"Barriers to entry" is a term used within economics to describe the collective obstacles which hinder a firm or individual from entering a market. Within urbex, it effectively means the same. The barriers can be literal - bars, doors, padlocks, fences etc, but could also be a prerequisite skill such as social engineering, smooth talking, climbing or srt. Information is almost always a barrier, whether it's something as simple as knowing which manhole to lift, or as major as knowing the location even exists.
Personally I relish the challenge these barriers create, the higher and greater the obstacles the finer the victory. The hard can makes it good, rewarding. Difficult entry keeps out the vandals, the scrappers, noobs and those weak of spirit. In addition to keeping the vandals and scrappers from the sites we love, should we be protecting the sites from ourselves and the hordes of explorers suffering the 'location of the month' mentality? Difficult entries self-regulate.
The Cathedral Steps is one of those sites - historically interesting, photogenic and well known enough in exploring circles to have massive pulling power. Originally access was limited to those willing to learn a few specific skills, grit their teeth and think a little outside the box. These barriers kept out the tourists and those not willing to put in the hard yards and earn their entry. I am a big believer in earning your keep, ie not forcing in the front door when a second level window is an easy climb.
Not content with the tough entry someone did break a new way in, so the tourists could have a look around at their leisure. Even had this simple entry into the Steps still been available we'd have ignored it, the Steps is a location to be earned. Toughing the hard entry pays respect to UserScott and Stepping Lightly who found an ingenious and daring, yet simple and elegant way to overcome the Step's barriers to entry without breaking anything. Props.
Quick Groupie - zero, loops, snappel
Teh Otter, Loops and I NOS'd north out of London, intercepting Mr Snap Snap near the steps around 2am. Access was difficult but seriously fun and we found ourselves quickly amongst the arches and chambers of the Cathedral Steps. Since reports and photos litter the internet I focused on shooting a couple of photos and shooting them well so be sure to bust your googlefu if the topic particularly interests you. Photographically I merely scratched the surface of what the Steps can offer but don't get too caught up shooting to miss have a good look around. Enjoy and remember if you're bleeding, gritting your teeth and wincing then you are doing it right.
Personally I relish the challenge these barriers create, the higher and greater the obstacles the finer the victory. The hard can makes it good, rewarding. Difficult entry keeps out the vandals, the scrappers, noobs and those weak of spirit. In addition to keeping the vandals and scrappers from the sites we love, should we be protecting the sites from ourselves and the hordes of explorers suffering the 'location of the month' mentality? Difficult entries self-regulate.
The Cathedral Steps is one of those sites - historically interesting, photogenic and well known enough in exploring circles to have massive pulling power. Originally access was limited to those willing to learn a few specific skills, grit their teeth and think a little outside the box. These barriers kept out the tourists and those not willing to put in the hard yards and earn their entry. I am a big believer in earning your keep, ie not forcing in the front door when a second level window is an easy climb.
Not content with the tough entry someone did break a new way in, so the tourists could have a look around at their leisure. Even had this simple entry into the Steps still been available we'd have ignored it, the Steps is a location to be earned. Toughing the hard entry pays respect to UserScott and Stepping Lightly who found an ingenious and daring, yet simple and elegant way to overcome the Step's barriers to entry without breaking anything. Props.
Quick Groupie - zero, loops, snappel
Teh Otter, Loops and I NOS'd north out of London, intercepting Mr Snap Snap near the steps around 2am. Access was difficult but seriously fun and we found ourselves quickly amongst the arches and chambers of the Cathedral Steps. Since reports and photos litter the internet I focused on shooting a couple of photos and shooting them well so be sure to bust your googlefu if the topic particularly interests you. Photographically I merely scratched the surface of what the Steps can offer but don't get too caught up shooting to miss have a good look around. Enjoy and remember if you're bleeding, gritting your teeth and wincing then you are doing it right.
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