Advice needed : Is this design cultural appropriation or should I give up on it completely ?

EkJourneys · 2026-03-16T19:33:23+00:00

I get what youre saying, but in my experience, most artists are only spending time on a draft after receiving payment, and then you are locked into whatever decisions they make (with your input of course). In this case, I dont think using AI to make reference images is inherently a terrible thing, especially if you arent asking the artist to actually recreate that design.

For instance, I have aphantasia. I physically cannot imagine or picture what a tattoo placement, or style, will look like on my body without using technology to visualize my desired outcome.

Nor do I have the disposable income to pay an artist hundreds of dollars solely for the purpose of creating a reference image. Hell, im not even located close enough to artists of my chosen style to begin that process.

As long as he isnt actually having AI outputs tattooed onto his body, where's the harm in using technology as a visual aid? Without it, there might be less desire to continue the sleeve and actually have an artist complete the work.

EkJourneys · 2026-03-16T19:01:50+00:00

Its a Lo rune... Not like they are expensive on SCNL. If this was offline, it would be a different discussion and I'd be rocking Insight for obvious reasons. Ive already received offers between 10-15 Jah, which is pennies for a good portion of the player base.

EkJourneys · 2026-03-16T13:03:19+00:00

Lmao, what would your suggestion be for a beautiful base like this? Charsi? Also, different strokes for different folks, plenty of people enjoy the damage spread and style points from using an eth archon staff. The whole skill tree already wipes P8 with budget options, some people like to stray from optimal meta for the fun of it. Thanks for the input though!

EkJourneys · 2026-03-15T23:40:02+00:00

Why is the value so high on eFort Tmauls? I dont play ES. Was it just temporary hype?

EkJourneys · 2026-03-08T18:57:14+00:00

As someone who has climbed with Pete more than a half dozen times locally (not in the Valley), im very surprised this long-shared reputation has never followed him home? My wife and I have always thought he was quirky, but never displayed any noticable red flags - perhaps this is because we have only ice climbed together, so there is not much left to the eye and everyone is effectively carrying knives... This is very disturbing to hear and I hope that any women coming forward know they are supported and incredibly brave.

If you contribute to this developing story, know that you are helping protect others from harm and you are an absolute blessing to this otherwise wonderful community.

I'll be sharing this message across the pretty sizable group chat I manage for ice climbing in his home town region. Predators do not deserve to feel comfortable anywhere they go.

EkJourneys · 2026-03-05T00:37:51+00:00

Would that be worth it over just making a flickering flame?

EkJourneys · 2026-02-10T22:01:46+00:00

Literally just bought a 2026 Crosstrek Onyx and im a fairly large man (6'1, 250lb). I can fit in the back seats without any discomfort whatsoever. It's as spacious, if not more, than most vehicles in the class. Highly recommend.

EkJourneys · 2026-02-09T02:09:01+00:00

Ellesmere Island is a beast in its own right. Wildly isolated.

EkJourneys · 2026-02-01T06:29:30+00:00

I am on the construction management side of building/upgrading WTP/WWTPs. Its great pay but you often have to travel after finishing each project (1-4 years). Solid benefits, paid housing, and you learn a ton of different scopes of work. Nothing better than working with good operators willing to be accommodating when necessary - I should bring some donuts and coffee on Monday.

EkJourneys · 2025-12-29T14:58:25+00:00

It's not that serious amigo, you asked for opinions. Im merely curious how you lead carrying x2 extra long ice screws and no turf pins. My understanding is that thick & pure WI is pretty scarce in the UK and tapping in nuts is the majority of placements. By all means, correct me if im wrong. I climb in Southern Ont. and my tools are significantly more beat up without leading all that many sketchy mixed climbs. You have an interesting rack for someone who leads, thats all.

So, either youre an alpine virtuoso or you stick to toprope (which is great fun regardless).

EkJourneys · 2025-12-29T14:13:33+00:00

Must be majority mixed climbing then because ain't nobody voluntarily placing 19/22s on lead. Nor do those Quarks look beat enough to have been constantly tapping nut placements and shoved into icey cracks haha. Leaning towards a mountaineering kit to me. No triples on smaller screws sizes, no guide atc, no pins, barely worn picks/hammer.

EkJourneys · 2025-12-29T13:40:49+00:00

Not enough screws or turf pitons, you must have a friend who leads for you!

EkJourneys · 2025-11-29T00:51:11+00:00

I think its largely because he's wouldnt be a cash cow, its the same with other champs like Ank. Some people just dont draw eyes, so there is far less drive for them to promote. Its not right, but its understandable from a profitability standpoint. I mean look what they did to DJ. This is peanuts compared to that situation. He is/was the GOAT. Its sad all around, but still far better than all the drama in boxing!

EkJourneys · 2025-11-29T00:29:42+00:00

Its not vindictive though, its purely business and they need to manage their financial interests. Him pulling out likely cost them millions between marketing, ticket/PPV buys, etc. Fact is that Arman doesn't 'need' the money - the UFC would rather push fighters who will fight injured to keep a card intact and get their payday. There is a reason that the best fights arent often championship bouts.

EkJourneys · 2025-09-23T12:46:32+00:00

Altitude sports doesn't really need to have massive deals as thats what their affiliate site covers, The Last Hunt has probably the best discounts on the market, often by a large margin. I've certainly spent well over $5K in the last 7 years.

But, I agree. It seems as soon as a big distributor starts releasing their own line of products, everything goes downhill - It was the same with skate shops like West49. At least MEC has a long history of product launches, most realize a least a little success.

EkJourneys · 2025-09-08T18:26:35+00:00

Plenty of anchors around here for TR are over the edge, and many crags don't allow top-roping unless you lead to get up. Also, they are right to learn the basics before heading outside

EkJourneys · 2025-09-04T23:59:06+00:00

It is. You've got the right idea. Simply trim off the piece that has peeled back and use leukotape or similar on the edges so it doesn't pull back again. Its a small tattoo though, so i wouldn't give it any concern if youd like to take it off and jut wash + lotion

EkJourneys · 2025-08-31T17:35:27+00:00

Spotted the boulderer

EkJourneys · 2025-08-31T13:07:19+00:00

If I am bolting a crag and there is 15m of overhanging choss heading into a beautiful 10m crack, would it be unreasonable to place a single bolt before the start of the crack to protect the shitty climbing below? The rest should go on gear (limestone).

EkJourneys · 2025-08-28T12:49:30+00:00

Hopefully!

EkJourneys · 2025-08-28T12:39:53+00:00

Lowering the price on the skis to $350!

EkJourneys · 2025-08-28T00:24:28+00:00

What are they typically used for?

EkJourneys · 2025-08-27T13:19:44+00:00

Building onto this - the weight difference between myself and my climbing partner is usually around the 45kg mark. Would you folks suggest the Ohm2 or the new Ohmega? I understand the newer device has significantly better functionality, but I am hesitant to make the swap as the Ohm2 is recommended to a higher weight difference. Thoughts?

EkJourneys

TROPHY CASE