On Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 1:45 PM, Peter Markavage <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > And, after all these years, he's still the Director. Majority of the > voting members in your Division must still like his representation.
Which brings us back to the 20% membership of US licensed hams vs. 80% not members +/-. Less a case of so many liking him as so few left to vote for him. > The in depth technical minutia was all moved over to QEX back in the > 80's. No reason to keep it in QST. Could also be looked at as an additional expense which makes little sense in a world of declining hams. If the ARRL is truly concerned about being thrifty with the membership's dollars, wouldn't it make sense to cut maybe half the junk out of QST and add some technical content back into the publication that really started it all for them? > Ads generate revenue to keep the business in the > black. Books sales generate revenue to keep the business in the black. > They have very few other options to generate revenue. Membership dues > helps, but it's noise in comparison to the other revenue generators. I don't think anyone ever minded the ads so much as the overall lack of content since the 80s, or '75'76 when they went to the larger format. > Personally, I believe they've demonstrated support for all modes and > interests as best as one can given all the modes and interests that > prevail within the amateur radio fraternity. Pick up any QST Pete, and compare the pages on, say....AM, or CW to the pages of contest results. In reality, the ARRL doesn't openly condemn other modes. More the 'benign neglect' approach mentioned a while back by Don, K4KYV. > Backing away, i.e. let some > other member put the "fire of enlightenment" upon them, and then I might > return, is not the answer. Approximately 80% of the licensed amateur population appears to disagree with that statement, Pete. That doesn't say a lot for the organization that claims to represent the interests of US Amateurs. It's not a matter of enlightening them, for the most part they've made it clear that their minds are made up as to the path we all must follow. Don't get me wrong - I'd like nothing more than to have the ARRL become a representative organization for us and see the contesters in Newington replaced by more well-rounded hams. It shouldn't conflict with their publishing business and could only help the overall picture with increased revenues not only from dues, but additional book sales and an overall vibrant organization (what a concept!). There's just no way I can give my money to a group who's approach involves saying 'join if you want a voice, give me your money, so I can tell you how wrong you are'. I'm not looking for an organization or publication to cater specifically to my particular interest. Electric Radio does an incredible job there. All I expect is equal and fair treatment, not being ignored in favor of a segment that many see as creating intentional interference and behavior that goes against the amateur creed, sanctioned by the ARRL and rewarded through multiple pages of 'results'. >From the ARRL, 'back in the day': "Considerate...never knowingly uses the air in such a way to lessen the pleasure of others." Sounds like any contesters you know? I know you enjoy stirring the pot on this subject Pete, but it's pretty clear that the ARRL lost its way some time ago and has been going downhill since. Dismissing low membership as somehow being a small piece of the pie doesn't excuse the behavior or downward spiral. Particularly since they're supposed to serve at the pleasure of the membership. All 20%. But I guess when you're running a contest club.... Good luck in the corntest! ~ Todd, KA1KAQ (o: ______________________________________________________________ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:[email protected] To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
