[Lowfer] Beacon Changes--Only You Can Prevent UBL

[John Davis]

While some folks on this list have trouble getting their frequency up from
time to time, there's another tragic condition going around that I need to
remind everyone about.  This one is also symptomatic of the ravages of time,
but fortunately, this problem is easily cured if caught early.  I know it's
an uncomfortable subject for many, but we're all adults here, so let's face
it squarely and bring it out in the open.  It's...the Heartbreak of UBL !

That's right, Useless Beacon Listings.

How do you know if you have UBL?  By performing a simple list
self-examination.  Anyone whose listing is over the age of 40 (and that may
mean 40 weeks for folks who seldom change anything, to 40 MINUTES for some
denizens of this reflector) should check their entries at the LowFER/MedFER
pages of the lwca.org or the Noise Floor web sites.  Early signs of UBL
include outdated frequencies, call letter or mode changes that haven't shown
up yet, entries that linger long after the beacon is gone, or beacons being
born without any entries at all.  Can you imagine how embarassing that must
be in gym class?  And perhaps most needless of all, valid entries simply
dropping off because no one took the time to confirm them.  Ouch.

If you discover symptoms of UBL, don't panic.  Help _is_ available.
Dropping a note to part15@lwca.org brings fast, fast relief!  Usually in 24
hours or less.

But the best news is, through the miracle of 21st century technology, you
now have the power to PREVENT UBL ENTIRELY!  How?  Whenever you post a
message to this reflector that contains information about your beacon that
you want updated in the online lists, take just a second to do this one
simple thing:

*  Put part15@lwca.org in the CC: field of your message. *

"How," I hear you asking, "can such a simple measure prevent the scourge of
UBL and help me avoid becoming a social outcast?"

Well, actually, I don't guarantee that second part.

But even though I'm not a real doctor, I HAVE watched lots of actors play
doctor on television.  So you can trust me when I tell you this treatment
really does prevent Useless Beacon Listings!  If you follow this simple
plan, your beacon change info will no longer get lost in the torrents of
data, wisdom, and--er, wit, that flows through this reflector on a daily
basis.  It will shine forth like a beacon of truth and hope to those of us
who maintain the lists.

As your grandma always said: If you take care of your beacon change info,
it'll take care of you.  And you'll never again have to dread the awful
Heartbreak of UBL.

(Side effects are low, and are similar to sugar pills.  See our ad in
Prevention magazine.  Disregard, shred, and recycle our competitor's ad as
kitty litter.  Consult your doctor before beginning any program of strenuous
exercise.  Do not operate heavy machinery while taking this advice.  Close
cover before striking.  Bridge may ice before roadway.)

73
John