[TowerTalk] dumbing down...extra class test

[Thomas Beltran]

"Yes, I want engineering types on the "Extra Class" portions of the bands.
I
do not want to converse about radio-related subjects with someone who
doesn't have that capability.  I am selective -- not politically correct.
Amateur radio was never supposed to be a radio service for the average
citizen -- devoid of electronic or technically related knowledge."

And that's fine - it will also perhaps, serve to focus the discussion.  I
hear a lot about the dumbing down of ham radio as being a new thing.  As I
said, I took the advanced and extra tests in 1978.  I studied a book on
general electronics, and then studied the ARRL license guide - after about a
year of study, I passed the advanced and extra in one session.  So, this is
no new thing.  Neither were there all the tapes, CDs and videos.  My point,
is that bringing the test to the standards of yesteryear won't assure that
only engineering types will pass.    


"It is sad to see the lifelong hobby I embraced as a teen diminish before my
eyes. "

I guess the diminishing began before you were even licensed.  Tom W6EIJ