Is this guy smoking something or is he on to something?

[MXGratefulDiver]

So, given that the really acerbic DIR - Anti-DIR haven't been common in the past few years (excepting the few that could be accountable by personality), and that the comments that are made are more in jest as a 'hat-tip' to the old jousting days, is it possible that the sentiment has settled and there is just some left-over sensitivities on a few people's part?

In other words, all this is a thunderstorm in a teacup?

Yes ... and yes ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Teamcasa]

So, given that the really acerbic DIR - Anti-DIR haven't been common in the past few years (excepting the few that could be accountable by personality), and that the comments that are made are more in jest as a 'hat-tip' to the old jousting days, is it possible that the sentiment has settled and there is just some left-over sensitivities on a few people's part?

In other words, all this is a thunderstorm in a teacup?

Like Bob said, Yes and Yes.

Frankly, I think there are more "I think they are anti-DIR" that actual anti-DIR people.

 

[Jax]

I know that sensitivities abound on both sides. In a thread about kittens, TSandM said something about they had to be black to be DIR (and had a photo of her adorable black kitties), and someone took offense ("Why did you have to go there?")

Given the photos of colorful DIR divers that abound on this board (KathyDee), it was clearly in jest but just as clearly taken badly by an over-sensitive person.

 

[denisegg]

I just happen to look good in black Pink scares me.
I am so thankful for seeking out advice from someone that was DIR when I didn't even know he was or what it was. He just made sense here on the board. I asked for his help and he was very gracious in his patience and explanations. I appreciate CaveDiver, who has gone out of his way to mentor me. I have never taken a GUE course but have adopted many of the concepts of gear configuration, team skills and awareness because they made sense, worked for me and have made me a better diver.
I applaud those on SB who are so willing to help others with graciousness and sincerity. TSandM could tell you how I pm'd her the first time I heard the term DIR and asked her what it meant. She contributes much to this board and I also appreciate her and countless others .

 

[Cave Diver]

I appreciate CaveDiver, who has gone out of his way to mentor me.

Someone has to keep you out of trouble.

 

[denisegg]

Someone has to keep you out of trouble.

I completely agree.

 

[seaducer]

I have to say, regarding the terms used in this thread, I have not seen the BWOD in quite some time, and the person who springs to my mind on this board as soon as I see poodle jacket is a vintage solo diver...hardly DIR.

I have seen and been a part of some pretty gnarley threads involving DIR, but for the most part these days these are those threads. It used to be an innocent question sparked a heated debate when someone posted their opinion and others didn't like it. Personally I thought opinions were what ran message boards...

Now the DIR ranting threads are started with exactly that purpose. To be honest it really seems that the pendulum has swung the other way, mostly people attacking what used to be fairly common DIR zealotry. The problem is those zealots have either left the conversation or matured, there is no need to keep the fight alive.

The problem is not so much tone as it is bias. If someone asks "what BCD?", sooner or later someone will suggest a BPW, and someone will invariably see something offensive in that comment, because they think it must be there. Hey, if you really want to be offended, you are going to find or invent reasons to be. As often as not someone outside that very narrow discussion will have trouble figuring out what all the fuss is for...

 

[rjack321]

I just happen to look good in black Pink scares me.

What's the problem? Jax's avatar look ok in pink...

 

[Superlyte27]

Granted there's a certain amount of satire and certainly sarcasm and disdain, but the rant was mostly factual in what took place. I enjoyed the read. It was funny and pretty true to what actually transpired between the various agencies.

 

[Jax]

Granted there's a certain amount of satire and certainly sarcasm and disdain, but the rant was mostly factual in what took place. I enjoyed the read. It was funny and pretty true to what actually transpired between the various agencies.

That may be true, but at what point is the bloodshed of 10 years ago enough? Haven't we matured enough to let it go?

Just as with any other agency, the DIR community has its advocates and its doubters. Mature individuals move on with sensible discussion, and each community needs to rein-in its defensive, reactive, knee-jerk responders.