I have spent the morning working on the next edition of our monthly newsletter and one of the articles I was considering got me to thinking….is the DiveSports network Web 2.0? To get a grasp on the answer to this question, we have to first define what Web 2.0 is. This term (Web 2.0) was first mentioned by Tim O’Reilly during a Internet conference in 2004. At the time, he defined the term as an Internet application where users provide content to move the modern website to a two-way communication device.

For my business use, I define the term Web 2.0 as an Internet application where we (the Dive Sports crew) begin to use the Internet to talk WITH you instead of TO you. Our old, static website simply gave you information about our products and our operation. It was a single platform of communication where we told you things about our products and services, without the capability for you to speak back. Our current website at www.divesports.com is, in fact, designed in keeping with our personal definition of Web 2.0 technology. Not only do we tell you about our products and services, but you have the capability to talk back to us through product reviews. You can use the Post a Review capability on every product page to tell us what you like and what you don’t like about that product. But your communication, through product review, goes even farther. You can directly influence our shoppers by having your reviews and comments published right there on the product page for potential buyers to read and consider BEFORE they press the Add to Cart button!

Taking this two-way communication concept a little further, we now envision our Dive Sports Internet presence not as a website, but as a network of sites working together. This web blog, the DiveSportsBlog, is just another part of this network. It is tightly linked to the primary website at www.divesports.com and extends YOUR capability to communicate with us even further. In addition, we have added opt-in email communications to our Dive Sports network, further extending the ability to communicate with our customers.

Later this year, we will begin adding content to another website designed JUST for product reviews. We already have another blog at www.divegearreviews.com waiting just for this purpose. We have not added any content yet, because we haven’t yet determined how this content will be added. We would like to have a number of friends and customers providing in-depth reviews of the products available to the modern scuba diver. If anyone has any suggestions for www.divegearreviews.com, we would love to hear them. We want to get this up and going, and providing you with valuable information and reviews, before the years end.

So, is DiveSports.com Web 2.0? I think so. Mind you, our technological ability is dwarfed by that of some of our competitors. That said, we are working hard and using every bit of our skill and ability to make our Internet network a two-way communication platform that achieves our business objectives while keeping a keen ear to the ground about what YOU think.

Phil Ellis

See Web 2.0 at Work at www.divesports.com

We just added a neat product to our online offerings….the HitchSafe trailer hitch receiver safety vault. This cool product has been around for a few years, but we have just become aware of it and it is perfect for scuba divers. Divers always have a tough decision to make when driving to a shore-diving location. They can’t lock their cars without finding a safe hiding place for the car keys. The HitchSafe completely solves this problem. The HitchSafe installs in a standard 2″ trailer hitch receiver and provides you with a secure place to put your car key, a couple of credit cards, and maybe a little cash. This solid steel vault is secured inside your 2″ hitch receiver by strong, steel bolt pins that can only be removed when the HitchSafe is properly removed using the combination. A simple user-chosen three digit combination allows you to easily remove the HitchSafe and access your contents. The included dust cover cap hides the whole works from trouble makers and the security of the combination entry prevents unwanted intrusion. Take a look at the link below for more details on the HitchSafe security vault for divers.

HitchSafe Trailer Hitch Security Vault - Available at DiveSports.com

This is also a great place to store that second car key so you can easily rescue yourself if you lock your keys in your car. No need to worry with those magnetic boxes that often fall off and are the FIRST place a potential thief checks. Put that spare in the HitchSafe and it will always be there when you need it.

Phil Ellis

Buy a HitchSafe Trailer Hitch Security Vault at DiveSports.com

Save on Many Other Scuba Diving Items at DiveSports.com

We have been internally discussing this new innovation in regulator hoses for several months now, and we are finally able to make it public. Today, XS Scuba announced an agreement to distribute the MiFlex (pronounced ME flex) double braided regulator and inflator hoses. Dive Sports is proud to be one of the first dealers selected by XS Scuba to offer this line of regulator hoses. Mike Piantoni from XS Scuba feels that divers will quickly realize the benefits of using the MiFlex hose to improve durability, comfort, and safety in regulator performance. The following press release was distributed by DiveNewsWire:

XS Scuba To Begin Distribution of Miflex Hoses

Versatile and unique, the new Miflex hoses to begin shipping by April 1, 2008.

