[AMRadio] Bandwidth, AM, special case, just another button to push

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Fri, Aug 2, 2013 at 2:25 PM, Donald Chester <k4kyv at charter.net> wrote:

>AM is not  "special mode" it's just Another way of transmitting a signal to
> the ether... 73,  Bob K9ING
>


> So is talking on a cell phone.
>

And amazingly, millions, even hundreds of millions, prefer it to operating
AM. Do they deserve some special title or recognition for it?

I don't believe calling attention to that fact in any way
> endangers the status AM or could lead to the elimination of AM or CW from
> the amateur bands.


The best way to draw attention to AM, CW, or any other mode you prefer is
to operate it; get on the air daily if it means that much, make noise, let
others find you and hear it for themselves. Attempts at some special title
or other recognition simply because we prefer one mode or another tend,
more often than not, to be an attempt by the individual to call attention
to themselves as in "I'm an AMer/Contester/etc, *I* contest/operate
AM/CW/ESSB, I bought the best/built my own equipment, I am therefore
superior" and other implications. Those who truly enjoy the mode need no
special title like 'legacy' or 'specialty' to enjoy and appreciate it. They
enjoy it enough to actually do it rather than trying to create an immense
online thesis based purely on opinion or personal preference.


> The most dangerous aspect of promoting AM as a "special
> mode" would be to establish a blanket bandwidth limit at something like 2.8
> kHz, and then allow AM to exist only via a mere footnote, as in the case of
> the IARU Band Plans, and with the now-defunct ARRL "Son of 20777" bandwidth
> petition.
>

Which is exactly what any kind of special treatment, be it by name or
otherwise, can ultimately lead to. IMO, those who would potentially put the
mode in such a place for the sake of some self-serving attention are as big
or worse a threat as anyone at the ARRL, FCC, or anywhere else. They're
basically inviting disaster for the sake of their ego, the need for special
recognition(attention).

The fact that they put so much effort into drawing attention to themselves
online for such purposes, or simple trolling, tells the rest of us all we
need to know. The fact that you or I or anyone else enjoys the mode or
builds/modifies their equipment only makes it exceptional to those who
share the appreciation. To everyone else it comes across as 'we want
special treat/attention because we think we're better than other modes'.

The best advertisement remains on-air operation and less of the online
posturing/trolling/regurgitating controversy where there is none for the
sake of creating noise. Certainly not saying that's what you're doing here
but rather other discussions around the 'net seem more and more to show
folks getting sick of the same few hacks with the same few, tired topics
they use to make a ruckus, thereby getting attention.

But then, we already know that. Or in other words, you're preaching to the
choir, Don. There's no one here to convert. (o:

Next non-crisis?

~ Todd/KAQ