Water from the gutter is better than the puddle

[Beltane]

Here's a post that may spark some interesting opinions. BTW, SWIM got the above qoute out a really good booklet from my local needle exchange.

I love this site, and I think one of the ways that the users could make it even better would be to consciously keep in mind that not everyone is 100% safe all the time. Most people here are drug users; sometimes that's the way it goes.

To advocate and eludicate on safety is helpful to many, but not at the cost of ignoring an initial question that deals with what the majority deam "impropoer."

Example: How do you sharpen points, with a matchbook or with a nailfile?

Typical answer: Always use new points.

Is this good advice? Yes. Does it address the question? No. So is it really all that helpful, i.e. do we think the person wouldn't use a fresh point if they could?

Also, when a knowledgeable boardmember feels the need to point out that a certain behavior is perhaps dangerous, some sort of scale might be nice. Mixing H with water from a home tap (vs. sterile water) is a danger factor of 2, water from a front yard hose might be a 4, water from the front/rear of a toilet may be 7/5 and then, of course, water from a running gutter is always better than water from a standing puddle.

SWIM likes to see people advocating the safest methods possible, but if a person doesn't have access to that method for whatever reason, then the safest thing for them is, if they are determined to do it, to get the best info we as board members have on the subject.

SWIM's asked several questions that were completely skipped over in favor of lectures on the proper use of gear and equipment. This actaully way helpful in the long run, but in the short run helped not at all, and I think that's where we as a group can further increase the benefit if this forum.

Thanks-

- Beltane

Reputation Comments on this post:

	good post, this swim feels the same way sometimes.
	Ding! Fair points well made!
	very good message, helpful harm-reduction advice
	Not sure I completely agree, but good discussion.
	nice points raised here. hopefully these ideas can reduce some harm!
	I totally agree. When you have a problem is not a lecture that you want to hear
	wholeheartedly agree - tre2005be
	much needed post, nice one
	I wish I could give you more points for this thread I hope everyone on DF reads this
	excelent thread, please maintain it
	really excellent point, provoked a great thread