KJ4DIY wrote:

Why can’t we stay on topic?

That is the age old question with the newsgroups, Howard.


I’m a new Ham and want to learn more about Antennas.

It is possible that you are fairly new to Netnews. While a place to
learn and teach and have fun, it is also largely unregulated. So we get
a fairly high noise to signal ratio.

In addition to the off topic forays, many of our more accomplished
members have favorite topics that can go on for quite a while, long past
any real reason, just tit for tat comments.

The best strategy is to just accept that there will be off topic and
run-on threads in the newsgroup, and either filter or otherwise ignore them.

That in no way means that you can't tweak someone once in a while! hehe

I have been an Amateur for 4 months and went from Tech to Extra in 2 ½
months aced all 3 tests.
My interest is becoming the best Amateur Radio Operator I can be.
Along this line I’m looking for help, at age 64 it is just as important
to me as it is to a 10 year old Amateur.

A general rule of thumb is to post a question, and the first few
answers will be the relevant ones. After that all bets are off.

Regarding the age thing, It is an excellent hobby/avocation for a
retiree or young ham. I got into the ARS later than some, at 46 years
old, but it's all good.

You might want to try out rec.radio.amateur. moderated also.

- 73 de Mike N3LI -