Another reason NOT to use the "Water Thief"

CavemanCharlie wrote:

DiskDoctr wrote:

toedtoes wrote:

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I disagree with this. I've found that most people if told the rule and politely explained the reason for the rule will be understanding and not only follow the rule but, bend over backward to see that it is followed fairly by everybody.

It seems some of you have no faith in humanity. I'm sorry you feel that way.

It's not a lack of faith in humanity, it's being realistic. Look through this thread. After the OP posted the reason behind a decision, folks are still saying "well, they just mean X, so I'd still do it because I'm not doing X, I'm doing Y" - when in reality, they are still connecting to a spigot against the posted rules. They've just justified it in their minds that it's OK for them to do.

And somehow I don't think most park rangers want campers to "bend over backward to see that it is followed fairly by everybody". I suspect that most rangers would say "put your effort into making sure you follow the rules and let us worry about all the others".

Therein lies the real problem.

One approach is, "You are trying to solve/avoid problem X, which I am making sure I relieve or do not contribute to by some sort of accommodation/procedure/equipment"

The other approach is, "I am the Law! Respect my Author-i-tie!"

The first is a cooperative community working to help each other. The second is authoritarian oppression.

I know a number of rangers and have only met ONE who wasn't in the first category, and he had some major personal stress at the time so it probably doesn't count ;)

So I would invite all to do their best to stay in the cooperative community and not blindly follow the "becaue I told you so" crowd.

More of a general approach really.

Yes, I agree, You maybe came across in this post a little harsh. But, I still believe if everyone is told the reason for the rule that in most cases they would understand and work together for the benefit of all. You will always have a few that don't but, that's' life. Most people are good people. Let's not judge everyone by the actions of a few.

It's called "contrast." Drawing a sharp contrast between the extremes defines two opposite approaches, like North and South. It doesn't mean someone who makes a rule is a dictator any more than saying someone from the South lives in Antarctica.

You seem to have taken the contrast as some literal categorization of yourself. Certainly not the intent. I quoted what the poster wrote, which happened to include their quote of your post.

Grain of salt, as they say ;)