[Milsurplus] What was the ARRL thinking ?

[Bruce MacMillan]

When I was first licenced in 1970 in VE7 land I became an ARRL member. I 
looked forward every month to receiving the old small format QST. Lots 
of info and technical stuff. Over the years it became a radio version of 
LIFE magazine. Same here in the UK with the RSGB rag. I think it 
reflects the changes in our communication hobby. Hams in general no 
longer build equipment the early ARRL books encouraged. Modern digital 
equipment is above the ability of most hams. It is the age of the 
appliance operator.

That doesn’t stop us holdouts from doing what we enjoy.

Bruce M0SOE

On 28/09/2026 15:05, Bill Cotter via Milsurplus wrote:
> As a 75 year old life member of ARRL, I was truly annoyed when they 
> refused my request for printed copy, and stuck me with digital QST, 
> NCJ, QEX, etc. Rarely do I got online to see what QST has for the 
> month. Though, I do wait by the mailbox for Electric Radio every 
> month! Thanks, Ray.
>
> I have come to the conclusion that the ARRL has simply become another 
> business where a "buddy-pal" can get an executive paycheck and not 
> have to do much more than keep the board members conversations secret. 
> And, I suppose with all the Lifers still hanging on (and not paying 
> dues), Technicians not seeing the value of ARRL, and the loss of the 
> MFJ catalog imbedded in every QST, life for the League must be getting 
> tough in pricey CT. Probably best if QST goes the way of Ham Radio, 
> 73, CQ and other great publications.
>
> Or, they could move The League to KY, TN, NC, or SC, and not have so 
> many business & personal expenses to worry about! That might give them 
> some relief from having to make so much money as a non-profit. And, 
> they might be better able to serve the amateur radio community with 
> less overhead.
>
> de N4LG
>
>