In what appears to be an honest effort by DEMA to try and understand the recent surge of malcontent aimed at it and it's BOD, they conducted a Listening session today at the Rosen Center. Attending the session was the entire BOD sitting behind a table and maybe 20 or so people in the audience. 3X5 cards were passed out for us to write our names/businesses on so we could be recognized to speak. I did not intend to do anything but listen, so I left mine sitting on the chair.
The meeting was called to order and before we began, the reason for the special "rules" were explained. Apparently, this was DEMA's response to a legal request for disclosure. They apologized and indicated that they were as frustrated with the rules, but that they would follow their legal counsel in this matter. IOW: it's the lawyer's fault!
After this they asked for the cards. Only one was give: Rick Stratton, the owner of Northwest Dive News. Rick, apologized for his part in besmirching the reputation of the BOD and yet made it plain he was for term limits and one member/one vote.
It then became apparent that no one else wanted to speak. A couple of embarrassing minutes passed when another gentleman stepped forward, and indicated that he too was for term limits and one member/one vote.
After a few more awkward moments, I asked to speak. I told them that if a red dot appeared on my chest or face, I would be ducking, and then introduced myself as the evil internet! I then pointed out that the backlash they were experiencing was a combination of a sour economy, lack of transparency and a feeling of alienation by many of the members. I also pointed out that they could get defensive or use the opportunity to examine what really needed to change. I don't believe that most of us hate the BOD, and many of us believe that the resignation by Al did not solve a thing and just may, in fact, have obscured the real issues.
The meeting was adjourned and then SDI/TDI's Brian Carney spoke up to say just that he would be addressing the entire membership on Thursday, and did not want to address such a small crowd. (It was small).
The discourse after the meeting was far more productive. I was able to talk with Keith Sahm and Jim Byrem. I pointed out that DEMA needed to communicate a LOT better, as I found out about the meeting third hand. Keith disagreed with me flat out and pointed to a number of D-Mails and that it was on their web site. Given the fact that so few people were there, I would have to guess that if Keith was right, then we have the most apathetic organization in the world. Perhaps the timing was off and having this meeting on the eve of the Big Show was in error. On the other hand, possibly the dearth of members present was indeed a function of poor communications on their part! You be the judge. On a more conciliatory note, Jim assured me that there was absolutely no grudge being held against ScubaBoard and cited the fact that I often post opposing view points. It was good to hear that, but frankly: I think there is still a bit of distrust among the BOD. I get the idea that they think the internet is a great passing fad, but really not that important to business.
Thursday's meeting will be interesting. I will again attempt to be silent and try to absorb what each side is saying. I certainly hope that we have more peeps come out either for or against. We certainly did not enjoy a quorum this afternoon!
The meeting was called to order and before we began, the reason for the special "rules" were explained. Apparently, this was DEMA's response to a legal request for disclosure. They apologized and indicated that they were as frustrated with the rules, but that they would follow their legal counsel in this matter. IOW: it's the lawyer's fault!
After this they asked for the cards. Only one was give: Rick Stratton, the owner of Northwest Dive News. Rick, apologized for his part in besmirching the reputation of the BOD and yet made it plain he was for term limits and one member/one vote.
It then became apparent that no one else wanted to speak. A couple of embarrassing minutes passed when another gentleman stepped forward, and indicated that he too was for term limits and one member/one vote.
After a few more awkward moments, I asked to speak. I told them that if a red dot appeared on my chest or face, I would be ducking, and then introduced myself as the evil internet! I then pointed out that the backlash they were experiencing was a combination of a sour economy, lack of transparency and a feeling of alienation by many of the members. I also pointed out that they could get defensive or use the opportunity to examine what really needed to change. I don't believe that most of us hate the BOD, and many of us believe that the resignation by Al did not solve a thing and just may, in fact, have obscured the real issues.
The meeting was adjourned and then SDI/TDI's Brian Carney spoke up to say just that he would be addressing the entire membership on Thursday, and did not want to address such a small crowd. (It was small).
The discourse after the meeting was far more productive. I was able to talk with Keith Sahm and Jim Byrem. I pointed out that DEMA needed to communicate a LOT better, as I found out about the meeting third hand. Keith disagreed with me flat out and pointed to a number of D-Mails and that it was on their web site. Given the fact that so few people were there, I would have to guess that if Keith was right, then we have the most apathetic organization in the world. Perhaps the timing was off and having this meeting on the eve of the Big Show was in error. On the other hand, possibly the dearth of members present was indeed a function of poor communications on their part! You be the judge. On a more conciliatory note, Jim assured me that there was absolutely no grudge being held against ScubaBoard and cited the fact that I often post opposing view points. It was good to hear that, but frankly: I think there is still a bit of distrust among the BOD. I get the idea that they think the internet is a great passing fad, but really not that important to business.
Thursday's meeting will be interesting. I will again attempt to be silent and try to absorb what each side is saying. I certainly hope that we have more peeps come out either for or against. We certainly did not enjoy a quorum this afternoon!
