Since retiring l have had a chance to make some money by writing about my adventures but I’m too busy enjoying myself to take the time to do that. However if someone wants to profit from their ‘outdoor education’ that is great. We don’t expect those who have paid for a formal education to work for free. That said, l appreciate you, and others, who share your knowledge freely, and I’m glad you are able to receive some financial benefit from doing so. Thanks!

Indeed. A class, a guided trip, a guide book, etc. etc. is not for everyone. But they exist because some people like, enjoy and can make use of the service. Swapping out a hard drive is not hard for me…my mother would disagree. 🙂

I saw the Backpacker course that Liz is leading, and thought it was clever. Not for me, but clever, and certainly valuable for some people.

Keep doing what you do.

I understand your loyalty, never the less, your Colorado trail thru hike guide is on my coffee table and I didn’t purchase his book

Andrew’s a good guy who has worked hard to get where he is… Plus his book does much better than my non-existent one. 😉

Many blogs I research for hiking info have recommended your site as a resource. Skurka, not so much. Just saying

Marketing schwag/swill from the pmags corporate empire… https://www.magpul.com/products/apparel

Thanks for the kind words.

Personally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with being sponsored either (if the person’s pursuits don’t interfere with another person’s pursuit!) . But, as Andrew wrote, the “sponsorship” thing is not as lucrative as most people may think. http://andrewskurka.com/2011/how-to-get-sponsored/ I can’t speak for him, but I suspect that is why many well known outdoor folks also write, do talks, consult, etc.

Either way, I’ve always felt if a person is doing something that makes me angry, but has no impact on me or the environment, then I should be looking at myself more closely. 🙂 Advice I often have to remind myself about. 😉