Balance of information is indeed key, and the challenges of presenting such information, in an efficient manner, are huge.
I agree there is TMI out there: I run into it often (Ken, you might probably say the same) with patients who have researched their diagnosis -- or try to diagnose themselves -- with the assistance of Wikipedia, medical websites, etc. On the other hand, having so much information available leads to apathy and overload. The classic, "well, I don't know what the hell I'm doing but there will be plenty of people around and they'll know what to do."
I think Tom's story from last weekend illustrated the above point, but also that relying on others to help you may also be limited. I am all for adventure and discovery, but even those putting up FA's around the world aren't walking blindly into their new territories.
Another challenge faced is trying to get the information across without sounding fatalistic or playing to the lowest common denominator. Traveling the front country of Yosemite drives me absolutely bonkers in this respect. At the top of the road for the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias, for example, the sign contains a warning:
I know my view is more than a bit skewed (fairly rigorous hike???), but to read this makes me just shake my head a bit. I guess I need to hike with little kids or something.
As for being my brother's keeper: well... Let's just say there are a myriad of reasons you won't find me in the WZ very often anymore.
99% of people survive their stupidity, but I think the number of people who
learn from their stupidity is vastly smaller.
