"Bob Brock" wrote in
:


"Mike Coslo" wrote in message
36...
"Bob Brock" wrote in
:

On the other hand, we could identify what the critical tasks a ham
operator needs to operate, tell the prospective ham what those tasks
are, give the prospective ham the answers to those tasks (such as a
question and answer pool) and then test on those identified
objectives. After the new ham gets his license to get on the air,
we could provide him with a learning environment to enhance those
basic skills and become a more experienced and adept operator.

Me, I go for plan "B."

Hear, hear!

Q and A pools are here to stay, Amateur radio is no exception. The
moaning and wailing, gnashing of teeth and hand wringing about the
good old days -that my research convinces me *weren't* anyhow - is
more likely just nostalgia for a time that didn't really exist.

I agree.

I can understand that a little bit. Since I got my license, I've
started a love affair with hollow state. I love the heat, the look
and feel, even the smell of that vintage equipment.

But there is too much evidence that those good old days weren't
all
that good after all.

I wonder who is going to provide a better learning environment,
people such as myelf - a presumably substandard product of the dumbed
down newfangled system, who only passed a 5wpm code test, and the
"easy" new tests, or one of the old geniuses who comes into the room
with the attitude that the new ham is as likely an idiot as not?

My experience so far is that it's up to the new guy to learn on his
own.

Unfortunately, I had much the same experience. There is a good bit
of "anti-Elmering that has gone on the last few years. I will note
at the same time I did get some excellent help from a few old
timers. They are the ones who should be emulated.

The group I am in is doing what we can to change the Anti-Elmering
situation. We're starting Classes, projects even at beginners level,
and above all grumpy superior Hams who believe that the new guys are
just glorified CB'ers are welcome - but they have to check their
attitude at the door.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -