> Why is there a need in ham radio for mode wars? I think there are several issues at play here.
On one hand are the proponents of mode x, who think it's the best mode, and will argue its superiority in the face of any logic or reason. That's a technology thing. It's no different than PC vs Mac, Icom vs Yaesu vs Kenwood vs Orion vs Ten Tec, etc. When it comes to Winlink 2000 and ALE the main issue, at least with me, is that modes dehumanize Amateur Radio. ALE and email are the two technologies most directly related to the elimination of human radio operators in commercial communications. That's what they were designed to do. Many amateurs are ex-commercial radio operators and have every right to despise these modes. Take the idea of emergency communications in amateur radio. This started because hams had the capability and skill to provide communications, so it was natural to help out in times of need. But a new school of people only interested in emergency communications, wanting to use HF radio and not interested in learning the skills required of a good operator, turn to Winlink 2000 and ALE. Winlink 2000 and ALE are a cancer to amateur radio. They are evil because they represent machines talking to machines, and we have too much of that in this world already. If amateur radio is not about people talking to people, then what are we in this for? Most hams I know don't really have a beef with digital modes as long as they are used to hold a QSO between human operators. It's when the mode supports machine to machine communications that people get mad. Just my opinion, but I think digital modes will get a better reputation if we successfully communicate what they are really good for. For example: with my antenna and power restrictions I am only able to communicate with other hams at all via digital modes. For me, they are the Great Equalizer.
