[Elecraft] Hate the word "ham"

[dking at vcn.com]

As one of those asking what I'm certain are very "basic" questions  
which seem obvious to those with eon's of experience, I would like to  
present an alternate point of view to consider.

While the grizzled experts who can absently tap code on the bartop  
without realizing it may want to look down at others trying to  
learn...at least those asking those "basic" questions are trying to  
understand.

I may be "only a General" and when I took the test it certainly was  
only offered as "multiple choice"...  and yes, now that code is no  
longer required I have a curious interest in learning it....  At least  
those of us asking questions are trying to learn and aren't content  
with just whipping out the plastic, placing an order for the latest  
whizzbangyougottahaveitsoyoucantalktothemoonman  
withfivekazillionhonesttogodwattsofpureamplifiedpowerthatsplatterthewholeband,  
unwrapping it, plunking it on a countertop while wishing it came  
preconnected to a 500 foot tall spaceship-trapping antenna and pushing  
buttons wondering what they do and not willing to even read the  
instructions?!?!

If you really want to toss the cat into the chicken house and watch  
the feathers fly...suggest that instead of automatic renewals on your  
licenses..that you have  to retake it every three to five years AND  
Pass, multiple choice or not....that would really thin out the ranks  
and I'll bet a lot of 1x2 calls would free up when that happened!  I  
can't begin to count the number of Extra's I've heard saying they  
couldn't pass even 5 wpm now...let alone any higher speed.

David King
KE7EKA


Quoting N2EY at aol.com:

Sure there are *some* hams today who don't know the basics, and whose  
questions make you wonder. But I recall there being a similar variety  
of knowledge and experience 40 years ago, too.


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