Mailing List Archive Mailing List Archive
Just thought I'd interject a reality check for new readers... I came on this board about 2 years ago, and at first, I was aghast at the kind of language and attitudes thrown around here. I got my first "Trial by Fire" when I posted something that, in retrospect, looked kinda dumb, and was flamed in a major way by a fella who called himself "STROKESLAM" (we all know who that is). It really pissed me off, but I kept on reading. Since that introduction, I have learned that the guys on this board really are some of the most elite divers in the world, and each has his own unique e-mail personality. A lot of good information comes across in this board, but is usually spiced with testosterone, which I feel actually makes for more provocative reading. Just imagine if Cousteau had the internet when he was developing the aqualung. Him and the free-divers would have been raging at each other over this and that. It would have been in French, which no one can understand anyway, but it would have made for interesting reading. I could see it now... The point I'm making is this: Most of us on this board are men. Yes, there are a few women on here, but rarely do they post messages. As men, we should all be used to the silverbacks among us brachiating (beating their chests). It's nothing new, and in fact, can be kinda fun to watch, especially if it is triggered by another silverback intentionally. But in-between the chest thumping often comes good information. I have yet to meet someone on this list that wasn't devoutly anxious to share their knowledge with others. In fact, that is generally what causes the fights and recriminations. There are people on this list that sincerely believe that butt-mounting lights is stupid. They sincerely want to teach others that fact. There are others who think it is no big deal, and want to teach others their way. When the two meet, it usually results in a classic duel. I happen to enjoy watching the fight, for it usually involves one side having to explain and detail their reasons for why they advocate their position. And in that explanation is usually found their acquired knowledge. THAT is the benefit of this group. Many of the new readers of this group expect to find reasoned, civilized discussions of different "technical" diving methods from divers from varied fields. Well, its time to drop that naiive assumption that men of ANY field can express their opinions without rancor, especially when some of those opinions directly contradict opinions expressed by others. Many of you do not like confrontation. That is why this list is dominated by about 20 individuals. My recommendation to you all is that confrontation via e-mail doesn't hurt, and if you can put on some Nomex underwear when you are at the keyboard, you can resist the flames without physical harm. There are a lot of you out there lurking who do not contribute because "its just not worth it" to endure any confrontation or ridicule that might ensue from your posts. I personally know a lot of you who believe this. My advice is this: This shit doesn't hurt. It won't ruin your reputation, or make you look bad in the eyes of others. If you get flamed, try to enjoy it. I put my ego in my pocket when I post on here, and actually applaud some of the better flames that I might receive, especially if they are witty. We've all been in the locker room. We've all been on the dive boat. We all know the drill that follows any semi-dangerous activity that men do. There's a lot of bravado, a lot of boasting, a lot of roasting, and harrassment of the "FNG's" (Fucking New Guys - a term from Viet Nam). When you squeal and piss and moan about how "people should be nicer" you are denying that most basic tenet of male behaviour, and are in need of a reality check. I'm sure there are places where men are much more civilized in their discourse, but deep water, technical diving is not one of them. Talk to some mountain climbers, or bungee jumpers, or skydivers, and you'll see what I mean. Most of us are somewhat nuts to be doing some of the things we do, and that creates a typical male bond that is punctuated with testosterone laced incidents of ego, bravado, and irrational verbal cruelty. So rejoice in your male-dom. Kick someones ass on-line! Call 'em a stroke, and tell 'em why you advocate some different method than they do. All is fair, and the free-flow of information WILL come through the online cockfights that make for interesting evening reading. Kevin. HeyyDude P.S. Oh, in case I forgot to mention it, my dad can kick all your dad's asses too. Arrrrgggghhhh.....
Navigate by Author:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Subject Search Index]
[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]
[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]