I felt compelled to respond on this thread because I was surprised to hear about how Mikes experience on Mr. C last Sunday was so different from mine, and it seemed like Eco was being criticized more for features of the boat rather than for things that they actually have control over.
Ken Kurtis:
But the fact that he aroused suspicion (along with the other first-time poster praising Eco)
.
- Ken
If you read my post carefully, I wasn't praising Eco specifically, although you might have mistakenly taken it as praise since I wasnt writing anything negative about them. I was responding to Mike's post, mentioning that I had a positive experience that day on Mr. C, and I was also responding about the features of the boat. The primary point I was trying to make was that I think it's unfair to blame Eco Dive Center for his not having comfort with the features of the boat. Mike has since clarified that he believes the boat just wasnt as well organized others and he is used to certain other boats/charters (that I would say are fancier than Mr. C).
[Perhaps this brings up a good separate topic (?) In general, to whom do you attribute your good or bad dive boat experience the boat, the crew, the divemaster(s), the group who chartered the boat, or all or some combination of the above? ]
Ken Kurtis:
. I personally abhore any anonymous or "cutesy-name" posts. Regardless of what screen name you use, put your name and any relevant affiliations in your post so there's some accountibility, as well as to give people some perspective on your prejudices &/or loyalties which may be framing your thoughts.
- Ken
Wow, abhore is a strong word. Ken, you must be terribly frustrated reading posts on scubaboard. I am surprised at how my not signing with my real name as a first time poster has aroused suspicion (of what, exactly? What would be the grand conspiracy fercrissakes?). I agree that it would be better to sign with your name and any relevant affiliations, especially if you are revealing or sharing something negative so that you can give people a chance to respond personally and/or defend themselves if they believe they were wrongly accused.
Im not embarrassed or ashamed to reveal my name. I just thought it was more customary for people to not sign their real names. Ill tell you a bit about myself so as to eliminate any doubt as to my prejudices &/or loyalties which may be framing [my] thoughts (if anyone really cares). So if youre interested, here goes
My name is Dana Rodda. I am just a regular diver (not a DM or instructor) and I dive frequently (1-3 times per week), mostly from local beaches. Ive logged 126 dives in the 13 months Ive been certified (certified June 2005). I went through the LA County ADP program last summer and am helping out as safety diver this year. I frequently dive with the DiveVets group on Wednesday nights and sometimes on Sundays at Old Marineland. I also dive with friends Ive met through my dive classes or through other message boards or through other friends. I am a member of the West LA Dive Club. I chose the screen name SeekNCritters because one of the primary reasons I enjoy diving is because of the critters finding them, photographing them, learning about them its endless fun. I live in West LA and have been to Eco Dive Center a few times, and have purchased a few (not major) items from them. I have had good experiences with them thus far and was very surprised and saddened to hear about the negative experiences that Humongous, Randog and others have had. I hope these negatives are the exception. I purchase almost all of my gear from Scuba Haus in Santa Monica, since that was where I was certified, I work ½ mile from there, theyre good people, and I have a great relationship with that shop.
Happy, safe diving!
-Dana
