GTAVercetti 0 #26 November 1, 2005 You ignore it and make your own decisions. "Politics" at the DZ will NEVER EVER EVER EVER go away.Why yes, my license number is a palindrome. Thank you for noticing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 3 #27 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuote Or jump at a multitude of DZ's so that you don't see the politics. That works if it's an activity, not if it's a lifestyle. Unless your 'lifestyle' involves income, I'm not seeing the distinction. You take as much crap in a leisure activity as you choose to. I don't know who's screwing who and I just don't care. I'm there to jump, right? It's a community. It's the difference between being involved in your neighborhood watch and just living in a house in a neighborhood. The face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. They are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,379 #28 November 1, 2005 >Are you there for fun, or for gossip sessions and trash talk Some are there for both; some for one or the other. Decide what you are there for and act accordingly. When I was chief instructor at Brown, I had to listen to a lot of monotonous shit from everyone - from the camera people, from the rigger, from the DZO, from the TM's. After a while we established the five-minute rule - you could only bitch about the DZO or the rigger for five minutes, then you had to stop. Helped a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #29 November 1, 2005 QuoteBASE Politics are there too...... fuck it....play on anyway...---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uponone 0 #30 November 1, 2005 You hate gossip so you started a gossip thread to gossip about other people gossiping? If you are arguing with a fool, he's doing the same. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #31 November 1, 2005 QuoteThe face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. The are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. Summed up perfectly. Unfortunate but true, and now it's happening in BASE.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #32 November 1, 2005 You can still be part of the community as a whole by jumping at multiple DZ's. You do not have to be part of the community by only jumping at one DZ. QuoteIf that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. Huh? A person who skydives is a skydiver so I'm unclear as to what you mean by this statement. Would you elaborate?Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #33 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuoteThe face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. The are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. Summed up perfectly. Unfortunate but true, and now it's happening in BASE. Oh no! Not the old argument about who is a skydiver and who is not (or who is a BASE jumper and who is not)! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #34 November 1, 2005 QuoteThe face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. They are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. I need to know the drama to be a skydiver? Good elitism, but funny coming from someone whose profile contains absolutely no detail. I got friends at 6 dropzones spanning nearly 500 miles of California. But they're not my only friends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #35 November 1, 2005 QuoteWhen I was chief instructor at Brown, I had to listen to a lot of monotonous shit from everyone - from the camera people, from the rigger, from the DZO, from the TM's. After a while we established the five-minute rule - you could only bitch about the DZO or the rigger for five minutes, then you had to stop. Helped a lot. Now I understand why you do so well as a mod You are use to hearing people bitch.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwieder 0 #36 November 1, 2005 QuoteI put out a call to all jumpers . . . are your DZ's infested with bullshit politics, or am I just jumping at the wrong DZ?? While i definitely applaud your zeal in this area of DZ life, Like Lisa said, git over it. It's sad it's that way, but it is. It does keep me from jumping as much as i'd like to. Good Luck, Take Care.-Richard- "You're Holding The Rope And I'm Taking The Fall" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #37 November 1, 2005 I think of dropzone politics like politics in any part of your life. There will always be people who like to create drama around them. You can choose to indulge them, or not."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GTAVercetti 0 #38 November 1, 2005 Quote It's a community. It's the difference between being involved in your neighborhood watch and just living in a house in a neighborhood. The face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. They are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. rl It may be a community but I know plenty of people who come for the day, hang out with friends, laugh, talk, and enjoy other people's company and then go home at night after jumping is over. They also refuse to get sucked into the politics of the DZ. And these are some very good SKYDIVERS. To say that someone who participates in a sport is not an actual member of the sport simply because they don't want to put up with the crap that can go on is disrespectful to the time and money they have poured into it.Why yes, my license number is a palindrome. Thank you for noticing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #39 November 1, 2005 Quotethe thing is, he's got so much that he could teach students like me.... but he doesn't really want to Is it required that he want to? