# I don't see myself as having been made a git at all.
# Also I did not at any time mention that I was speaking with authority
" I just have precious little patience for hyperbole and sweeping statements "
My post was to mention a genuine PADI direction, in a light hearted way, and it seems it was seen that way by others.
I am a PADI certified diver, and have also certified under the club system with BSAC (in 1974), so I have seen both types of Diver eduction ... the long detailed, but low cost non-profit making club method, and the pure business approach of PADI.
Having been invloved with both - I am happy to pass comments - but as a diver, not as someone who as you say "set themselves up as speaking with authority"
In my post the only facts I quoted are correct ... that PADI offer e-learning, and teh full face mask speciality, the rest was jest.
I received an email yesterday prompting me that I had joined the forum, but never made a post, and invited me to do so.
I did, and it seems I am castigated for my first post - should I have just meekly paid homage to somebody first ?
I understood that unmoderated forums were places for people to discuss what they wanted to, (diving related) and readers could choose to read or ignore.
I dive for fun, not for income, and I take part in various forums for fun & information exchange. (and sometimes education), and banter.
Other forums welcome such people ... if this forum is only for 'serious exchanges' .. then I don't belong here and I'll happily delete my subscription.