skydance1954

Hm - Interesting, but to be honest, i don't see the point. If digital stills are provided on CD, then the customer has the option to print whatever they want either at home or professionally, so it just seems to me to be an uneccessary service. Added work for the vidiots and extra expense to the customer for no added value. I'd like to hear the DZO's reasoning behind this. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

On site printing as part of the plan? How'd that work? I can see how it would appear attractive in theory, but the time required would be prohibitive, especially if you're printing more than one shot per customer. Not to mention the significan expense of all that ink. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Thanks, it's one of my favorites, natch. It gets better, though. On that particular dive, after opening, we were all west of the airport, and so everyone had to head back in the same direction. I had one on my left and one on my right all the way back to the DZ. One of those Kodak moments that's going to stick in my head for a long time. It was great. It may be a long time before we get to do that again...... Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Intreging idea. However, given the realities of the sport, and how difficult and expensive it is to train just one discipline, I think it would be attainable only by a very small cadre of jumpers. Those who have stupid amounts of money or major funding. Even back in the day when we'd all do RW and then accuracy (because that's all there was), you didn't see anyone who was competitive in both at the same time. You were either one or the other. I'm not saying it's impossible, just difficult. And you'd probably be good in the "all round" category, but not top dog in any one discipline. Which, I guess, is the point. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Our DZ just opened this year and was digital from the get go. No digital, no workee. Potential staff seemed to be fine with it. I didn't hear any complaints. Most had digital already, but a couple had to upgrade, and are happy they did. It's always nice to get a new toy. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Age 19 in Nov 1973. Still going strong with no breaks.

It'd be good to see you in the air again, Roger. Come on out when you're ready. I think you'll find it's even more fun now. Safer, for the most part, too. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

I have no idea what you're talking about. Following who? And now I'm done? What do you know that I don't? Please clarify. BTW - adding a depreciatory comment to the tail of the post is not the best way to garner support from a potential voter. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

I'm jealous. I've got an older Mac with the powerPC 800mhz chip, but it still runs OSX 10.5 just fine, and can still edit videos very nicely. You'll have a very kick-a$$ system to play with. If you get Final Cut Express along with it, you'll also have a pretty close to professional quality editing system. Photos, audio and video are all seamlessly set up for editing right out of the box. You're going to love it. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Why not run for a position yourself? A non-corrupt platform with a return to root values should resonate with the membership. Then you can see to the injustices to which you constantly rail against personally. Along with starting to tear down the old boy network, one brick at a time. Turn your passion into action. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

You're most likely correct. I actually have a number of 8-mm tapes that I need to convert over to digital medium, but don't have a device to play them on at this time. Although I'm sure that I could probably get an old 8-mm camera at the local pawn shop for cheap. Still, you're right. At some point I'm going to have to archive all this tape to something else. Ah, joy! Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

I've got a question for everyone: once the technical, format and compatibility issues are fully resolved to the comfort of our particular segment of the market, what means do we have to keep permanent storage of these videos? Do we now utilize ever-increasing space on our already-full computer hard drives? Granted, endless mini-DV tapes are a bit of a pain, but I keep my tapes pretty much forever because I've always got customers coming back asking for tandem videos that they've lost, or in the case of those a few years back when we were still using VHS, were taped over by a family member for some TV show or another. Also fun jumpers and teams I film can and do come back much later and request footage I've shot. So permanent storage of footage is an issue for me. What I wouldn't like very much would be to have the added task of downloading the memory sticks to whatever each day, or (shudder) each jump to a permanent format. That's going to increase our workload to, IMHO, and unacceptable degree. There's no real gain for me if this ultimately becomes the case. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

This is a link to a movie where a gentleman had a unique way of dealing with one of the most dreaded issues we could face. Caveat for the newbies: This IS NOT the recomended method of dealing with this!!!!!!!!! There are a lot of factors we don't know about here. Like: How high was he when he dumped? What kind of gear did he have? Who is he, exactly? What's his experience level? How high did he saddle? Did he have a cypress? Anyone care to provide some factual info on this? This is posted here for educational and discussion purposes. http://www.pointzero.co.uk/reservemovie.htm I gotta say, though, I'd sure like to meet this guy. This was a hell of a job. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Quote - you stop in Perris (or Eloy or Deland) to ask directions to the dee-zed. Quote And get told by the locals that there is no airport anywhere near there. (True story!) Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

