stock Route history and live events. Apparently too many hits on the links. I am expected to post the thousands of words article and photos into these threads.

Why bother?
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:25

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:25
Been around all that time and not a member yet!!!!!!!!!
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Follow Up By: Gaynor - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:35

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:35
Excessive Moderation kills forums Peter. But I have been speaking to brick walls regarding.

Keep on doing what you been doing 'And she'll be right?' Or not.
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Follow Up By: Idler Chris - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 14:35

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 14:35
The moderation on this Forum is fine. Forum rules prohibit self promotion which is where I suspect you fall foul.
What other people think of me is none of my business.
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Follow Up By: Gaynor - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 14:44

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 14:44
Yes, my posting the links to stories of Australian history is classed as self promotion because the Canning Walker website is the only place you will find many of these historical accounts.

I have been informed that I will be allowed to update the forum of these stories as I publish them if I pay for BUSINESS Membership.

BUSINESS Membership is $200 per year. Currency exchange is around R10 to 1$. That makes Membership to share Australian Canning Stock Route history on this forum prohibitive.

I understand this is all about money. I am just saying why I do not contribute much anymore. Moderation is a necessity and no I do not agree that the quality is fine. Free speech and information sharing has been strangled into silence.
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Follow Up By: BarryR1 - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:31

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:31
Let’s call it like it is Gaynor. You link your site because it diverts traffic from David and Michelle’s site to yours. That provides increased traffic to your site and a better marketing outcome for you and your sponsors and advertisers and also provides visibility of your personal fund raising platform that’s also attached to your site so yes, it's all about money!

So really, it’s about you riding off the back of the hard work of people like David and Michelle to further your own personal gains.

Again, you deliberately ignore the forum rules that have been clearly displayed for the past decade to generate site traffic for yourself and then have the audacity to bag out the owners of the site because you can’t play fairly. Strewth, stay in SA luv. It’s probably going to come as a shock to you but the Canning will be there long after your gone and with the great public access sites like the Canning Facebook Page and this site, you’ve not really got a lot to offer other than self interest and factitiousness. You really need to get over yourself.
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Follow Up By: BarryR1 - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:32

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:32
P.S. Eight years hanging around the site.
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Follow Up By: Idler Chris - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:44

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:44
Here Here.
What other people think of me is none of my business.
Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

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Follow Up By: Gaynor - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 15:06

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 15:06
Ha ha ha lol. Appreciate straight talk Richard. Not enough of it around.

So please, point out who the advertisers are that you speak of on the Canning Walker website. I need to bill them.
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 03:34

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 03:34
I’m still here!
Member since 2004, was here a year or two before that as a non-member.

Just got me wondering where 16 odd years has gone??
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:17

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:17
Mate it's hard to be good lookin' at your age but you've nailed it sport :-) All I remember is that grumpy looking bastard scowling at me from underneath a troopy somewhere on the Canning in 2009! Keep up the good work!
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 01:55

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 01:55
Yeah, yeah, you’re just jealous of my good looks. :)

I’m never grumpy!

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Follow Up By: KiwiAngler - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 06:48

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 06:48
More likely that he is jealous of your modesty ????
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 23:49

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 23:49
Yeah, Mick knows I’m a modest bloke. :)
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Reply By: Phil B (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:32

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:32
Hi Alan,
Enough of the old bit - lol.

I've been here from the start, I've have seen the site develop into the powerhouse that it is. Things mught be quiet on the forum, I suspect however that the huge data base of treks, blogs, places, mapping etc readily answer most queries people have.

Thanks Michelle and David.

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‘Human Being’ and ‘Being Human’.





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Reply By: Mikee5 - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:36

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:36
Hi Alan,
I have been around since before the St George gathering in around 2009ish. No longer a member though.
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Reply By: Member - sparra - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:56

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 07:56
I am still here,been a member since 2004. I look at the forum most mornings if I am in signal range,currently at mates place in Darwin,heading off tomorrow for a slow trip across the Gulf,,Roper Bar,Limmen River,Lorrella Springs etc,get back to my home base in Bairnsdale ,Vic, around start of September.
no good being the richest man in the cemetry

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Reply By: Banjo (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 09:09

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 09:09
Joined around 2006 I think it was. No longer a member for a number of reasons but can't stop looking here every day.

