"Scott" wrote in message
...
Hi folks.

Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.

I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last
night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though
it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am
helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using.

Well, you're doing the right thing, but realize in the real world this will
be
more 'social' than technical.

But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led
to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications
of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of
the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8
ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.

Yep, real world. And God help you if you ever point out one of these
guys mistakes! Even if you ask a question that may lead to showing
they made a mistake!!

But fortunately, these guys, while a very visible marker at the clubs, are
NOT 100% of the clubs. You'll still meet other friendly people, I'm
sure, just give it a chance. And you'll probably find that there are a
LOT of technical resource people who DON'T have to show off and
be 'brain proud' for the masses. People who can REALLY answer
questions, not blast their way through. But you'll have to learn to
be a bit more of an 'operator' at the club to find these people.

Just like operating. Don't be an alligator. Big mouth, little ears. Learn
to tread carefully around the alligators, and spot the real resource
people. Do lots of receiving, THEN transmit. In the club, do lots
of listening and observing, then find the people who you can ask.

Occasionally one of the mouths will have an answer, and by all means,
use the resource. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that because
he had one answer, he has them all. Or worse, the trap that because
he can answer a few questions, he can control all. I'm not saying
be disrespectful, but if you are cynical, keep it too yourself, and you'll
get along fine with 90% of the people there.

Mike