[Milsurplus] time mag blasts hams

[Bruce Lane]

	In case Time chooses not to publish it, here's a copy of what I sent them.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Editor, Time Magazine,

	I'm writing to offer a response to your article on blogs in the Dec. 27th issue. Specifically, to one particular passage quoted here (the emphasis is mine):

	"Before this year, blogs were a curiosity, a cult phenomenon, a 
faintly embarrassing hobby on the order of HAM RADIO and stamp 
collecting..."

	I'm certainly glad we have your writers around to set us straight. I wasn't aware that being part of the Amateur Radio Service (if you want to refer to it as 'ham' radio, that's fine too) was embarassing, especially since we:

	(1) Provide vital backup communication services in times of disaster.
	(2) Help to create and promote interest in electronics, telecommunications, physics, and other technical fields.
	(3) Help to keep military personnel in touch with their families back home through the MARS (Military Amateur Radio System) service.
	(4) Provide volunteer search-and-rescue services, in conjunction with law enforcement and public safety agencies.
	(5) Provide supplemental communications for parades (notably the Rose Bowl), marathons, and other special events.

	I can't speak for my fellow hams, but I've never been in the least embarassed to tell others of my hobby, and how much enjoyment that myself and many hundreds of thousands of others, all over the world, have derived from it. Being an active ham radio operator for the last 28 years has helped me to:

	(1) Gain a college degree in electronics. 
	(2) Build critical skills to serve the radio maintenance needs of my employer, the Washington State Patrol.
	(3) Create a moderately successful home-based side business, converting commercial radio equipment to ham use.

	I'm going to assume, from your writer's wording, that they are also involved with ham radio, and that they find it embarassing. If that's the case, perhaps your writer needs to find another hobby.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

	I really hope they do print it. If not mine, then others. This writer really stepped in it, big-time, and most definitely requires a bit of a bitch-slap.

	Keep the peace(es).


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Owner & Head Hardware Heavy,
Blue Feather Technologies -- http://www.bluefeathertech.com
kyrrin (at) bluefeathertech do/t c=o=m
"If Salvador Dali had owned a computer, would it have been equipped with surreal ports?"