This site is useless without pics.

Perhaps so. I try not to read between the lines (not always successful, but I try...). I've found that when I guess at someone's intentions from their actions alone (versus what they tell me) and then actually find out their intentions, I have a poor batting average on guessing. I've found this to be true with others' guesses as well. And this phenomenon just gets worse online (email, forums, etc.).

Keen observation, Jim.

Lee Lau posts his ski trips on almost every "outdoor" site on the internet, be it hiking, biking, skiing or climbing based sites. He leaves pics, maps, GPS, snow science, etc. for anyone to follow. I'm not sure exactly why or how he does this. My best guess is that he is trying to start a backcountry revolution of some sort, or he is extremely in need of ???. I hope it's the prior and I hope it works. At least the skin tracks will be in when you show up at your favourite tour.

Not passive-aggressive!;has written one TR, but enjoys criticizing reports from other members. I guess that means that I'm not passive-aggressive for calling out Lahar Dar.Lee Lau has a somewhat unique lifestyle that I envy, but I don't think that he brags about it and I appreciate him sharing it.

I agree with Scotsman that we have a great community here that readily shares its knowledge and information.Some of us do spend time that could be used for other activities to write reports that are more than 2 sentences long.Including photos does take some time and effort, especially if you are technically-challenged like myself.Part of the reward is being "the center of attention" as you tell your story.I get pleasure in meeting TAYers in person after reading about their exploits on line and it is nice to be recognized by other TAYers out in the snow.

I've always liked TAY for all the informative, educational (some would say academic) stuffs I've read here.  Not to mention the fact that I've met about 90% of my b/c ski partners here; quality individuals, all of them.

I also like picture-laden, boorish banter sometimes, but there's other sites where you can read/do that.   

My only minor complaint or "head-scratcher" with TAY is the lack of an option for avatar pics.  Definitely the only forum site I've been on where that's the case.   From what I understand, the main reason for this is the notion/theory that having avatar pics inevitably leads to more boorish, immature banter.  I gotta say I can't really understand the logic there....
???

FYI - there will be no less then TWO guidebooks about ski touring and ski-mountaineering routes in South West BC over the next year. I know both authors and have contributed route beta and photos to these books. I have no monetary interest in these books.

There will be photos and trip route descriptions in these books.

Regardless of what I do or anyone does, these books are going to be published.

Good discussion. Although I didn't like the tone of the initial post, I had to agree with his plea to a certain extent. Most TRs here are good for something, but I much prefer those with a picture or two, especially showing someone cranking a turn so I can asses ski conditions. I like both the short and sweet reports posted the night of so folks can read and plan for the next day, and the longer more crafted works (Sky and Jason for example) that I enjoy as armchair lit. (usually better than the magazines). It does seem that many reports this season are more about pits than skiing. As was pointed out earlier this info, while fine, is of limited value the next day, or on a different slope. The perfect TR for me does assess the avy danger, describes the snow/skiing conditions, and shows it all with some good pics, approach/parking beta etc. is much appreciated on out of the way spots not already in the guidebooks. I also agree with the photo policy which allows quite a few pics (if thumbnailed).

I much prefer TAY over TT or TGR for many of the same reasons mentioned previously, the main one being that it is the best for up to date info on local conditions that helps plan where to ski. The flaming and juvenile blather is also minimal.

I see posting here as a give and take - I've gotten some great beta, ideas, and inspiration, so I pay back a bit with some TRs myself. Like Sky said it can also be a nice break/inspiration rereading your own TR (like in the middle of a 10 day family X-mas visit to Texas).

I just realized I'd better put a picture up here as some eye candy to back up my words!

Overall though I prefer most TRs short and concise. Especially for more common areas. I'm scanning for route conditions, snow stability, road access.
I appreciate pics and at the same time having a limited number, keeps it simple.

I agree with Monika. And for the same reasons. I am looking for information. No one wants to spend several hours plodding into a location to find it all skied out, or find poor or dangerous ski conditions.

I like both the short and sweet reports posted the night of so folks can read and plan for the next day, and the longer more crafted works (Sky and Jason for example) that I enjoy as armchair lit. (usually better than the magazines)....I much prefer TAY over TT or TGR for many of the same reasons mentioned previously, the main one being that it is the best for up to date info on local conditions that helps plan where to ski. I see posting here as a give and take - I've gotten some great beta, ideas, and inspiration, so I pay back a bit with some TRs myself.

Thanks Monika, Bryan, Jim for your excellent comments, since I agree completely!
In return for the helpful information you get from TAY, thanks for returning the favor by posting your timely condition observations without worry of someone "stealing your stash." It helps us working stiffs optimize the few days we get to ski relative to the retirees and trustafarians. Also, big thanks to Charles for building the site, enhancing it, de-spamming it, and keeping it civil. Perhaps moderating TAY gives him ideas for child management duties, too!

Don't forget to buy a CD or send $ to TAY!