Bill Turner wrote:
>ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
>
>On Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:29:32 -0700, Eric Hilding <dx35@hilding.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>>We need to think outside the bun, box and doldrums of
>>do-nothingness. Perhaps there are some of you retired types with an
>>advertising/marketing background who can contribute time to such a project.
>>
>>To do nothing will insure failure (and a lack of stations to work in
>>contests down the line).
>>
>>
>
>------------ REPLY FOLLOWS ------------
>
>The day we have to use Madison Avenue marketing hype to attract
>newcomers is the day I quit ham radio.
>
>I want newcomers who are fascinated by the idea of generating,
>transmitting and receiving RF energy, not ones who are fascinated by
>celebrities.
>
>
Good point, Bill. In my other hobby, Amateur Astronomy, it is pretty
much the same thing. There are a number of people who want to change
these hobbies to attract youth. It just won't work The kids who are
attracted to Ham Radio need to be attracted because of the technical
aspects, not because we are cool. I'm certainly not! ;^)
Even just working with youth is completely different than it used to
be. Do we want people under the age of majority in our clubs going to
say Field day or maybe doing a contest with us? Then we better either
require their parents stay with them, or everyone there will need to get
a background check. I've worked with kids in sports, and background
checks are mandatory there. A lot of people will just figure it isn't
worth the hassle.
Do we want more youth involved in Amateur Radio? We need to change
society so that youth are attracted to meaningful things, so that
someone who might show a technical inclination is celebrated, not
thought of as a weirdo, and where emulation of gangsterism and street
cred are frowned upon.
Just a few things to think about..
73 de Mike KB3EIA -
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