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 3 #40 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteThe face of skydiving has changed. There are now people who go to the dz, jump, and leave. The are not part of the life that is the dropzone. If that's what you choose, it's fine, but in that case, you're not a skydiver, you are merely someone who skydives. Summed up perfectly. Unfortunate but true, and now it's happening in BASE. Oh no! Not the old argument about who is a skydiver and who is not (or who is a BASE jumper and who is not)! Semantics wasn't the point, Keely, although it seems it's what everyone wants to latch onto. There was a time when skydiving was a lifestyle. It isn't anymore. I remember a few years ago some guy made a post on r.s about going to the dz, making a few jumps and going home. He wasn't part of the life on the dz at all, and most of what he did were either coach jumps or solos. That's fine if that's what someone wants, but as I said, the face of skydiving has changed. I remember one dz I jumped at for a time where everyone showed up for the weekend, jumped, sat around together Saturday night, went to sleep together in the hangar and the manifest, got up together Sunday, and jumped some more. On Sunday night, everyone went together to a local restaurant for dinner. Small, close-knit dz, and surprisingly little in the way of politics. Given that there seem to be more factions on larger dzs where there's far less group activity to bind everyone together, maybe I'll just blame it on turbine aircraft. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elisha 1 #41 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuote Or jump at a multitude of DZ's so that you don't see the politics. Works great for me. All smiles. Me too. I try to be aware of stuff if possible, but intentionally turn a blind eye to situations for my own mental health. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 3 #42 November 1, 2005 Welcome to life. Did you think because we jump out of airplanes life in the real world would stop at the parking lot? Its up to you to choose how you deal with it. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skykittykat 0 #43 November 1, 2005 Skydive AZ has very little politics between jumpers. Any person who acts like a Sky God pretty much gets put in their place very quickly and so jumping there is very enjoyable. For a large dz, the number of true locals (those that live there) is quite small and the community is not judgemental - it is like a little family. As far as managerial politics go, I have no idea. Every dz has politics - some more/less than others. Liz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoop 0 #44 November 1, 2005 Maybe its because im relatively new but I havent seen any politics at all. Saying that, Ive noticed that all the students seem to hang out together and the experienced people seem to hang out on their own too. BUT.... thats not really politics thats just natural. It takes time to interact with any group. Certainly at the moment I go to the DZ to jump. Once ive jumped and watched a mate safely back to the packing shed too, I go home. Its important to have a life outside of a hobby too. (No matter how addictive or great it is) As soon as you commit to something and declare it as your lifestyle, thats when it becomes serious and not fun anymore. Partly the reason why I gave up my old job as a race mechanic. I lived & breathed high octane fuel, and would swim in boring technical information of gear ratios and damping/rebound settings. Now I just go to watch the odd race. Lesson learnt, dont ever let anything ruin something you enjoy. To me, I dont mind sitting outside the group if it means a stress free time jumping. It is my escape. Hopefully in time ,my jumping will do the talking and people will know me for that. Its quite a small scene in the UK too with only about 20 DZs so as soon as im licenced Im gonna take a leaf out of the roamingdz gang and see what everywhere else has to offer. Ill always stay jumping predominantly where I am tho because thats very local to me (10 min drive) and where it all began! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Beverly 1 #45 November 1, 2005 Well being a community, I have found lots of the politics and gossip happening with the people who were sitting on the ground and not jumping as much as some others. If I am really busy jumping on the weekend, I don't see or hear most of the BS happening. I am at the DZ every weekend, all weekend. There are lots of people who go to the DZ who love the social side and I have found that these are the troublemakers. They do one jump, drink too much, sleep with all and sundry and in general cause too much shit and then quit the sport in a few months. There are the few regular jumpers that can get involved in the shit, but it is normally kept to a minimum. The best was when there were 4 million roumors about me, I slept at a B&B in town and not on the DZ. Although people tried to say I was shagging everyone at the B&B, they could not substantiate it and it died down. So you have a choice: Jump lots and you won't have time for the gossip. Don't sleep on the DZ and there will be no time for the gossip. I have a place on the DZ where I can go to be alone, so when I don't feel like the crowds, i retire with my bed, TV and DVD's. Pretty cool. I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Scoop 0 #46 November 1, 2005 QuoteI have a place on the DZ where I can go to be alone, so when I don't feel like the crowds, i retire with my bed, TV and DVD's. Pretty cool. Just dont invite anyone else to your sanctuary else youll be back to square one! