Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less Amateur
Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled trashed out computers,
7-generation-old software, Blockbuster-reject video tapes, and
constantly yammering raffles.

So here's a poll ----

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come
back to go to one like this.

___ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.

Vote for one (and only one) choice.

Subject: Hamfests?
From: "KØHB"
Date: 5/1/2004 8:02 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: . net

Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less Amateur
Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled trashed out computers,
7-generation-old software, Blockbuster-reject video tapes, and
constantly yammering raffles.

So here's a poll ----

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come
back to go to one like this.

_YES__ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.

___ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

Good question Hans .... I go really for the opportunity to meet with the
fellows one on one ....It is good to see fellow ops in person and the fests
provide that ....however most of the fests are on Sundays and I am tied up
with teaching Sunday School ....you know the job you get asked to take only
for one year in 1974. I find that if I do go later most of the guys leave
early as they snag the "needs" of the day.

73 Tom KI3R Belle Vernon Pa.

KØHB wrote:
Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less Amateur
Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled trashed out computers,
7-generation-old software, Blockbuster-reject video tapes, and
constantly yammering raffles.

So here's a poll ----

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come
back to go to one like this.

___ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.

Vote for one (and only one) choice.


I guess I'd have to say B if I had to just answer from your list.

But I don't have a problem with *some* decent computers showing up at
hamfests. My shack has three of them in it, and they are an integral
part of it.

Problem is that too many hamfests appear to have the computers I put
out on the sidewalk for riffraff day.

So I'm really a lot closer to your A answer. I'de really like a lot
more ham related stuff, and less computer junk and Ginsu knives.

- Mike KB3EIA -

Mike Coslo wrote:

KØHB wrote:

Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less Amateur
Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled trashed out computers,
7-generation-old software, Blockbuster-reject video tapes, and
constantly yammering raffles.

So here's a poll ----
Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.


And what do the Armenian judges have to say about all this?? ;^)

hehe..... Mike KB3EIA -

"KØHB" wrote in message
ink.net...

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

X B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

Trouble is, you'd be driving two hours each way to spend one minute at the
hamfest. I think eBay has been the kiss of death for hamfests.

73,

"PM"

Paul_Morphy wrote:

"KØHB" wrote in message
ink.net...


Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.


X B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

Trouble is, you'd be driving two hours each way to spend one minute at the
hamfest. I think eBay has been the kiss of death for hamfests.

Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure. Presumably this will be eased
when the buyers come to their senses, as the sellers are happy to sell
items for more than what they cost new. The bubble will eventually
burst, or we will have proven that inbreeding is more widespread than we
thought.

In the meantime, buy new! It's often cheaper than ebay, and you get a
warrantee!

- Mike KB3EIA -

From: Mike Coslo
Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure.

Someone already mentioned that he likes to converse with fellow hams. Ebay
cannot replace the Hamfest experience.

Lumushahs wrote:

From: Mike Coslo

Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure.


Someone already mentioned that he likes to converse with fellow hams. Ebay
cannot replace the Hamfest experience.


I certainly agree there.

- Mike KB3EIA -

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/2/2004 8:22 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

From: Mike Coslo
Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure.

Someone already mentioned that he likes to converse with fellow hams. Ebay
cannot replace the Hamfest experience.

But I thouhgt you said that Hamfests were just places for fat, older white
guys with ugly women, Vipul...Why the change?

Steve, K4YZ