Miflex Hoses, the manufacturer of the range of Xtreme high performance diving hoses are pleased to confirm the launch of their products in America, working with the established and successful company XS Scuba.

Developed in cooperation with expert divers, the Xtreme range of diving hoses have been developed by a team of Miflex engineers, analyzing the weak points of traditional rubber diving hoses.

The fruit of their research is the Miflex Xtreme range of high-performance hoses.

Available in a wide range of lengths, for regulators and BCD quick-disconnect applications and in three colors:

Black, Blue and hi-viz Yellow.

Miflex Xtreme hoses feature a patent-pending,double nylon safety braiding designed tooutperform and outlive traditional rubber hoses.

Miflex Xtreme hoses are 30% lighter than anequivalent length rubber hose and haveunmatched flexibility.

You can tie a Miflex Xtreme hose in a knot andstill be assured of continuous, uninterrupted airflow.

XS Scuba is a worldwide supplier of a full-line of recreational and technical diving equipment. Miflex hoses will be available for delivery by April 1st.

For further information:

www.miflexhoses.com

XS Scuba

4021 W. Chandler Avenue

Santa Ana, CA 92704

tel: 866.977.2822

info: info@xsscuba.com

DiveSports.com will be proud to be one of the first dealers authorized by XS Scuba to resale the amazing MiFlex hose. In fact, we have already begun taking pre-delivery order for this product and have seen online sales of over a dozen hoses in the first morning since promotion began. Follow the link below to learn more about the XS Scuba MiFlex double braided hose……

XS Scuba MiFlex Braided Regulator Hoses - Available from DiveSports.com

Initial inventory of this hose will be limited, but you can place a pre-delivery order now on www.divesports.com. Be one of the first to realize true innovation in regulator hose performance and comfort.

Phil Ellis

MiFlex Regulator Hoses at DiveSports.com

I have the helm by myself today.  The boys are out with customers doing open-water checkout dives and it is a little cold here in Alabama for many customers.  So, I have a little time on my hands.

I was just taking a look around our website and I have to say that Brad has been busy!  I am amazed at the number of new products he has added since we launched the new website.  It looks like he has been concentrating on accessories, gadgets, and other cool stuff.  He must have added over 300 products in the last couple of weeks.  If you get a few moments of spare time, spend it looking over our accessory categories and take a look at the stuff he has added.   At his current pace, he will have every accessory we sell available for electronic purchase in a couple of months.

 Anyway, thanks to all of you for helping make DiveSports.com a success.  We promise to continue to add products, continues to bring you deal, and as always….we will continue to give you the best service possible.  Remember, we want to be your local scuba store, no matter where you live!

Phil Ellis

DiveSports.com…you local scuba store, no matter where you live!

Every now and then, a product comes along that is just simply cool. Such is the case with the IST Flip Knife. More and more divers like to carry folding knives. They are compact, convenient, and don’t get in the way when stored. Some like the idea of a webbing pouch, but the possibility of losing the knife is very strong. Most just prefer to attach a stainless steel clip and hand the knife on a d-ring or some other out-of-the-way place for storage. IST clearly had the right idea….build the knife with the clip already there! The blade of the neat, stainless steel knife has a loop-lock clip built right into the end of the blade. When the knife is stowed, the clip is easily attached to a d-ring. When the blade is deployed, the clip hides neatly in the handle. This IST Flip Knife is very nice quality and is simply a cool accessory. Take a look at the link below for more details about this cool and affordable dive knife.

IST Flip Knife - Only $28.88 - Available from DiveSports.com

We have several of these in stock and available for immediate shipment or easy pickup in our store. Don’t miss this chance to get the coolest of accessories, the IST Flip Knife!

