Martin, VK2UMJ wrote:

It seemed (at first) that Walt just didn't want to listen and understand
that IRLP used radio at each end - he seemed to be confusing EchoLink with
IRLP and just didn't want to take notice of the many people trying to
explain that IRLP was no different than linking repeaters via landline,
which seems to be widely accepted in the amateur community.

As already explained, the difference between Echolink and IRLP (and
eQSO for that matter) is minuscule. The whole question of whether
amateurs using computers are not amateurs when they use their
computer, but are amateurs when they use their radios is absurd.

I am a radio amateur. When I talk to another amateur, whether I'm
using Echolink, eQSO, my rig, or even talking over the telephone - if
I'm talking about amateur radio - then I'm having a QSO.

But, here in the UK, there is a new breed of "amateur" gaining
licences, a breed that is incapable of recognising the difference
between a direct contact over radio, and a QSO assisted by either a
repeater or by the internet.

Worse still, some of this breed openly admit to not caring to learn
how it all works. "I'm not technical here, but I can copy you ok".

Well, this *is* a technical hobby, and I have very little time for
those who openly don't wish to learn about "how it works".

There *was* a time when, if you didn't care to learn about propagation
then you weren't adequately qualified to gain a licence. The UK's
Foundation Fiasco Licence (M3 prefix) has moved the goalposts, and now
this tier of licence is available to anyone with a brain equal or
greater than that of an amoeba.

But then Walt showed his true colours when he said that even repeaters
aren't amateur radio in his eyes, so I suspect it isn't IRLP he is objecting
to, it's actually anyone younger than 50 with an amateur licence! It's a
sad fact that one thing pulling amateur radio down are the old operators
like Walt that just can't accept (or undertsand?) changing times and believe
that all operators should stick to the bands and modes they choose as
suitable. Most of the older operators have a wealth of information and
experience they could share with the newer operators, helping them to become
better hams and advancing the hobby. But instead they sit there, forever
grumpy that times change, throwing abuse and ridicule at those entering the
hobby and at the same time wondering why amateur radio is slowly dying!

The hobby is not dying. The hf bands are as full of enthusiastic
amateurs as ever before. The hobby is dumbing down. In addition to the
genuine enthusiasts, we now have people who only want to chatter.
Perhaps its time for a new type of CQ call. One four for a copy
anyone?

[ageism text snipped]

Personally, I accept that there are many different aspects to amateur radio,
and while (to me) IRLP will never be as good as actual DX contacts via RF,
at least it gives some operators the chanve to talk outside their local area
and hopefully that will spark their interest a little more as they hear
stories and experiences from overseas operators. And besides, if you don't
like IRLP there is nobody holding a shotgun to your head and forcing you to
listen - there are plenty of other frequencies to use!

.... on that sentiment, we can agree 100%!

73,
--
Chris