[Lowfer] bcb am

[Peter Barick]

>>> ashlockw@hotmail.com 08/28/03 12:04PM >>>
>Eric,
>Sorry for the missread.  I'm still mulling...

>What do you all think are the reasons for the lack of US-wide interest
in 
>Lowfering?

Interesting, Bill. Haven't seen this as a LF thread before -- or
remembered ;-{
But I wonder, has a pole been taken: headcounts then and now? Also,
haven't heard.
But I'll speculate this: lowfering is a very narrow niche that requires
specialized equipment and a suitable environment for successful
operations and results. It doesn't afford "communications" is the usual
Ham sense, more like a dxer, but then it offers near nil content, only
demonstrating skills and propagation. Save for this List, there likely
would be even less participation, esp. by the non-ham men.

>  Same reasons as the dwindling Ham population? Wonder if we are 
>preaching to the wrong crowd?

I have heard this line and view it as speculative. I do know I don't
see new activity locally, not as it was in the 50s when I started out.
So is it TV, Cable, more school demands, sports, Cell phones, computers
& e-mail,GPS, CNN(!),  the Web, Play Stations, Brittany Spears? All
combined? It is different now. The last hamfest I was at was mostly
populated by mid-, senior-aged guys, if that's any indicator.

> There may be ways to inspire the non-Ham 
>and/or younger generation to try this out.
...
>Thoughts
>Bill A

I don't know. But then I don't see the type of natural curiosity that
was prevalent in my day. Then it was us who addressed local hams for
help, advice. They didn't chase us. Now there's one difference to chew
on.

Keep banging on this one Bill. If even moderately successful the ARRL
and likely the entire ham community will be in your eternal debt -- but
ya better not create massive "good ol' boy" QRM on 1750. Heh-heh.

Peter