I think this is a "leading the horse to water" conundrum. Instilling the
spark of curiosity and kindling that into the flame of full-blown
interest is a delicate thing. It is easily snuffed out with a grumpy
word or two.
Trying to force the horse to drink doesn't work. For me the key is to
respond positively and enthusiastically whenever I am approached with a
interested question, whenever I come across that delicate spark of interest.
I'm a SOTA guy. My KX2 has seen well over a hundred summits so far. A
lot of people approach me on popular mountaintops and express curiosity
about what I am so cryptically and intently doing. I make it a point to
stop calling CQ or whatever I am doing and engage with them, no matter
what my mood. I try and express just how much fun I am having and how
addicting the hobby is. It's not an original idea, but I have business
cards printed up with my website and email printed on them that I hand
out liberally. I also leave a little space to write down the answers to
any specific questions they may have.
I'm a graphic artist by trade and I've designed these cards carefully to
be uncluttered and visually engaging. You can see what the front looks
like on my QRZ page:
https://www.qrz.com/db/KG6MZS
If their eyes start to glaze over, I politely back off, change the
subject or merely just wish them a good hike.
I maintain a website with a lot of pretty pictures and videos:
https://kg6mzs.com/
I follow up. When people email me after visiting the website, I follow
my first rule of getting on the air: LISTEN. I don't have any agenda
about what they SHOULD do, I listen and try and figure out where their
interests lie. As we all know their are myriad ways to pursue this
hobby. Listen to what is piquing their interest.
I know that as someone who doesn't come from a technical background, the
level of expertise of the hams I came across can be intimidating. This
formidable competence can kill any spark of interest. We are all proud
of what we have accomplished in the hobby. Resist the temptation to
show off. I was afraid of getting on the air and doing something
wrong. Mic fright is real thing for a lot of beginners. This is why I
wrote a little essay called SMOOTH OPERATOR: How to Feel Easy About
Getting On The Air:
https://papasys.com/papa-reference/smooth-operator/
I think the best way to share an interest in the hobby is by example.
Exhibit your interest, enthusiasm, kindness and all-around fun.
Another country heard from.
73 Eric KG6MZS
Hi all,
Please share any methods you've used for stirring interest in our shared
pastime. How have you communicated the science, the camaraderie, and the
intrigue of the radio art? Real-world examples would be inspiring to read
about.
73,
Wayne
N6KR
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