I recently was involved in an editorial summit and when the editor was asked what TransWorld Surf excelled at, his answer was, "We're really good at having fun."
Ty, I have to say that this guy stole my line.
Indeed, ScubaBoard is all about FUN, FUN, FUN.
Most of the people come here for FUN, FUN, FUN.
Just like the Surf Industry, most Scuba Divers (and ScubaBoardians) never see the bickering and fighting amongst the industry insiders. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, and there are even movies about the crap surrounding both the surf and the skate board industry. Competition creates that friction and that friction results in a burning need to out do the competition. That's a win/win for both the enthusiast as well as the casual diver.
But in reality, DEMA has issues. I was even asked to run for the DEMA BOD and I accepted the invitation. Today I was told that no one wanted to run for the Media spot and that Willie was a desperation choice. How does that make me feel? I guess I wasn't good enough. Personally, I think William Cline is a most EXCELLENT choice. I love his energy, his candor and his ability to think outside the box.
I have offered to teach a course for DEMA on how the industry can use Social Media to drive sales. I have offered this for several years. I am told that somehow there is a conflict of interest, but apparently, that same conflict of interest does not apply to a competitor of mine. He is not only asked to do this, but is compensated for it with a hotel, flights and free booth space. Now, I bear him no ill will, and consider him a friend... but all I can see as a difference between him and I is that I believe that DEMA doesn't like me very much. Perhaps I'm too successful with what I do.
Why would DEMA not want me to share my secrets about the internet? Why would they not want me to do it for free? Hey, he has acceptable Alexa scores for his site, but they are no where near mine. It's been suggested by DEMA management that I buy space to do this. Why? It's not an info-mercial that these people need. They want to know HOW to approach social media from a very practical, hands on perspective. No one is giving them that at this point. DEMA is failing it's membership by not reaching out and asking DIFFERENT presenters to present. Oh Snap! Someone IS going to give them that. SDI/TDI has asked me to give this presentation as they feel it has lots of merit. Please feel free to attend if success with Social Media interests you.
Fortunately, my business does not depend on DEMA because I refuse to kiss ass. That doesn't mean that I am unwilling to lend a hand either. If they need help (like manning the DEMA pool for an AARP convention here in Orlando), they have a ready and willing volunteer. Should they desire any input on how to mount an effective internet campaign, I would be glad to help. It's not like I don't know what I am doing, having surpassed all Scuba Media in reaching more people than anyone else.
We all approach critics differently. I love mine. In fact, I only pick people who don't think like me to be a part of the "Advisor" team here on ScubaBoard. If they aren't willing to disagree with me publicly and stand up for their beliefs, then I can't trust them to do what is right for ScubaBoard. No, I don't silence my critics: I put them to work making ScubaBoard better.