Digging a hole is the same as taking a picture? What would you do if you found something of value?...
Very good questions flies-only. So for starters, I'm glad we agree he was trespassing to take those pictures. Right ? But that trespassing is ok , right ?
Only md'ing is when trespassing "becomes bad", right ? Just want to make sure I understand you correctly.
Ok: Let's go with your definition of md'ing: Which is: "digging holes" and "taking things". Correct me if I'm wrong, but your post clearly defines md'ing in those terms. Right ? Which, by the way, I don't disagree that's what our hobby does (although we cover the holes , so "digging" is a "loaded language"). Nonetheless, let's just go with your definition. Since yes: That makes md'ing sound
NOT benign and
NOT innocuous.
Thus, since that's your definition of md'ing (your words, not mine), then here's what you need to do: Next time you approach a park, you are
not merely md'ing. You are "digging holes" and "taking things". So try this: With that definition, go to the city hall and ask: "Hi. Can I dig holes and take things ?" (your definition, not mine). And see what they say . After all, you wouldn't want to mince words, eh ?
I hope you can agree that that's a SILLY WAY to look at how we define md'ing. For starters, as I say, we will leave no trace. So what's with the "dig " thing ? And for "taking things" : Every single md'r subconsciously sees-the-difference between things that have lain the ground for years, versus the same coin or ring on someone's night stand. That's why none of us runs to the police dept. L&F each time we find coins and rings. We implicitly know the difference. Does that change the definition to "not taking things" ? No. But ... just saying .... I hope you can see the difference between the coin-in-the-ground (that's been there for years, and no one even knows it's there) versus helping yourself to the picnic benches, fence posts, etc.....