Part 1 Piolet d'Or -2006 16 Piolet d’Or-2007

First I want to admit that a "naive" sticker was sticked on me several times. I'm aware about the boomerang effect of my essay and I don't want to act like a purist who is going to fight against media.

People who know my opinion are asking me why I went to Grenoble, saying that if I don't respect the award I should stay at home. Last year Rolo, Alesandro and Ermano didn't want to come. It was not an easy decision, but I realized that I have more chance to be heard if I come to France and try to play the game. Maybe I was wrong. I'm not certain yet. Only time will tell.

My letter is addressed to alpinists as well as the media. Responsibility is on our side first. If we report our climbs when we find the answer why, then we should be clear about what and how. What is the level of manipulation?

There were several examples in the past when the level of manipulation - from one or / and the other side - was quite high. Again I know that this is just my personal opinion.

Alpinists should at least think if we like the rules of the media game or not. Many just don't think about it and rush for ... who knows? Maybe some money at the far far end?

And the media should work also as a miror not just as a big drum or a trumpet for "galactic heroes", the >incredibles< and their sponsors - if we want to preserve the spirit of alpinism.

It would be nice if there would be a fair amount of respect on both sides at the beginning. Main problem is the manipulation - first on the side of alpinists. The media should be a bit sceptical, work, ask questions and try to avoid sensationalism and exeggerations with hiding facts from the alpinists. I know that this is not so simple. We live in an era when "truth" is very virtual. My point is that real alpinism can not be virtual. When it gets seriouss, alpinist is in front of himself/herself and nothing else.

I really hope that it is clear what I mean. There is no need to stop promoting alpinism - with respect and best efforts. Maybe I'm overloaded with the past and my thinking is a bit old fashioned?

I want to provoke discussion since there was almost no discussion last year when three alpinists said that they don't want to join the competition.

I would not try to compare alpinism with some other sports or film industry.

Why not stop "competition" and make a kind of alpinism festival? Showing pictures (true or false), tell stories (true or false), share ideas (new and old) and do some climbing? Maybe young people will get inspiration from that as well? Or maybe we don't need this?

Alpinism needs attention and promotion. At any cost?

I feel responsibility to open the discoussion. Will the bullet hit me?