[Boatanchors] What's the code

[Jim Wilhite]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <flood at Krohne.com>
To: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2005 12:05 PM
Subject: [Boatanchors] What's the code



>
> As for the rest of you sorry lot,  I am sorry for you in that you are not
> flexible enough to, if not embrace change, at least accept it and develop
> and enhance the better parts of it for improvement of the service/hobby. I
> wonder what could drag us down faster, new blood without code, in some
> cases, helped out by great elmers or a bunch of wankers crying because
> someone got a better deal than they did?  Then again I guess you guys
> stopped reading this long ago.....
>
> One thing for sure, lets all be thankful we live in a place where we can
> freely flame each other like this.  Now stop getting me all wound up!
>
> John Flood KB1FQG
> TASC Department
> KROHNE, Inc
> 7 Dearborn Rd.
> Peabody, MA   01960
> Tel.:  978-535-6060 / 800-356-9464
> Fax:   978-535-8180


Of all the people I know that enjoy and promote the code on amateur radio, 
none are insistent that it remain for a filter to others.    In most of 
their minds it is an important part of discipline and integrity.  It is 
about learning something in which they may not have an interest.  Sort of 
like having to take history to get a college degree.

None of these guys will turn away a respectful QSO in which the other 
operator is courteous and interesting.  To me that is what this is all 
about.  I have not worked code in many years but I retained enough ability 
to pass my extra 20 wpm test more than 20 years following my last CW QSO.  I 
don't enjoy code any more because of poor sending capability of many 
stations, but I have respect for my betters, peer and elders if they choose 
to use CW exclusively.

Showing disrespect will breed contempt and a mindset that is defiant to 
change in any dispute.  I don't do digital but respect those who do.  What 
many don't understand is why the digital modes should enjoy protection when 
the other modes don't and the reluctance of officials to involve themselves 
in prosecution of those who violate the letter and spirit of the rules.

Most CW advocates see it as protection from some of the type of people who 
belittle others.  I can't say I don't disagree with them in that.  However 
change must come and I am for progressive, well thought out change, 
inclusion of all modes and respect for others, not "flames".   I come from a 
generation that considered "flames" to be inconsiderate and improper. 
People can disagree, but be respectful about their disagreement.

73  Jim
W5JO