Establishing rank is extremely important to any subculture or group of hobbyists. If you don't think so just accuse any punk of not being a real punk. He/she will then tell you exactly how long they have been punk and maybe even what legendary shows they have been to thus establishing their rank in the puck hierarchy.

My friends think I'm a pro but come-on, look to the left.
I've got a three month star and NO merit badges. Obvious fucking NOOB.

I am a pro photographer because my photos have a white border and a watermark.
I am a pro explorer because I have more than two flashlights and I have at least one friend who calls me irresponsible behind my back.

Posted by sciatica He/she will then tell you exactly how long they have been punk and maybe even what legendary shows they have been to thus establishing their rank in the puck hierarchy.

And then he'll tell you to go fuck yourself.

Posted by jeepdave I didn't even notice this thread. Are we at this again? Ranks?

Here we have an example of a post from an "Elite" ranked member.

Posted by Radical Fred Not with those HDR gas station shots you're not.

You mean single, long exposure?

Posted by Ansion Here we have an example of a post from an "Elite" ranked member.

And don't you forget it

Posted by jeepdave And don't you forget it

Posted by Ansion Here we have an example of a post from an "Elite" ranked member.

no no no... THIS is a post from an elite explorer.
my post count matches my johnson... epic and long-winded.
(hardy har har)

Well I've been doing it for over a decade now, at least, so I guess I'm probably a level 62 Asbestos Sorceror. Or something. Anyway, I've got skills.

I am experienced...



Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful.

So I guess I'm the only one who thinks a fellow explorers experience is relevant. Not for ranking purposes or prestige, but rather to know what to expect once we are underground.

When I was new to mine exploring I appreciated the more experienced guys explaining about the structures we were seeing, making sure I didn't get myself into a dangerous situation without even knowing it. Generally I would be in the middle of the group where I wasn't leading or trailing. I would get a needed a hand getting up or down, or a bit of coaching about a particularly sketchy ladder.

At the other end of the spectrum, a group of what I thought were all experienced explorers had descended a shaft about 250' deep. Near the top we had to use our climbing gear to ascend the last 20' or so. Most of it had ladder but some of it was gone or pretty sketchy. After we finished exploring everyone had climbed up except me and another guy who turned to me and said, "I've never actually used this climbing gear before. Can you explain to me how to use it?" Now we are standing on two 6x6 beams with a 25' drop below us to the bottom of the sump, and 250' above us. This is NOT the place to find out that your fellow explorer has no business being in that place at that time.

I believe that everyone knowing each others experience level makes for better decision making and a safer explore.

Just my .02 worth. It's lonely being the only one who thinks this way....

Abby Normal

i was just being facetious with a touch of sarcasm...

Problem Abby is there is no governing body on uer. Or around UE in general. So it would be a very voluntary system. I mean ask anyone who you are going to explore with what they've done and are comfortable with but don't expect what they say to be always accurate. Because if they really wanna explore a mine suddenly they've done it a thousand times before. Because they figure someone will bail them out if it gets to intense. Which is a whole other social commentary I will stay away from out of love.

There is no rank. There is only room for improvement. Getting access to places are a way I can constantly challenge myself. If I can inspire someone else to get into this hobby, or teach someone something about exploring they didn't know, then that's even better. To me its about doing the next best thing, the place no one has thought of going.

Posted by jeepdave Problem Abby is there is no governing body on uer. Or around UE in general. So it would be a very voluntary system. I mean ask anyone who you are going to explore with what they've done and are comfortable with but don't expect what they say to be always accurate. Because if they really wanna explore a mine suddenly they've done it a thousand times before. Because they figure someone will bail them out if it gets to intense. Which is a whole other social commentary I will stay away from out of love.

Oh yeah, I'm absolutely not advocating for any form of formal ranking or evaluation process!! That would run counter to the whole reason that we are out enjoying a "fringe" activity to begin with. I just like to know a bit about the folks that I'm going exploring with before I'm in a situation where someone's life may be in the hands of an inexperienced person. I should have made it clear that I was speaking purely from a personal perspective, not to the UE community.

Abby Normal

Rankings are important. Otherwise you may be stuck exploring with people like BOX and Mutant Mandias. Still can't get the stink off

Posted by DjMalign Rankings are important. Otherwise you may be stuck exploring with people like BOX and Mutant Mandias. Still can't get the stink off

The worst is when people think they're the shit but haven't really broken any new ground or done anything that sets themselves apart from the nameless, faceless crowd.

I, for one, prefer to remain nameless & faceless.

Well, I wouldn't really want to put a rank or label on exploring, I think of it as a hobby/way of life. I guess I could say i'm a born explorer. Ever since I was a child I loved nature, being outside, and just going on random adventures to see what I could find. I remember when I was about 8 and used to live on a mountain in SC I would wake myself up at 6am, pull on my hiking gear, leave a note for my parents, and start the 4 hour hike that would take me to the top of the mountain and right by an abandoned ranger station and watch tower. Most kids and adults have toys, game systems, the newest piece of technology, all kinds of things to amuse and entertain them, I had and still do have one that I love above everything else: my passion for adventure. Now that i've gotten older life sometimes gets in the way of that passion, but it's still burning strong.