34 Things We’ve Learnt From 10 Years of We Are Explorers

We’re 10! As part of our double digit celebrations, Amy and Tim looked back on some of the things we’ve learnt from a decade of We Are Explorers.

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a pretty good insight into WAE as a company, a community and what it’s like to run a digital adventure publication.

In no particular order, here are 34 things we’ve learned over the years.

 

1. Australia’s really, really big

Seriously, we’re still finding new places to explore, despite how full the map is looking.

2. Our readers are the goodest eggs

Meeting our community is like encountering other hikers in a mountain hut, it’s always a great time.

3. People power is awesome

From buying a portion of the Daintree Rainforest to protect it, to planting new forests in the Snowies and under the sea near Sydney, firing up our audience has allowed us to achieve great things together.

4. Misadventure always makes for a good story

But that doesn’t mean we always should or will publish it. Teachable moments are great, reckless risk-taking, nooot so much.

5. No one clicks on safety articles

Point four is important because of this one. You don’t read them, we can see!

6. Safety articles are still important

We still write about how to hike in hot weather, swimming hole safety – even how to pack out your poo – and link it where appropriate. They’re not going viral, but they’re essential for those who want to know.

7. Connecting to Country only makes exploring better

Not climbing a mountain, using traditional place names, and taking a moment to acknowledge Country, aren’t impositions, they’re a privilege that can only enrich our experience.

 

 

8. Remote work is the future

Return to the office? We don’t even have one anymore! If anything we’re more productive and have more time for nature. If your job can be remote, it should be.

9. Email’s not dead

If anything, people are using it more. It’s the best way to stay in touch with us, subscribe now if you haven’t!

10. Someone’s always going to disagree with what you said, or how you said it

We’re pretty lucky, the positive comments usually outweigh the negative and often it’s a chance to learn. But a perfect score? Pretty much impossible.

11. People are quicker to share their hate than their love

On social media especially! Most angry commenters probably need to go for a long walk outside, look up at the trees, maybe touch some grass?

12. Outdoorsy people have rock solid ethics

It’s part of the reason we became a B Corp – a third party certification is the only real way to prove you’re doing the right thing.

13. People are really, really passionate about their favourite piece of outdoor gear

We have received ESSAYS. Buy quality gear, you’ll be telling your grandkids all about it.

 

 

14. We’ve gotta fight for the environment, always

For every time a national park privatisation plan fails or an oil exploration permit gets rejected, new mines are signed off and native forest is logged. The job is far from done.

15. No one does it like us

We started off by doing our own thing and over time we’ve realised that it’s a massive strength. Sure, some people might try and copy our ideas, but we’ve got a real-world community behind us and we’re always thinking ahead.

16. Our contributors might be our biggest fans – and they’ve made WAE what it is today

Shout out to the Explorer Project. Some of the initial contributors who submitted microadventure articles for free are still writing and shooting for us, and they’re always in the comments and at our events. Well over 500 people have sent in their stories, and this has shaped WAE’s diverse voice.

17. People who can both write well and take great photos are sacred and must be protected at all costs

Throw in Reels and you’ve got yourself a god-damn unicorn.

18. Regular people are incredible

Whether they’re pedalling around the country, walking up the East Coast or surfing against all odds, there are normal people out there pushing the limits and succeeding when circumstances are stacked against them. They’re not superhuman, but they’re doing superhuman things.

 

Jezza Williams, regular dude paragliding in a wheelchair

 

19. Most outdoor writing is way too stuffy

‘Pretend you’re telling the story to your mates at the pub.’ It’s been in our guidelines for seven years now and it’s not changing. Use slang, make jokes, swear if you want. There are only a few rules that actually matter (and Editor Amy knows them).

20. Telling someone you work for an outdoor adventure publication never gets old

It usually leads to a fun chat. Or they say that the outdoors is ‘yuck’ and the conversation ends preeetty quickly.

21. People who work in the outdoor industry live up to the stereotype

There is a LOT of adventure chat in meetings. Clients call in from beaches and garages filled with bikes. Heaps of them never seem to change jobs. It’s awesome.

22. Solo hiking is like, really popular

I thought it was just a fad. Nope! Every time we talk about it people lap it up. Some of you just crave solitude hey?

23. People LOVE wombats

Also not a fad, with good reason.

 

 

24. Adventure films have some of the most intense plots imaginable, and they’re always true stories

Seriously, bring the tissues, it’s not all tail whips and yahooing.

25. There are so many film festivals

Which I think just says a lot about how frothy ya’ll are.

26. Turns out that merch is hard

We’ll just make a small batch of cost-effective, ethically-produced tees with custom illustrations. How hard can it possibly be to break even?

27. It’s always worth giving something a go at least twice

See previous point! Kudos if you’ve got some WAE swag in the closet.

28. When your boss says ‘I’ve got an idea…’ it’s gonna hurt for a little while, but it’ll probably be worth it

We love you Henry Brydon! Digital publishing changes every week and new ideas keep things fun and fresh. Plus, you need to dream big to do big things.

29. There are no normal weeks

Five full days with every staff member at their desk and no fires to put out? Yeah I’m gonna go ahead and pinch myself.

30. Turns out there’s a lot of desk time

‘So do you just go on adventures for work?’ Nah, not quite, but we’re not complaining.

31. It’s still made us way more adventurous

When all you do is tell stories about adventure, you can’t help but plan more goodness for yourself. Work life balance? Never heard of her.

32. Hiring culture over credentials rarely fails

Honestly, if you’re psyched about nature and keen to learn quickly you’re probably more qualified than any degree can define.

 

 

33. Websites are desperately complicated

Diagnosing issues is like playing a game of Mousetrap blindfolded. If something’s not working, shoot us an email. We’d love to know!

34. ‘Sorry, I was off-grid’ is a perfectly acceptable reason for not replying to an email for two months

But we WILL be jealous.

 

Here’s to 10 more years hey!