[Fists] re bandplans and newcomers

[Tim and Nancy Logan]

Hi folks - just for some encouragement: As a Ham of less than two years
who just got his WAS cw (I'm very proud to say);  built his K1, K2 and
an OHR500;  has the pleasure of working with a GREAT Fists code buddy
(N7ZN); and has not really yet met an unpleasent cw op, my introduction
to the hobby has been 100% positive. Internet Elmers have been
UNBELIAVABLY helpful and generous with their time. I've joined our local
repeater association which helps with about 35 public events a year and
that feels good - as does volunteer work for the Red Cross Comm. BTW - I
can now have a QSO at about 18-19 wpm unless the other op has really bad
spacing. I learn code in my spare time when not working or practicing on
my violin or reading about how radios work....so some of us want to
learn whether there is a requirement or not. Shooting for a minimum of
30 wpm.

So for new people the Ham community still appears to be a wonderful
group of people and the best hobby I've ever had. I wish I had some of
the experiences many of you talk about and I would regret ANYTHING that
descreases the fun and enjoyment of cw - but just wanted you to know
that newcomers still have fun. BTW - look at how FISTS is growing. Have
a great day folks!


ken cubilo electric wrote:
> 
> what kind of operating in the 60's versus now
> 1. band was full of technical discussions about home brewing and
> electronic theory, care and feeding of amps etc.
> 2. If you were young and new made a mistake you didn't have to listen to
>    someone swearing and calling you a dumba** they kinda took you aside
>    and explained what the proper procedure was or helped you on the air
>    to correct any technical malfunction. Try this today
> 3. Gentlemanly conduct for the most part, we always have had a few bad
>    ones but do a internet search on this and find these have increased
>    ten-fold since the mid 80's
> 4. Walk into a room full of 200 or 300 people, If 2 of them were hams
>    you had instant friends and they didn't make big airs about them-
> selves either.
> 5. The pride everyone felt when building a new rig, earning new license
>    class etc.
> these are only a few things, Times change but unfortunately not always
> for the better. I too am glad I was there to experience this.
> 
> The old argument about we have plenty of people who can use morse code
> during a down and out emergency don't wash. The code people are not
> going to live forever, then what haul a computer, rig interface and all
> kinds of bulky gear into a ground zero environment, when a old tuna fish
> can and a few parts can do the job better and faster don't think so.
> 
> ken w8ob #7242
> --
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