theCrag/website — Issue #334: Artificial climbing walls and gyms
Author: MelwinQ
Created: 2011-10-08 20:36:10+00:00
State: open

It seems, currently artificial climbing walls and gyms cover a minor fraction of thecrag's database. However, I'd like to ask you if you actually want them to be included or not.
cons:
- artificial walls don't necessarily have permanent routes, ie every time when new routes are set, a node's number of routes increases
- owners of commercial walls or gyms may engage in edit wars to make their place look most favourable

pros:
- many climbers live (or often stay) in the muddy lowlands. Finding anything to scratch that itch is as crucial as finding a crag in the mountains.
- ARTIFICIAL is an elastic term. Where does artificial start? A route with chipped holds, an abandoned quarry, buildering, a commercial plastic wall?
- offering gym owners exclusive placement in the search results or the PDF-guides may generate some funds

Either way you decide, it should be made clear on the website. Especially if you opt for it, it would be helpful if "gym" or "artificial wall" were an area type with special attributes.