[Fists] Dumming down

Fri, 23 Jan 2004 19:06:45 -0800

If the FCC Q&A pools are still public, that is all the material required to
be studied and to pass any exam. Note, I did not say to be proficient in the
subject matter, just to pass the test. There is no need for any book of any
kind. In fact, you could pass without really knowing why the right answer
was correct. It's just a matching/memorization exercise. It almost could not
be easier, until the the hypothetical sad day comes that the only
requirement is spelling your name and address correctly on the callsign
application form. I suppose by then all it will require is swiping your
credit card in the self-serve line (what is the inverse of HI?).

73,

Casey, KS7J

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 2:22 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Fists] Dumming down

Hans.....I believe there were more questions on the old tests tho'. I think
I
looked all that up once when engaged in a discussion with an ARRL cat on
another reflector. He was claiming that the tests are HARDER now, because
there is
more study material. I disagree, and I'm pretty sure there were more
questions then. Just because the ARRL has turned into a publishing house
that dabbles
in ham radio on the side, doesn't mean that cranking out big thick books
like
"Now You're Talking" can be considered an exam reference. While full of good
reading for a new ham, most of it is not related to testing per se. Besides,
if
you go to any one of a few hundred web sites and just take the test over and
over, you will soon be familiar with the questions. My wife is very
technology
and electronically challenged and just doesn't care. She wanted to prove to
me that getting a general ticket was a cinch. Her and a friend studied Morse
together and worked the Internet. After about 6 months at hamvention one
year
they took the test and passed with plenty of room to spare. She has had ONE
CW
QSO since then, and two phone QSO's. She is just not interested, but after a
few years cannot now tell you one question on the test. AND...if these tests
are
so blinkin' hard, how are all these pre teens constantly upgrading to
extra??? This was almost NEVER heard of before the downhill slide started by
incentive licensing. Another fine program brought to us by......well,
another time. I
don't remember EVER there being all this gimmee crap. You had one year as a
Novice up or out. EVERYONE wanted to go UP, because 75 watts XTAL control
and no
phone got old real quick. So most of us started studying IMMEDIATELY. Then
came lifer novices, no code techs, etc etc, and now this. How can anyone
POSSIBLY say the requirements are not sinking????      ANYHOW, I think there
were
more questions back then.........
Al/W8FAX 2192    extra....................gettin' heavier

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