[TowerTalk] dumbing down...extra class test

[Jim Lux]

At 12:09 PM 7/24/2005, Tom Rauch wrote:

> > > etc.
>
>Read page 60 of the August QST. Packet, Pactor, and NVIS
>
>There we find an example of a young Ham being very critical
>of an older Ham Elmer about antenna construction. The young
>Ham very clearly doesn't have any idea what he is talking
>about, he's just repeating misinformation.
>
>By the way, old Hams have long

grey

>hair. Young Hams have shaved
>heads and body piercing. Let's get our generational
>stereotyping correct  ;-)
>
>Seriously, not learning or being cocky isn't a generational
>problem. Not teaching people basics or wanting to learn
>basics or earn our way into something is a social problem.

And has been since the days of Socrates, at least.


>When I first went into a certain lodge, I had to completely
>learn the steps by heart. Today the very same group passes
>new people even if they make a mess of things. Ham radio is
>no different than any other fraternity.

I am reminded of a report of the meeting of the Alpine Club (in London) 
where the idea of admitting women as proposed.  "Rather death" was the 
response of one member.

Things change, things don't change.. such is life.  As you say, ham radio 
is no different (although, like any other loosely knit fraternity, there's 
always a tension between those who wish it would stay the same, and those 
who want change at any cost)