[Lowfer] Alternate Morse code test

[Bill Ashlock]

Jay

>What other reason could there be? Just for the record I'm not an ARRL hater
>(worked there for 6 years) - I just disagree with their thought process.

Wouldn't be the first top-notch organization (including some companies I've 
worked for) that went down the tubes due to out-of-touch upper leadership.  
It would be a tough and unpopular decision to stiffen the requirements, and 
the short term effect would be negative (because we ALL want more 
membership, Right?), but the long-term effect might just be a real positive.

>It's also interesting to note that there are fewer young people getting 
>into
>flying - another activity that requires a federal license. Thank God that 
>the
>Feds have not relaxed the requirements there!

Wonder if the % reduction in young people for both hobbies is about the 
same?

>As Homer Simpson said a number of years ago, "If it's difficult to do, it's 
>just
>not worth doing."

This question should be included in the exam - and of a pass/fail 
importance. Of course the opposite answer is correct one.

Bill
>
>Bill Ashlock wrote:
>
> > Jay, others:
> >
> > >Nice idea but it'll never happen. This is the membership boon the ARRL 
>has
> > >been
> > >praying for. If you get a chance check out a 60's ARRL license manual. 
>That
> > >will give you a
> > >good appreciation for how far we've gone downhill. The current theory 
>part
> > >of
> > >the test is a complete joke by comparison. Now that the cw requirement 
>is
> > >gone
> > >we are fully "dumbed down" and the "Good Buddy" floodgates are wide 
>open.
> > >Breaker, breaker 14 200.
> >
> > I'm intrigued with all the comments about code speed and reduction of
> > technical understanding needed to pass the written portion of the exam 
>as
> > the years increase.  Is the real motivation for making these changes an
> > effort to counteract the decreasing interest in Ham radio or some other
> > reason?  I suppose any discussion on the successes and/or failures of 
>the
> > ARRL could REALLY swamp this reflector? I would hope the ARRL is having 
>the
> > same internal discussion as we are having tonight, or is the current
> > leadership from a different persuasion? I find very minimal desire 
>amongst
> > the younger set in this town (30k pop) to get into Ham radio, even 
>though
> > the number of Hams here is at least 200. Not sure how many are active,
> > however.
> >
> > Bill A
> >
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