Agency bashing... what is it and why we don't allow it.

[The Chairman]

Not sure if you want to clarify if it's acceptable to ?complain/whine? about timely service directly from an agency.

Facts are always acceptable.

Stating that an agency is out for profit is considered bashing?

When it's portrayed as the driving force behind an agency, sure. That's just an attempt to be disparaging, and that's what we're trying to avoid.

We are a passionate group. Some are overly passionate about agencies they either like or hate. Unfortunately, while some enjoy these popcorn moments, the vitriol is almost always counterproductive and devolves into bicker battles. It makes it hard for outsiders to follow the discussion and makes us less relevant.

 

[Centrals]

There are "black sheep" in every professional. So what is the news?
An unscrupulous individual/operator should not be extended beyond the "guilty" party.

 

[Jafo19D]

Facts are always acceptable.

When it's portrayed as the driving force behind an agency, sure. That's just an attempt to be disparaging, and that's what we're trying to avoid.

We are a passionate group. Some are overly passionate about agencies they either like or hate. Unfortunately, while some enjoy these popcorn moments, the vitriol is almost always counterproductive and devolves into bicker battles. It makes it hard for outsiders to follow the discussion and makes us less relevant.

Sorry but I majored in economics and there is nothing wrong with profits being a diving agency’s, or any other entity’s, driving force.

No one cares why a given diving agency exists or what their mission statement is. We just care that they provide a good enough service at a reasonable price. If your favorite agency starts to screw up it’s not some ideology or punishment from God that’s going to kick them in the butt; it’s going to be the market’s invisible hand and the competitors.

 

[Jafo19D]

I challenge anyone here to find a diving agency who’s KPIs include a measurement of how much happiness they’ve brought to the world.

 

[Akimbo]

Agency bashing is the act of disparaging an agency's reputation without any evidence to back up your claims.

This includes...

Stating an agency is dangerous
Stating that an agency is only there for profit
Suggesting that an agency sucks (etc)
Repeatedly misrepresenting an agency​

Is this limited to training agencies? Doesn't this apply to manufacturers, products, dive services, individuals, and groups of any kind? All these examples are disparaging without without justification and are therefore useless opinions rather than information that anyone can use.

Facts are always acceptable.

Exactly! Even questionable facts and conclusions have value because they can be debated and everyone can learn from the discussion. Unsupported statements are what is dangerous and sucks.

 

[kelemvor]

Stating that an agency is only there for profit

Isn't that the nature of every business outside of nonprofits? Especially businesses who are publicly traded and have a board of directors who require profits from their executives.

 

[Akimbo]

That's one that perplexes me as most (all?) are out for profit.

BSAC?

 

[kelemvor]

BSAC?

...and NAUI in the USA. I bet there's a few other dive certification agencies in the world who are non-profit.

 

[Jafo19D]

Isn't that the nature of every business outside of nonprofits? Especially businesses who are publicly traded and have a board of directors who require profits from their executives.

Even many non profits are all about maximizing wealth. I’m from the DC area which is full of “non-profits” and I guarantee you that they are very concerned with the bottom line.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Non-Profits. 501 (c) (3) type Non-Profits are allowed to make "profits" but the profits aren't subject to Federal Income Tax. Just because they are non-profits does not equate to altruism.