I do miss the contributions of those mentioned by Shaker.

The moderation may have kept discussions 'tidy', but they may have also caused many losses.

Paul
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Reply By: Member Kerry W (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:36

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:36
Been here since 2004, help out where I can. This is truely an amazing website on so many levels.

Its a shame, in the past, to have lost some good knowledge and experience, because some were critical of what is a free resource which needed to be kept focused and accessable to all.

I think generally the internet as a communication medium is maturing, its just that not all were maturing along with it...
Kerry W (Qld)
Security is mostly a superstition. It doesnt exist in nature. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
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Reply By: Life Member - Duncan W (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:46

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 10:46
Can't remember when but most probably around 2005. Not many names still around from back then.

Cheers

Dunc
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:04

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:04
Your profile says "Join Date 30 Jan 2005."

I suppose, like me, you had a year or three of "free membership" before you decided to do the right thing and join as a full member.
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Follow Up By: Life Member - Duncan W (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 13:36

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 13:36
Just goes to show that my memory isn't all that bad. LOL
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Reply By: Member - John T (Tamworth NSW) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 15:11

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 15:11
Afternoon Alan,
I have been a member since 2007 so have seen lots of “characters “ leave for various reasons. Many of them are still around on other forums and still providing entertainment on those sites. I am a member on other sites but EO is always the first place I have a look each day if service is available.

Cheers
John T (Lifetime Member)
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Follow Up By: equinox - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:26

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:26
Hi John,

EO ranks right up there I reckon for potential dissemination of relevant information.
A bit like watching the ABC in times of conflict, or going to the Vatican instead of your local church.

Cheers
Alan

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In whatever comes our way.



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Reply By: baznpud - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:11

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:11
According to my profile we joined in October 2007, that was a couple of weeks after our first trip to the northern island ended.
From memory i saw an ExplorOz sticker on a vehicle in Clare, South Oz, ( think the guy used the name Bats, he was a flick type guy) getting onto the site on our return home to look it up and see what's all about, have enjoyed it ever since, and have met some wonderful people through the site.
Cheers.
baz
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Reply By: The Explorer - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:29

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:29
I'm, still here (like it or not :)..since September 2004 (as a Member..January 2014 first post)...if that was the good old days.

Lots of competition for online interaction these days (e.g. facebook plus multitude of other travel type forums) so no surprise its a bit "quiet" compared to past I suppose but its still a happening thing.
Got to say D&M are people to be admired for getting it started and turning it into what it is. Wish I was half that clever.

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:39

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:39
Happened to chance on ExplorOz years ago, when I may have supposedly been doing research on the Company computer. To say I was hooked would be an understatement! People were going to all these remote places, and writing about their travels, while I was chasing cattle, fencing & dealing with staff.

Joined March 2003, after lurking for a while.

Allan, I’d suggest the forum is evolving, into what I don’t know? Have noticed a few comments lately, that look like they’ve been plucked out of Facebook. Something about “popcorn. A week or so ago, the forum was quite busy, with constant update to threads, for a week or two. There seems to be patterns too, where weekends are quiet, but pick up Sunday night.

Have noticed some posters are now “demanding” the replies adher to the subject, because they don’t want any OT deviations. One would think they actually “owned” the thread.

As someone commented earlier, there is a wealth of information within the site which will ensure the site will live on..............maybe forever.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Reply By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:40

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:40
I'm still here ;)!!

One of the facts people don't fully understand is how ExplorOz works. Whilst some people only think of ExplorOz as the Forum, it really is just one part of a whole big picture. The Forum cannot exist without the site and probably the reverse is true too. So when it comes to criticising the Forum, reflecting on the changes, the comings and goings, the moderations, and good ole days, its all missing the point if you're not looking at the whole thing. (Places, Treks, EOTopo, ExplorOz Traveller, EOTrackMe, etc).

The biggest influence throughout the past 18 years of ExplorOz operation has been technology. Just as society has adapted so has our offering.

Remember, ExplorOz was here before Google, before Facebook and YouTube etc. But now we don't sell paper map products but have produced our own maps and own app.

