I didn't feel like responding in the already almost four page thread, so I decided I would start my own.
Dear NS Staff,
While I do think that the ESPN article was not the most insightful, I say who cares. What you guys have done with this site is absolutely fantastic. And, you don't need some low-brow writer to confirm that for you. You also cannot control the content of posts, nor the quality of your members. You've maintained a hands-off approach, and therefore the website takes on the personality of said members, for better or worse. I think it is what makes the site unique and invites it to have so many members. I imagine being on this website ten years from now when I have my own kids who are skiing.
Being a member of this site and the online ski community for a decade (wow I feel old!), I can say with authority that the site is bar-none the most thought-out and well executed in the ski community. I remember when it took a couple of days to get a decent response to a thread about gear. I remember when there were maybe 20 people buying or selling gear. And, I remember when watching a video was a privilege and a new feature that we needed donators for because bandwidth could hardly handle a dozen short edits. Now look at it: No donors needed, hosting of great up-to-date content, tons of videos and pics, reviews, contents... it is a storehouse of ski info!
So instead of being frustrated at the opinion of someone who may not appreciate what you've done, let's make this thread about the things we love about NS and the people who make it possible.
I'll start. I love that I have a place where I can come to ask about places and resorts I've never been to, and people from all over the country (and world for that matter) can help me find deals, restaurants, and great parts of the mountain.
