[AGCW] Elmer

[Peter DL2YCA]

Medin lieber Elmer,

hier ist der Ursprung:


Elmer Award


Elmering or mentoring has long been the backbone of Amateur Radio. While 
technology constantly evolves, the human interaction between hams will 
not be replaced and will always remain one of the hobby's strongest 
traditions. As licensed hams we are all ambassadors of Amateur Radio and 
we should always be looking at ways in which we can welcome newly 
licensed hams and project a positive image that will attract others to 
ham radio.



Origin of the term "Elmer"

The term "Elmer"--meaning someone who provides personal guidance and 
assistance to would-be hams--first appeared in QST in a March 1971 
"How's DX" column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk 
called them "the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio." While he probably was 
not trying to coin a term at the time, here's how Newkirk introduced 
"Elmer" in his column and, as it turned out, to the rest of the Amateur 
Radio world:

"Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: 'Oh, I 
almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of 
lost interest.'"

Newkirk went on to say, "We need those Elmers. All the Elmers, including 
the ham who took the most time and trouble to give you a push toward 
your license, are the birds who keep this great game young and 
fresh."--Rick Lindquist, N1RL

As you can see, the term is not very old. Prior to the first use of 
Elmer as the one who guided and encouraged us, what were these folks 
called? I have received a lot of suggestions; teacher, mentor, tutor, 
guide, helper, sage? All are appropriate but my guess would be that 
first and foremost they were called friend.

Norm Fusaro, W3IZ


Am 10.06.2011 08:36, schrieb Lothar Grahle:
> Hallo Mitleser,
>
> im Morsefreund-Programm der AGCW wird der Begriff "Elmer" verwendet. Der Elmer ist offenbar der Helfer, Lehrer, ...
>
> Kennt jemand den Ursprung des Wortes "Elmer"? Mit Google bin ich nicht weitergekommen. Über Hinweise wäre ich dankbar.
>
> 73 es agbp
> Lothar, DL1DXL