"K0HB" wrote in message
m...
"Carl R. Stevenson" wrote


You *are* correct that there are too many hams who are
not open to, and often disparage, newcomers or "would-be's.
That IS a significant problem in bringing in the newcomers
and, particularly, younger folks who represent the future of
ham radio. On this point we agree 100%.

If there is *one* such ham, that is too many, but you seem to suggest
that the problem is widespread. On that notion we disagree 100%.

For every curmudgeon who disparages newcomers there are thousands who
actively welcome them. Check out www.mnyarc.org. It was formed by
members of our club, originally as a club sponsored Explorer Post, and
has grown into a standalone group fully dedicated to nurturing
youth-oriented amateur radio in our area. Hamfest Minnesota, also
sponsored by our club, has a policy of free admission to hams aged 17
and under. These are just a couple of examples right in my
neighborhood. Maybe you just live in a bad neighborhood.

73, de Hans, K0HB

Hans,

I have seen/heard it from SoCal to Florida to New England ...
over many years ...

However, I did not intend to imply that all/most/a large majority
of hams are that way ... just WAY too many are (although we
agree that even *one* is "too many," my experience is that there
are a LOT more than that ...

Perhaps folks are just friendlier overall up in your neck of
the woods?

Carl - wk3c