TOPIC 2: Media's role in ethics and styleEditors Summit

© John Harlin collection
This week is the American Alpine Club International Climbing Editors Summit.

UKClimbing.com Editor Jack Geldard is there with climbing editors from around the globe discussing climbing media topics. (see NEWS ITEM:Oct 9: We've Sent Jack Packing......to the USA )

We will be publishing some of the topics they will be discussing in our forums so that you, if you wish, can join the debate.

The discussion topics have been set by John Harlin III.

TOPIC ONE DISCUSSION here: Climbing news in the Internet age

This is second topic, feel free to add your thoughts at this thread: The media's role in promoting mountain ethics and style


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11 Oct, 2008
Interesting I usually bind the two up because of the interelationship between the two. The definition you've given seems a bit unusual as if its dictating some angle here. Dictionary definition: Ethics - a set of moral principles Style - the manner in which something is done. Qs Q.Where are the boundaries between style and ethics? Ethics are a thought process which may dictate a preferred style of climbing. The boundary is between thought and action. Q.How do these vary between countries? As widely as diffrent religious beliefs not just between countries but within them as well Q. What role do journalists play in promoting ethics or pushing style? By influencing opinion, supporting different ethics and style by the level of coverage or stated opinions Q. How should we publish climbs that we feel were done unethically? Truthfully and acknowledging your bias when making judgements
11 Oct, 2008
Thanks Simon, I'm just passing your thoughts on to the meeting now. Jack
11 Oct, 2008
Say hello to my Dad who might be sat next to you ! cheers Dan
12 Oct, 2008
Hello to Steve from me too!
20 Oct, 2008
What role do journalists play in promoting ethics or pushing style? They play a huge part in the promtion of ethics and climbing 'styles'. Take for example, urbanclimber from the US. They are very much a bouldering and sport climbing magazine, with a dedicated audience of boulderers and sport climbers. Whilst such specialisation undoubtedly helps push advances in the various styles, it could also be argued that it also hinders climbing in general. Take for example, someone new to climbing who sees all the flashy images from a magazine like urbanclimber, they may immediately assume that this is the real face of modern day climbing (and to some it is!), and may well be lead down a path which ignores the noble history of true adeventurous climbing from years gone by. The same could be said about indoor walls, in that they don't educate new climbers in the traditions and history of what is an ultimately risky and adventurous pass time. Now that surely would be a shame!
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