That's an irrelevant question. And by the tone, hostile, too, but I'll let that pass. But to address the issue: I came to the DZ, was provided the opportunity to examine the requirements of working there without any pressure. I reviewed the pros and cons as I saw them and decided that it was in my interest professionally and personally to invest in the new camera and accept the terms of the arrangement. I also had the choice to go to other local DZs with my existing equipment and work there. This was MY choice to do this. There was nothing forced. 1. My health is not negatively affected. The reality of having to carry both cameras all the time has had the opposite effect. I did something that I should have done years ago, and that was to reconfigure my camera set up to allow for a more balanced setup, and thus much less stress on the neck. Neccessity is the mother of invention. 2. My investment was paid for before the end of May. There was no loss here at all. This is a cost of doing business. And, as I pointed out, it was inevitable. This was simply a matter of timing. 3. See above. All business after May was bonus. 4. My chances of future returns are increased because now I carry the stills on every load, regardless of what I'm shooting. Therefore, more chances of getting cool shots for the magazines. In fact, I've submitted more to the publications this year than I ever have before. They all haven't been printed, but that does not matter. More chances = more exposure. More exposure = brand recognition. I won't be the next Mike McGowan, but I WILL be the next Mike Ashley. Finally - my pay rate is between the DZ and me. If I didn't think it was fair, I wouldn't have taken the job. I think its a good rate for me. It might not be for other people. That's fine. If you think it would not be good for you, (assuming you even do video)that's also fine. But do not presume to say that its not a fair deal for me. That's not your call. I came into this with eyes open and made an informed decision. I'm content that the decision was a good one, and it's my intention to continue to work there next year if they have a place for me. And how much extra pay per jump are you getting for being "forced" to fly stills and the added risk to..... 1. your health 2. loss of investment 3. return on investment 4. future image sales (C-rights) Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

WOW, there's a term I haven't heard in ages! I remember those - lots of fun, when they worked. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

To answer your original questions, no, I don't know of any DZ that runs that way. Every DZ pretty much does their own thing. About the only constant is that the video flyer has to buy his own stuff. But it's all variations on a theme. For instance, the DZ I currently work at mandates that as a video flyer you must utilize a digital video camera and a digital still camera to work there. At the beginning of the year, I didn't have a digital still, but this requirement forced me to get one. At the time, I wasn't pleased, but in retrospect, it simply forced me to update my equipment that needed updating anyway. So in effect, the mandate actually did me a favor, and I'm thankful. From your posts, it does sound like your particular DZO is, shall we say, less than stellar about the way he treats you. However, that said, it is his bat and his ball, and he can play the game any way he wants. As I see it, you have two choices: Keep taking it on the chin and shut up. Find another DZ that treats their video staff with more respect. If neither one of these is palatable, or possible, then I would recomend a PRIVATE, professional conversation with the DZO to see if you can both find some middle ground, while each trying to respect the other's position. If a solution is arrived at, get it in writing - then make sure ALL staff have copies of it. However, I would discourage making a personal, and private agreement with the DZO. When word of that gets out, and it will, it simply generates ill will with the rest of the staff and makes it increasingly difficult to work. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

This is the life we've chosen, yes. These are the risks we accept, yes. But I'm going to have to disagree with you about not having it any other way. I'm really tired about losing friends. It would be real nice if the accidents would stop. I'd like to have it that way. It's not realistic, but hey, a guy can dream....... Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Interesting: Skypapa, by replying to this message as you have, you admit to apologizing for fraud and condoning theft. Thank you for taking responsibility for expousing a negative point of view. Since your cause is now an admitted fraud and thief why should law-abiding and honest people have anything to do with them? Being an apologist for fraud and condoning theft of copyrighted images SHOULD be against the rules. But it's not. And that is why this such a beautiful community. You should thank Sangiro for allowing varying opinions of all types. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

There's more than one way of having fun. Each person finds what they like and gravitates to it. But that doesn't mean that those of us who like one form over another should imply that "our way" is more fun than another. All it means is it's more fun for "me". The other guy may not think so. You like a more relaxed approach. Cool. Others prefer more structure. Also cool. Some folks just like to do solos. To each their own. As long as they are jumping - it's all good. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

You know you're a Old Canadian skydiver when...... Your jumpsuit fills with snow if you get dragged on a windy day (on your round canopy) You land 'way back in the field, pick up your gear and are drenched in sweat, regardless of temperature, because you're walking through 3 feet of snow to get to the road. It's SO cold that you can't breathe in freefall after exit. You have to use vasiline on the inside of your nose to prevent frostbite. You're REAL careful about preventing your velcro from getting wet, and if it does, then keeping your gear outside so it doesn't melt and then refreeze. Thus cementing it shut permanently. Buying gloves that allow you to manipulate 1 1/2 shot capewells, and keep your hands warm. Tramping through snow-covered woods in February to retreive your friend's main canopy that you jumped and cut away yesterday. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

