I really don't understand the anti-ARRL attitude which is quite
common in the DXing and contesting community. And it can be quite
bitter, as we've just seen in the 7O1YGF discussion on another
reflector.
Now I'll agree that the ARRL is not perfect, in fact far from it.
Many years ago, I decided not to become a life-member, because I
disagreed strongly with one of their key positions. I "played along"
each year, ready to jump ship if necessary. Fortunately they came to
their senses and corrected that position. I would have saved a lot
of money if I had become a life-member way back!
My point is that ARRL CHANGED, because the consensus of its members
changed. The ARRL is not "them", it's "us"! If you don't like the
positions taken by your board member, tell him or her, and be
prepared to stand for election next time to see if your views get
accepted. But despite its imperfections, ARRL represents amateur
radio worldwide (not just in the USA) better than any other
organization, including IARU.
A particular point of criticism seems to be the DXCC branch, and the
way it deals with DXpeditions and potential new DXCC Entities. As a
member of the DX Advisory Committee, I'd agree that some of the
executive decisions appear on occasion to be arbitrary (7O1YGF, BS7H,
etc). But for better or worse there are some key threads which
explain most of them: Take the long-term view; Support governments
and national amateur radio organizations; And above all try not to
risk the integrity of the #1 award in ham radio (memories of Romeo
still hurt!).
So, when you bash ARRL and especially DXCC, expect me to tune out folks.
73, John, NT5C.
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