NEELS’ RALLY TENT
It’s fun to hang out in a virtual camping group, but do be careful what you say on social media,
Recently a friend asked how much time I spend on Facebook every day. I have to confess, it’s more time than I’d like to admit to. At least I have an excuse: I’m an administrator of four camping groups and have to keep an eye on people wanting to join the groups. And, of course, I have to intervene quickly when a conversation starts to unravel.
People with fake profiles and those who provide nonsensical answers to the admission questions should be banned so as to protect bona fide members from irrelevant ads that have nothing to do with the theme of the group. On a camping group, ads for weight-loss products, pyramid schemes and money lending are a sign that the administrators aren’t doing their job properly.
Another way to curb undesirable profiles is to approve the postings of all newcomers in their first month. New members should also not be allowed to invite friends to the group, as this is the easiest way for spammers to worm their way into a group.
Another reason for my time on Facebook is because I am also a member of other groups interested in camping and nature. The posts on these groups keep me informed about new technology, equipment, campsites and exceptional natural phenomena.
Reading the extent and nature of the posts on these groups it feels as though I’m measuring the social pulse of the camping community. Of course, there are trolls on every group who like nothing more than to make irrelevant, sarcastic and obscene comments.
Sharp-witted humour is acceptable, but malice and rudeness should lead to immediate exclusion. People who think a Facebook group is a safe space to say awful things about other members or politicians should read more about the consequences of defamation – even if it is on a closed camping group.
Keyboard warriors looking for ways to sow discord should also not be tolerated.
Most groups have rules and these need to be enforced. These rules don’t bother the majority of people, but the problem is that not many group members are familiar with them.
Sometimes posts are allowed in good faith, but it helps nobody to glorify a ‘cute spot’ if it does not meet general camp standards.
A FEW YEARS AGO, as a rating officer of the Tourism Rating Board, I had my hands full trying to convince resorts who rated themselves too high to aim lower.
Rather be a fantastic three-star resort than a precarious four star. The regular camper is too experienced to recommend a poor campsite to family and camping friends. Also, most camping groups don’t allow members to bad mouth resorts.
I support this because complaints should be taken up with resort management. Or complaints lodged with the Tourism Rating Board if the resort has a star rating.
Then I am also puzzled by people’s understanding of basic queries. If someone asks for pet-friendly campsites, they are recommended a spot in a game reserve, which is simply not possible. A query about places with private ablution facilities attracts references to places that only offer an outdoor shower. If someone is looking for a getaway in the vicinity of Pretoria, a ‘cute spot’ hundreds of kilometres from the country’s administrative capital won’t do.
Do remember to be careful with what you post. Any information on social media is easily downloaded by computer boffins. And who knows what they get up to with it…