Dissappointed with the hobby and clubs so far

[N2UGB]

The days of ham clubs being all things to all people are over. Prior to WW2 and shortly after, the principal modes were CW, AM, and some RTTY. Power levels of 100 watts plus.

Today there are so many digital modes in use that I could fill the page with them. Of course SSB, FM, and my operating favorite, QRP. Routine portable operating, SOTA, MM.

I suggest that clubs be formed based on the operating interests of the different operators. Speciality clubs for dedicated QRPers, digital enthusiasts, SOTA, etc..

Sure, the membership lists will be reduced but the activities won't. And, there will be the fraternal good-will of being being associated with an active. enthusiastic, and friendly group of radio amateurs.

In my opinion.

73 Rich N2UGB/F8WBD

[KA2DDX]

No flack from this corner - I can mistype things with the best of them. I can understand your frustration. However, please move forward in this hobby and get your general. I've been on hf over 50 years now and have made friends all over the world. There is no activity I know of which brings more satisfaction to me than amateur radio. I've been in several clubs, mostly in the military and can understand a little of the dynamics of a club. Here in the upstate NY area there are a number of clubs. Approaching retirement I decided to check out a few as well as upgrade my general ticket to extra. One meeting I attended did not yield enough time on the agenda to introduce myself. So, I attended a different club meeting and was immediately invited to join them for field day the following weekend. You never know! Stay with it, get on hf and broaden your horizons with all the possibilities. And, if you hear me, please break in and say hello. Whatever you do, good luck to you.

Larry - KA2DDX

[N9LCD]

My wife says, if she had a dollar for every time I gave up radio, she'd be richer than the Sultan of Brunei.

What I usually do is take a few months off, RELAX. REGROUP, REFOCUS and RETURN.

Have something else to do besides "radio" all the time.  I got running and pumping iron on the side.  Believe me, a good 5-mile run. like 42 minutes, or benching my weight REALLY HELPS!

[K4FMH]

N9LCD,

Sounds like you have a wise spouse! I've been a member of three clubs plus serving as a field staff for the ARRL in the Delta Division. I'm still a member of my first club, even though I am now two states away. While there are internal divisions, it is large enough to allow those who want to join together to enjoy ham radio, instead of only meeting-and-eating, to do so.

I was literally handed the reins of my second club during the middle of a meeting when the President announced he was quitting and would I take the job! There were only 3-4 people in attendance. Repeaters were off the air. I was able to draw some of the older members back after finding out why they had left: poor, childish leadership. We started having a program every month, meeting at a local restaurant with an informal Dutch-treat meal an hour before the formal meeting begins. I paid for the speakers meal---usually from out of town---out of my own pocket. I put up a webpage for the club. I've now now retired and moved from that location although I still attend every few months. With continuity in new leadership, the club has both repeaters humming along, managed by an RF Engineer, and the group joins in with a local university club to hold Field Day and other joint events. It's standing on its own two feet, largely because there is a reason for members to attend: a program from which to learn something new (e.g., Bob Heil via Skype on the audio chain on HF).

My current club has good leadership. Programs are sporadic but members do share things enough to make it interesting. The survey I conducted last year for the Delta Division showed that club membership is really determined by leadership effectiveness. The Delta Division is launching a program of leadership training by state extension service professionals at each states yearly section convention. David Norris, Kay Craigie, and I met in Huntsville AL this year and discussed how this might enhance the amateur radio experience for ARRL members and non-members alike. There are effective strategies for managing volunteer groups. Each state's Agricultural Extension Service has been doing such training for clubs in small rural communities for 75 years or more. Best of all: it is a free service!

Just a few thoughts about the state of clubs in amateur radio. Your mileage may vary.

73,

Frank
K4FMH