[CQ-Contest] IRLP Contest

[Joe Subich, K4IK]

EI5DI writes: 

> A quote from the story:
> "We are trying to promote IRLP as a viable means of communications
> and also to introduce newcomers to DX IRLP Style."
> 
> This is not amateur radio.  If the ARRL promotes this technology
> I suggest it considers a name change to AIRL - American Internet
> Relay League.

I heartily agree ... IRLP and/or Echolink are not, in any way, shape 
or form, amateur radio.  Their promotion by ARRL is a bigger threat 
to amateur radio than BPL, local tower ordinances, local regulation 
of RFI, and homeowner associations combined.  If IRLP/echolink 
reach any level of popular acceptance, it gives every government 
and corporation with designs on amateur spectrum a very strong 
argument that the spectrum is no longer required for the amateur 
service. 

For ARRL to promote IRLP/echolink on its web page and in the pages 
of QST is completely irresponsible. 

73, 

   ... Joe, K4IK