Brendiver's World

Scuba Magazine - Advertising Real Estate? The Magazine Divers Trust?

I've just received one of those automated e-mails from Scuba Magazine - "the magazine divers trust."

Previously I've mentioned how you can buy in advertising space at this magazine and they'll promote it. But on this occasion I'm being counselled to purchase real estate? Isn't this e-mail service is meant to be for diving news?

The problem with this kind of e-mail message is how the lines are blurred, is it the Cayman Diving Lodge who are recommending it or Scuba Magazine? You know, the one we all trust.

I promise you - if we win the lottery, I'm going to purchase loads of ad space at Scuba Magazine and promote next door's outdoor fish pond, complete with it's "myriad" of fish and "stunning vistas."

Keep writing...

Brendan

"Own a Piece of the Cayman Islands at the Cayman Diving Lodge & Spa

If you love the diving in Cayman and you respect and want to protect the environment, then consider the new Cayman Diving Lodge, which is proud to be the first, and only, Green Certified Resort in Grand Cayman!

Experience the intimacy and natural beauty of the Cayman Islands in an ecologically sustainable condominium resort. The Cayman Diving Lodge will be built to meet LEED Green building standards and operated in a responsible fashion each and every day, mindful of protecting and preserving the natural environment of the Cayman Islands.

Cayman's world-class East End wall and animal encounters will be right on your doorstep. Our unparalleled customer service and custom-designed dive boats will put you, your friends and family right in the middle of some of the best diving in the world.



We believe that your wellness of body and mind is as important as our commitment to Green tourism practices. Feel your best with a homeopathic treatment in our Organic Spa. With breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, our spa & fitness center is the ideal place to renew, refresh, and re-energize. This carefully planned amenity is sure to bring discerning divers to stay and offer you a decided advantage to gain investment return.

With a proven history of exceptional diving and hospitality, strong equity in the brand, and a legacy that divers will continue to be drawn to, the Cayman Diving Lodge is an attractive opportunity for both your investment and vacation needs.

Advantages of Ownership:
Rental Income Guarantee
Off-Shore Tax jurisdiction
Prime Beachfront equity holding
Short-Term developer financing
All Condos have 180-degree oceanfront view
Full Titled Ownership
Owner Storage Locker
Full Access to all Resort Services & Amenities"

(Part of e-mail received from Scuba Magazine as part of their "Depth Finder" news for "active divers." 7th May 2008)

I am Cliche

You know how I like to read and review diving magazines.

I was flicking through Sport Diver (US) and Scuba Diving when it struck me how they love to sell their articles as "Insider Knowledge."

What a cliche I thought!

And then I saw my own blog banner - oh dear!

I am cliche.....

Brendan

We love the way you love what we do, really, we do

Ever read Scuba Diving, "The Magazine Divers Trust?"

I subscribe to this and several other magazines. Why? Well, it's good to see what other writers are doing and to have a good old chuckle at the US Diving Media.

I mean, really, do the editorial team take their readers for a bunch of dumb asses? They change the format of the magazine, it's a bit wider and has one or two more features, and the paper has a different feel about it. All very nice, but when you read the letters page you'd think they'd made the biggest changes since the Internet revolution.

Out of five letters, how many do you think were devoted to feedback on their new format? One, two, or at a push, three??

No - all five, ranging from,

"Thanks again for stepping out of the comforts of complacency to develop an even better magazine for divers," to

"I've always felt yours is the best diving magazine out there, but with this new format you've outdone yourselves."

The reader feedback was positively gushing with compliments - the only 'bad' thing anyone had to say (Scuba Diving's attempt to show that they do publish controversial stuff?) about the new format was,

"I would add my voice to those who prefer the old size."

Their 'voice...?' This was the first opportunity any of the readers would have had to get a letter published - so just where did the elusive 'those who prefer...' come from?

Scuba Diving - "The Magazine Divers Trust" - a bit more balance might just persuade me.

Keep writing.....

Brendan