[NLRS] NLRS Saturday morning breakfast via Zoom - response

[Jim Froemke]

In an ideal world, we'd all be on-the-air daily and during the nets,
contests, and other events. However, that doesn't quite seem to represent
the current situation. 

The worldview held by some see a shrinking pie size attributed to defections
resulting from:
- Microwave (primarily 10 GHz)
- Digital (primarily FT-8)
- Social media
- Demographics
- Solar cycle
- STEM
- etc.

Others have a different worldview of an increasing pie size with
opportunities for growth in these and other areas.

An example would be last Saturday's RMG monthly zoom meeting during which
many participants contributed their thoughts on:
- An increasing number of STX rovers for June facilitated by ZOOM meetings,
SLACK messaging, and extensive mentoring of new members
	-- 5 experienced and 2 newbies for a total of 7 rovers out and about
during June
- Exchanging of regional rover site data base links
- Discussion of fixed station participation for June - who's in and who
needs more help?
- Additional bands planned or operational - fixed and rover stations
- 10 GHz portable and fixed station upgrades for June
- Suggestions for WSJT-X version 2.2.1 release upgrade and the importance of
VHF contest settings
- Coexistence of SSB and digital modes during June
- Discussion of recent 6- and 2-meter openings
- Discussion of long-term zoom capability to complement future, in-person
meetings (fall?)
- etc.

During this example there were many opportunities for stimulating VHF, UHF
and yes even microwave operations. It's worth noting that RMG (Roadrunners
Microwave Group) was originally focused on 902 MHz and up. As it turns out
the club isn't fractured between VHF/UHF and microwaves. It's inclusive of
many members interests but occasionally needs a shot of adrenaline. This is
similar to Jon's (W0ZQ) recent post emphasizing NLRS members diverse
interests and the value of member initiatives. 

So, to make a long story sort, I view zoom (and similar media) as a "back
channel" that facilitate opportunities for growth of the size of the pie.
The informal communications complement and stimulate our activities. I've
often wondered why my dad wouldn't hook up to telephone service when we
lived on the farm. He argued that the local general store was satisfactory
for socializing. 

When this is all over and we're able to safely socialize in-person again,
will it make a difference? This isn't a zero-sum game.

73, Jim
K0MHC, EN26
Lake Miltona, MN



-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net <nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf
Of Rich
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 9:21 PM
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] NLRS Saturday morning breakfast via Zoom

What if we just picked a time and everyone got on 2meters for a meeting?

Rich N0HJZ


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 8, 2020, at 3:13 PM, Jon Platt via NLRS <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
wrote:
> 
> Hello NLRS land
> There has been growing interest to purse a Saturday morning NLRS Zoom 
> meeting.  The suggestion is that we follow the same dates and times as 
> we have already set for our pre-COVID breakfast gatherings.  For those 
> dates and time (8:30am) see http://www.nlrs.org/home/nlrs-breakfast
> In order to do this we are seeking a Zoom host, or perhaps several hosts
who can rotate hosting, to facilitate this.  The host(s) must have a Zoom
account, be willing to set up the Zoom meeting, and act as the meeting host.
Meeting time would be informal, no set program, and can be used for such
things as show-and-tell, virtual tours of their shack, or any other topic
that the group may want to discuss.  Its informal.
> As I myself do not have a Zoom account, I will not be hosting, but I can
facilitate this idea with help from others.  I would be joining any such
meeting(s) if we can find a host or two to support this.   
> If you have Zoom capability, if you are willing to host, please look at
our breakfast calendar and pick a date or two that you would be willing to
host and drop me an email to that affect.
> 73, JonW0ZQ
> 
> 
> 
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