OK, so I understand that only a small percentage of ham radio operators are
contesters. Fine. Remove the Contest results and put them online. How about
some suggestions for other cuts first? How about cutting VHF coverage down to
one page? Do I need a map every month of where Jim-Bob and Dave from Arkansas
and Oklahoma made contacts on 6 meters? I don't have a problem with VHF, I
operate it myself from time to time, but for goodness sake, be reasonable in
what you cut.
If participation in ARRL contests sees a noticable decline in the future, we
will know why.
On the other hand, if the ARRL is trying to focus on the majority of hams, the
should focus on the no-code techs. I mean, shouldn't they stop running code
practice at W1AW and stop running those complicated projects. Let's focus on
the majority of hams, most of the ARRL membership would like to know how to
become the guru of the repeater world, surely. So wouldn't an article on how
to erect a tower and guy it with dog chains and bailing wire be more suited to
this marketing strategy?
There are more pages in QST dedicated to traffic handling and ARES than
anything else (if you include the section reports of traffic handled.) What
percentage of hams actually handle traffic nowadays?
I say if you are going to appeal to the largest market, you need to discuss
important issues like, how to use 10 codes and how to convert 11 meter
equipment for Ham use, or better how to convert ham equipment to 11 meter use.
Why talk about HF radios at all?
Dayton's Hamvention seems to by going down this road too, so I won't stick it
all on the League. I am sure there are more shack-on-the-belt goons skulking
around Hara per square foot than anywhere in the world, but I think a little
common sense is called for.....
If they won't take the time to upgrade to HF, what makes you think they will
part with $$$ for equipment? The 2meter only crowd usually has everything they
need.
Your money is in the DX and Contesting markets. I hope, someday, they will
realize that the guys who buy are the ones you cater to. Vegas doesn't spend a
lot of money on comps to the ladies pulling the Nickel Slots.
Sorry for the rant,
It's been building up for a while now,
Brian
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