[KYHAM] Having Debate, Yet Keeping "Face"

Tue, 3 Feb 2004 14:26:17 -0600

Hello all...

I have many of the same concerns as Ron.

Debate can be healthy to our hobby.   However, there becomes a point where
our energies may be better spent on finding ways to make things work rather
than continuing to dwell on the reasons we think it can't work.

I believe that being a good Elmer includes far more than assisting someone
pass the licensing examination.  It is in this spirit that I feel we should
now devote our attention to preparing for the likelihood that the FCC will
adopt the ARRL's proposal.  This includes finding effective ways to help
thousands of anxious Technician licensees prepare themselves to operate on
HF phone.     Admittedly, most hams develop their operating practices (most
good but some not so good) by simply listening to more experienced hams.
That's as it should be.     However, many new operators may want to prepare
in advance by seeking guidelines for good operating practices.   Some will
hopefully purchase a copy of ARRL Operating Manual.  Many will prefer to
search the web including the ARRL website or read QST magazine.      Perhaps
a list of "Do's and Don'ts" would be useful for them to find.     I have
prepared such a list and posted it at
http://campus.murraystate.edu/org/msuarc/goodoperatingpractices.htm .
These suggested guidelines are based on what I feel I've learned from
listening to other hams since 1972.    I'm still listening and would welcome
your review of the list.   Please share your comments and recommendations to
the kyham list.

73,

Don
K4QKY
Website author for the Murray State University Amateur Radio Club
http://campus.murraystate.edu/org/msuarc/

p.s. On a related point, sometime ago I drafted a proposal for the use of
Echolink to connect prospective hams with licensed hams agreeing to serve as
their "Internet Elmers".  You can read this proposal at
http://webpages.charter.net/donsno/echolink.htm .  Regrettably, most
Echolink users and, more importantly, the Echolink software developer
himself rejected it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Don Snodgrass
1624 Tabard Drive
Murray, KY 42071
270-767-9944

http://webpages.charter.net/donsno
[email protected]

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Dodson" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 8:03 AM
Subject: [KYHAM] Having Debate, Yet Keeping "Face"

> As SEC of Ky I have no justification to voice an opinion one way
> or the other in a public forum on the issue of the proposal.
>
> However, as an everyday ham in the USA, I see this debate turning
> ugly and this worries me more than any right or wrong of the
> sides of the debate.  The United States of America was founded on
> the right to free speech. I support this.  However, we should
> also be aware that regardless of how this ends, we all must live
> with one another in the days after a decision is made. Debate is
> fine, but let's remember that sometimes hard feelings over an
> emotional comment made in the heat of debate can take a long time
> to die away.  No matter which way the FCC decides or who is
> "right" in any individual's mind. If we are not careful, we will
> all lose in ways that are farther reaching than this one topic of
> discussion. Over the last few weeks I have seen many comments in
> a lot of places, not just our lists, that were unflattering. I
> have heard on air comments that would certainly make many people
> not involved in amateur radio wonder why they should ever want to
> get involved with it! My point is that in the process of debate,
> we are forgetting about the "face" we are showing that part of
> the world not involved in amateur radio as well as our fellow
> amateurs.
>
> Once an RM number is issued, the FCC will open the floor for
> comments on the matter at hand. Here is the place for making your
> case. I encourage anyone on either side to think hard and write
> up a real good argument without name calling and other divisive
> measures to prove the reasoning of why you are taking whatever
> stand in this proposal. Be logical and make your case
> thoughtfully.  Avoid spiteful remarks.  Comments done improperly
> to the FCC may result in your input being given little or no
> credibility.
>
> Just my 2 cents worth as a ham worried about our showing a little
> decorum in this and any future issues.  Whichever side we are
> on, be sure we are not degrading ourselves or amateur radio with
> imprudent commentaries.
>
> 73 to all,
>
> Ron, KA4MAP
> An Amateur Radio Operator
>
>
>
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