In article ,
uncle arnie wrote:

mike0219116 wrote:

I never reply to OT threads but I will make an exception here.

In many respects, I think the state of this NG reflects the state of
the hobby. I would assume that if the DXing hobby was thriving to any
degree, there would be a plethora of posts reflecting this. However, a
majority of the topics here are OT crap. I am also willing to bet that
the attrition rate of regular posters in this NG is rather high, and I
don't blame them. I also don't blame people who just stumble upon
this group looking for shortwave Info. to spend five minutes reading
the posts and then leave, never to return. I lurk rather than post and
run the risk of being plonked, being called a 'tard. or told to take
my meds, put on my tin foil hat, or tote, etc... I am astounded at the
time and energy that people invest in this NG to arguing with each
other. What an utter and complete waste of one's life. I once heard
somebody say that, "Arguing on the internet is like playing with your
balls. It feels good at the time, but nobody really cares." I think
that is an accurate, if not profane, way to get the point across.

Posters are in several categories.
-People who are into Dxing.
-People who listen to short wave for the content: program listeners.
-People who are looking for a place to debate stuff they've heard on SW.
-People who are looking for a soap box from which to debate stuff they've
heard on SW or crap they haven't.
-Trolls. Typically they post the same dumb lines or insults.
-The socially or mentally deviant or ill.

The last two I killfile. The third last is the hardest to deal with.

I would be number 2 on your list but also things not on your list.

1. I like to report not debate what I've heard on SW if it provokes a
reaction from me when I heard it. I'm not interested in an argument
about anything I've posted. If you disagree about some fact I've posted
I want to hear about it but what I think (opinion) is what I think. If
you don't agree with my opinion that is fine with me. I don't have an
expectation that everyone will agree with my take on things. That would
be silly.

2. I like to exchange ideas about antennas and reception of SW signals.

3. I like to read about the different aspects of the hobby that other
people take up like utility signals or Dx'ing.

4. I like reports on the use of or exchange of information on radios.

5. Well, just about anything else that people do with the hobby such as
modifying radios.

I figure that the majority of people that read the news group don't post
due to being cowed by the Trolls and that is a shame. I encourage all
reading this post to participate by posting here about SW and just kill
file the waste of time Trolls.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California