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---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Rick NK7I via Elecraft <[email protected]> Date: Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Effective ways to introduce amateur radio to newcomers? To: David Gilbert <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Within. 73, Rick nk7i > On Sep 3, 2025, at 12:54 PM, David Gilbert via Elecraft < [email protected]> wrote: > > > Two questions and a comment: > > 1. "Don't ignore the shut in or (very) tiny budget crowds ... etc" Which of those things you mention aren't more easily possible via voice, texting, or forum participation on their cellphones? How much does a cell phone cost, compared to a (used) HT? Cell fails here at least annually (the fiber line gets cut, no feed). How many times can you talk with a group at the same moment, on a cell phone? These days, you can message on either HT or cell. > 2. "I've tried to generate interest ... etc" Did you ever actually ask anyone what changes/additions would make ham radio more interesting to them? Of course. Other than checking into the weekly net on the local repeater, they knew that they knew nothing and didn’t care to learn (even basic simple antennas that would improve their stations to get into the repeater). It took MONTHS of effort, all to zero avail. I also raised simple dipoles and help sets up stations; which simply got ignored when the shine wore off. > 3. NOBODY ever wants to discuss what might be added to ham radio to make it more appealing to outsiders. Not a single suggestion from anybody here has popped up in this lengthy thread ... which likely hardly anyone even wants to follow anymore. The few comments that have been posted mostly say that everything is just fine the way it is. It is NOT fine, the numbers don’t tell the entire story since most licensees, don’t operate or stop after a few months or years. Mostly because there is no follow through after the test; individuals and clubs just walk away (HUGE mistake). Without watering, the root dies. Followthrough (I am a VE, I offer myself there) is critical. I tell them that I started out with borrowed receivers and a 5th hand transmitter on HF, with mostly useless wire antennas (I was ignorant too) then worked my way up. It does NOT have to cost the tens of thousands of my present station; I kept interest and built it up over decades. Ease THAT fear ASAP with a noob; money is TIGHT for most. Adding features? What does NOT appear under the umbrella of ham radio? Music, games and broadcast; EVERY other means of communication are already being used, in ham radio. While it CAN be as mostly technical as the noob can manage (and rabbit holes to fall into); there are plenty of ‘appliance operators’ too (just listen to the bands, to spend 20 minutes and a LOT of words, to say nothing; then it’s the other folks turns). Ask them about technical details of their station; brand and model is about all they know (can we say ‘stagnation’?). Growth can occur, IF they find the right niche and want to keep learning (THAT is an ugly word to some when simplistic ignorance is so appealing). The only two topics to not discuss (by agreement, not law): Politics and religion (both can be easily devisive in moments; not helpful in building new bonds of friendship). That leaves BROAD range of topics, technical or not; dog raising, baking or multi-element arrays. And THAT means, being an Elmer (mentor) to the noob and meeting them at their level while sharing the excitement of where you are in radio. I’ve turned no one away and try to meet their level of understanding. Give them the answers they seek, with a little more to spark interest; let them into what you’re doing too. It is about relationships, nothing more. That mirror looks good here. > We don't have to look far to find the source of the problem. A mirror would do the job. > > Dave AB7E ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