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Beverly 1 #47 November 1, 2005 Exactly!! Luckily it is away from everyone and hard to find. I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites woodpecker 0 #48 November 1, 2005 Jump in the netherlands. Never had the problems with politics at any of the DZ's I've been to. Quite the opposite actually, they were the first DZ's I've ever been to and was sucked into the family from the minute I walked in. I was never shunned, ignored, or left hanging out in the packing area alone. Awsome experience and I now go back every year just for the people. I'm sure there are politics going on (another DZ opened up on the same island) but the politics stayed at a much higher level and the staff/jumpers never had to deal with it.SONIC WOODY #146 There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites pincheck 0 #49 November 1, 2005 Depends on how much time you want to devote to bullshit really?. Me i would rather personally jump but thats not always a option. We have all been there and got sucked in , its not why i took up skydiving. I prefer people who have a issue with me to either talk to me because i will tell them "skygods included" what i think " Someone wants to be a Asshole they can do it elsewhere, i don't have the time for it. I will jump with anyone who will jump with me Billy-Sonic Haggis Flickr-Fun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites artistcalledian 0 #50 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuotethe thing is, he's got so much that he could teach students like me.... but he doesn't really want to Is it required that he want to? nope, he can carry on in his own sweet way i suppose________________________________________ drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Page 2 of 6 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. 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Beverly 1 #45 November 1, 2005 Well being a community, I have found lots of the politics and gossip happening with the people who were sitting on the ground and not jumping as much as some others. If I am really busy jumping on the weekend, I don't see or hear most of the BS happening. I am at the DZ every weekend, all weekend. There are lots of people who go to the DZ who love the social side and I have found that these are the troublemakers. They do one jump, drink too much, sleep with all and sundry and in general cause too much shit and then quit the sport in a few months. There are the few regular jumpers that can get involved in the shit, but it is normally kept to a minimum. The best was when there were 4 million roumors about me, I slept at a B&B in town and not on the DZ. Although people tried to say I was shagging everyone at the B&B, they could not substantiate it and it died down. So you have a choice: Jump lots and you won't have time for the gossip. Don't sleep on the DZ and there will be no time for the gossip. I have a place on the DZ where I can go to be alone, so when I don't feel like the crowds, i retire with my bed, TV and DVD's. Pretty cool. I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoop 0 #46 November 1, 2005 QuoteI have a place on the DZ where I can go to be alone, so when I don't feel like the crowds, i retire with my bed, TV and DVD's. Pretty cool. Just dont invite anyone else to your sanctuary else youll be back to square one! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beverly 1 #47 November 1, 2005 Exactly!! Luckily it is away from everyone and hard to find. I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodpecker 0 #48 November 1, 2005 Jump in the netherlands. Never had the problems with politics at any of the DZ's I've been to. Quite the opposite actually, they were the first DZ's I've ever been to and was sucked into the family from the minute I walked in. I was never shunned, ignored, or left hanging out in the packing area alone. Awsome experience and I now go back every year just for the people. I'm sure there are politics going on (another DZ opened up on the same island) but the politics stayed at a much higher level and the staff/jumpers never had to deal with it.SONIC WOODY #146 There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pincheck 0 #49 November 1, 2005 Depends on how much time you want to devote to bullshit really?. Me i would rather personally jump but thats not always a option. We have all been there and got sucked in , its not why i took up skydiving. I prefer people who have a issue with me to either talk to me because i will tell them "skygods included" what i think " Someone wants to be a Asshole they can do it elsewhere, i don't have the time for it. I will jump with anyone who will jump with me Billy-Sonic Haggis Flickr-Fun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artistcalledian 0 #50 November 1, 2005 QuoteQuotethe thing is, he's got so much that he could teach students like me.... but he doesn't really want to Is it required that he want to? nope, he can carry on in his own sweet way i suppose________________________________________ drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
