I’m interested in starting a program that would promote DiveBuddy and local dive sites. Essentially, I’d like to advertise for dive sites that are willing to let our members in for free (or at a reduced rate)...to take some group DiveBuddy photos underwater and on the surface.

I’d be willing to provide dive sites with $2 in advertising for every $1 discount they provide our members with access to their facility. For example, if you’re a DiveBuddy member and you dive at Dutch Springs in PA...if Dutch Springs lets you and 4 of your good dive buddies in for free one day...that will save your group $155 (at $31 per diver entry fee). Dutch Springs would get twice that in local advertising on DiveBuddy (ie: $310). And DiveBuddy gets some wonderful group photos taken by members above and underwater. At our current rates, $310 would get you about 15,000 large banner ad impressions to all divers that visit DiveBuddy in your local area (ie: for Dutch Springs, we could limit the banner ad to PA, NY and NJ for example).

What do you think of this idea? Any suggestions on how this could be implemented? Is there a way we can involved local dive shops also?

Thanks,

Greg Davis
DiveBuddy.com

Comments

tjdiving - 9/09/2009 10:12 AM That would be fantastic. We went to Devil’s Den a couple of weeks ago and it ended up costing us about $60 each to dive. Yeeeouch!!! We did rent a tank, but the rest of the fee was for the entrance to the spring.

King - 5/28/2009 7:29 PM So, who is in charge of contacting the places for FREE Diving?? For those of us in the Midwest, White Star & Gilboa!!

coldwater - 5/24/2009 12:22 PM nothing like F R E E just for me Tony

hoofpick - 5/21/2009 10:29 PM Tricky question this one is. First off are the sites in question being maintained privately? Then ask is it maintained with public monies i.e. tax dollars? If it is being maintained by a private owner, then yes I understand a user fee. If it is publicly maintained from tax dollars then absolutely not, we have already paid for our RIGHT to use the water and facilities. I am sure there are other considerations involved but overall I would be and am against user fees with exceptions.

RonSubmerged - 5/21/2009 9:31 PM I think this is a great idea! I am not for sure how you would handle all the logistics and getting it into place, but it is worth a try. The dive shop I am going to call home is in a prime location to handle a lot of southern Ohio divers and is the vehicle through which a diving degree that will be offered through Ohio University. I can mention this site to the owner and perhaps he can promote the site via banners, links on the webpage, etc. This would open up fellow divers to everyone at OU pursuing the degree. I will update when I find something out.

mukashi - 5/21/2009 1:49 PM Excellent!!! Can we submit some possible sites we would like to see utilize this?

dalehall - 5/18/2009 8:19 PM I like it also.. Great for both DiveBuddy and the dive site. Would we take pics with a DiveBuddy logo? If so, where would that come from? Dale

h2odragon1 - 5/18/2009 2:07 PM This would be great for us! I don’t know if the dive shops, or dive sites would agree. It never hurts to try! http://haighquarry.com/ http://www.pearllake.com/frameset.htm http://www.mermetsprings.com/

cricket - 5/18/2009 9:40 AM Sounds like a plan! Cricket

DryDiver - 5/18/2009 5:45 AM That would be totally awesome. Great idea. Another spot that would be cool to contact is Brownstone Discovery and exploration park in Portland CT. http://brownstonepark.com/

Argonaut - 5/17/2009 11:08 PM That would be cool for all who are able to participate! Go for it. Perhaps local dive shops that already have a rapport with their Dive Sites could help you get this started.

outinaboot - 5/17/2009 10:16 AM I love it! Free it a good four letter word.. When can we get it off the ground..

csemenko - 5/17/2009 4:30 AM Greg, great idea. Is the intent a "all DiveBuddy.com members" who go to the dive site or an event centric event for photos to promote the dive site? For LDS...an idea might be "we advertise your shop and/or website, anyone who comes in for classes, equipment, etc. gets a discount/free gift/free specialty/etc." A printable coupon from DiveBuddy.com or a "I heard about you through DiveBuddy.com." Great concept...don’t forget about Lake Travis, Athens, South Padre Island, Cozumel, Bonaire, Belize, etc. Good Luck.

RAWalker - 5/17/2009 3:22 AM I think it would be a great savings to me but have doubts whether it could be arranged at my local lake (Lake Pleasant)

Scubadad2 - 5/16/2009 9:23 PM I am all for it. Only a couple places around here charge you to dive though...

ShawnK - 5/16/2009 8:27 PM I think thats a great idea. I would love it if Dutch did that since that is where i have been going to dive

GypsyDiver - 5/16/2009 5:22 PM I think it is a great idea!!