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Although I may not be an active contributor to this list, I subscribe and read the postings because of personal and professional interest. I am a recreational diver interested in technical diving developments, and I contribute some writing for Dive Log Asia, a dive trade industry quarterly published by Asian Diver magazine in Singapore, where I live. This post is to give my reluctant but carefully considered support to Mr. Oldroyd in his recent action removing George Irvine from the mailing list. I hold the prinicple of free speech as a great freedom and fundamental privilege. My American passport is one of the dearest possessions I have, and living in Singapore, a country where unfettered political expression is not tolerated in many ways, makes me appreciate it all the more. However, even in America, we place some limits on free speech. This is unfortunate but necessary. The open and unrestricted communication of ideas is essential, and is a particularly valued aspect of the net. However, when an individual is unable to express their opinions, no matter how informed and qualified, without accompanying them with a near-constant stream of unnecessary profanity and invective (much of it homophobic, particularly offensive) and does not even have the courtesy to take these exchanges with certain individuals to direct email, then I see little alternative to the action Mr. Oldroyd has taken. The situation is analagous to someone writing a letter to the newspaper, and the paper refusing to print it because of the language it contains, but that individual can still use the same language on the phone in private conversations, or even start their own newspaper (or even their own mailing list) and use such language. Mr. Irvine's knowledge and ideas may well have merit. If so, expressing them clearly and in a manner in which others can read and comprehend them is one of the basic principles of effective communication. He seems to have a lot of anger that goes beyond just a desire for everyone to utilize proper dive safety techniques. I feel that the issue of technical diving safety standards, and variations between the different agencies, is a valid and timely one, and deserves throrough debate. I look forward to this debate continuing in a productive and spirited manner. I also look forward to hearing from anyone who disagrees with my statements in this post, though I would request that you consider using direct email if your mail is not about the subjects which are the focus of this mailing list. My apologies for such a long post which is off-topic. Barry Brisco Dive Log Asia Singapore brisco@si*.co*.sg*
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