At 05:26 AM 6/5/2008, you wrote: >They have the "power" to change the topic of conversation by simply >keying up their mics and speaking. Want a tech topic? Bring one up.
Nate, you're right on the money this time. :) We have a massive IRLP and Echolink network down here (2 IRLP reflectors and several Echolink conferences, typically at any given time). Activity is quite high, but there are few complaints that I am aware of. People just listen, or they might join in the conversation - come and go as they please. The topics vary considerably during the course of the day. I find even just listening to be interesting sometimes. So your two rules for not being too easily annoyed do work: 1 - If you don't like it, QSY (or change reflectors, or turn the radio OFF ;) ) 2 - Jump in and turn the topic to something more of interest. :) >In running a repeater club for a number of years now, and also IRLP >Reflectors... I've given up on trying to make everyone happy all of the >time. In fact, I've found it's more healthy to put the control of what >they're listening to into their hands, and letting them run with it. I'm responsible for a large part of our network. I just tell people to "go and use it", "Feel free to chat". The other key sysops and admins have exactly the same mindset, and everyone is happy. The only rules are those of the authorities (i.e. normal ham regulations in each participating country) and common courtesy. Occasionally, technical and operational advice, such as fixing repeater links so IDs don't get passed to the Internet, or leaving breaks between overs) is passed on, but even that is needed surprisingly rarely for such a large network. No one is kicked or muted, unless there is a serious technical or operational issue that impacts the whole network at the time. Similarly for my repeaters and nodes, I just invite people to use them whenever they wish to. Sometimes that even means I have to wait in line to use it (Murphy's Law says that is when I've made a sked! :D ). 73 de VK3JED http://vkradio.com
