drrich2
Contributor
Looking at the original post, I suspect one underlying issue is that, judging from some other threads on the forum, some people want scuba diving as an 'industry' (hobby, whatever you care to call it) to grow, including by drawing new entrants (as well as improving retention rate). This subject has been dealt with at length in more than one thread. Consider this snippet:
Now, since 'image' generally implies projecting some sort of message to somebody, the question is who? To yourself, by living up to some idealized self-image? Or just satisfying yourself you've got the right tools for the job you want to do? To others on the boat, who may be dive buddies, or staff you'd rather not view you as over-dependent? To bystanders on the beach who might laugh at you if you fall & flop around like a wounded duck all geared up? To the public, a subset of whom might be more likely to take up diving if the people they see doing it project a 'positive image' of some sort?
If the future of scuba diving relies on me striking a pose in gear, I'm afraid this place is going to be Snorkeling Board in a few years...
Richard.
---------- Post added March 22nd, 2015 at 12:02 AM ----------
It would be interesting to know. Some people like to be associated with a prestigious/cool socially esteemed minority group, such as a premium brand. And if they can be admired for doing it, which social media paves the way to, so much the better. Being seen as 'in the know' can be narcissistically gratifying. People may even feel themselves part of a 'movement' by spreading awareness of a great brand/product line.
Richard.
Now, since 'image' generally implies projecting some sort of message to somebody, the question is who? To yourself, by living up to some idealized self-image? Or just satisfying yourself you've got the right tools for the job you want to do? To others on the boat, who may be dive buddies, or staff you'd rather not view you as over-dependent? To bystanders on the beach who might laugh at you if you fall & flop around like a wounded duck all geared up? To the public, a subset of whom might be more likely to take up diving if the people they see doing it project a 'positive image' of some sort?
If the future of scuba diving relies on me striking a pose in gear, I'm afraid this place is going to be Snorkeling Board in a few years...
Richard.
---------- Post added March 22nd, 2015 at 12:02 AM ----------
It would be interesting to know. Some people like to be associated with a prestigious/cool socially esteemed minority group, such as a premium brand. And if they can be admired for doing it, which social media paves the way to, so much the better. Being seen as 'in the know' can be narcissistically gratifying. People may even feel themselves part of a 'movement' by spreading awareness of a great brand/product line.
Richard.
