by richk » Thu Dec 31, 2015 8:20 am
I think that this site serves different functions than the other sites.
1. more detailed technical discussions of PMTS movements. While HH's blog photos and discussions are great, the MA and kinetic chain analysis here is invaluable. And there is way more interaction and follow-up questions here than on the blog. Others have referenced the value of the message archive, which is a huge asset.
2. builds a strong sense of community. At the simplest level, the "posse" function has been very helpful in helping PMTS folks find others to ski with. I personally have made connections at Alta and Jackson Hole and formed associations with forum folk at ABasin and in camps. More complex, but perhaps more important, is that this a place where one's appreciation for PMTS is validated, which sure doesn't happen much elsewhere in both the virtual and real worlds. One can ask questions, or make statements, with a sense that you're among friends and therefore can be more open and not fear having a crowd jump down your throat.
3. enhances the camp experience Many new-to-PMTS folks first hear about the camps here. Many more learn what to expect at a camp from the reported experiences of campers. It encourages some to enroll and helps others to manage the doldrums, when giving up old movements hasn't quite been replaced by new ones, yet. Furthermore, since camps fill up in June long before the ski season starts, it serves as a bridge for those who are shut-out until the next enrollment period/skiseason comes around.
4. helps with navigation through the enormous body of PMTS materials HH's prolific efforts to document and explain the system are "unparalleled." Sorry, couldn't resist. Unfortunately there is so much material it is hard to know where to start, or go next, or find something specific. The institutional memory of this group identifies the most relevant materials or citations, in books or videos.
Here's an analagous situation which validates the utility of a separate site: For my recent XXth high school reunion, we had a FB site, which got a handful of members, some casual posting of grand-child pictures and very little self-disclosure. Fun, but limited. To enhance turnout for the reunion events, I put up a real website with some info held private but 90% public. There was a huge response with personal stories, recollections, personal photos, discussions about hobbies and huge turnout for the reunion with a very strong sense of bonding with each other. By comparison, my grade school cohort in another town did FB only, and had very little of the good stuff, and didn't know what they were missing.
My thoughts are that this site, even sporadically used, is still really valuable for ongoing interactions. It doesn't dilute the other sites and I doubt the other sites will accomplish the very useful functions listed above. Don't throw out the baby with the bath water.
Richk