[CW] New ARRL Code Proficiency Certificate Program

[Joe Pontek Sr]

Amen, Grant!

I often see these grumpings about the ARRL and most often see no 
suggestions for effective improvements.  I have been an OO, ORS,
DXCC card checker, SCM and more.  I have been an ARRL member for most of 
my 62 years as a ham and I am a Life Member for many
years. It is more effective to make improvements from the inside than 
tossing stones from the outside. Especially, if you have been an
active contributor.  Your experiences might carry more weight if you are 
trying to improve a situation, not just bitch.  You need to, also,
consider other's views as well.

Personally, I work 99.999% CW.  I do occasional FM voice & SSB voice 
from time to time, but it is rare.  I have worked RTTY and a couple
of other digital modes over the years.  I have contested a lot with some 
top placings and chased DX, making the Honor Roll, needing
only two at one time.  So, I have done my share of "5NN TU" QSOs and 
have over one million QSOs in logs as KN8HKM, K8HKM, K8JP,
/VE, VP5 and V31JP.  So, I have much experience from both sides of 
operating, chasing and being chased.

I suggest to all, think about what is wrong, what could be improved and 
really consider how to improve upon those.  Think about what
you have, may have or could do yourself towards those improving goals.  
I certainly do not wish this to be taken as taking anyone to
task.  Only wear a shoe if it fits and, maybe, consider stepping into a 
new shoe if you can fill it properly.  Yes, some shoes need to be
worn to be broken in.  It can be called a "Learning Process."

Have fun and help others have fun and enjoy our wonderful hobby.

73, Joe, K8JP/K5 - V31JP


On 7/14/2019 1:28 PM, Grant Youngman wrote:
> I‘ve been licensed for over 60 years.  A member of the ARRL since, and a Life Member for much of that time.  There have always been supporters and detractors, long before there were reflectors or social media outlets where one could voice one’s disapproval for a large audience.  I’ve agreed with some things, disagreed with others.  It isn’t as though bitching about the ARRL is a recent phenomenon.
>
> Perhaps some level of participation might have a positive effect.  You can’t count on “somebody else” to take care of what you see as an organizational ill.  It would certainly have a more positive impact than sitting on the outside stoop doing little more than grumbling,  kibitzing,  and telling everyone why you won’t be a member.
>
> Very few of us actually do anything any more besides complain in some public forum … and I’m as guilty as any one else.  Whether the subject is ARRL, politics, lead in the water supply… whatever …
>
> Grant NQ5T

-- 
Regards, Joe, K8JP/V31JP, Ronnie, Martin & Sidney Pontek
175 Diamond Loch Rd., Apt. 5
Gilmer, TX 75644-9374
U.S.A.
or
P.O. Box 280, Dangriga, Stann Creek District
(Hopkins Village) Belize

903-204-2318 (My TX cellular)
903-884-5990 (Skype telephone number, Belize & TX)
Also, K8JP, member FOC-1743, QCWA-LM21894, OOTC-4607, A1OP, SKCC-3171T, NAQCC-5798, Flying Pig-2819, FISTS-7625CC951, A1C-2299, SOC 1075, 10-10 22977, PG1915841, CW Rag chewers #21,
Facebook: Joe Pontek
Skype: v31joepalooka
I am looking for Vibroplex Model X, Double lever and prefer basket cases to restore.
LotW