I agree on the shipwreck theroy.....obviously I would be much more involved in that segment of treasure hunting if it were more accommodating from the state, feds, and international inteties involved in this permitting and salvage process. I continue to work with A.S.A.P. (American shoal archeology project) in the search for "el angel bueno" and her sister "la concepcion" 1563. We have made many discoveries in recent mag/dive operations, and all are guarded and kept secret in part out of fear of the state and its lawyers/lobbyist/and aactivist.the ever elusive excavation permit seems to still be unobtainable. I have my own fantastic discoveries regarding the 1733 fleet, and I can do no more than keep these fantastic discoveries to myself....even though they bring the narrative of this disaster into further context. I fear if I divulge my discoveries ill be excluded from any further exploration and banned from my own discoveries......so im in a catch 22 for now.....this being said, I still plan to pursue more than a couple new discoveries, and am aligning with some bigger movers and shakers.....new working models will be proposed to the state very soon by more than on group down here in the keys. As for the rest of treasurenet.....it seems even with a new software upgrade that user participation has dropped off considerably. Bickering, arguing, and infighting here on t-net is often disgusting and turns people away quickly.....belittling comments to people who are truly just trying to ask questions, and have a polite response are a big turnoff.....everyone here is on a different level of understanding when it comes to this hobby.....those of us with years of experience need to have much more patience with those of us who are just starting out. I hope the trend of being somewhat short and cocky to new comers slows, so that new folks aren't intimidated so much they don't participate......could be this hobby dosent grab the interest of young people like it once did. That combined with stricter and stricter laws and regulations is slowly strangling the hobby. The keys is a great example....no trespassing, don't go off the path, restricted area, D.E.P. DO NOT
ENTER, the keys is virtually locked to anything other than pay to walk on the path programs. Too many restrictions!!
What could be done years ago is restricted today it seems by many.
The outright attacks on long standing members as you saw with a detecting video on the new Minelab shows the vileness that some have it seems.
The simple enjoyment of sharing no matter what equipment is used seems to have fallen to a level of bitterness with enough that it works like the bad apple/potato theory.
There's the one hit wonders that post up a rock/tree, and believe it's the gateway of the Holy Grail of treasures. Usually quite entertaining, and the posts go on to the point where it sours as one's beliefs aren't taken seriously.
(The reason for no religion/politics=too strong are the beliefs)
But some can't or will accept, the thoughts of a gate keeper watching over a treasure.
Many are just too set on reality, or maybe seeing is believing, other than that it's just a fantasy.
Most areas are in winter mode-the holiday blues-family commitments.
Grumpy/sick pirates may be another some factor.
Glass half full-or empty type of a thing is another that effects many.
Certain members leave as they don't get enough of what they're seeking from the members.
The hole in their lives isn't filled-a lot has to do with the personal life that is going on.
Certain members leave as they can't say things-or feel that freedom is lost on a moderated site.
So many reasons to leave-plus there are so many reasons to hang in and enjoy.
Personally I can gleam the morning headlines of the news=doom and gloom.
Here it's a spattering of what ever topic I want to see about a passion that is rooted in me.