I don't see much different in the Forum to be honest, but we're very pleased to see it has survived for 18 years. My database also shows our very first Member, (M11) is still financial. We will not name him, as he has never once posted on the Forum. I can also tell you that we have another 8 Members with member numbers under 100.

I just spoke to our newest Member today who joined with M# 12718.

It's lovely to hear from some of the longer term Members. Anyone from 2001 wanting to speak up?
Michelle Martin
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I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd / ExplorOz

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Follow Up By: KiwiAngler - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:31

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:31
I can't find the date when I first started posting on ExplorOz but it must have been close to 2001

Anyway of checking??
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:45

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:45
@ KiwiAngler

Do a search of the forum using your user name - March 2003 (sorry put 2013 first) was first post by KiwiAngler.

Posts by KiwiAngler

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: KiwiAngler - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:51

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:51
Nah!!!!
I go back much further than 2013
Just clicked on your supplied link
17th March 2003 was my first post
I guess I qualify for one of the "Old crew" even at that date ??
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:03

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:03
Typo - 2003 :)
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:03

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:03
KA, you went across the Nullarbor, then up the CSR, with a Spot, didn’t you? Seems like 30 years ago.......

Used to follow your breadcrumbs, superimposed on Google Earth or something similar.

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Phil B (WA) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:17

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:17
Hi Michelle,

I remember meeting you and David road side near Merredin way back, your daughter was in the back and really young.
Wer talked about EO and your future plans.

It's sure come along a lot since then.

I'm not how long I've been a member, but there's been a lot of campfires since.

There is a lot of difference between
‘Human Being’ and ‘Being Human’.





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Follow Up By: KiwiAngler - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:24

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:24
Gidday Bob
Yes, you are correct- at the time I think I had one of the earliest SPOT units and I had quite a few forum members following my trek.
I've still got that same SPOT unit and use it mist days as I'm just about to start my 9th year as a fulltime traveller having done many, many 000's of kms
This is the link to my SPOT unit if you are interested
https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=2d464de362759825a
Try playing around with the days, weeks, months, years data after clicking on "Around Oz" icon at top of page
Cheers
KA
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Reply By: Pete G - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:46

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 18:46
Joined April 2003, around a bit before that. Great site with lots of information. Social media and competing diversity have probably provided competition for people's time leading to the site being quieter. However, it is hard to beat the information available on this site. Well done to the founders.

Regards
Pete_G

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Reply By: axle - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:44

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:44
Well its the moderation thats controlled this forum!, I should Know been kicked out of here more times in the last 10yrs than anybody,......BUT!!!, have enjoyed the site and still do, they just need to loosen up a bit and all will be like it used to be!..LOL.


Cheers Axle
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Reply By: snow - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:56

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 19:56
2001 - 2002 from memory, though I don't comment often.
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Reply By: MUZBRY- Life member(Vic) - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:05

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:05
Gday
I have been around since early 2006 and my first gathering was at Warraweena in up the top of the Flinders.
I have never been in any organisation longer than EO , well i have been married longer but i dont think that counts.



Muzbry
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:54

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:54
Muz, we were at Warraweena then, was it really that long ago? Great few days ! Michael
Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

Retired 2016 and now Out and About!

Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.

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Reply By: Tony F8 - Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:41

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 20:41
All I can say,thank goodness its not a facebook forum lol, shit would hit the fan then.
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Reply By: Member - nick b boab - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 05:50

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 05:50
It appears I have been around since April 2011 lot of good information can be sought from this website not only from the forum , people come and go.... but I do think you don't get as much BS here as you mite on other forums.
It's funny how you get to know some people without knowing them at all, even the trolls
The forum maybe quiet one moment and then when you go back to it there may have been 10 new posts.


Cheers Nick b

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Reply By: gke - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 08:21

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 08:21
I seem to remember when VKS got a bit of criticism for enclosing advertising information about EO starting with their publication?

Also threads about shoelaces, mounting of white letter tyres. And atrocious behaviour by a few members of a 4wd club camping at a certain island campsite. No names.

Got no idea how long ago that was.

Happy travels, Graham.
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Reply By: Lionel A - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 08:53

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 08:53
Still a lurcher, been poking around since about 2004, but can't remember when I joined. Lost a little interest in the place shortly after the 'big purge' a few years ago. Recall many characters that I just don't see anymore and the laughs had along the way.
Times change I suppose.

