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I must say that so many of your inquiring posts are so far beyond your level that you shouldnt be surprised that some react the way they do , including my self. ... Many here do not want to be a substitute for formal training.
Judging by the replies, this wasn't a question asked solely out of ignorance, because
experienced divers disagree on the answer. Also, many of the replies are at odds with what is taught in the class, and by your own admission, some of the requirements are "dumber than dirt." PADI teaches that the cylinder bands are necessary because they could prevent an accident where a non-nitrox certified diver unknowingly uses a nitrox tank without realizing its contents; this dovetails with PADI's teaching in OWD to recognize the bands for what they are. That makes sense, but the replies thus far indicate that it isn't how the real world works. Do you (does anyone?) think we'll cover those nuances in a Nitrox class, that takes place in the classroom with no diving component, where the vast majority of students have no intention to ever do anything besides dive banked 32% and who want the class to conclude as quickly as possible?
Your post was informative. It moved the conversation forward. Thank you. Posts that do nothing but question whether I should be asking the questions I'm asking, on the other hand, are unhelpful.
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Please note: This forum has special rules. This forum is intended to be a very friendly, "flame free zone" where divers of any skill level may ask questions about basic scuba topics without fear of being accosted. Please show respect and courtesy at all times. Remember that the inquirer is looking for answers that they can understand. This is a learning zone and consequently, any off-topic or overly harsh responses will be removed.
1) I don't misrepresent my experience
2) I try to avoid expressing an opinion based on secondhand information and on topics where I am not an expert
3) I make an effort to find older threads that address my question before starting a new topic
4) I do not ask questions unless I am genuinely interested in the replies, and I read them all, even the ones where my "stupid question" has produced over 100 responses
5) I try to avoid asking the same question multiple times
6) I pick the most appropriate forum for the posts based on my understanding of the boards.
7) I have paid my dues on other boards where I have patiently answered questions from people new to a particular topic or activity, written introductory articles, and generally given away my knowledge for free.
I am not a mod, but my understanding is that there is a range of forums:
- New Diver and those considering
- Basic
- Advanced
- Tech
- Tech-2-tech and other hidden/private forums
Nobody is required to reply to my posts. If you and others don't want to be a "substitute for formal training," fine, ignore my posts, or stay away from the basic forums where I understand my posts to be appropriate.
It is my experience that boards only succeed when there are new people posting who don't already have their mind made up.
I have never been involved in a topic or activity that was as hostile to inquiring minds as diving.