On Wednesday, July 16, 2003 7:22 PM, Christian Gerzner wrote:
(snip)
> I was another who, whilst not exactly in Bob's corner, who decamped.
> IIRC I was also "Struck" but not sufficient times to be "Struck And
> Out". I decamped voluntarily.

I don't recall you being "Struck", but it's no never mind.

> To the best of my knowledge (my ever failing memory was jogged by his
> post) Lee's description of what happened is a pretty fair assessment.

> Yes I know Feesh, the archives, but I just couldn't be bothered, just
> like Lee, to go through all that drama, grief, indeed pain yet again.

> It's best forgotten, let's move on.

When history is re-written it's best not forgotten.  Following is one of my
*very* few offline posts. I've always reckoned tht the purpose of these
lists is to discuss things openly.  Giving in to the fact that this wasn't
the case, I sent the following:

>Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2000 8:58 PM
>Subject: A Whinge!


> G'Day, Folks,
>
> Today, I couldn't help but think that it's exactly one year ago since most
> of us met up together in Cozumel.
>
> In - what is now - exactly thirty-nine years and one month since first
being
> certified as a diver, I have seldom been privileged to enjoy the company
of
> quite so many accomplished, knowledgeable, courteous, humorous and
downright
> friendly folk as those of you - and our partners - who assembled at that
> NEDFest.
>
> There are others - not on this list - who I wish could have joined us:
> Kuty, Mike Wallace, Huw Porter, Julian & Helen Pool and Birdo spring
> instantly to mind.
>
> I seem to remember a few conversations with people, the gist of which
> suggested that Scuba-L would never be quite the same again.  How prophetic
> those words were!!!
>
> I still have difficulty in coming to terms with the attitude of those -  a
> small number of 'people' - who bitched and griped about our 'off-topic'
> posts on Scuba-L.  But I cannot recall one instance when anyone -
regardless
> of how 'new' they were to diving - did not receive anything other than a
> warm welcome and who was not encouraged to ask questions and contribute to
> discussions.
>
> That there were one or two people who received 'clubbings', (often
> deserved!), is immaterial to the good information that was always within
> easy reach.  (According to one "informed" source there were four or five
of
> us who were constantly complained about?)
>
> As a "diver" - rather than one who "dives", (a not so subtle
difference!) -
> I take umbrage at the attitude and actions of that small group of people.
> Especially when it spills over into the private and business life of those
> with whom they disagree!!!
>
> It's no bloody wonder that so many people new to diving are constantly
> trying to re-invent the wheel - rather than learn from the past!
Especially
> when their only concern is to try and make discussion groups conform to
what
> their own idea of diving should be!
>
> (And that they take the ignorant and the ignominious as their advisers is
> even worse!)
>
> As you may have gathered, I'm seething about a wrong that has still NOT
been
> righted.  As a consequence, I no longer intend to be a "nice" person where
> "IDIOTS" are concerned.
>
> I apologise for my ranting and raving to friends, but I really have had a
> bellyfull of the 'wannabees'.  Particularly when I hark back just twelve
> months and consider how fortunate all of us were to meet one another  -
and
> the good effect that attending the NEDFest might have had on the lives of
> one or two of the 'control freaks' that want to direct internet diving
> discussions.
>
> Strike


Strtike