If any author deserves to make a profit from his misfortune – Aron does.
I have to think most of you who criticize him would have simply cried for your Mommy and died under that rock.

As far as making money off it, why not? I certainly would, and SO WOULD ANY OF YOU. To what end would he turn it down? On what basis is eternal self-denial called for?

Reasons to get rich: having the cojones to do the deed. I doubt I know many people who could have done that – most would have simply died there. It took an enormous act of courage and willpower to cut himself free AND rappel a cliff AND walk out. That deserves some reward, even if being alive is the best reward of all.

Aron haters: How long should he pay for losing his own hand? And since beer commercials and writing a book are exploiting his accident, what rules should Aron’s future employment follow? Thus far we’ve got no commercials, no public speaking, no writing? Seems a bit harsh deciding how somebody can earn a living no?

What makes Aron’s story remarkable is that he avoided becoming a darwin award winner. Those that bought this book are comparing themselves to Aron. Could I have cut my own arm off? Could I have survived until rescue? I’m quite certain my carcass would have fed some Utah wildlife.

As far as profiting off the mistake, it’s his tale to tell, and he only earned money because people like you and I bought it. So guy bitching about profit, I hope you you have a library card? Factoring in the rescue AND the long term medical care required for an amputation AND the fact that a loose 800 pound boulder took his hand, I find it really hard to call whatever money the book we’re discussing brought in “profiting”.

Aron was and STILL is a passionate climber. His book was an inspiration, and he has single handedly(no pun intended) probably saved hundreds of lives with his story. He has become the poster boy for the importance of proper hiking guidelines. Of telling people where you plan to hike and/or carrying a gps device.

He PAID the price, and has EARNED the right to tell his story, become a public speaker OR do beer commercials as you so condescendingly pointed out.

Aron made a mistake that day in Utah. He has admitted that. WHO THE HELL are YOU to bash him? Aron has already bashed himself for it and in a powerful, poetic and inspiring way. He has probably influenced more climbers and future climbers than you EVER will. So get off your high horse buddy.

Stating the obvious and judging somebody who has already judged himself and lost a limb for it is absurd. He more than you has communicated to other climbers.

…then I hit the internet to find out more and find this link, BERATING him for telling his story!!?? Who cares if he’s doing beer commercials? What beer was it? Will I like it??!!

Geez Louise…is there anyone who knows this story (albeit a minute fraction, as in my case) who thinks THEY could’ve done what he did…

????????

I’m thinking someone will be reading the note I scrawled on the boulder next to my BONES!! Amazing AMAZING story! I wish I could MEET him!!

**and just to give some input into who I am to say this? Here is my demographic: I am female, aged 38, only just, “happy birthday to me” …who was raped and beaten and strangled/left for dead several years ago…thankfully I was knocked unconscious, so I don’t have to remember much…(but I digress)

…….leave the guy alone!!

He’s an amazing person and has an amazing story to tell…let him!

Sometimes living the way you want to live does not include conforming with OSHA.

It seems to me that the significant part of Aron’s story is NOT that he made a mistake, but the courage and discipline he demonstrated in dealing with the consequences of that mistake.

Totally agree.