[Elecraft] Effective ways to introduce amateur radio to newcomers? (Wayne Burdick)

[Wayne Burdick]

I'd like to thank everyone who weighed in on this topic. Great ideas. Many
of us have tried to connect with interested parties in various ways, some
more successful than others.

I learned Morse in Boy Scouts, and concurrently, was fortunate to have a
couple of middle school science teachers who were very enthusiastic about
radio. We had a club station with old gear that was cherished and used
every day. In fact my first QSO ever was Hawaii (from San Diego) using the
school's rig. I was so new to CW that when the station signed
WA3<something> "/" KH6, I couldn't copy the "/". I wrote "-..-." in the log
and looked it up later.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 5:58 AM Eric Fitzgerald via Elecraft <
elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> I think this is a "leading the horse to water" conundrum. Instilling the
> spark of curiosity and kindling that into the flame of full-blown
> interest is a delicate thing.  It is easily snuffed out with a grumpy
> word or two.
>
> Trying to force the horse to drink doesn't work.  For me the key is to
> respond positively and enthusiastically whenever I am approached with a
> interested question, whenever I come across that delicate spark of
> interest.
>
> I'm a SOTA guy.  My KX2 has seen well over a hundred summits so far.  A
> lot of people approach me on popular mountaintops and express curiosity
> about what I am so cryptically and intently doing.  I make it a point to
> stop calling CQ or whatever I am doing and engage with them, no matter
> what my mood.  I try and express just how much fun I am having and how
> addicting the hobby is.  It's not an original idea, but I have business
> cards printed up with my website and email printed on them that I hand
> out liberally. I also leave a little space to write down the answers to
> any specific questions they may have.
>
> I'm a graphic artist by trade and I've designed these cards carefully to
> be uncluttered and visually engaging.  You can see what the front looks
> like on my QRZ page:
>
> https://www.qrz.com/db/KG6MZS
>
> If their eyes start to glaze over, I politely back off, change the
> subject or merely just wish them a good hike.
>
> I maintain a website with a lot of pretty pictures and videos:
>
> https://kg6mzs.com/
>
> I follow up.  When people email me after visiting the website, I follow
> my first rule of getting on the air: LISTEN.  I don't have any agenda
> about what they SHOULD do, I listen and try and figure out where their
> interests lie.  As we all know their are myriad ways to pursue this
> hobby.  Listen to what is piquing their interest.
>
> I know that as someone who doesn't come from a technical background, the
> level of expertise of the hams I came across can be intimidating.  This
> formidable competence can kill any spark of interest. We are all proud
> of what we have accomplished in the hobby.  Resist the temptation to
> show off.  I was afraid of getting on the air and doing something
> wrong.  Mic fright is real thing for a lot of beginners.  This is why I
> wrote a little essay called SMOOTH OPERATOR: How to Feel Easy About
> Getting On The Air:
>
> https://papasys.com/papa-reference/smooth-operator/
>
> I think the best way to share an interest in the hobby is by example.
> Exhibit your interest, enthusiasm, kindness and all-around fun.
>
> Another country heard from.
>
> 73 Eric KG6MZS
>
>
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Please share any methods you've used for stirring interest in our shared
> > pastime. How have you communicated the science, the camaraderie, and the
> > intrigue of the radio art? Real-world examples would be inspiring to read
> > about.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
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