I currently use the SSI pages - cause I got 50 dives worth when I certed. I don't think I will continue using them when I exhaust them in about 2 weeks.
The "check box" style dive logs become restrictive really fast - i.e. SSI only gives you 5 options for what exposure suit you're wearing - none of which match my possible configurations, also they only give you one little spot for weight - so I find my self writing my weight distrubution between the lines.
I recenly got the downloading software for my Vyper so I might write up my dives in that and print them out. (This would also help in posting dive reports here.) I also might design my own pages with checkboxes that reflect the gear set-ups and conditions in which I dive. I tend to write a lot down, I like having DATA. I use my log as a place to critique my dives and the successes/failures of the buddy team on that day. I make notes about the site, occassionaly with sketches. I keep meticulous records about the conditions, gear-configs, and gas cosumption which greatly help with planning down the road.
Mer's perception of the role of the log:
1. Proof of dives done
2. Jog the memory *warm fuzzies*
3. Analyize and learn from your experience (technique)
4. Track gas consumption (SAC rate)
5. Aid in planning
What Mer thinks a log should contain:
Of course, your mileage may vary!
1. Hard copy (or printable) - I may ask new buddies to see their log, so will many instructors and dive boats.
2. An organization method - since others may look at your log, some protocol so that information is easily digestable
3. Info - site, conditions, depth, time, gas usage, gear, weighting, buddy (at minimum)
4. Something that makes the log legit - I think a narative is the best way to accomplish this.
A note on signatures: I only have a few of my dives signed or stamped. This is partially because my log does not come out of the car/dry bag unless we're planning the day - before things are wet. I write my pressures or other numbers I won't remember or are not in my computer on my dive slate and fill out the log within a day of the dive. I feel that a narative is much more difficult to fake than is a signature.