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Etiquette

First some context:

This is predominantly a singles friendship and dating site with an outdoor activity focus. There are some members who are attached and just looking for walking buddies, or who met on the site and who wish to keep up with their friends. We provide tools so you can meet up and have fun, either through trad. dating or by posting and/or enjoying Invite meets.

Invitations

I am often jealous at the wide range of activities that you all get up to. The aim is that the activities are outdoorsey in nature, but inevitably there will be Christmas Parties, pub "walks", and fun days out.

  • An Invitation is created by the poster. It is their invitation. They set the rules. They are the boss. We don't have anything to do with what is arranged, where and for whom. None of the invitations are "officially" sanctioned or vetted in any way by us.
  • If you don't like the look of an invitation then don't go.
  • If you are the Organiser and would rather a particular member didn't come to your party, you can cry if you want to. Private messaging would be the best route to discuss attendance. It would be sad if anybody did deliberately work to block a member as the site is open and friendly, but I prefer not to arbitrate in such matters. Sometimes people just don't get on. Welcome to life.
  • The Organiser is just that. The Organiser. They are not responsible for those who join them. No claims should be made about their ability to lead an activity, nor should they be assumed. Although some members have relevant qualifications most won't. Be aware as an adult you are responsible for your personal safety, need to provide your own suitable kit, and need to be happy you could manage on your own if necessary.
  • A picture, route map, idea of length and terrain, kit required etc is a good idea as it both helps members decide whether to attend and helps the Organiser ensure the attendees are equipped and able to deal with the outing.
  • If you choose to collect monies for an activity or send money to an Invite Organiser make sure you appreciate the hassles and risks you are entering into. If money goes missing we cannot be held responsible for it.
  • Please do not use the invitations section to promote personal commercial profit making ventures. Its fine to organise an event with an external third party, but not to advertise your own events and services.

Children

  • Generally Invites should be considered adult only unless you have asked the organiser if its OK to bring a child. This would be best done in the public comments so others can see the response and decide what to do accordingly.
  • Child friendly invites are fine if you want provided its mentioned as such. Kids walk better with other kids. Parents want to share this important part of their lives with other parents. Single adults have kids and its a key discussion to be had in any singles/dating scenario. If you don't want to attend then don't.
  • You are solely responsible for the safety of the child you bring.

Safety

  • Normal dating safety rules apply, but as you may be walking through lonely places with a stranger you need to be extra careful. If an organiser cancels a meet up because only you are attending don't be offended. If you pitch up and don't like the look of the organiser be polite and walk away. A group is safer than two.
  • Avoid giving out mobile numbers and home addresses and emails until you feel you know the person. I know this is awkward as meeting at a strange place without a mobile contact should you get lost is tricky, but we managed it before mobiles were invented!
  • Checkout » this page « for more on safety.

Risk

  • You should recognise that most outdoor activities carry an element of risk, including a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.
  • Although an invitation organiser may mention personal experience and qualifications in an activity your safety remains entirely your own responsibility and you should be prepared to walk away if you feel ill prepared in any way.
  • Invite organisers should avoid making claims about their ability to lead an activity.
  • It is essential when undertaking outdoor activities that you carry and know how to use the correct equipment for the activity. There is plenty of advice available online and in guides for this. Conversely if someone turns up for an invitation ill prepared for the given activity do not be afraid or embarrassed to point out the shortfalls and turn the person away.

Forum Posts

The forum is a great way to chat with other singles and outdoorsey people, plan activities, and thank others for their efforts.

  • Don't forget that the forum is public. Don't post personal emails, addresses and identifiable information.
  • Please be aware that comments on forums are very "black and white" without the benefit of body language, facial expressions and so on to add colour and to help judge meaning. Its easy to both write something that appears harsh, and to misinterpret something as being very personal.
  • If you do want to have a sharp word with someone then private messaging is the route. I will ban personal attacks and slanging matches on open forums. If you get repeated personal messages of an unfortunate nature just block the user.
  • If you feel you have suffered open attacks on the forum contact me immediately and I'll take a look and consider what action to take.
  • Try and keep it polite.
  • Remember that not everybody has your sense of humour.

Pictures

One of my favourite parts of the site, the pictures section says a great deal.

  • Clearly try and restrict pictures to an outdoor or "Invitations" theme, or images linked to these things in some way. There are plenty of specialist picture sharing sites out there for the other stuff.
  • Please only post your own pictures, and don't re-post images from other sites.
  • New members are welcome to post images of themselves in action. The "View soandso's pictures" link in their profile will now work. However, please don't upload your entire photo collection!
  • Pictures of children are OK if relevant. Pictures are unlikely to compromise a child's safety unless other details are added such as full name, school and so on. A random picture of a random child at a random location is unlikely to be a safety concern.
  • No nudity or so called "adult" images.