Bob:

Please keep in mind that, in general, the ham HF frequencies are much
friendly (and saner) than the newsgroups.

I've only been licensed a little over two years (I didn't "stop off" at
Tech). When studying for 4 exams, I posted a some questions to several of
the ham newsgroups -- mostly seeking advice on how to learn Code. There were
quite a few rants and raves. I was accused of trolling; I was told that
since I would pass easy tests, I would never be a REAL ham; I was told to go
back to the chicken band (despite the fact that I have never been on CB);
etc. etc.

I became very scared. If hams were this nasty, did I really want to invest
the time and money in this new hobby? Luckily a few kind souls were
supportive and friendly -- enough so that I went ahead and passed all the
elements the first time (which does prove they are too easy grin).

Once I got on the air almost everyone was kind, supportive, friendly,
helpful (add your own positive adjectives here). So, Bob, ignore the rants
here. I'm sure you will find that the vast majority will welcome you to HF.
Well, perhaps not on 75 meters. grin

Paul AB0SI





"Bob" wrote in message
...

Amen Bill,

There is one point that has not been addressed.

There will be a group of new hams on the HF bands, myself included,
how are you going to welcome them? Are you going to help them become
good legal operators or are you going to label them CB plussers, and
ignore, tout them?

Think about it. Here will be a pool of individuals who have expressed
a intrest in the hobby, treat them well and instruct them, you have to
have new blood to carry the tourch. They might even see the advantages
of CW and learn it!

I learned it in the Navy, but only use it when necessary for effective
communications.

Bob

KE4ZRU

Ex. Airborne Communications Officer
Ex. Staff Communications Officer