def plot_eq_sym(fignum, DIblock, s, sym):
    """
    plots directions with specified symbol
    Parameters
    __________
    fignum : matplotlib figure number
    DIblock : nested list of dec/inc pairs
    s : specimen name
    sym : matplotlib symbol (e.g., 'bo' for blue circle)
    """
# make the stereonet
    plt.figure(num=fignum)
    if len(DIblock) < 1:
        return
    # plt.clf()
    if not isServer:
        plt.figtext(.02, .01, version_num)
    plot_net(fignum)
#
#   put on the directions
#
    plot_di_sym(fignum, DIblock, sym)  # plot directions with symbols in sym
    plt.axis("equal")
    plt.text(-1.1, 1.15, s)