Donations for John Long

The hilarious thing about the internet is that it exposes ideas to such a huge range of people that, eventually, no matter how simple or benign a thread is, some idiot out there, somewhere, will see a debate, argument, or point of contention in it. And then they can comment on it, making it appear as if there is some sort of actual debate. This thread is a great example.

Kevin, Ted, it's really simple: a standout member of our community got hurt, and could use some help. That's it. There is no argument, you either throw down some cash, wish him well, or shut the fuck up.

As we all know, finding a real mentor to teach us to stay alive out there is tough.
John Long's books probably kept me alive through my early climbing/trad experiences!
Donation sent.

It sure seems like a lot of our old hero's are having bad things happen the last few years or so. It's very sad to me. Be safe out there everyone!

Most people don't know the physical challenges this man has to endure to keep on climbing....

Wow,
good reminder that what we do is dangerous, even in the "controlled environment" of the gym. Best wishes to John on a quick recovery. At the end of the day, doesnt matter to me how hard he climbs, or the fact that I, like a lot of people on this site, have benefited from his knowledge and experience. What matters is basic human decency. A member of our community, a fellow human being is hurt and could use some help. We have all needed a helping hand at some point in our lives. So if you can and want to chip in and help John, good on ya. If not, thats fine too, free will, I just dont want to hear about it either way. As far as all of the money he has made from his books, most authors net around 6% per book sold. So I dont think John realized financial wealth from his book sales, and I doubt that was his purpose in the first place.

camhead wrote:Kevin, Ted, it's really simple: a standout member of our community got hurt, and could use some help. That's it. There is no argument, you either throw down some cash, wish him well, or shut the fuck up.

I didn't know any climbers, and nil about technical rock climbing when I decided to take up the sport- I found John Long's books very informative, and user friendly, and it gave me the confidence I desperately needed at the time to become a climber. I really appreciate the 110%, and then some that he has put into the climbing community. His shared wealth of knowledge, and expertise is the gift that keeps on giving in the climbing world. I was more than happy to contribute something back to such an outstanding member of our climbing community, whom I have benefited so much from over the years, and for many years to come. Hope he gets well soon, and gets the best care he can.

Nice post Gigette

From Gordofest, 2012

Always a good laugh in his instructional videos from the 90's.

Also from Toddfest...

I will redact my previous comments. To each their own. This is not the forum to discuss issues deeper than #5 Camelots,or your next road trip van. I'll shut the fuck up now.
By the way he has raised close to $2500. Smart MOFO.

camhead wrote: Kevin, Ted, it's really simple: a standout member of our community got hurt, and could use some help. That's it. There is no argument, you either throw down some cash, wish him well, or shut the fuck up.

Ugh, very unfortunate. But this or worse can happen to any of us. I too have a couple of his books on my shelf. There's no doubt he has had a very influential impact on climbing. God's Speed Dude.

Jeremy Monahan wrote:Welp, Matt Davies nailed it, if you can get past the big words. Three cheers for John Long, and for a speedy recovery!

The person that started the Chipin is now in contact with me. Sorry if this raised a lot of alarms.

Thanks John for posting. I was skeptical of the Chipin when I first saw the post. Theres a sucker born every minute, just look at this site. But obviously you are a stand up dude, and I appreciate honesty in our small community. Loved your books growing up. Still think you are one of the best adventure writers out there. I hope you heal quick, and if a legit fundraiser is presented, I'm happy to Chipin.

bummer, hope you get better soon John. Love your books.

There will be an actual fundraiser going on with real people doing it in person at some point.

The Chipin fundraiser is looking legitimate now. More to follow on that.

Hopefully the folks who started the chipin will do the right thing with the donations received. I'm not one to donate blindly for a cause, but do tend to be more trusting with folks within our small climbing community, or whom I believe to be part of our tribe. I've never been done wrong by anyone in our climbing community, and have had nothing but great experiences with climbers, and climbing related organizations, so with that I took a gamble, and was quick on the trigger to donate. Call us suckers who donated to Krista for her lap dances, and road trips in Nigeria but that's life in the fast lane. We win some, and lose some. At this point I'm not going to stress over a donation/bet made that doesn't break my bank.

With that being said, a more transparent fundraiser does make more sense, and would generate more interest for the cause.