If I've got a dive plan in place, and we're in the plane, and someone asks to join in, I have no qualms about telling them Sorry, we've got an X way planned and that's it. If they're offended, well, that's unfortunate, but really, it's beyond rude and inconsiderate to try to join in something that took 20 minutes to dirt dive when you're crammed into the aircraft and can't properly communicate what you're going to do now with an extra body. It just takes being a temporary asshole. They'll get over it. IF they bring it up on the ground later, explain why you did what you did and request that they come forward earlier in the process, not during the climb up. If they're still offended, well, perhaps they're not really interested in co-operating with the group to have a good skydive for all. Which in turn means you probably don't want them on the dive anyway. I've run into a few people over the years that have no interest in forming a dive plan, they just want to get X number of people to the door, flop out and build a round, or something. Those kinds of dives generally don't go so well, and can frequently be dangerous to everyone, not just the low timers. So if you're uncomfortable, do a solo. You don't need the added stress of "what's happening?" going on with everything else that one normally deals with on your average jump. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

As many here have already said, the fear is normal. I had stupidly high levels of fear for my first 50 or so jumps. I managed it by reminding myself that I've done this X number of times and by running through the dive flow. Staying focussed on the task at hand. I was fortunate enough to have the fear go away when climbout started. Today some levels of fear still come back when I'm starting the new season, or expanding my experience/operating envelope, but I've become very good at being focused. And 1/100th of a second after exit, it all goes away and I'm having fun again. What we do IS NOT NORMAL! We've not been designed to do this, but we do it anyway. Take a little bit of what everyone says here, and find what works for you. Above all, though, remember that this is FUN! Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Funny story, true story about skydiving with music. Back in the days before fire, we had these things called Walkmans - they were basically MP3 players that played audio cassette tapes and were slightly bigger than the original iPods. At least mine was. So I had this idea to take it out on a hop-n-pop and listen to music on a sunset dive. Great idea, no? Well, not really. So I set up the tape in the unit at the beginning of the tape, with about 10 seconds or so of blank tape, and then Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell". (Hey, this was 1985 people!) Last student out, OK, check the spot, all right, hand on strut, rotate over the step on left foot, turn on the Walkman, and leave the Cessna. Wait a couple of seconds, and dump. Uh-oh, I've got an open canopy, but there's a couple of lines wrapped around everthing else. Um - OK, can I steer this? Brakes off, oh damn they're stuck at half brakes. Ok, pump the brakes. Double damn, now I'm stuck on the edge of a stall. On a Unit. (220 sq ft F-111 canopy for those who don't know) That lands me pretty hard at the best of times. Fine, can't land it without breaking something - Look, reach, punch right...... And at that precise moment, the music starts, at full blast. Of course I'd forgotten I was even carrying it. It was an EXTREME distraction at that moment and entered a whole new level of sensory input as I went back into freefall. Stay on target, punch left, and there's my beautiful, round SAC. I wasn't in the mood to hear Billy anymore, but I couldn't reach the player at this point to turn it off, so I just rode it down. To this very day, I can't listen to the first few bars of that song without being instantly transported to that exact point in time. And I've not taken any kind of player up since. Oh, and that was my last cutaway to date. For those that know me and mine, that was prior to Dawn's birth, and Jared was 3. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666

Please don't misunderstand, I never meant to indicate that I don't like boogies. Far from it. It's just been a very long time since I've had the opportunity to actually take advantage of one. As you're well aware, boogies are expensive to do right. Heck, just going out to the DZ on weekends and jumping can be expensive. I've found a way to keep jumping in spite of having a family, mortgage, car, etc., etc.. That's why I do what I do. What would I like to do? Something other than video most of the time. However, I'd rather be at the DZ doing video dives than somewhere else being a wuffo. So - would I go to the Richmond Boogie if I had the opportunity? Probably. Would I go every year? No. Because if I had the resources to do one boogie a year, I'd like to try a different one each time. Couch Freaks, Turkey Meet, WFFC, and others. Which brings me back to the right of the individual skydiver to choose. There is merit in having several DZ's co-operate to bring resources to the Richmond Boogie, and to have them help it along by whatever means, provided the DZO's agree. However, it must be an effort to bring the DZOs AND the general fun jumping population on board together. Co-operation and concensus, not a mandate. Mike Ashley D-18460 Canadian A-666