There are others who are no longer active here. So who have you got to meet? Did you get to dive with them.. become friends.. perhaps even partners? Lets count our blessings.....
Lynne an Peter jump to mind in my case. I've met other SB members over the years but I think Lynne an Peter were the first "online" friends I've ever had where that online friendship spilled over into real-life.
Those are the only names I'll mention because I've had so many positive experiences with people on this board and I'm always afraid I'll miss someone.
There have been quite a few who I have felt close to. I can get attached to people fairly easily under the right conditions and I've had a number of encounters with people on the board over the years that were "special" to me.
One was an ex-moderator who I am absolutely sure would have become a friend IRL if we had lived closer. He had a girlfriend who he met via the site who was also someone I had a special bond with. As a couple they didn't work out and online friendships are fleeting so I lost contact with both of them, alas.
One was an ex-member who was a severe PADI critic but became a mentor for me in some ways both in and outside of diving. He taught me that there is a crucial difference between being critical and being cynical. At times I felt he crossed that line but he was always very acutely aware of the line..... On the whole I wish I could have spent a year diving with him. I still use some of the skills I learned from him every day in my day job.
I can hardly count the number who have made me a better instructor. So many discussions, so many PM exchanges... so much passion and dedication for the sport.... One in particular needs naming;
@boulderjohn (ok.... I will mention one more name). We have never met in real life and I find this to be unacceptable. I've learned so much from him. He's more than a mentor. He is the iconic instructor to me. Someone who sets the bar and gives me the example I want to emulate. The click we have is almost audible and as an instructor he has brought out the best in me and taken me on a journey of personal and professional development that I couldn't have dreamed about 10 years ago. Being asked to help him describe "neutral teaching" and being part of the movement that resulted in PADI tightening up their standards is something I'll be proud about for the rest of my life.
There have also been those who made me want to give up. To quit scubaboard and write it off.... Sometimes I became so angry that I wanted to shake them until they understood.... There were those who were aggressive to me as well.... death threats, ignore lists, nit-picking every post you make.... I've never had anyone "hit on me" via the board but I understand that this also happens if you are young and beautiful..... Personally I would swap death threats for someone hitting on me every day of the week....
On the whole... why am I here and why do I stay? Because this is *social* media and despite all of the failings of social media I believe that I am better off knowing you all than I would be without it.
R..
