Beta?

D

donkiluminate

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2018
Messages
77
Hey All,

I don't know if it's just me just barely noticing or if it's a new term but I've notice the use of the word 'beta' in threads in discussing what seems to me data and/or information regarding hikes.

Is this a relatively new term that's gained popularity?
 
New generation talk..... Lol.
 
I first heard the term in a hiking/backpacking sense about 15 years ago. This made me curious where it comes from and I found this

en.wikipedia.org

Beta (climbing) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Footnote 14:
"Origin: The late Shawgunks and Texan climber Jack Mileski known for his colorful neologisms. Mileski coined the term at the Gunks in 1981 when films were offered for home viewing in both VHS and Betamax formats. Let me run the 'Betamax' tape for you, Mileski once told Mike Freeman metaphorically, describing the 5.12 Kansas City, and then added "So Mike, here's the beta!""
 
That makes no sense ............................. he is saying here is the tape, not info.
 
Once upon a time Sony competed with VHS recorders/players with what was supposedly a higher quality tape called Betamax. I grew up in Philly and working a EMS store in '85-87, then for the AMC, it was a firmly established term I've used ever since for the past 40 years. Many of my younger friends/coworkers would give me interesting looks at times when they first hear it. I have rarely talked trash or lingo but that one has always rolled easily off the tongue.
 
donkiluminate said:
Hey All,

I don't know if it's just me just barely noticing or if it's a new term but I've notice the use of the word 'beta' in threads in discussing what seems to me data and/or information regarding hikes.

Is this a relatively new term that's gained popularity?
Click to expand...
I first came across it around rock climbing, but in some regions (maybe those with more climbers?) it's become ubiquitous - I hear people ask for 'beta' on just about everything here in CO. I think I probably use it that way, too - but it's not something I've given much thought.

And honestly, the "Betamax" origin makes sense to me based on what I know about the esoteric naming habits of rock climbers in the 80s.
 
No doubt it was born out of '80s climbing culture. Not a direct correlation but it coincided with video recorders (especially Betamax as marketed by Sony to be half the size and weight of VHS video cameras) becoming lightweight and easily handled. Low budget, commercial release, climber videos became a '80s rage. Both documentary and instructional in nature. It was fun to get inspired by the likes of Lynn Hill, Ron Kauk, John Long, Todd Skinner and company making everything from big wall instructionals to first ascent docs. Long before anything digital and/or www existed.
Don't know why Betamax failed. It had better quality imagery, the tapes were almost half the size of a VHS, and thus cameras were compact. Must have had to do with proprietary rights by Sony for manufacture of.
I may go look but all those old movies are probably free on Youtube with adds!
 
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