Happy

Glad to hear that, Franco, although you could have been even happier had you purchased new gear! :)

Unfortunately, I cannot make that claim. I guess I will have to go to the help clinic when it opens on the second of the month. Now I hope the clinic is not near any cottage "industries!" That could undo all of my efforts.:)

I guess I am a lost cause then… though I did my best to keep my purchases down. But I can say that I am completely satisfied with the gear that I did purchase and that there is only an alpine shelter that I am seeking to buy now. After that there will be nothing more that I need for a long while, or at least until what I have is worn out.

Do you think you will be able to keep up the abstinence throughout 2008, too? Or will you somehow explode come around, say, June or so?

I have a feeling that if Henry Shires comes up with anything revolutionary, Franco's iron will may develop some definite cracks!:)

I have a feeling that if Henry Shires comes up with anything revolutionary, Franco's iron will may develop some definite cracks!:)

Everyone has their own personal kryptonite;-)

Well, 2007 wasn't a year of restrain for me. Nothing major but lots of "accessories" and clothing ,so I am trying to curb my urges in 2008. So far, so good.
Franco

We need GJA (gear junkies anonymous).

Hello my name is Nia and I'm a gear junkie. It's been 3 days since my last purchase.

nm

So Franco spent a ton of money on gear "accessories" in 2007 — like he did in every year past.

While we in the US are still at the tail end of 2007, Franco has already started 2008 in the Land of Oz. Naturally, being just minutes into 2008, Franco hasn't purchased any new gear in the year!

OK, Franco, we are impressed. But you've got 365.5 more days to go! 2008 being a leap year, there's one extra day in there.

Well thanks Ben for your words of encouragement. The shops are closed today buy there is such thing as internet shopping ,you know…
As a strange coincidence, only about 1/2 an hour after my first post a mate of mine asked me to order a few things from BPL, fortunately most of the stuff he wants is out of stock, otherwise I could have been tempted….
I knew that the year of the rat was going to be trouble, one extra day!!!

Hey no new gear for me either so far this year. :^)

It's January 2, 6:15pm PST and I haven't purchased any new gear yet. Though I've been looking at some cool new stuff on-line.

Curse you all… I caved and bought a Kelty day pack today. I plan to use it as my travel pack — and the $19.83 REI Outlet price was simply irresistable!

Who's next to cave? :^)

Doh! I just bought a pair of MLD Event rain mittens today. Geez I thought I was stronger …

Wasn't there a Seinfeld episode something like this? Seems there was a bet, and we watched everyone fold up like an origami bird. Can't even remember who won…

OK, who else have caved and what did you buy? I know we have some 'bottom feeders' buying jackets and whatnots at Wal Mart… C'mon — covering up will only compound your sins!

You are a bunch of weaklings showing no moral fortitude. No wonder this world has gone consumer mad. I am now on my 3rd consecutive day of complete abstinence and yes I do mean having denied myself the quick gratification of retail therapy. I hope this will be an example to others.
Franco

its been two hours since my last purchase. but i got an email saying they're out of stock? does that count, or am i still a junkie?

anyone notice the bpl rank is missing? do you think they revoke it after you come out as a gear junkie, or when you try to get help

Missing rank.
It could be a coincidence but mine disappeared soon after I noticed this comment above the forum index ""Intelligent conversations about lightweight backpacking technique, gear, and philosophy from the most passionate backpackers in the world…"
So I assumed that I had been demoted for lacking that pre-requisite. Now I realize that it's not just me
The other possible explanation is that Ben did not like that mine was bigger than his.
And, yes Chris it still counts. I was going to order something on OUR new year's day , but that something was (were…) out of stock, so I never hit that BUY NOW button. You did. Shame on you.

Yes, I notice the ranking is gone — at least on the forum itself. I'm starting to like the place again — and might even renew my subscription! Wait, would that count as gear purchase???

That would be acquisition of intellectual property and not gear purchase.

Coincidentally my subscription is expiring soon

Microspikes were delivered to my door today. But I ordered them last year. So for 2008, I'm technically still a virgin.

nm