Dive Shop/Dive Charter Website Staff Bios

[Trace Malinowski]

When you look at dive shop or dive charter operator websites do you prefer staff bios that are factual or bios that are funny? What about photos? Do you prefer facial pictures of staff members that would allow you to recognize them? Or, do you like photos such as joke pictures or diving photos that show their gear preferences? Do staff bios or photos matter to you at all?

 

[jstreetley]

I guess I'm boring: photos that would allow me to recognise them and bios that are factual. The bios can be funny too, I mean a sense of humour is great, but I'm not a fan of the fictional/legendary type ones.

 

[Hoag]

Personally, I don't see honest and humorous as mutually exclusive. If I am looking at the staff bios to make a final decision about a trip, then I certainly want the bios to be fair and accurate. Having said that, there is often a humorous way to look at just about any experience and expressing that can show not only their accomplishments, but also a little insight into their personality.

Having said that, like @jstreetley, I do like to see photos. I admit that I am horrible at remembering names, but if I see a familiar face, then that is a bonus.

 

[Bob DBF]

I'm with Hoag, factual but showing their sense of humor, if they have one. As for pictures, it would be nice to see a good picture of them in their gear, in or out of the water, as well as the boring passport style headshot.

I am more interested in having a website I can move around in and find what I want without yelling at the screen. This includes keeping it up to date / accurate.


Bob

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

I agree with the above. I love staff bios and read them all the time. I prefer the ones that list the accomplishments, held certs and favorite dive places with some humor thrown in as well.

As for pics I think there should be a dive pic to show the setup they use and well, it is for diving after all but I like to also see a head shot so if i run across them I will be able to recognize them.

 

[cipherbreak]

I prefer factual and authentic bios. A picture of the staff member in their gear, number of dives/experience, certifications held, favorite dive site, and general interests is a good rubric.

 

[KeithG]

What is the averge "life span" of dive op crew?

A few of the dive ops we use have long term employees. Most of the others have a revolving door of staff. I no longer even bother to look at bios on websites since they are mostly of the wrong people.

I am more interested to learn about the type of dives offerred: 1tank vs 2 tank, si duration, size of boat vs # of divers,...

 

[KevinNM]

What is the averge "life span" of dive op crew?

If they can't retain staff I suspect you'll have other issues with them.

 

[TMHeimer]

Factual and serious, at least for the most part.

 

[Adam Grose]

Factual bios, and normal pictures.