Cheers......Lionel.
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Reply By: Life Member - Woodsy - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 10:12

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 10:12
August 2002 for me

Have enjoyed ExplorOz nearly every day since then
Happy 4 wheeling

Woodsy

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Reply By: Idler Chris - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 12:13

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 12:13
I am a newbie here, only been a member 6 years but as a life member I will be around until . . . . . .

See a few people come and go but there are a lot of great members, some who I have met, and they more than make up for the odd asxxle.

The Forum has its ups and downs, I have been moderated a few times, but if you don't have rules I do not think it would be worth reading. It is definitely the lynch pin of the whole site as it is where we communicate with each other.

All I can say is well done M & M.

Chris
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Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 13:26

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 13:26
I've been a member since 2004 and a registered visitor for a year or two before that.

Yeah, a lot of the older characters have disappeared over the years. Earlier on, the site was a bit more "liberal" and members got away with a bit more.
Now the Forum rules have tightened up, moderators are more vigilant and some of the characters got their nose out of joint when told off or censored and pulled the plug. Such is life!
Bill


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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 15:54

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 15:54
Do you know, the facts of moderation are that there is rarely a post moderated at all these days (and its been this way for many years).

Thankfully with the rules clear and simple, people know what is expected and stick to it so its been very much a place of self-moderation.

I know because I see the logs. It is actually the rare occasion nowadays for a post to be moderated.

This is vastly different to how it was pre-rules (I think it was 2007 that the rule system came into effect?) so we are talking 11 years ago it was changed.

Keep in mind the main rules that were required to "tighten up the system" as its been put, were "Personal Attacks", "Off Topic", "Foul Language", and "Moderation Complaints". That's when the problem posts went away along with the problem people.

These days, we RARELY have any posts moderated for those reasons. The most common moderation reason is Advertising/Self-Promotion and even that is pretty rare. And they are generally posted by automated spamming services not genuine people.
Michelle Martin
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Follow Up By: Gaynor - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 16:45

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 16:45
Who you calling 'not genuine' ;-)
Am I really one of the few genuine people to get moderated heavily?

Yep. Moderate people right out of the forum. They get peed off and they leave or don't interact much anymore. Not much moderation left to do. Peace and quiet. Well done.
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 20:29

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 20:29
You have to have rules & as a result you have to have moderators, look at the lengths some people go to circumvent the foul language rules, I don’t understand why, it’s just more typing to insert adjectives!
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Follow Up By: Member - silkwood - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 13:59

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 13:59
If you're getting bored, Michelle, I'm sure we could fix that with a few posts on dogs in national parks, fires when camping or the perennial favourite, dc-dc or VSR? !

Cheers,

Mark
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Reply By: Member - Howard (ACT) - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 22:35

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 22:35
I was also wondering about who the long timers were about a year ago and worked thru the members lists and looked up the join dates
found about 7 members with a 2001 next to their name
I came across some of Michelle's old trip blogs when planning a Cape York trip in 1999. this was pre EO.
guess they evolved into EO a few years later. Thanks David and Michelle.
my own membership dates from 3/6/.02 ( member # 218) and that makes me the oldest from the ACT.
the site has always been a wealth of information and I definitely enjoyed the discussions that often ensued when the "experts "disagreed.
things are quieter these days but all of us are a few years older now ,.its still good to reflect on everyone's contributions over the time.

cheers
Howard



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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 19:32

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 19:32
Wow Howard, you are indeed digging up the old stuff. That Cape York trip blog was the beginning for sure...we hadn't even conceived EO then that's for sure. Thank you for posting and saying hi.
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:12

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 23:12
Well I've been here a long time 12 or 13 years maybe, enjoyed it thoroughly and learnt a few things along the way. A few of the original guys have passed away, a few who were not happy, took their bat and ball and moved elsewhere and I guess some have moved away from 4x4s, camping and caravanning. I don't think the forum has changed a lot except for a lot of useless banter, although E0 as a business has, evolutionary and technologically and for the better of course. David and Michelle have done a great job in getting this, their business and this site to where it is today. I'd like to see more technical posts on the forum or a section dedicated to ideas, builds, home made gear etc. There are a lot of talented members on the site and it would be good to share some of their clever work. Michael
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Reply By: Member - Paul B (WA) - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 00:26

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 00:26
And there was I thinking I was a newbie, but my profile says I joined Apr 26 2005, and certainly was a consumer of the site for some years before that. It’s given me the confidence to strike out over unfamiliar tracks and lead others into places they’d have never gotten to, so thanks to David & Michelle for providing the site and to the many hundreds (or thousands) who have contributed.

