FAQ- The Maine Hermit

Who is the Maine hermit?

The Maine hermit is a 47-year-old man, named Christopher knight who has been living in a wood in the northeastern state of Maine for the past 27 years. Christopher has not spoken to a single person since the 90’s and has lived his life in isolation for the most part of his life. He rarely left his camp, and when he did it was only ever to keep himself alive by stealing food.

How did he survive?

Christopher survived by stealing food and other supplies from local campsites and villages. He had created himself a cosy yet slightly desolate looking campsite, complete with a stove, bed and shelter. He was also thought to have stolen his clothes from locals. When the authorities asked him what he did to keep himself sane, he answered ‘reading, meditating and watching eagles.’

Who discovered him?

The local Authorities discovered his campsite on April the 9th; they described him as ‘clean shaven’ and wearing 80’s aviator style glasses. Christopher was later caught that day and has been arrested for stealing local frozen goods. Investigations are underway about his criminal history; he is thought to be responsible for over 1,000 burglaries, which a local game warden has discovered. The authorities apparently found it hard to locate his campsite as it was camouflaged so well amongst the trees and woodland growth.

What is his background?

Christopher vanished from his childhood home on pond road, for no apparent reason in 1984, when he was aged 19, and set up camp in the Maine woods. According to old school friends Christopher was an outcast at school, branded as the ‘quiet, bland, nerd’ he was never an active member of his high school years. His classmates never noticed his disappearance from school, and it was simply a case of ‘losing contact’.

Does he have a family?

Christopher’s relatives, including his mother Joyce, strangely still live on pond road, where he grew up, Its not yet been determined why his family did not question his disappearance. Since the story broke out, many old neighbours and peers of Christopher have been questioned, however none have said to know him or his background at all well.

What are the locals views on him?

For years the locals have been investigating a number of break in’s and stolen food, many have evidence of seeing Christopher at night walking through the woods and around the local area, but did not question it. After stealing food and various supplies from his fellow neighbours, his arrest has been one, which local wardens and victims will be celebrating. Some locals knew about the ‘north pond hermit’ but never questioned his motives, actions or whereabouts, they just simply knew he was there. Jodie Mosher-Towie, newsletter writer and board member of the North Pond association, has been talking with neighbours about the “north pond hermit” for the past 20 years, “It’s just weird how it’s always been that way — we’ve just always known about the hermit.”

What lies for him in the future?

Christopher knight has been arrested by the Maine state police for various thefts and bulgarie’s, it is unclear what will happen in the near future, obviously he will have to undergo a trial and it will be interesting to see if any more neighbours or old friends of Christopher come out with more information on him. Christopher will obviously find it difficult to get back into civilization and sparking up a conversation will become a true horror for him.

Hyperlocal Blogging in Leeds

Woodhouse Lane, famous for its historic culture, student happenings and Hyperlocal News.

Online blogging has created a vast impact regarding the way we now gather, read and digest news. It has carved itself a large sector within the Internet, and is nowadays regarded as a respected and almost reliable form of citizen journalism. With the most generic genres of blogging being fashion, culture and news, and with thousands of these blogs competing for traffic and followers this  phenomenon has become somewhat of an online rat race.

With the City of Leeds famous for its vibrant and cultural scene its no wonder handfuls of bloggers are evaluating, discussing and reviewing various factors and features of the city, and its clear that there is a high demand for these rather more specific blogs, also known as hyperlocal. Hyperlocal blogging is something that is becoming increasingly in demand and is a diverse and more precise type of online writing which I believe, is effective and relevant.

Hyperlocal blogging, put simply, is news written for a specific area. Hyperlocal blogs are helpful and current as they allow residents to read news on their specific area, which is written from another locals perspective. Rather than traipsing through a more broad unbiased news website, you can get your local news instantly, with more character, opinion and almost word of mouth. This type of blogging is rather under crafted and is somewhat lacking in hits and numbers over the Internet compared to other more generic blogs. However, it has progressed significantly over the years and is now slowly making a name for itself online.

There are a handful of more established and impressive hyper local blogs in the leeds area, which cater to wider audience of the city. One being South Leeds life, a blog set up by a group of local residents whom contribute news and features specifically on the south area of the city. With its sharp and witty contributors to the blog regarding various goings on in the area, it has become a some what of an information hub for those living in that area. Another Blog, which I found quite impressive, was the Leeds citizen , which is again, a blog specifically catering to news around the Leeds area. This is a relevant and interesting blog which promotes and pushes citizen journalism as The writer (whom is a hard hitting journalist himself) has engaged with his audiences by asking if others would like to contribute to the site, which also acts as a stairway for aspiring writers in Leeds.

There are also a handful of more specific up and coming more specific hyperlocal blogs. These are blogs which are currently under development but could potentially follow the footsteps of that of the larger and more diverse Leeds blogs. I have ruled out a few, which I found engaging, with great content and relevance to the area. Firstly, the blog for the woodhouse area of Leeds named ‘Woodhouse moor online’ this blog has a lovely aesthetic, and great content. With its concise written work and great imagery it really does set the tone for the area and deliver fast and interesting news to the residents.

Another some what professional blog is the Kirkstall online, a highly worked on and impressive looking blog, which again features musings from various writers regarding that area. One story I partially liked was its latest piece on volunteering, it not only pushes the progression of participation with the residents, but it also highlights the importance of volunteering and the ethics regarding community life and getting involved.

Probably the most impressive and outstanding looking blog would have to be the Hyde park and woodhouse online blog as it generally comes across very artistic and well presented, it has some great news worthy stories for the area, keeps the local up to date with important council decisions, and uses fabulous imagery. Another blog is Holt Park today, again in keeping with that professional feel and pushes the locals to contribute.

One blog which is in the process of development and in my opinion is heading in the right direction is Leeds wellbeing blog  not only does the writer promote their own blog in the ‘about’  section and reach out to other writers, but they are obviously new and up and coming and so its important that these blogs are promoted and read as much as the more developed hyperlocal ones.

It is evident that hyper local blogging is becoming much more popular with the locals, and especially starting to appeal to and target a younger resident audience. With relevant, interesting and generally well written news stories and features, these blogs will no doubt set the tone for hyperlocal blogs for the future. They have already created and carved a respected and evidently popular space for themselves, and no doubt will progress as the digital world develops.