[Elecraft] Introduction to ham radio

[Mike Dodd]

On 7/30/2025 9:00 AM, Eric Fitzgerald via Elecraft wrote:
> Should amateur radio be an exclusive club of 
> elites that rigorously disqualifies anybody not deemed a "real ham," or 
> should it be an open tent that invites anybody with a curiosity about 
> radio wave propagation, wherever that nascent curiosity might lead the 
> neophyte?
> 
> I'm firmly in the latter camp.
So am I (firmly). let's not under-estimate the value that a welcome mat 
provides to newbies.

Decades ago I joined a contesting club (PVRC), but never did much 
contesting. Then, a few years ago, a ham friend and PVRC member reminded 
me of the club's "once a member, always a member" policy, so I 
introduced myself on the reflector and went to a couple of meetings.

Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and this camaraderie and enthusiasm 
reignited the contesting spark. Contests now are a major part of my ham 
activity. <https://n4cf.mdodd.com/contests.html>

IMO, you can't go wrong by extending a welcoming hand.

73, Mike N4CF