Is "the first rule of Scubaboard is that you don't talk about Scubaboard?"

koozemani · Dec 23, 2011

In another thread I started many of the posters stated that they don't talk about Scubaboard with other divers. I fall into that catagory and was wondering what other people's reason for this is.

I can surmise a couple of reasons.
- posters enjoy the anonymity of posting online
- it never comes up in conversation when meeting new divers
- avoiding conflict when you potentially meet someone with whom you have had a vigorous discussion with over some of the more volatile threads
- adopting a different persona online

Any thoughts on this?

TMHeimer · Dec 23, 2011

My time spent in other LDSs is limited, but other than one guy (I actually met) who is on SB, anyone I've mentioned it to didn't do forums. Some said stuff like "I just can't get into that. Just a bunch of know-it-alls".

The Chairman · Dec 23, 2011

Some are threatened by it. Some hate the fact that they are no longer the default "know it all". Most people that I meet talk about it freely. Some with admiration and others with scorn. Like the internet, we aren't going away any time soon. : D The dive industry has been internet-a-phobic since its inception and it's about time they caught up with the rest of the world.

Paladin · Dec 23, 2011

One of the first questions I ask when meeting another diver is "Are you on ScubaBoard?" I'm always ready to meet someone I've conversed (and probably argued) with in person!

koozemani · Dec 23, 2011

I've mentioned it other new divers as a great resource, but I have noticed a similar attitude with some more experienced divers. When ive mentioned an interesting thread in conversation Ive gotten that wrinkled nose look at SBs mention.

Wookie · Dec 23, 2011

I meet ScubaBoard folks all the time and everywhere. Many times I've been somewhere completely unrelated to scuba, like walking the streets of Portland, ME, and a complete stranger will come up to me and ask if I'm the Wookie. Either that or they ask if I'm a pro wrestler.

Jim Lapenta · Dec 23, 2011

I not only mention it but push it as a resource for students and recommend it to every diver I meet. The only ones I've met that had negative reactions was one course director/agency rep for the agency I came up thru DM with. He did not like it. Said people here were brutal. I asked him if that meant they told the truth? He would not answer, just turned away and began talking to the shop owner. Completely ignored me after that. Turns out that was a good thing!

Avonthediver · Dec 23, 2011

First ..never talk about the company second...the company is always watching

The Chairman · Dec 23, 2011

Those who feel that knowledge is power truly hate the Internet as they see how it's eroded their power base. Instead of being the ones in control, they find they are often at the mercy of a well informed clientele. Often they find that their customers know more about what they sell and what they should be selling than they do.

As the owner of ScubaBoard though, I encourage everyone to spread the word about us and your latest adventure. If you had a great time on a charter or a resort, or if a particular piece of gear has really met your needs, WRITE ABOUT IT HERE. Then send the link to the people you tattled on! You would be surprised at how far such unsolicited praise will go when you go back or need more gear. People take note of the posters on here and will treat them differently. Sometimes with kid gloves! :shocked2:

Jim Lapenta · Dec 23, 2011

I definitely treat my customers from here very well. Most of them are from here as a result.

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Is "the first rule of Scubaboard is that you don't talk about Scubaboard?"

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koozemani

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TMHeimer

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The Chairman

Chairman of the Board

Paladin

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koozemani

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Wookie

Proud to be a Chaos Muppet

Jim Lapenta

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Avonthediver

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The Chairman

Chairman of the Board

Jim Lapenta

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