So most people know the rules of keeping the building the same as you've found it, well what if everything is vandalized and all the rooms are trashed with items left over? In a strip mall near me my buddy and I took strewn desks, chairs, magazines, posters, etc. and set up what one of the stores may have looked like for a spot to chill out and take photos. Is this wrong? I dont see any harm in it, it actually felt really good to do. I'll upload some pictures once I get them figured out.

I'd personally say it's fine. Most explorers would agree that you want to preserve a location's story, but in my opinion that story doesn't stop the moment a place is vacated. I think it's cool walking into someone's scene, and guessing at what they might have been doing or what pics they might have taken. Especially cool if you've already seen those pics, or come across them later.

Posted by DescentOnARope I'd personally say it's fine. Most explorers would agree that you want to preserve a location's story, but in my opinion that story doesn't stop the moment a place is vacated. I think it's cool walking into someone's scene, and guessing at what they might have been doing or what pics they might have taken. Especially cool if you've already seen those pics, or come across them later.

Definitely a good perspective, I've not really thought of others seeing it and respecting the "story" of it rather been worried someone was going to come in and wreck it, which sort of happened. If it was a place that nothing had moved since it had been closed I wouldn't have but it felt like putting the pieces back to a puzzle. I was quite proud LOL

I tend to agree. If a location has already been vandalized to crap, I don't see any harm in putting it back together as long as it's not being permanently altered or trash is being left behind. In fact, I enjoy seeing the work of people who have the time and inclination to do it.

One of the problems with doing this could be making a change to the site that alerts security or whoever that there are intruders, and they tighten security.

If this could be a concern there, it is always possible to just replace all the items where they had been found when you're done with them.

it's absolutely fun to 'visit' someone else's creation. they're pulling decades of trash out of one room for...art? someone else's experience? that's cool. if it's someone's active-ish property and changing things around causes them stress, that's where it falls into being kinda lame, for me, personally.

All of the aboves have solid points. Ethically, I'd say you're fine. If the place is already trashed, sorting a few things out won't hurt it.

Posted by Steed One of the problems with doing this could be making a change to the site that alerts security or whoever that there are intruders, and they tighten security. If this could be a concern there, it is always possible to just replace all the items where they had been found when you're done with them.

This is something I didn't think about and is the exact reason for the rookie forum. Thank you all so much.