KØHB wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...

KØHB wrote:


The growth in numbers of Amateurs over the past decade
has been overwhelmingly via the Technician license.


.... since about 1987 or so, most new hams
have started out as Technicians.


Jim, we can nit-pick the semantics if you really think that's productive, but
the two statements above both seem to convey the same notion, which we might
more clearly state "Most new hams since 1991 have entered via the Technician
class which is now the largest single license class in the US, comprising almost
half (47.7%) of the population of licensees in this country, nearly equal to the
combined total population of the three higher classes.".

Even if we do pick the nits, you have a point that is valid. A lot of
Technicians elect not to join the ARRL.

During the time that I was a Tech, I didn't think that the league was
relevant to what I was doing in Ham radio.

You know, stuff like helping with walkathons, 4-H events, Bike races....

Sound familiar to what you wrote? For about 2 years, the type of Ham
you spoke of was ME.

After I got my General license, I decided that ARRL was relevant to my
new interests.

And personal experience, not just opinion, is why I agree with you.

Event support is an overlooked area. Instead of the sometimes
(rightfully so) rigid protocols of the serious emergency work, it allows
the new guys and gals to get used to the idea of communications with
other people. We handle traffic, call for and receive assistance for the
occasional boo-boo, and occasional serious problem, but in a more
relaxed atmosphere. This is great for the new folks. It needs to be
encouraged.

- Mike KB3EIA -