Joe,
What dive shop might that be?  Are they still the pits?  If so, and you can 
give me some constructive feedback, I could inform Doug of the situation.  I 
don't know if he can/could/would/etc. do anything, but it would be a start.
I'm a NASDS OW Instructor, and work for Doug's store.  For the most part, I 
have been extremely pleased in their program and style of teaching.  I can't 
compare it to anything else, except to say I feel extremely comfortable in 
the training I have received both as a student and on my way to the 
instructor rating.  NASDS is big into sales, but that is half of their 
educational philosophy.  They would prefer you buy equipment from them, but 
their biggest concern is that you dive with a complete and total diving 
system that is regularly serviced.  Myself, I would rather have something 
repaired before it fails, than to wait for it to fail while diving.
Beery
 > At least NASDS is still in business.  I started out with NASDS but
 > quickly gave
 > it up and went with PADI.  The only dive shop up here that is NASDS is
 > really
 > the pits.  I signed up for an advanced class and never got to finish it
 > due the
 > owner having other priorities. I did like NASDS better though.
 > --- Ted's Castle
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