MMM:I was not one of the people who privately PM'd you, nor am I one of your "friends" as someone described the people who encouraged people to respect your initial post. The nature of my job is such that I need to state my views (respectfully disagreeing when I do so) and also try to hear what the other person is saying. I would hope that others could do the same, including the people who privately messaged you - one should NEVER be afraid to say what is on their minds unless it will seriously jeopardize their personal well-being. Discussion boards on what is - for most of us - a recreational activity shouldn't fall into that category.
I was looking at the number of posts and hits this report has generated and was thinking - wow - he/she really hit a nerve and piqued peoples' interest! You might take some pride in having one of the most discussed threads in a long time!
But I also wondered whether it had finally been beaten to death....and so I wouldn't disagree with your request to close the thread.
And finally, I wondered whether - in the interest of full disclosure, truth, transparency, and all that jazz - it would be useful to post the pictures you took of sand covered reefs. I didn't take any such pictures because I take photos of things I like to look at over and over and over again once I'm at home (they come up randomly on my computer's screensaver). Some Yucab pre and post Wilma shots would be edifying. Come to think of it - I've not seen any such comparison made anywhere. It would be interesting to people who haven't dived in Cozumel (ever, or post-Wilma). So if not you, then maybe someone else.
That's not to say people should avoid Cozumel - that's far from my position as one would divine from my many posts on this topic. It's still good diving in my view, and a great place to vacation. The reef is regenerating. But let's call a spade a spade and acknowledge that much of what used to be there is gone for the time-being. In my view there is still much to see.
Thanks Marg! I have to agree that your posts on Coz condition have been very objective and I can't really disagree with anything you've said that I can think of.
I for one truly appreciate your objectivity even if some of it stings just a tad...Wilma was a B*%#* and there's no denying it
You are correct, the bottom line is that Cozumel is still very much worth visiting and diving...Coz vet or not!
Domino, I really hope that you understand that I was not trying to be disrespectful at all, I just don't happen to agree with everything you said.
I do have to honestly say that my stomach would turn if sand shots were posted, even though some may consider that very unobjective. My reasoning is because they really would not show a true representation of the reefs and may cause more widespread panic, that would be completely unnecessary. It's not that I'm trying to "hide" anything, I jsut want to have people focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative.
Yes there are sandy areas...but there are MORE (70%) like the shots I have shared...and that becomes more true everyday...and this is what we need people to see and understand...pretty please