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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Sept 28, 2005 7:05:20 GMT -5
Richard Rhinehart has written a well-investigated article on caver relations as it pertains to the National Caves Association (NCA) on the Colorado Caves Forum. It is well worth a read for anyone interested in such topics. Here is the link to the article: coloradocaves.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=206
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Post by Azurerana on Sept 28, 2005 8:19:19 GMT -5
Having read Richard's article I feel compelled to add some comments.
1) Some years ago, the NCA did offer discounts to NSS members, on the theory that NSS members would tell their friends, and to celebrate some occasion. That time (association-wide discounts) has passed.
2) Some NCA caves still offer discounts to NSS members upon presentation of their membership cards. You need to ask for it, however, and take the tour anyway if they no longer offer such discounts. Perhaps some cave employees are unfamiliar that this takes place in *some* of the caves, and most likely some cavers are rude about it as well.
3) NCA caves sometimes (not always) offer 'professional courtesy' exchange tours to *active* employees of other show caves. People who claim to work for show caves when they do not are behaving unethically.
4) Also, show caves often offer discounts on tours in conjunction with caving events for the duration of the event. Some cavers may be so dim as to think that these discounts have no expiration date.
5) Some seasonal cave employees are intimidated by people who come in announcing they are NSS members, and for good reason--their tour charges know more about caves and sometimes even their cave than they do. NSS members on cave tours should mentally exchange places with the guide, and see if what they are about to say or do would be upsetting before they act. It's usually sufficient to identify one's self as someone interested in and knowledgeable about caves if asked.
6) Cavers often don't show the savvy to realize when their information might be useful and when it interferes with a 'cave spiel' . Show caves are managed in many ways, and all tour guides are individuals. In small groups where group participation is encouraged, 'adding to the tour' may be welcomed, In large groups this is less often the case.
7) Some cavers are just obnoxious, and don't understand how to contribute information to a tour without undermining the guide's authority to manage the tour, and the people on it. Good manners are always in order, not 'showing off.' One of the best ways to 'contribute' to a tour is to use your information to make the guide look good, and show deference to their authority by example.
Cavers need show caves, and show caves need us. We can work together in many ways, but we're not usually identical. Why not be friends?
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