New Community Guidelines

John,

good work on paring down the list.
everyone else...

respect that shit. I've met a lot of you, and you're all rad people. I know most of you feel strongly about the free flow of information, and this limited list might irk some of you.

Even though the internet isn't the only thing blowing up "secret" or sensitive spots at the moment, be aware that it is one factor. Waves are a limited resource, with all the inherent competition that comes with that. I think this site is a small blip of what is causing problems, but the relative lack of anonymity here has made this a focal point for the discussion. SR is way less of an offender than some other sites that flat out point to a spot and tell you best tide/swell direction/whatever other info you need, but keep in mind there are those in this world that don't share your view of how surfing is. We surf in an urban environment, there are a lot of factors here pushing people to any given spot. Adding pressure by posting on the internet is little different, but easily singled out and made a rallying point. A single cause can galvanize those who disagree with your notion of surfing and make things worse for everyone who isn't in the "in" crowd. Sure the ocean belongs to everyone, in theory but in practice, we know this isn't true. Some people have dedicated their lives to surfing and pursuits related to the ocean. For those of us who have not done that, is it fair to claim the same ownership? Some might think yes, it is, but that seems like arrogance if you look at it from an outside perspective.

Until now i've pretty much stayed out of this discussion hoping it played out in a sensible way. I think the new community guidelines are rad, and as someone who has been around here for a bit, and as someone who has bitched about localism, i hope my opinion makes some people who might be inclined to push back against them think about what that will entail. I think the community here is rad, and I want to see it thrive in peace. Posting sensitive spots is not peaceful.

As much as the localism discussion has entertained me, lets put it to bed. If you want to change the way the world works, put in your time, become a local, then if you still think your spot should be open to everyone in the world with only a mouse click, then you will have some serious ground to stand on.

sorry this was such a long post. I promise I have nothing further to say on the matter.

Thanks for trimming the list!