Are wilderness survival schools/courses worth it?

Susan, I read the article just now. I didn't see anything awkward about it or giving poor advice by the uninitiated. It seemed to me to be a sifting and presentation of a variety of responses without any real specific input from the author beyond his experience level. For a person with little to no experience relating the experiences of others, I think he did a well rounded job of presenting the opinions of more experienced people from a variety of sources sampled. I would have liked to have seen some brief interview quotes from some instructors though. I think the omission of their views was glaring. And the omission of interviews with the gurus of survival training and/or bushcraft. I know from experience that the majority are very down to earth and approachable for brief interviews. But really, in even outdoor venue specific magazines (paddling, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing), print and online, superficial articles are a mainstay.

And he did not overreach in his conclusion of the article:

Yes, many courses that teach survival are worth the money but you need to make sure:

They are reputable and have well known instructors
They match your skill level
They are practical for survival situations that you might find yourself in

Good courses are most valuable because they give you hands-on experience that you cannot really learn from reading or watching videos.
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I apologized because I had shot from the hip without considering the way my words could be taken ...especially by the poster immediately before mine.

As for Thomas Linton, I pointedly read everything he posts here. He shares his knowledge or research and informs so well. Not flattery, simple observation.

When someone came to this forum seeking information, explaining fully his lack of formal training, in fact asking "about the value of survival schools versus alternative options like books, videos or online courses", there was some harshness and lack of welcome. Perhaps it was because he intended to write and share his findings. Journalism.

Being of an age that relied on good journalism to report truth as guardian of our freedoms, I will admit I am kind of biased to judge by the outcome when one comes seeking information.

I seek information.

Yes, the internet, radio and tv have journalists from one end of the great/good/bad/horrible/twisted spectrum to the other. I do get why members see yet another paper tiger with all the hype out there and on the shelves. I am skeptical as well.

My sense is that the article spoke well to the sentiments of members here. That is what I intended to say with my ill thought post.

My apology is deserved and stands.

Susan
 
No need to apologize Susan. Or anyone else here including the author for that matter.
 
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