On  Friday, September 05, 2003 9:55 AM, LOee Bell wrote:

> Mike Wallace wrote:
> > From the equipment standpoint, just a different name for the same rose.
As
> the
> > Strikemeister pointed out, it's so much more than that.

> Not if the trademark is approved.  If/when that happens, DIR becomes
nothing
> more than one more marketing program.

The philosophy doesn't change, though!  :-)

> Strike has been exposed to the best of DIR, both directly and through
those
> of us who believe in all or part of the system.

I've been exposed to DIR - as it relates to recreational (technical)
diving - since before it acquired upper-case status!  And well before it
became  a subject for discussion on Scuba-L/Scuba SE, post-COZNEDFest! :-)))

> I don't think he's seen
> nearly as much of the merchandising side of it, the absolutely useless
> products that have been produced with the DIR logo on them, products that
> even George has been quite frank in calling garbage (he uses stronger
words
> than that.)  The ACB system is just awful.  The first two incarnations of
> trim pockets only had one small problem, they wouldn't hold the weight.
The
> stainless plates with edges so sharp that straps had to be replaced
> annually.  The more recently produced canister lights that fail with such
> regularity that even the most supportive DIR advocates are considering a
> move to other brands.  The $80 Scout Lights that flood.  The soft and hard
> keel weights that proved to be so very unpopular.  The DIR label is
already
> on way to many inferior products.  I don't expect this move will bring
> improvement.   DIR may soon be nothing more than another label, just like
> thousands of other labels that used to mean something special.

You're too hung up on brand-name equipment and - it would seem - like so
many people, equate having the "right" equipment as all that's required of
DIR!  (I never claim to be a DIR - or a DIR-Like - diver.  Although I do
aspire to become one!  To my way of thinking a diver either is, or is not,
DIR.  The philosophy does not allow for half-measures! )  :-)

In fact - and because I firmly believe that diving is an evolving activity -
I probably never will be a "DIR" diver.  But that won't stop me from trying
to become one!  Which is why, in that regard, I'm taking the courses from
those who have encapsulated the philosophical concept!  :-)

It would seem to me that the most vocal critics of "DIR" are those who
haven't looked behind the door by taking the courses and finding out for
themselves exactly what it's all about.  Far too many divers, it also seems
to me, proclaim themselves to be DIR based purely on equipment choices and
configuration.  There are zealots on both sides of the coin.  :-)

As for somebody registering the name?  A rose by any other name would smell
as sweet.  And I tend not to buy equipment simply because of a brand name.
I buy it for its particular merits. :-)

Strike