In reply to MattDTC:
Climbing is about many things and our news page reflects that.
If you want pure OINews go to our Gear page:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/
I understand the role of the media and sadly how it is turning into advertorial in a mad scramble for a small amount of advertising.
One main difference at least here, is that we all have chance to comment if you think we have overstepped the line, this keeps us honest. You will note how most everything we publish editorially at UKC is linked to a forum thread, a significant difference from static print media where everything is swallowed hook line and sinker without any accountability or redress.
Not so here.
> I can’t help but feel it has a skewing effect on peoples perception of what climbing is all about
In fact the opposite is happening here. We present a far bigger picture of what climbing is about and that includes the commercial side of climbing.
Check our News page for the diversity of news that we cover on a daily and weekly basis.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/
If you follow our news page and articles you will get a far bigger and clearer picture of what climbing is, and it is many things, than ever or anywhere before.
Back to this news item - there are other issues which could be addressed here.
- a British based outdoor companies expansion into the Far East
- the production of outdoor brand copies in the Far East
- the growth of the outdoor market in China
- the growth Chinese consumer culture
- the celebritisation of outdoor athletes
....and others, but I have another news report to write, a drive to the Lakes to pick up a print job, and a flight to catch...
But thanks Matt, much food for thought.
Mick