I'm Back

[Atlaua]

Ok, I know I've been an absentee landlord for a while. This has been caused by a number of factors, I won't go into details but I'll hit some highlights:

1. Burn Out. I spent a lot of time getting the new sight off the ground and basicly burned myself out.
2. Work. I've been through 2 mergers/aqusitions in less than a year. I've done that before but it doesn't get any easier.
3. ScubaBoard. I had some people at SB actively trying to make my life miserable and it took a lot of the taste out of my mouth for the public forum thing.
4. LDS. Yea I got really burned out on the LDS political wars and my former shop did something that didn't make me happy. The only teaching I've done is for friends since.
5. Fatherhood. Audrey is 3 and a half, nuf said.

Anyway, I'm working my way back into things and I'd like to ask a favor.

I'd like to start making some new front ends for the sites. I want something on the front page that is a real draw to new users so I'd like to ask for some help.

Basicly I'd like a couple of nice, put on the front page, articles from some of our members. I'm open to suggestions but I have a couple of thoughs:

1. For TSG, I'd like to see a good into to underwater photography article.
2. For MWD I'd like to see a good public safety diving article.

I'd like both articles to have some nice pictures to go with them so that when people hit the sites for the first time, they see something that draws them in.

If anyone has any interest in this let me know.

James

[theskull]

Welcome back into the light, James.

Instructor Burn-out is a very common problem, especially for those who get focused on advancing through the rankings. Like it or not, you need to start doing some diving for fun, with friends, for fun, without a snorkel or teaching slates, for fun; preferably deep! A handful of us will be at Mermet this weekend doing fun-dives; feel free to join. I'm also planning to dive Table Rock the April 19-20 weekend with just a couple friends; again you are welcome.

Nitrogen loading will set you free!

theskull

[nauifins73]

So glad to see you back.

[DeepDiverBob]

Welcome back into the light, James.

Instructor Burn-out is a very common problem, especially for those who get focused on advancing through the rankings. Like it or not, you need to start doing some diving for fun, with friends, for fun, without a snorkel or teaching slates, for fun; preferably deep! A handful of us will be at Mermet this weekend doing fun-dives; feel free to join. I'm also planning to dive Table Rock the April 19-20 weekend with just a couple friends; again you are welcome.

Nitrogen loading will set you free!

theskull
I'm getting burned out on not diving.

[MgicTwnger]

I'm getting burned out on not diving.
You and me both!

[M&P+4]

glad to have you back -

[scububa]

Glad you are back.

Not to bring you any further down, but while 3 1/2 is busy, you ain't seen nothing yet! And, I won't even go into the conflict between - "Dive Equipment, College Fund, Dive Equipment, College fund" ;-) But, on the other hand the rewards far out weigh it all.

As another possible thought...any consideration for something along the lines of "Technical Diving in the Midwest"? Seems that might hook a bigger audience. PSD is a pretty small segment, I would think. And, between the Great Lakes, Table Rock, and the various caves/mines (I am sure I am leaving places out) I wonder if many realize the opportunities that exist in 'their backyard'? It could even be a series that goes by region or by level of advancement. There are some pretty strong players here. They could even be motivated as they are primary outlets for the training to participate in that type of diving. Just a thought.

[Atlaua]

Instructor burn out never entered into it. I always knew better than that. I'd seen good instructors turned sour by being overloaded, and I never let that happen.

In fact, I love teaching, and anytime I can do it "my way" I'm there.

Actually, I got into instructing for the opposite reason. I could have gone to Rolla 30 weeks a year to fun dive, but, to me, there is no fun in that. I teach to make the local quarry fun, otherwise the local quarry is the same old same old.

Welcome back into the light, James.

Instructor Burn-out is a very common problem, especially for those who get focused on advancing through the rankings. Like it or not, you need to start doing some diving for fun, with friends, for fun, without a snorkel or teaching slates, for fun; preferably deep! A handful of us will be at Mermet this weekend doing fun-dives; feel free to join. I'm also planning to dive Table Rock the April 19-20 weekend with just a couple friends; again you are welcome.

Nitrogen loading will set you free!

theskull

[theskull]

Instructor burn out never entered into it. I always knew better than that. I'd seen good instructors turned sour by being overloaded, and I never let that happen.

In fact, I love teaching, and anytime I can do it "my way" I'm there.

Actually, I got into instructing for the opposite reason. I could have gone to Rolla 30 weeks a year to fun dive, but, to me, there is no fun in that. I teach to make the local quarry fun, otherwise the local quarry is the same old same old.

Glad to hear it. I agree that diving with students, or mentorees, can make a dull site fun again. I still think you need some fun dives, though, and NOT at Rolla. ;)

theskull

[terrapinken]

James - Happy to see you are back in the saddle - Sorry we could not figure out a way to keep you happy. We still think very highly of you and your opinions. By the way, Valerie and I think you being a dad is really cool. We wish you and yours the best. Ken