Phil Ellis

Buy the IST Flip Knife from DiveSports.com

As part of our effort to improve and expand our Internet presence, we have one additional area that all of you can help improve.  Our new website at www.divesports.com has the capability of soliciting product reviews and comments on every single product in the site.   We would like for you to take a look at the things you have purchased from us and give us your opinion of the item.  If there is something you have on your serious want list, navigate to that page and tell us what you are thinking.

To write a product review or comment on www.divesports.com, simply move to any product page.  Just below the description of the item, you will see a link that allows you to make comments about that product.  In the screen shot below, the red circled area shows what this looks like on a typical product page.

Take a moment to browse our product pages.  Pick a couple of products that you think are worthy of comment.  When you have made comments or reviews on 5 products or more, send me an email with your full name and address, along with the name you used on the product review, and I will send you a little something in the mail.

Thanks for all of your support of www.divesports.com and our walk-in store in Decatur.  We look forward to diving with all of you this year.

Phil Ellis

Write a Product Review at DiveSports.com

The launch of our new website has certainly caught the attention of some of our competitors.  For the past 10 days, we have been swamped by suppliers demanding that we end all whole-order discounts, terminate the FREE 10% Gift Card giveaway, and stop any practice that saves YOU money.  It seems that after nearly five years on the Internet, our competitors are now finally paying attention….enough to take time out of their busy days to complain to almost all of our suppliers.  We feel that this is a little like the pot calling the kettle black.

Almost all of the large scuba companies have policies that establish the lowest price allowable in any print or Internet advertising.  These prices are known as the Minimum Advertised Prices and the general set of policies have become known as the MAP policies.  At DiveSports.com, we ALWAYS comply with these minimum advertised prices.  Unless there is a simple mistake, you will not find any item on our site advertised for a price less than that allowed by the manufacturer.  Being free traders, we don’t like these policies, but we do abide  by them because they are a part of our contract with the suppliers.

This past week, several suppliers have complained that our FIRST30 discount code effectively lowers the price of their items, resulting in a violation of the MAP policy.  Several suppliers have complained that our offer to give a FREE 10$ Gift Card with an order of $100 or more further reduces the price of their product, resulting in a violation of the MAP price policy.

We want to sell lots of scuba gear, and we want to make a profit doing so.  After all, this is our job.  This is what we do for a living.  We also want to offer you the lowest possible price.  Our promotional efforts for the new website, including things like the FIRST30 discount code and the FREE $10 Gift Cards are simply ways we think we can acheive our business objectives, while also saving you money.  Our competitors don’t agree.  In fact, it goes even a little further.  Our competitors don’t want us here!  They want us to get frustrated with all of the complaints; they want us to be distracted from the task of improving our web presence and improving our sales;  they really want us gone, leaving them free to enjoy the benefits of ALL of the scuba Internet sales.

The competitors who are all of sudden lodging complaints about us to the manufacturers don’t really have a lot of room to talk.  One competitor actually has a Make Us an Offer page on every single product….even those with Minimum Advertised Prices.  Another competitor has a routine 10% discount for any members of their “house” chat board.  Yet another uses every prohibited discount code word on every single page on their website, designed purely to let consumers know that a better deal can be had with a simple phone call.  One competitor ROUTINELY starts a “price war” on several products every month; and they are given days and days to correct the “mistake” without penality.  The violations of the MAP policies are widespread.  The policies of the manufacturers are simply too fluid and almost impossible to police.  Any attempt to go further results in real retail price control, a position I don’t really think they want to take.

We are doing everything we can to fight the practice of our suppliers attempting to put us at a competitive disadvantage to those very large scuba Internet stores.  Dive Sports is PERFECTLY WILLING to abide by WHATEVER policy the manufacturers set…as long as the playing field is level.  We can’t disarm and play by their rules, while competitors are free to violate them anytime they please, with very little penalty.  We realize that we are small potatoes in this business when compared to some of the very largest Internet stores.  Their clout with the suppliers is large.  But fair is fair.  If they want Dive Sports to follow the rules, then EVERYONE should….no matter who they are.

Anyway, just my opinion.

Phil Ellis

DiveSports.com…Trying Hard to Do the Right Thing!

