re "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."
I strongly disagree. Your post is just another variant of "everyone should
operate the way I do". While you are free to espouse this philosophy, we are
free to ignore it.
Amateur radio encompasses many different operating styles and techniques;
every amateur is free to pursue the ones they enjoy as long as in doing so
they don't compromise any other amateur's enjoyment or violate applicable
regulations.
73,
Dave, AA6YQ
-----Original Message-----
From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com]on
Behalf Of Christian Crayton
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 7:26 PM
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Anti-Digital Hams
> 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.
