[Mw] Re: [VHFcontesting] ARRL Membership Services Committee VHF/UHF Award...

[Bill Seabreeze]

Hey Guys,
While I agree, that it's nice to see your call in the magazine,
let's not forget that the biggest problem we are facing is dropping
activity.
We all need to try hard to help potential newcomers, FM converts, etc to
discover SSB/CW on the higher bands.  I have run across many hams
on FM who tell me they tried 2/432 SSB and couldn't find anybody to work.
Many of these guys think 2m is only good for a 50 mile radius or so.
I think we really need a grass roots effort to try and point these guys
towards
some local nets, etc. to let them see how much fun the higher bands can be.

We should all be salesmen, to try and keep the bands alive.  There are real
serious threats out there to our bands.  There are also many interested
bystanders who need some good advice about how to find some activity.
Even a guy with a 706 and a gringo-stranger antenna can be shown the
"light" of narrowband communications.  Please help these guys out.  Spread
the word about our activities.  GET ON and show these guys what is possible
with weak-signal equipment.  Many of us old farts are becoming less active,
and we need to find several young replacements for each of ourselves.  They
are out there.

While I have sent my suggestions to the ARRL, it's not up to them to bring
activity to your door (although they're trying hard!)...it's up to us.  I
think we
also need to realize that contests can be intimidating to newcomers, and
they
need a chance to get their feet wet by finding some local activity.  Maybe
we
can get some more nets going, or at least help new guys to find the existing
nets.  When I first got on 2m AM, I really enjoyed rag chewing with local
guys about equipment building, parts availability, antenna options, etc.  We
just need to hook up with the many like-minded hams who are out there,
waiting to be discovered.

The bands you help save may be your own.  Let's get busy!  We need more
RF savvy guys in industry in the USA, and we can help grow some right here
within our beloved hobby.  VHF & up hamming is lots more fun with more
participants!

If you're not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem!
Your enthusiasm can really be contagious.  So can your apathy.
Make the choice!  Let's roll!

73,
Bill W3IY