I think this was inevitable.Why,because the popularity of bushcraft has exploded the last few years,you just have to look a the membership on here,when i joined there were 300 odd members,now we have over 14,000 members and guests on top of that,plus other forums,blogs,youtube etal.I personally think that when something becomes very popular the more diluted the original ethos becomes.I remember back in the day watching Ray on Country tracks,and when he demo'd how to light a fire there used to be red triangle flash up on the screen with a caption at the bottom saying,something along the lines of, always seek permission before you light a fire and always clear it away,leaving the site just like you found it or even tidier.You just don't see enough of it in any media.
Anyone remember the 12 woodlores?
I also think that,because of the popularity,there are people out there who maybe just take the best bits from bushcraft,or through lack of knowledge go out and leave a mess.I think its easy to jump on the bushcraft band wagon and off we go, rather than delving in and immersing themselves deeper and learning about the original ethos.
Maybe its our responsibility to maybe educate where ever we can,and hopefully the message may start to sink in,as it would be great shame if people started to have personal invite only meets,as i think it would be a big loss to the openness of bushcraft.I fully understand why Simon got upset though,as i would of also.
So maybe we need to be a little bit clearer about the meets from the out set,clarify whats expected of everyone if they so choose to attend one.
As for the name and shame thing i don't think it would resolve anything at the end of the day.If someone wants to attend a meet and you've have had an issue in the past,could you not give them a pm stating that if they wish to come along then there are some stipulations attached,this time.
Lastly the people who were responsible for the reason to have this thread,well maybe a long hard look inwardly is needed.
Anyway just some of my thoughts.
Cheers Stuart.