I fully agree with Dave because I had a similar experience with a beginner overnight trip that I organized for the Marriot Basin in early April. I had a long wait list for the months leading up to the trip but similar to Dave in the three days prior to our departure most of the trip participants bailed, and at least half of those who bailed signed up for other trips. What was particularly frustrating is that several participants did not reply to my e-mail when I contacted them specifically to ask if they were still committed to my trip. In the end there was one person who was committed and one person who was possible going to come. At that point I cancelled and I personally lost the $96 dollars that I sent to the Whistler Alpine Club to reserve the Wendy Thompson Hut. Indeed, where is the commitment?

I fully agree with Dave on this. However, people may not realize, but word of mouth is a powerful tool. No list or other tool is necessary to keep track of offenders. Organizers to exchange info on participants... and those who offend usually lose in the long run by not being allowed on certain trips.

I personally do keep track of a short list of people that I would not sign up on my trips for exactly the behavior described above.

Keep track of the bailers and after a certain number of instances(3?), limit them to "standby" lists only. In addition, create a "Brass Bailer" award for the worst offender every year and present them with the "award" at the AGM.

How about changing the website so a member cannot sign up for overlapping trips.

Mmmmm.....well Dave perhaps like Santa keep a list of who is naughty and who is nice. Then give it to Santa.

I had a conversation, I cannot remember who with though, about this sort of thing before the new website was operational. I seem to recall that this sort of behaviour would show up on the offending member profile. Perhaps I was just dreaming. I'll check.