h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Urban Exploration - A7736259
Author: Freestmind - U2719993

This is my first attempt on h2g2, so please be as hard as you can on me. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Could you maybe add a few descriptions of various types of places to go exploring?

I have a feeling you'll need to mention a little more about the legality of this too.

You could expand on the 'Why Do It?' section. Mountain climbers often respond to questions as to why they do it with the phrase 'because it's there'. You could expand on this a little.

Very interesting.

Sounds good. More detail on the why and how would be even better.

Unfortunately, in the UK there is no guarantee that you will get off easily anymore, due to recent toughening of criminal tresspass law. If you are unlucky, you could end up in big trouble.

Something on the dangers of traipsing through abandoned, often dangerous buildings as well as sewers (obviously dangerous) would be good.

sprout

Just a note:
As of this posting I am updating the 'why' section.

A very interesting subject for an article, definitely. I've never heard of this activity at all, so perhaps it might be good to give some indication of the places where there are active groups involved.

I have to say, I'm still a wee bit wary about the article owing to the fact it does seem, at the moment, to be encouraging trespass on private property. Unfortunately, one of the rules and regulations of h2g2 is that we can't be seen to promote any illegal activity, so if there's any way in which you can 'mold' the entry into focusing on the more above-board places to explore, I'm sure that'll help.

Cheers!

Paully

Now updating legality checks.

I really can't cover the legal aspect of urban expploration in to great of detail because retstrictions vary by city, state, country etc. Any explorer should carefully check out the laws in his or her community, as I suggested in the entry. UE itself is strictly not illegal, though certain explorers may engage in criminal activity.

Paully is saying that you entry focusses largely on random excursions, which may intrude on private property. Regardless of local laws, this is at best antisocial, and at worst illegal. He is just suggesting that if you can focus the entry more on public areas rather than how to deal with security personnel in a place where you really shouldn't be.


If you ask why I climb mountains, which I do, I would reply:

I enjoy pitting years of technical training against an obstacle that I believe is the most difficult I can possibly overcome, physically and mentally.

The intensity of the 'wild experience' enhances my humanity and brings me closer to a oneness with the natural world.

I choose to stare into a void of my choosing to face my own fears and humanity.

The 'sense of accomplishment' is barely hollow. Imagine the most intensive feelings of relief, satisfaction, joy, terror and comradeship whilst the adrenaline is still raw and coursing. It is the most passionate experience one will ever encounter.


Your whole diatribe on why climbers climb is based on a single comment of a very famous climber, George Mallory, who - when sick to death of being asked 'why?' - replied in a fit of pique 'because it's there!'. No climber or mountaineer I have ever met seriously believes this philosophy, and it is certainly incomparable to anyone who thinks that leaping into someone else's back garden is an achievement.


I know there is a seriousness to this entry and that it will ultimately make the EG in some form, but you understate the legality and overstate the gravitas of what you are doing.

This has the potential for a really excellent entry. Some comments:

- A greater consideration of illegality is needed. Many readers won't try urban exploration unless they're fairly sure they aren't going to get arrested for it. Perhaps you could give some (presumably rather mundane) examples that definitely are legal? Urban letterboxing (http://www.spacehijackers.org/letterboxing/) is a legal activity that is somewhat related to UE that I have participated in.
- Are you familiar with the various printed and online publications about UE? I think I have a copy of Infiltration Zine somewhere, and very much enjoyed reading it. Some comments on UE culture would be good, as would be links to resources.
- Health and Safety: warped floors, asbestos, sewage, dead animals. What precautions should be taken before 'setting out'?

A very interesting entry, though. There's an abandoned university accommodation building near me, which I'd like to explore.

Unfortunately, one of the rules and regulations of h2g2 is that we can't be seen to promote any illegal activity.

why unfortunately? Laws are here to protect the ordinary person.

I must emphasize that I am aware of the legal ramifications of this- though it is difficult for me to be too concise about what this means because I don't live everywhere I live here. As I know that's not much help to you, I plan to do some extensive research into the subject and you're likely to see a major revamp of this entry.

Regarding the 'Infiltration' site and 'zine:
The author of that site seems to have questionable motives, and therefore I have hesitations about using him as a source. Thanks, though.

A better UrbEx site is here

http://www.simoncornwell.com/urbex/frames.htm

He's what I'd consider the epitome of Urban Explorers. His motto is "take only a camera - leave only footprints"... check out his Cane Hill Project!

Some of the sites out there aren't just about the thrill side of UrbEx. Like the one above, there's a lot who concentrate on the historical side, with photos and information that makes up invaluable records of abandoned and forgotten sites. I'm not sure describing taking a camera as lacking any practical value is correct

Also, the what to bring section is lacking in some important details. A mention of sturdy footwear and a good pair of gloves should be in there. Also, some places are hazardous to breathe in, due to fumes, excessive mould or even asbestos, which is why a lot of explorers carry breathing masks these days.

And yep, you're going to run into a host of problems about the legalities. Most places of interest to explorers are off-limits legally. Whereas some will just evict you with a warning, there are others who will prosecute. I'm not sure if this is going to pass as it stands.

Maybe you could consider a change of direction? Simon Cornwell, the bloke who's site I linked to, has actually been featured on BBC's Restoration Nation, not to mention in The Independant! So with a bit of careful writing, and maybe a focus on the preservation/photographic history side, it could be a fantastic entry

Sorry for rambling on, but you're writing about something I'm hooked on... ahhh, many many hours spent living vicariously through other people's adventures

This entry has been hidden - I propose a move back to the entry. The author hasn't posted to h2g2 for over three months.

Seconded - though I can't do a list at the moment

I'll do it,