T2T forum entrance requirements change

[Cave Diver]

Ok guys, I need some feedback on a couple of issues.

This forum hasn't seen the traffic I was hoping for so I'm revisiting a few things.

The first issue is this forum is now visible to all members. That does not mean they can read the forum, just that they can now see that it exists, whereas before it wasn't visible at all. All posts and stats show up as "private" unless you're a T2T member. This change was done because the quick links tree at the top of the main forum was updated to include several new forums and T2T was included in that. This added visibility has caused a dramatic spike in the number of join requests.

The second issue is that the level of experience present here in T2T leads to very few questions and new topics being brought up. The current minimum requirements are either Normoxic Trimix, CCR, or Hard Overhead (Full Cave, Advanced Wreck, Ice).

I've gotten (and denied) several requests from people with Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures, Cavern certs, etc. I feel that the existing Technical Diving Specialties Forum is adequate for the majority of their questions. However, due to the lack of activity, I'm considering relaxing the requirements a bit. General users still won't have access, but by adding some intro tech users I'm hoping it will generate more discussions and interest while still keeping the noise level down for the rest of us.


So, first I need to know who approves or disapproves of the following proposed requirements:

1.Allowing Intro to Cave (or equivalent) rather than Full Cave
2.Allowing those certified to deco with two gasses (one of which is 100%) rather than requiring Trimix.
3. Other?

Second, I'm not familiar with standards from every agency, so I'll need some help determining equivalent certs across the various agencies if we approve these changes.

Your comments please?

 

[Wookie]

I think that the accepted definition of tech (hard or soft overhead) would include an/dp. I was kind of surprised that you restricted it so severely when the forum was first set up.

You might consider it like the DNY forum. Anyone can see it, and see the posts. After all, they can see TDS or TTD or RBW or CDF. Only folks with authorization may add to the conversation, and those folks would include all soft or hard overhead divers. That would go a long way in keeping it civil.

 

[Cave Diver]

I think that the accepted definition of tech (hard or soft overhead) would include an/dp. I was kind of surprised that you restricted it so severely when the forum was first set up.

I'm open to suggestions. Although I did the initial setup, this forum belongs to all of us. One of the reasons for adding the higher level of restrictions is because the single biggest complaint I heard from the tech crowd was seeing the same "stupid newbie questions" over and over. The problem by having only advanced tech divers, is that now we hear mostly crickets. Some of those newbie questions help stir the pot a bit and keep discussions going. We just need to find an acceptable balance.

You might consider it like the DNY forum. Anyone can see it, and see the posts. After all, they can see TDS or TTD or RBW or CDF. Only folks with authorization may add to the conversation, and those folks would include all soft or hard overhead divers. That would go a long way in keeping it civil.

Another of the appeals to a private forum is to speak openly without everyone being able to read it, or without Google being able to index it. I've considered opening the main forum only (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tek-tek/) and making it visible and available to non-members to post.

But again, the privacy level is something I think we should follow a majority agreement on.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I'm glad you got another funny avatar, that is all for now.

 

[LiteHedded]

an/dp is fine
don't make the posts visible to everyone though

 

[PfcAJ]

Keep the posts invisible, thats the entire point of having a private area to openly discuss things.

I think an/dp is fine (as long as we don't get into stoopid deep air discussions), but cavern and intro I think should be left out. Thats a period where divers need really stick to the basics so they don't cack themselves. Apprentice is a little different, as is NAUI's cave 1 (which is kinda like apprentice).

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Agreed with both the above...




Part of the reason T2T is here, I thought, is so people may oopenly talk about things they wouldn't in public... Even if the masses can see it without posting, that will negate that entirely. Not that its happening... but there has been private chat on possibly talking about projects in T2T in the past. That wouldn't even be a consideration now that anyone can see it.

 

[Wookie]

Agreed with both the above...




Part of the reason T2T is here, I thought, is so people may oopenly talk about things they wouldn't in public... Even if the masses can see it without posting, that will negate that entirely. Not that its happening... but there has been private chat on possibly talking about projects in T2T in the past. That wouldn't even be a consideration now that anyone can see it.

I don't necessarily disagree, except, I don't exactly see the discussion boards burning up with private discussions.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

Keep the posts invisible, thats the entire point of having a private area to openly discuss things.

I think an/dp is fine (as long as we don't get into stoopid deep air discussions), but cavern and intro I think should be left out. Thats a period where divers need really stick to the basics so they don't cack themselves. Apprentice is a little different, as is NAUI's cave 1 (which is kinda like apprentice).

I agree with what AJ says. Also glad you got another avatar John!!

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I don't necessarily disagree, except, I don't exactly see the discussion boards burning up with private discussions.

Thats because the private - private chats haven't come up with anything they want to share with the less private forum.

You know there's an Uber-Tek-2-Tek forum right?