David Hale wrote:

> I'm rather sure that George could buy and sell most of
> the folks on this list (certainly to include me), but
> the DIR system is a matter of great pride with him. I
> would find it rather unfair for a company to trademark
> and commercialize the term and system he popularized
> without his consent.

I think so too, and George and I really don't like each other much.
Actually, I don't think George cares much one way or the other, but it's not
up to me to speak for him.  Feel free to ask him if you think you can
without starting a flame fest it will take months to put out.

>  "OMS T DIR Style introduced by OMS: OMS recently
> announced that it has added two new staff members that
> will bring additional focus to new product engineering
> ... these individuals will use their past employment
> experience with Halcyon and GUE to focus on product
> development for those divers looking for DIR
> solutions. The main advantage states OMS president
> John Griffiths is that GUE students and other divers
> will now have an equipment choice as they will be able
> to purchase DIR style equipment suitable for use with
> GUE courses."

Those closely associated with GUE and, if I'm not mistaken, George, have
been clear for a long time that DIR has nothing to do with brand.  They have
always claimed that it was design and function that counted and that some
OMS equipment was DIR just as some Halcyon equpiment is not.  I suspect you
have hit the nail on the head with your opinion, but it certainly does bring
their previous staements into question, doesn't it?  If there's only one DIR
and it's made by Halcyon, then DIR is an equipment manufacturer's property
and, as usually happens, will go where it most benefits the manufacturer to
take it.

Like I said to Strike, do you use a DIR gear bag?

> I guess it will hit bottom around the time they come
> out with the DIR Spare Air.  :(

Oh my god !!!  The thought boggles the mind.  That's about as likely as
inviting Brett Gilliam to be their spokesperson.

Lee