David Strike wrote:

> Lee!  I have to ask - because it's germane to the discussion:  Do you
> consider yourself a, "DIR" diver?

That's a tough question to answer.  There's really no good name for what I
am.  Over in rec.scuba, I coined the term DIR-L, meaning DIR Like.  To those
who don't understand the system or pay close attention to the details of the
configuration, I look like a DIR diver.  You, Mika, or anybody else that
understands the system better would not mistake me for a DIR diver and I
certainly would claim to be one.  For our purposes, it's probaby best to say
that I am a diver heavily influenced by the DIR system.  I wear the plate, I
wear the wing, I wear the long hose primary and short hose alternate.  I
believe in planning for contingencies and in practicing skiils until they
can be done smoothly and naturally even in the most stressful of
circumstances.  On the other hand, I don't have a crotch strap and I do have
a dive computer.  I understand, but do not follow the strict buddy protocol
that is a fundamental part of DIR diving.  I don't need or want a cannister
light and I've never worn a drysuit.  No, I'm not a DIR diver, but I do have
a deep and very well thought out belief in the quality of the system for the
kind of diving it was created for and the applicability of elements of the
system to the diving I do.

I'm not sure that helps much, but it's the best explanation I can give.

> What spirit???  Just because somebody recommends a particular regulator
that
> they're happy with, doesn't mean that thinking - and experienced - divers
> have to accept that person's recommendations! :-)

Both George and JJ have been very clear in stating that there is only one
DIR.  If a regulator, any regulator, is shit, then it's not DIR, is it?
It's not a matter of whether or not you can chose between quality
alternatives.  This is a case where one of the top two people in the
organization has stated that the regulator is unsuitable while the other is
marketing it to students under the DIR banner.  It goes just a bit beyond
recommendation.

Still, your point gets to my concern.  Right now, with DIR just being a term
adopted by the WKPP, the choice between two alternative brands, both of
which are of suitable quality and design is still in the hands of the
individual diver.  When the DIR term links directly to a single
manufacturer, how long do you think it will be before nothing OMS makes will
be DIR?

> Welcome to the club!  (i.e. those folk who were disappointed that the
claims
> made for a product didn't live up to expectations and who, subsequently,
> sought out more appropriate equipment!)  :-)

I was sure you'd understand this point.  We've all done it.  It comprises
some of the experience we learned the most from.  Imagine, however, if the
only message you ever heard, from a source so respected as to appear to be
uninpeachable, that the equipment you and I eventually rejected was, in
fact, the best and only equipment to use.

> Do trademark names effect your view of the world?  (I doubt that they
would
> if it involved your particular beliefs! Why, then, should DIR - no matter
> how it's written - be any different!) :-)

Yes, the affect it.  They don't control it.  Regardless, it's not my view of
the world that concerns me.  It's the new diver I'm worried about.

> Are you suggesting that big knives don't still have a purpose ... or what?
> :-)

I'm sure they do, but I'm still partially branwashed.  Since I can't figure
out what that purpose may be for my diving, I've changed to something I find
more appropriate, actually a combination of knives I find more appropriate.
BTW, I might not suggest that big knives have no purpose, but I will suggest
that they are not DIR.  8^)

> Ah!  My only response to that is to say:  Do a GUE course and then come
back
> and comment on it!  :-)))

Hard to argue with.  Andrew and Michael Kane do most of their training on
the Pacific side of my country.  From what I've read, heard and know of
those courses, including comments you have made, the Fundamentals course is
worth the time and effort.  If they get to my part of the country, and I
have the time, I might just take that one.  There's no such thing as too
much information.  I also know the GUE instructors that live here in Florida
and I can tell you that I won't be taking a course from them any time soon.
Both of them are so indoctrinated in the "there's only one" DIR philosophy
that it's hard to get out of the shop without being called a stroke,
literally, and we like each other otherwise.  I'd like to keep it that way.
I've got enough enemies without enrolling in a course to make more.  8^)

Lee