Has "Be a Diver" gone awry???

[cerich]

Well, they're not known as California's State Gadfly Office.

when I was in the navy we had a saying "yesterday i didn't know what a submariner was, today i is one", no I can say "yesterday i didn't know what a gadfly was, today I am one..."

 

[Scott]

Post on the comments from the video

Some 200 companies were contacted by Delta to create a video promoting diving. DEMA funded the appearance of Be A Diver for the benefit of all retail stores in the US regardless of affiliation, but did not fund the entire video.

Each of the other companies that appeared in this video paid Delta.  Many different companies were contacted, including other training organizations, but they elected not to participate.

By posting that they knew there were going to be questions.
CYA DEMA

 

[Shaweety]

Miss Precious here. Agreed, there should be an open accounting and standard operational procedures for any decision that is made using non profit funds. I'm new to DEMA, is'nt there a transparent accounting system that is available for all members to take a peek at?

I know (or believe) these people that run DEMA (Tom at least) desire to run within the standards set and approved by their attorneys. Did anyone just ask Tom to comment? I know he has quoted their rules and attorney advice in determining if they would partially fund our projects to find new divers for the entire industry when I've discussed such matters in the past. I can't imagine they would do a bigger project knowing there would be lots of attention and speculation without being within the boundaries and integrity of the organization. He has been very careful in making sure all DEMA members benefit from participating in promotions I've recommended.

I sure hope I'm not as naieve as is appears?

 

[cool_hardware52]

Miss Precious here. Agreed, there should be an open accounting and standard operational procedures for any decision that is made using non profit funds. I'm new to DEMA, is'nt there a transparent accounting system that is available for all members to take a peek at?

I know (or believe) these people that run DEMA (Tom at least) desire to run within the standards set and approved by their attorneys. Did anyone just ask Tom to comment? I know he has quoted their rules and attorney advice in determining if they would partially fund our projects to find new divers for the entire industry when I've discussed such matters in the past. I can't imagine they would do a bigger project knowing there would be lots of attention and speculation without being within the boundaries and integrity of the organization. He has been very careful in making sure all DEMA members benefit from participating in promotions I've recommended.

I sure hope I'm not as naieve as is appears?

Do you really think DEMA is unaware of this thread?

Tobin

 

[The Chairman]

Do you really think DEMA is unaware of this thread?

Oh, they know. I have had over a dozen phone calls concerning this thread. Only one was highly critical of me not calling Tom and clarifying things rather than start this thread. Here's the reality of things:

1. We live in America. We are allowed to ask questions and have a right to do so even publicly. This is patriotism at it's finest.
2. I have made NO allegations here. I have simply reported about an ongoing dispute. Nothing more. I am not DEMA's enemy, neither am I the plaintiff. I AM the messenger that you don't need to shoot.
3. I was ASKED to start this thread for a simple reason. People are afraid of retaliatory measures that might be taken against them. Me? Frankly, I don't really give a damn. DEMA has done nothing to help ScubaBoard and has taken steps in inhibit my growth and to insult me from time to time. I really don't see that they can hurt any more than they already have. In short, I really have nothing to lose and a close friend ASKED me passionately to start this. So shoot me for being loyal to those who are loyal to me!
4. I don't see transparency at any level at DEMA. I see no way to verify how monies were spent, and I must admit I find that alarming. It might be there, but I don't see it. Prove me wrong! I would love to be wrong here!
5. DEMA is afraid of forum discussions and that's not my fault. Here's hoping that they get motivated to come in here and debunk all of these errors. They can easily set the story straight for all of us, but I am not holding my breath for that. Did I mention transparency yet?
6. I actually like DEMA. I do think they have lost their focus and put way too much emphasis on the DEMA Show, but I hold them no ill will. I'll be at DEMA and ScubaBoard will be supporting them yet once more with two booths. Mind you, most other online media outlets get free booths: but not us. I am sure that favoritism has nothing to do with it.
7. The ball is squarely in DEMA's court. If they don't want to discuss things here, then maybe they can make a press release outlining their stance. There are a LOT more people pissed at them than at me and ScubaBoard.
8. Hey, I could have used a sock puppet to start this question and insulate me from the pending wrath. Something about that just isn't transparent. Deceit just isn't my style.

To the dozen+ peeps who let me know that they were happy with this thread: you should be in here too! Show your back bone and speak your mind! I am happy to provide a service here, but I would appreciate company if the guillotine starts to fall. I have been told that I would be sorry for starting this thread and that just might be the case. However, I just don't cotton to threats no matter how veiled.

 

[cool_hardware52]

When people get uncomfortable when you speak the truth it a sure sign you are on the right path.

Tobin

 

[mdb]

When people get uncomfortable when you speak the truth it a sure sign you are on the right path.
Tobin

Great comment Tobin: Speak truth to power is a very old saying and it seems appropriate here.

DEMA has been for too many years a clique of BOD members who are elected and reelected, have their comp suites at the DEMA hotels, fly and dine on our dime, and do very little to really advance our industry. Perhaps this thread will be a move toward some real change.

 

[scubafanatic]

...as a complete outsider (i.e....just a plain 'ol diver/comsumer) part of me is mildly interested in this soap-opera stuff....but mostly I'm apathetic about all this industry politics/good 'ol boy crap! ...I honestly don't remember ever thinking about DEMA when selecting dive trips/gear so I'm at a loss to figure out how this even remotely affects us end-users ? I thought it might be fun to get to go to the annual meeting......if it were held locally (Dallas, TX) and if us mere mortals were even allowed in...which we are not, so it's pretty irrelevent to me. As far as I can see...DEMA is the ultimate '5th-wheel' ......completely useless...yeah, I know, as an outsider, I probably just don't 'get it'......o'well.

 

[deadly_risk]

DEMA has posted a PDF of their comments on the video.

http://www.dema.org/associations/10...mmentsOnTheNewDeltaAirlinesIn-FlightVideo.pdf

As is policy, DEMA doesn’t promote specific destinations or companies.

Ok, so they gave money under the stipulation that BeADiver is the focal point, and BeADiver gave big props to PADI in the movie.

So they don't promote specific destinations or companies, just support the supporters of specific destinations or companies?

All I know of this incident, or DEMA is this thread and a quick look on their website, but to a outsider looking in, it smells a little fishy. :bablefish:

 

[cool_hardware52]

[*]I was ASKED to start this thread for a simple reason. People are afraid of retaliatory measures that might be taken against them.

Can you expand on the type of "retaliatory measures" these un-named people fear?

I just don't get it. What power, other than a crappy booth location at a future show that may or may not happen, does DEMA wield over any member?

Do they have black helicopters and ski mask wearing paramilitary type operatives?

Tobin