Posted by inkd I find it hard to find people to explore with. Exploring alone can create some high-intensity anxiety while trying to take photos. There is some distrust and reluctance when I message people to explore with.
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Posted by skkylalala Hey I'm a pretty new member and I'm also pretty new to urban ex. I have a small community where I live of a few friends and we will all go exploring. But I have never actually met anyone from such a large urban ex community and was wondering if anyone resides in or around Ottawa? Or maybe comes through the area from time to time ? Thanks! |
So this is a common problem with explorers who are new to the UER forum.
Dee Ashley provided some really good advice about posting in your local forum. People in the UE community tend to be pretty cautious about who they share their locations with, and by extension, who they are willing to explore with.
So the biggest question becomes,
"How do I establish my credibility in the UE community?" It's not that difficult, but it does take some time, perseverance, and a bit of effort.
Here are my recommendations:
- Regularly participate in UE forum threads, and especially those about your local area. Don't just chip in with a "Nice Explore", but actually discuss what you like about the site. Maybe what concerns you if you were to visit the site. Tell the original poster which are your favorite photo, and why.
- Take pictures when you go out on your own explores. Then post those photos along with a bit of a story about your adventure. Don't worry about whether you think the explore was lame, post the photos. Let's say for a second there's a site you want to explore, but aren't quite up to the challenge yet. Go take a few pictures of the outside of the site, post those pics, and talk about your concerns about attempting the explore.
- Don't take people's reactions personally! There are jerks in every community that will try to bust your chops. Let it go and don't take the bait. This one is especially difficult for me.
- Be patient! Gaining people's trust is a slow process. Consistent participation in the forum will pay off.
- If you are REALLY motivated, organize a local 'meet and greet'. Pick a safe place like Starbucks or a local restaurant. That way everyone gets to meet face to face, but without the expectation of exploring with people they don't know. In business they call this 'networking'.
- It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. Don't be a jerk. There's no quicker way to become a UE outcast than copping an attitude. I've watched more than a few members destroy their credibility by being an a**hole. People have long memories...
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