[Milsurplus] 20 years past or future, it works the same ...

[Eric Jones]

de N4TGC Eric

While some have touched on the real reasons, attracting youths to Ham radio 
is as simple (and difficult) as leaving out "Ham radio", and substituting 
"fill in the blank": what attracts anyone, young or old, is ultimately the 
people associated with it, not the regimin in question.  Those with musical 
talent may play and sing, but they don't really get involved unless they 
form a band, or have some other encouragement.  Like Ham radio, it sure 
isn't for the money ...

When the bands (pun intended) are filled with OF's discussing OT's of before 
the youngun's were even born, and using arcane references that exclude 
newbies, you get what we have: a slowly dying hobby depending on rapidly 
dying people.  Listen, don't talk; and at least feign interest in the 
youthful blather and often dimwitted questions: you were there once, 
remember?

I've training and experience in both youth and adult (marriage) counseling, 
which I still sporadically do for my church.  Trust me, it's all about 
listening and at least pretending to care ... and having good, valid, 
workable suggestions when the client is receptive.  Let's talk radio UP, not 
down, and stop talking about ourselves!
    e