The 'Good Old Days 'or 'Rose Tinted Specs' ?

hi good old days i've been on the site for about one half years has it changed yes for the better i feel like this everything in time changes this site has given me a new lease of life and for me i remember the good old days but i know in my heart there is more to come some concerns have been raised about children and sizes of groups this site has evolved because there are no strict rules makes it more enjoyable to everyone so lets just sit back and enjoy this lovely moments life is too short and i'm looking forward to more lovely memories 😀😀😀

I think the 'majority' would agree with you HM🙂

Looking at Rourky's point. I hope this site doesn't go the way of Facebook. I had a look back at some of the first the Forum posts, nearly all of them were to do with outdoor activites, so things have certainly changed.
Have seen some strange pictures posted recently, not sure that I quite get the point. Guess we are all different.

Rourky: I agree get out there & meet folk, have a great walk, lots of laughs & put the names & faces of real people to the site names. I have only been active on here for the last year but I have had lots of laughs & met lots of really great people 🙂🙂

Bless your sweet little cotton socks dear 🙂

And as for wanting to know people and their names, then theres only one sure fire way to do that, get out on a bloody walk. Im ranting again, its like watching Jeremy Kyle arghhhhhhh :~

In the good old days before inane questions, photographs and general cant be bothered mentality, people used to use this site with a modicum of intelligence and common sense. Over the last few months as ive already commented on, i feel things have changed and not always for the better with people looking for a quick fix or just looking for attention. Now we are discussing site names. I am constantly aware that any 'Tom Dick & Harry' can view all we do on the Forum, Pictures etc without being a member. I really do not wish for them to know my name. Now i have done and still do slip up sometimes by posting peoples names but i do try and make a conscious effort not too.

morningdawn: 😈😈😈 I know!!!

The Mind is Willing: Never mind a coach or a train, if we have any more rain we will need an Ark building 😀 😀

BustaGut (Grant): Aww, forgot you need a carer when Kath can't make it 😋 😀

Coaches aren't big enough Grant I think that's why Paul is using the train for The Ale Trail!!! 😮😈😈😈

Joined about the same time as AR and have enjoyed a fair number of outings, have met some wonderful people and would recommend the site to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.🙂🙂
Beatrix I'm with you, there are some very special people………. All we need now is an OD coach and some carers, then we can all play out together 😋😋😋

Plenty Site Admin.
The question I was posing, which I think has been well answered by everyones comments, was 'Has the site lost some of it's magic now that more members are joining in on the invites or has this improved the site?'

I think it's great there are now so many invites and lots of different activities encouraging us all to do something new. Like others am not so keen on the really big get togethers but I think we are finding ways around that by splitting into smaller groups for the walks.

JW: There must be some good stuff around the South Coast to do? Stick up a few meet ideas. When this site started the early meet organisers often walked alone! Someone has to be first.

I'm glad your all having a good time. Very jealous! 😀

When I joined in early 2012 most of the events were based in the North and I was living in the South at that time, it made me so envious that I moved up North to join in ! 😉
Nowadays there are events happening all over the country which is just great, everyone can get to something and have fun without taking such drastic action !
I loved the site as it was when I joined and love it every bit as much now. The increased numbers of members gives even more choice (because there are more walks) and that should help to reduce the group sizes too. I'm another who prefers to walk with a smaller group

I joined back in March 2013 and the groups were smaller then and only a few invites posted but it was last August that the site went into a snow ball effect and noticed people were joining at a rapid rate...the 2 months after that the site must have double in size as the groups got bigger and more invites were posted...but it could be that most new people joining OD now are getting stuck into group meetups. This is one of the best sites by far and really glad that I joined it 🙂🙂

Thanks Ally, if work changes would love to join you. Sure it will be a good bash🙂
TMiW, sure was🙂
Same, never quite got the Facebook thing either.

Johnwalking: By the way - the first Barmouth outing was a douzy John 😈😈😈 but that's the beauty of expectation. When you least expect it and things are not quite going your way a starburst is unforgetable and leaves you smiling/laughing! 😈

I joined the site in 2011 when it was relatively new and quite a small number of members.I think the site has evolved for the better and there is something for everyone on the invites.My only concern is the group walking sizes are becoming a bit to big but that's just my personal opinion.Think the site is fab and long may it continue and JW you are most welcome to our party!🙂

Sure you are right Matt🙂
TMiW you always seem to know how to put things into perspective🙂
Thanks CW...as it stands I will be joining you in sunny Yorkshire🙂, just waiting for confirmation that won't have to work☹
My Sisters are waiting for you Glen, they have a habit of sending you northern folk home with blisters, so be warned.
MD, yes I agree, well put🙂

Even though I've only been a member for a year, my first weekend was special as were my two holidays I have had with OD, Hadrian's Wall and Isle of Skye. Oh and my days out throughout the year. For me those times were magical, memories I will never forget, like the friends I have made.
Forget rose tinted glasses, everyone's first times on OD outings will become the Good Old Days in time. I just wish too I was able to get to more outings, but at least with lots available to choose from I do get a chance to join in.
You should only ever look back to see how far you have travelled 🙂

Better? Who knows but definitely fun.
Yes I personally think it has changed. You're right John fewer members meant you got to know everyone better and people commented because they knew the person in question well and the pictures were of the group walks we enjoyed together.
This doesn't mean the way the site has evolved is better or worse just different and if it wasn't for the warm camaraderie of those early days some people may not have been bold enough to join in.
The one thing that hasn't changed is the warm welcome everyone extends to each other and the strong bonds of friendships forged. Long may it continue. 🙂
We miss you too John 😋😀