[Qcwa] A solution

[qcwa@mailman.qth.net]

Well it seems to me that the problem is not clearly defined.  If the Amateur Radio 
Service is in trouble (If so lets decide if its numbers or quality or some other issue?) 
only then can we work to solve it.  The question is by whose judgement do we 
define the problem.  If FCC says, "You guys are not worth our effort because there 
are too few of you or the ones you have are such idiots" that would be pretty 
straightforward.  However in this case I think there are some real characters who will 
use any excuse to sell more Japanese Radio & Electronics.  The chant we need 
more bodies and we don't need no stinking exams has been my read on the last 15 
years.

If it's pure numbers Everyone who has given a radio class and passed 3 (or more) 
students please jump in with what you think you can be done to make this situation 
better.  Those who have done nothing (Just my opinion) should sit down and get 
some been there done that points.

I tend to think numbers alone will buy us nothing but disaster.

If it is quality don't you agree that the same "solution" of training can solve that.  
Sure our novices who don't like to attend classes can still "memorize" the license 
manual but that has been a problem for at least 60 years (or more?)  Those folks 
that seek out help from their peers can be given the fast and easy method to scrape 
by the test.  Memorize Gordon West and write the Dot Dashes down and figure out 
the "message" later OR they can be given a Quality radio electronics course.  And 
btw I'm not trying to snub Gordo. You can use his material for good purposes as 
well.  As individuals we can do good or bad.  Now what about having a QCWA style 
license class?  Take some of the experience we have in this great organization and 
put together a Non memorize the license manual scrape by it appliance operator 
course.   Maybe produce a Video for clubs or individuals to use to pass the exams.  
Or a series of books and audio?  For one lets make CW a desired mode.  And while 
we are at it why not show D.I.Y. (do it yourself) home brewing to be do-able for Joe 
Sixpack and Cool/Fun (What ever the buzz word is)  Let's promote and talk up what 
we think is lacking from these other outfits.  Who better than QCWA with all this 
experience, talent and some with time to do something?

And for those that passed exams the easy way and have no clue - what about on 
going education?  Or promote some D.I.Y. projects that will inject some know how 
without the victim being aware? <grin>

Well that's my 2 cents worth

73 de Jay W0VNE ExWB0VNE
Life Member QCWA 30820 *The new guy