Back in our Apeks regulator days,  one of the very popular products was the Apeks regulator shut-off valve.  At $65, it was an expensive touch, but customers still seemed to see the need and fork out the high price for this unique product.  For the past two years, numbers of people have asked about them, but we were unable to supply them.  Now, we have a better product at a MUCH better price.

At only $26.00 each, the Highland Millworks regulator in-line shut-off valve is the perfect application when you want to make sure that your backup regulator isn’t stealing your air supply when you aren’t watching.  Often times, as we move through the water, the octopus is slowly leaking air, reducing our available air time, cutting our dives short, and robbing us of valuable emergency air.  The installation of the Highland Millworks in-line shut-off valve solves the problem.  With clear ON and OFF positions marked right on the valve, you can set the valve to OFF, guaranteeing you that there will be no unseen loss of air.  In addition, the Highland Millworks in line shut off valve is the perfect safety solution should either the primary or backup regulator fail.  When OFF, no air flows.  In the ON position, there is absolutely no obstruction of air flow.

This valve is also perfect for pony bottle regulators, decompression rigs, and technical diving stage bottles.  Give yourself added safety by installing Highland Millworks Regulator In-Line Shut-Off valves on every second stage.  This is one of those simple accessories that can cause no harm, but provides gigantic benefits in free-flow situations.  For additional information about this product, visit the link below.

Highland Millworks Regulator In-Line Shut-Off Valve

Don’t forget!  Until midnight on March 2, 2008, you can use the discount code FIRST30 to get an additional 10% OFF on this product and anything else in your shopping cart.  DiveSports.com and discount codes are a great combination to save you money on your scuba diving purchases.

 Phil Ellis

Shop Online and Save at Divesports.com

I thought I would let you all know that Brad has not let up one minute since we launched the new website.  He spends his entire day taking photographs and adding products to the website.  He must have added over 200 additional products since we launched 10 days ago.  Most of it is accessory stuff like dive license tags and frames, o-ring kits, regulator mouthpieces, dive flags, first aid supplies, octopus holders, safety equipment, diving slates, and well…….the list is way too long.  You will have to take a look and see for yourself.

I think when you take a look at our new website, you have to agree that Brad is done a very good job.  It certainly is a long way from the cartoon-looking website we had before.  We hope all of you like it as much as we do.  And remember, ordering from the NEW Divesports.com is so easy!  How can you resist?

Phil Ellis

Save at the NEW DiveSports.com

In late 2006, we sold literally hundreds of pairs of the Tilos 200 gram drysuit underwear.  We excited our customers with a drysuit jumpsuit for under $100.  Our efforts to make another great deal with Tilos were thwarted time after time in 2007.  We just didn’t seem able to make a deal that could match our first one.

Last week, we reached an agreement with Tilos that will allow us to once again offer this great Tilos L600 Drysuit Underwear at an absolutely amazing price.  For only $85, you can get this quality 200 gram garment.  The Tilos L600 is a blend of polyester, carbon fiber, and spandex.  The polyester provides the warmth, the carbon fiber provides the excellent moisture-wicking properties, and the spandex allows for the proper stretch to make this a form fitting garment.  This combination of materials makes this the perfect underwear for cool water.  When worn as a base layer, it is also perfect for layering of other garments for cold water diving.  The front zipper is durable and perfectly matched for the application.  Follow the link below for a look at this great product at a great price.  We know you will be happy with what you find.

Tilos L600 Drysuit Underwear Jumpsuit

We have only a limited number of these suits inbound to us from the factory.  We have ordered a pretty good supply of each size, but we expect these to move pretty fast.  At the time of this writing, we have only been offering them on our website for less than a day and we already have 10 orders.  We anticipate that these will begin shipping on Monday February 11, 2008.  Get your order in now for this great garment at a really good price.

Note:  Remember, you can also use the Discount Code FIRST30 until midnight on March 2, 2008 for another 10% off your entire order!  This further reduces the cost of this great product.

Phil Ellis

Tilos L600 Drysuit Underwear Jumpsuit

Big Savings and Great Service at DiveSports.com