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> >I don't see the problem. These discussion lists are >public domain. I'll use anything posted to them in any >way I see fit as long as proper credit is given. Why would >this be improper ? It is public domain - no question. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that comments taken out of context will not be taken at face value when in fact they are part of a discussion, the context of which may not be understood by an audience approached by a group with a specific goal in mind. Politicians, lobbyists and businessmen are more adept at presenting selected information to achieve a goal than others (I'm generalizing). > >What is wrong with others attempting to dive the >Wakulla ? Absolutely nothing in my view provided: (1) their operation appears to be reasonably safe or accurately reflects inherent risks (perhaps difficult to evaluate), (2) contingency plans for injuries or accidents are in place so that if or when they do occur the site does not become shut down to other groups, (3) their plans do not disrupt other individual's or group's rights to access or enjoy public land (I'm not just talking about other cave divers), (4) THEIR PLANS DO NOT INCLUDE OR CONSIDER PERMANENTLY ALTERING A PRISTINE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT TO SUIT EXPLORATION GOALS. From the public discussions that the Wakulla 2 folks have presented and that I have attended, they fail on the last two points miserably. The Bore-A-Hole idea was discarded due to cost. Not once did I hear any consideration of killing the idea because it was bad idea from a cave conservation standpoint. Their backup plan is not much less intrusive. Who on this list would really prefer going to a state park as beautiful as Wakulla and seeing a commercial diving operations barge sitting over the spring? Well maybe for a few minutes it would be neat to check it out (tech head in me), but that in my opinion greatly diminishes the appeal of the project. I may have a different opinion if that was located on private land, basically because it would legally not be any of my business. On a personal note, I have more respect for individuals who promote an idea on the basis of the merrits of the idea and not on winning the battle through negative PR campaigns. At first and on the basis of a few posts I thought that some members of the WKPP fit into this category. Luckily for me I persisted in reading the discussions and developed a realization of the holistic approach the WKPP has undertaken with respect to this natural treasure and the difficulty of their diving operations and what it takes to do it safely. I also believe that any individual with the desire, appropriate gear for the specific team approach, appropriate attitude, and physical conditioning would be encouraged to participate with the WKPP. The requirements may make the project closed to some, but at least you know what requirements you must meet. Wakulla 2 is a *closed* project whose members are selected on more subjective criteria. I also appreciated the frank (you may read opinionated if you wish) comments regarding gear, training, lifestyle, and other issues that affect the sport from some folks who do not have a blatant commercial interest in such issues. Do I take their comments as gospel - no. But I do think it is more credible than many other sources I am accustomed to hearing from in this industry. I also think it is certainly less underhanded than presenting a selected number of edited "public domain" opinions. I don't remember any article in a mainstream scuba magazine that criticized a product from an advertiser. Does anyone??? Finally, I do have respect for many members for Wakulla 2 for their past and current work. I do not, however, condone the manner in which they appear to be *lobbying* to discredit the WKPP in order to have exclusive rights to a public park. If this is indeed correct, I hope many subscribers will send notices of their displeasure to appropriate networks, publications, manufacturers, et.al. Although a documentary based on Wakulla 2 showing how destructive or obtrusive an exploration project can be does get my creative side working. Unfortunately for Wakulla 2 team the "before" video exists. my $0.02, John
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