[Mike Cash]

I can't understand going to all the trouble of thinking up the shot, convincing a chick to pose for it, getting into position to take it......and not bother getting the other yahoos out of the background first. At least if they weren't in it the result would sort of justify the stunt. Having them in it just ruins the shot. Maybe that's just my personal bias. I can't stand to take photos at places/events where I end up having other people's cameras in my shot (in this case, not the chick, but the yahoo).

[Ed n Georgia]

In 1968, I went to the 87th(?) Floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building.

Knowing that I had a tremendous fear of heights, it took a lot of self convincing to do this.

If you've been to the Empire State building Observation Deck, you'll know that when you go outside to the actual deck that there are about 8 steps down to the deck.

After about 20 minutes of hanging around inside, I finally mustered to courage to go out on the deck. As I started down the small flight of stairs, I stumbled and began to fall down the steps. It was only about three feet, but I felt as if I were falling off of that building.

I did get back up and remain outside. But, even though there are very high fences around the platform, I don't think that I ever got closer to the edge than five feet.

I've never been back up the Empire State Building and I don't get near windows of tall buildings.

[RioRico]

How I see it:

* She ain't gonna fall off that wall. And the background guys are part of the composition.

* Those with a fear of heights should take rock-climbing classes. Put risk in perspective.

* We have nothing to fear, but fear itself. And those who would play fears against us.

* And yet, discretion is the better part of getting your ass home intact. Don't look back.