[AMRadio] Is AM a special case, or is it "just another mode"?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 8:23 PM, <edwmullin at aol.com> wrote:

>  I have always been of the mind that AM was as valid a mode as SSB,
> Digital, or CW.?? It should NOT be a 'specialty" or LEGACY mode.? That path
> leads to marginalization and extinction.
>

Precisely. No better, no worse. As soon as you start making a mode an
exception in some way (as was attempted with the previous bandwidth
proposal with its AM exception), you invite disaster. Suddenly you're not
just another of the typical, accepted modes but one only used by a 'select
group' and more easily eliminated as a result, as Don noted.


> Besides, from what I can here on the bands, bandwidth isn't going to be an
> issue on HF, there just won't be enough ops to take up that much space!
>

Boy, you got that right! The bands are more and more empty, yet so many
find time to write volumes online. It's also strange that the ones who seem
to want to make AM some special, exceptional mode want to do so for the
sake of gaining attention from it. Not for the mode, as that can be done
far more easily and much better by simply operating on the air instead of
online. They must derive their sense of self worth from their hobby?

Personally, I don't care if someone pushes a button or builds a transmitter
to get on AM. The important thing should be that they've chosen to operate
the mode. I can't see what they're running and I'm not about to look down
on someone because of their choice in equipment. I'm not that insecure.
It's just nice to find someone to talk to when you get on.

The fact that AM can and is adapting or, more accurately, AMers are
adapting and new equipment is evolving to include the mode in a much more
usable form means the mode should continue on well into the future. As to
whether or not it thrives, well...that depends on us.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4