I have particularly enjoyed the contributions of John & Val over the years, until Val’s death a few months back. All the best John. Also those of Motherhen, Stephen L & Idler Chris (both of whom I was delighted to see at Ooldea last year), Phil B, Mick O, Equinox, Doug, and many others that don’t come to mind just now. Thanks to all for making my life better and getting me out bush whenever I can.

May there be many more years to come.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 08:51

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 08:51
Paul - We too joined in 2005 and since then our old Troopy has burned a lot of fuel in covering over 500,000 km, much of it being in the red country. We made a lot of friends here in that time, though very few of them we've actually met face to face.

Val was the principal blogger and she wrote most of our over 150 blogs. One very memorable trip led by Steven L. we travelled with David, Michelle and family and the notion of an EO wildflower database was born. ( Val was a botanist by training, a one-time national Landcarer of the Year, a keen observer, and an avid naturalist.) David generated the software framework for the site and Val set about populating it. Others contributed too and the collection continues to expand.

Paul, Thank you for your kind words. Now that the 53 year partnership is broken I don't foresee much travel for me, but I'll still continue to visit here every morning as I have for the last decade or so. Though I might be pretty quiet, I'll enjoy the company of friends here, and relive some wonderful travels.

John

J and V
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Reply By: aussiedingo (River Rina) - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 08:17

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 08:17
I have been around since 2007, posts occasionally, read daily - like what I see. Just sold my Landcruiser (sad) so what's next - I don't know? great job M & D keep up the good work!!
"the only thing constant in my life is change"




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Reply By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 21:34

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 21:34
Hi Alan
10 years for me, yes the forum is not quite what it used to be with alot of the old colourful posters not around now for variuos reasons. Joined up after finding an EO sticker on the ground in the northern Flinders. Been hooked ever since and meet many old members annually and have travelled with them also. As said above there are alot of other forums around now where once EO was the main one.

Murray
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Reply By: Drysdale River Station - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 04:43

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 04:43
Saw the question about past members and thought gee I have NO idea at all how long ago I joined. Had a look and my first post was Feb 2004, think I was a looker on for a while before I did my first post.
cheers, Anne
PS Still at Drysdale River Station, 33 years this year !!.
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Reply By: Mick O - Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:13

Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 21:13
I'm still around. I'm on my way to a second lot of Long Service Leave lol. Earnt my first lot. I started sniffing around the site in late 2004, first posted in 2005 when the girlfriend and I hired a camper trailer and headed up the Bore Track to Innamincka. I may have posted in 2004 but for the life of me I cant remember the handle I used to use. Joined in 2007 after returning from my round Oz sojourn and took up the life time option the minute it was offered.

Yes the site is a different beast from the one it was way back then and for the reasons Michelle and a few others have outlined rather than anything negative. Some of the old scallywags have passed, some started to believe their own propaganda which was always going to have a negative outcome. Some didn’t like being told that they had to treat other forum users with respect so moved on to start their own little facepage fiefdoms where people are able to go along and listen to them talk about themselves (except for the times when they want you to tell them about themselves!). There are still a few scallywags about (I’m talking about you Axel) and that’s what makes it interesting.

This forum is like any other. It matures and morphs with technological and social change. It will look and feel different again in 10 years time but it will always be a fantastic reference source and a way to interact with a community of like minded individuals.

It is an avenue to meet and travel with some fantastic people as I have been fortunate enough to experience. Next week I’m heading off to Rudall River to celebrate and remember one of those friendships. I’ll be back in September so no, I haven’t forgotten the EO forum, I’m on long service leave!

Safe and enjoyable travels to you all and in the coming months on the road, I’m confident I’ll be spending a few nights around a campfire with EO forumites that I already know, or am yet to meet.

