A few topics either evolve by their very nature (e.g.: dive computers & other technology), or our understanding grows through active discussion & debate (e.g.: shark feeding dives). Even such seemingly trivial topics as whether a quality split fin can be the best choice for some people may be better represented in some threads than others. Some of the A.I. discussions, including whether Shearwater should/would ever produce an A.I. computer, may evolve over time.
Trip reports probably show the impact of individual experience and perspective best. Someone well-traveled, seasoned and confident relates a trip report differently than someone with a few to several trips, who relates differently than a 1st timer. I've read people tend to be self-referential; we tend to unconsciously assume others think & feel as we do, until given cause to do otherwise.
I've seen a couple of trip reports about mainland Mexican destinations that aren't so touristy. In both cases, I asked about how prevalent English was there, to get a sense of whether being solely an English speaker would be a problem. While both reports were detailed, good reports, apparently the authors didn't see this as a big issue to volunteer at the start. Many would be upset to show up somewhere & discover most people couldn't understand us. At least we'd want to know in advance.
It's also helpful when dealing with some of the more complex destinations with multiple options. For example, where should you stay on Curacao? Which of the multiple popular Roatan options is best? What about Belize - Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Turneffe Atoll, one of the 2 Aggressor live-aboard boats, what about Placencia and Splash Divers... With some of these places, where you stay has a much bigger impact that, oh, say, whether you stay at Buddy Dive Resort or Divi Flamingo on Bonaire.
I keep a sticky note on my computers & related devices with a number of threads I think address interesting subjects well (e.g.: people talking about diving in Dominica or St. Croix, debating shark feeding diving, useful trip reports). There's worth in compiling a personal collection of your favorites to share where relevant.
Richard.
P.S.: Searching the forum isn't always simple. It doesn't default to 'most recent,' and 'most relevant' can turn up threads so old they're not. Someone pointed out you can sometimes better search Scuba Board by using Google to search for a term & include 'ScubaBoard' in it. Don't know if that holds since the latest forum upgrade, but sometimes it takes work.
