[Elecraft] What does 72 mean

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Personally, I am very impressed with the number of "new" ops on CW. Some
are nearly as ancient as I am, but are just joining (or returning) to
the CW ranks after years of trying to find the time. Others are
youngsters who simply want to experience "real" radio, in their
thinking. 

I meet new ops every week, if not every day, and I'm not really looking
for them. But I do ALWAYS slow down to match the fist of a slower op. I
really TRY to read a bad fist, and it's a pleasure when I succeed. And I
have a genuine a word of encouragement and welcome for any op who says
that he/she is just getting (back) into CW. One of the things I have
enjoyed most about the Elecraft reflector here is the number of
newcomers to Amateur Radio and most especially the number of newcomers
to CW that are building Elecrart rigs. To me, the "magic" of QRP is not
in how many miles per watt we can work. The MAGIC to me, is how it
attracts new Hams and new Hams to CW!

I find that the world usually provides me with exactly what I expect. If
when visiting a new city I jump in a cab all ready to do battle with
another idiot cab driver, I almost always have an idiot cab driver. But
if I jump in expecting a pleasant and fast ride, I almost always have a
pleasant and fast ride. 

I think it works the same in Amateur Radio. If we expect to see CW die,
that's what we find. If every time we get on the air we expect to find a
new operator to welcome into the hobby and to the CW bands, that's what
we'll find. Pure Magic. 

72 er.... "73"

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289

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Now that only 5 wpm is necessary for even an Extra Class license, let's
hope that there *are* future generations that still use CW!!!!!

73, de Earl, K6SE