[CW] W5YI groups suggestions on ham radio licensing

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/2/2004 8:31:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, w0lz@winlyn.us writes:
> 
> If code operators separated
> themselves from the ARRL and established their own lobby, everyone would
> have to listen. Our form of government is one of capitalism. It listens to
> voting blocks and lobbyist.  Such an organization would gain the ear of the
> FCC, the vendors, and many others.

They would only have to listen if our numbers were large enough. How many hams would join such an organization? FISTS has something like 10,000 members worldwide.

Suppose you get 5,000 members. Why should the vendors listen - how many rigs and accessories will those 5,000 buy? How many dollars will they spend? How would it compare to what the rest of hamdom spends? 

Consider this: One of the advantages of CW *to us* is that we can use low power, simple equipment, etc., and still get out effectively. We can homebrew, restore old gear, use stuff manufactured decades ago and still hold our own on the air in the 21st century. Which means we're Yaecomwood's worst marketing nightmare...

> The ARRL is not going to change its position.  For every CW operator that
> leaves the league they anticipate five "Good Buddies " coming in. The truth
> is, the ARRL no longer represents the CW operator. Their agenda is no
> secret.  It is growth, advertising and sales.

What should it be - fewer members, fewer hams, and operating at a loss? I'm not trying to be nasty, but a big part of the strength of any lobby group is size and future trends. 

Their position is also the result of the votes cast by elected directors. If a majority of the members accept the new policy, isn't the Board fulfilling its mandate? 

> A CW "League" would be slow to startup and require strong leadership.

Agreed.

> Ninety percent of the cost of membership would probably initially need to go
> for lobby and promotion.  I, for one, would support such an 
> organization, both financially and politically.
>
How much do you think it would take to start up and run such an organization? What, exactly, would the policies be, and how would they change trends than have been in place for many years now?

How many members would it have in a few years? 

Most of all, how would such a group effectively lobby the FCC?

--

There is actually a historical precedent for all this.

In the years following WW2, two rival lobbying groups sprang up in the USA. (I can look up their names if anyone is interested). Total membership in both groups was about 10% of US hams in those days. ARRL membership was about 30-35% back then. 

One group said that 'phone and technical development (!) were being neglected by hams and that there was too much emphasis on CW. This group wanted more HF space for 'phone and tougher technical exams. Back in those pre-WARCband/pre-15 meter days, the only HF phone available to US hams below 25 MHZ were small parts of 75 and 20 meters, and you needed a Class A license, too. (160 was lost to LORAN for several years, and it took decades to get it back without restrictions).

The other group said that CW was under-emphasized.

So in 1951, FCC revamped the old "ABC" license system, created some new license classes, renamed others, etc. They effectively raised the bar for full privileges by replacing the old Class A/Advanced with the new Extra. But then in late 1952 they reversed themselves and gave all privileges to Generals and above. Soon after, the 'phone bands were widened, 40 got a 'phone segment and 15 had a big 'phone segment when US hams got that band. 

The two groups vanished soon after the 1951 restructuring and were never heard from again.

73 de Jim, N2EY