Cheers

Mick
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 02:00

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 02:00
“Girlfriend 2005” What number was that one?

“Can’t remember who you were in 2004” so what’s changed, your still one confused old bugga! LOL!

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Reply By: Joe Fury - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11:15

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11:15
G'day Alan

If my memory serves me correctly, I signed up with ExplorOz way back when this site first started so my recollection is 1999 into 2000.

I was a paid member for a long while and at the time my wife and I were running a four wheel drive tag along tour service out of Newman, our aim way back then was to educate the adventurous folk who toured into or though the region, on the real history of what is the Pilbara, geologically, ancient habitation and sacred sites, plants and wildlife 'the stuff of life"

I even had the gall to correct Michelle on a point of history and the need and care we should take in recording such history, because it's extremely difficult to undo an in correct statement once accepted in the mainstream of life.

Yes, I got moderated once for daring to show the licence plate of my vehicle, I was pinged for 'self promotion' apparently PICTOURS was telling the ExplorOz followers all about me and my tag along tours, I got miffed by this moderation and subsequently let my membership slide into oblivion.

I still contribute at times trying hard to stick to what is relevant to where I still live ~ the Pilbara. I'll go off on a tangent at times simply because I see, hear, feel and experience the massive changes going on right here and now and I still believe the as yet untouched parts of the Pilbara are very well worth fighting for maybe it's a vein attempt on my part at times, but if I feel it needs to be said I'll say it, honestly no sugar coating so it goes down like a sweet treat.

I no longer operate the tag along tours, but in the 17 years I ran the tours many ExplorOz members, past and some still current joined a tour and many of them actually stated they had learnt a thing or two about the real Pilbara a few even shed a tear or two.

My view today is vastly different when it comes to voicing an opinion on the Pilbara, I'll go to the elected politician who lays claim to fame in the region, state my case with evidence and images, some times they squirm uncomfortably and mostly they feel sympathetic about the 'case' but in truth they won't/can't do 'jack diddly' because they might lose favour in the eyes of the mining lobby.

Nearly wen't of topic ~ hey.

Safe travels, Adventurers and yes the Pilbara is worth much more than it's resources.

Joe Fury
AnswerID: 618986

Reply By: Stevemac - Friday, May 18, 2018 at 19:39

Friday, May 18, 2018 at 19:39
Another “archived”.. chubbed... Yaled.... sanitised

Somebody’s eyes watered, obviously

As per OP



AnswerID: 618993

Reply By: Member-Heather MG NSW - Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 20:11

Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 20:11
I've just checked into the forum for the first time in a while. Can't remember how many years ago I joined but since John died suddenly 2 1/2 years ago a lot has changed for me, although I am still travelling.

I've put my name down to attend the Gathering at Kilkowera station in October but probably won't get there, although I would really love to. One of my twin daughters expecting twins later in the year and I'm obviously going to have to lend a hand!

I'm packing up and heading off as far north as Cooktown, leaving in a couple of weeks and travelling with a friend, with a slide on wute camper and boat in tow..in search of places to fish, camp and walk. I'll be driving my 28ft 6 inch motorhome and will be living in luxury.

It's been interesting reading everyone's remarks in this thread, as I met quite a few of you a few years ago at the gathering atTrilby.

Regards,
Heather

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Follow Up By: Shaker - Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 20:15

Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 20:15
It is great to hear that you are still travelling.
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Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Jun 05, 2018 at 11:01

Tuesday, Jun 05, 2018 at 11:01
Hi Alan

Not sure what qualifies as "the old days" but I have been a member since 2006 and "lurking" prior to that.

Similar to Michelle's (from EO team) comment, I find the EO Site more than just a forum, in fact, I tend to stay away from the forum unless a topic appears that I have a particular interest in, or insight to offer and tend to only view it once or twice a month these days...

I have always been attracted to member blogs, although there seem to be fewer written these days, which is a pity as reading about people's trips is fascinating and often provide an insight into places to go, experiences to be had.

But on "old crew" - it is good to have some familiar faces still around, but the lifeblood and longevity of the EO site will be it's ability to continue to attract new visitor's and readership.

Travel well and cheers,
Baz - The Landy
AnswerID: 619365

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