IMAX will be perceived by the public as authoritative, and it is important for the NSS to be included in this perception. Yes, the proposal always sounds good. But the science and conservation footage often ends up on the cutting room floor, sacrificed in favor of action scenes that will appeal more readily to a broad audience. The result is an image of caving as just another adrenaline sport. This is good neither for caves nor caving, the skeptics assert.
Skeptics also foresee unintended consequences.
We need to take a broader view, they maintain, looking at both the benefits and costs of such broad exposure. The fundamental reasons for our tradition of low profile caving have not changed, and a chance for fame is not in itself a reason to adopt a different policy. A movie about caves is different from a movie about dolphins. Yes, caves need protection and protection requires education. But caves are also vulnerable to interest that leads to greater visitation.