Mike:
I do think you stated, clearly and correctly in the first paragraph, that DIR is about much more than gear. The comment that DIR and Hogarthian diving are not one and the same is appropriate feedback, and suggests that you may wish to further clarify your wording to add additional emphasis to the fact that DIR is a systematic approach to diving, one element of which is gear simplicity often referred to as ‘Hogarthian’. I might add a little more emphasis on the ‘gear minimalization’ approach inherent in Hogarthian rigging. To satisfy the purists, you might refer to hose lengths as ‘5 – 7 ft’ (vs 5.5 – 7) for the primary hose and ‘shorter (e.g. 22”
’ for the secondary hose, or something like that. I don’t think you are trying to focus attention on exact lengths as much as the concept of long primary hose and a short(er) alternate hose.
I also agree that the article is probably best targeted to the lay person, or the newer diver who would benefit from a non-emotional big picture overview of DIR diving and ‘Hogarthian’ rigging. It can be almost overwhelming for the newer diver, who might feel they are being sucked into the middle of a contentious, all too strident, tempest when what they really want to do is enjoy diving and become more proficient. You are not attempting to instruct, only provide initial information, and you appropriately provide links for further exploration. Therefore, I am not necessarily concerned about your ‘credentials’.
I particularly like the idea of including several of the links (such as
www.dirquest.com/about_dir.shtml) that Amascuba recommended. Links that dispassionately focus on Hogarthian rigging are less commonly found and perhaps other SB users can suggest an especially good one. I like one (
www.cisatlantic.com/trimix/text/HOGARTH3.TXT) except at the end it devolves into a bit of a rant about ‘strokes’ and that simply puts people off.
The more we publicly discuss the DIR system, and Hogarthian rigging, in an informative, non-threatening, and inclusive manner, the more likely we are to continue to advance an important concept. You are adding to that positive dialog.
Sweeet!
