And for you "new" hams, $150 today was worth $35.02 in 1970. I did a presentation that included what is available today and what was available 20 years ago along with real Dollar comparisons. Most (old--you define that) hams rarely consider inflation in their assumptions, much less what "young" people spend on hobbies.
Worse yet, most hams (those who have been licensed less than 10 years) have no idea about the demographics of those licensed under 10 years. The ARRL paid big bucks to study this and our slowly declining membership. If you pay attention to Howard Mickel's columns, QST's content, and even the ARRL web site, you can see the difference. Informed members know ARRL will publish a new magazine beginning next month. It's directed to the less than 10 years-licensed hams who are ill-served by most ham radio clubs today. Effective and more wide-spread mentoring, more welcoming clubs, and related approaches that get the under 10 years-licensed hams engaged in the hobby (on-the-air, especially on HF) is what's needed. For most of us, the biggest challenge we face related to our hobby's future is easy to find. It's reflected in the mirrors in front of us. If I have insulted you because you're meeting the needs of the under 10 years-licensed cohorts, great! That means you are among the few who are helping others and not yourselves. Although, I get great enjoyment out of sharing the joy of this hobby with others, regardless of age, time in the hobby, and experience. Our (Duke City Hamfest in Albuquerque) approach to this challenge was to launch HF University nearly four years ago. Intended for the new General or Tech, the majority of participants have been Extra Class licensees, many of whom have had little HF experience. The only thing that tires them, especially those who return each year, is my Elecraft Kool-Aid. Sorry, but I can't help that. Good DX, Good Luck in the Contest, Merry Christmas, etc. 73, Bill Mader, K8TE W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 4-13 Sep 2020 ARRL New Mexico Section Manager ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™ Duke City Hamfest BoD Vice-Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 18-20 Sep 2020 Secretary and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
