So your conclusions are:
1. There isn't any opportunity to change the hobby ... it already
covers everything that you think fits under the appropriate umbrella of
"radio".
2. Non-hams are either going to decide they are interested or they
aren't, and the great majority won't be. What they see is what they get.
3. The only way to grow activity is to convince the folks who initially
cared enough to get licensed that they should stay active.
Did I get that right? I'm not seeing the upside in that perspective.
Dave AB7E
On 9/3/2025 1:46 PM, Rick NK7I wrote:
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
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