[CQ-Contest] Why Are European Contesters Younger?

[Felipe J Hernandez]

Franki,

Yes, thats what I meant .. I think you are probably right, but I also 
think that kids at the age of 8-12 show interest, that may be distracted 
later by things as partying, college etc.. If at that early age they are properly 
introduced it might be enought to keep them in the hobby later.

But also I have the impression that Eastern europe shows a little more 
participation than western europe is that so? What could be the reason?

Regards,

Felipe
np4z
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Franki ON5ZO 
  To: cq-contest at contesting.com 
  Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 3:37 AM
  Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Why Are European Contesters Younger?


  > 2. The abundance of PSP,s playstations and other distractions
  > found in america are certainly less than in Europe.

  I assume you mean less abundance in EU?
  As an educator teaching 17-18-19 year old kids, I can see / say that in EU 
  there is as much PSP, Wii, PS 1/2/3, X-Box and (online) PC gaming as 
  anywhere else.

  The thesis that "EU contesters are younger than USA contesters", does NOT 
  mean that the average age of the EU op is that of a teenager or someone in 
  its early 20ies!
  The counter just hit 34 here and I'm certainly one of the youngest of the 
  pack!

  That said, I see that many efforts and campaigns focus their recruiting 
  energy on youngsters. I think people in their late 20ies are more open to 
  ham radio than teenagers. If someone had introduced me to ham radio when I 
  was 16-18, I would NOT have been interested, to put it mildly. I got my 
  first license at the age of 24 (almost 10 years ago...). I got bored with 
  partying and going out at that age and traded school for a job. Ham radio 
  gave me a good reason to stay at home in my free time yet do something 
  interesting.

  73 de Franki ON5ZO 

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