Tree climbing articles and discussions

joe

New member
Hi, guys;

I received the January 2004 issue of TCIA today! It's January 31, 2004. I'm not angry because it arrived late, I'm happy because I get it for free. I have read the posting guidelines of this discussion group. I agreed not to post a quote of a reference of copywrited material to this board. I do choose to follow these rules. it'll be tough to get my thoughts out without at least paraphrasing from the article written by Tom Dunlap in the Jan. 2004 issue of TCIA titled: Have More Fun Using Progressive Arboriculture Techniques.

Tom wrote a reasonable article which included his quest to improve upon climbing techniques by incorporating gear from different disciplines and applying them to the tree care industry. Because I've been reading Tom's posts at these discussion groups for several years, the article was not ground breaking reading material for me. I liked seeing the use of crampons for tree climbing. I believe the article is better suited for those who see the discussion groups as a farce or who do not make the internet part of their tools for learning.

The industry has moved forward by way of innovative climbing and rigging techniques and methods. This has shown up in newer training videos and various articles written by people in the industry. Don Blair was the 1st person I had seen who actually did something different. My I.S.A. chapter played a role in fostering a newer approach to climbing and rigging by bringing Don Blair to town. Then, Arbormaster followed by introducing newer climbing techniques. An article written in the 1996 issue of arborist news displays a picture of the Blakes hitch along with the split tail climbing system. It is the best illustration of the Blakes hitch I've seen to date. Then, for me,there came the internet.

In the early days before there was competition between various boards, there was a better flow of free ideas on the internet. The internet for me, was a place to share applied knowledge with various people. I probably learned more than I shared. For me, it has been a great thing. I received great tips about books, various clmbing and rigging techniques, I applied some of what I know and shared with those who helped me. I've personally met in person several people I've interacted with at the boards. Some people inspired me, other people irritated me. I think it was a good decision to share. I like racking my brains sometimes.
Tom, your article was good. Your contributions to the discussion groups have been exceptionally helpful. You deserve an award of some type. It's good to see people who disregard the b.s. and give a valued opinion about a topic.

Now, I'm missing the intensity and newness of great discussions and ideas. Peoples butts have puckered. I'm learning I don't blame them for it either.

Joe
 
I agree with you on many accounts Joe. The progression of knowledge and our industry, we need more intense discussions (on positive topics) and absolutely, Tom should get an award!

I have watched a lot of the same changes take place. I am extremely glad to have been a part of the "Arboricultural Boom" and happy that I missed some of the early days. This has been a fun time to be an Arborist!

Are we done? I doubt it. There's still a long way to go as far as I can see. Improvements are bound to come about. I just hope that more people see it your way, Joe. That is, information is key and sharing is the way to improve even us. We should share. That seems to be the quickest way to improve as a whole. Learning on our own is very slow in comparison.

So, let's get going. Let's learn, share and innovate!

And Joe, I have learned from your posts as well others here. Thanks for your input and efforts!
 
Tom, any chance of catching that article online?

For me learning has always been in curves, and never a consistent linear progression. I think it is the same online.

BS? Yes, lots. Like everything in life, you have to wade through the bs to find the bits worth keeping.

I always seems to forget Tom's saying - "It costs you nothing to ignore what irritates you"
 
Thanks guys, I'm glad that you've found some value in what I wrote. I got a transcript of my talk @ TCI in MKE '03 and had to cook it down into a more readable form. You missed out on a carosel of slides and seeing me in a tie :)

There will be more articles in the near future too.

Joe, don't worry about direct quoting anything. TCIA isn't going to dog you about copyrights.

I'll talk with TCIA to see when they'll have the article in full on thier website. They archive a number of the articles , pictures and all.

Tom
 

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