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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Are you a member of your local amateur radio club?
Posted: Oct 26, 2007
(2288 votes, 83 comments)
by W6OWH
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Survey Results
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Yes.
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57% (1307)
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No.
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23% (523)
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I was...but...
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14% (321)
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I intend to join soon...
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3% (71)
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No club in my area...
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3% (66)
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Survey Comments
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You can make a difference!
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The words of Churchill come to mind - slightly amended:
"Ask not what your club can do for you, but what can you do for your club!"
I think you can find politics, bad manners, immaturity, rivalry and other bad things in every walk of life wherever a group of people gets together.
I think it is important to focus on the good things you can find in a club. I.e. to talk about common interests, to get inspired for our hobby and to pass on your experiences and knowledge with Ham radio. In the end if you are determined to just have a good pleasant time and to make the most of whatever you find you'll get it.
In my experience our local club has been a good forum and meeting point with lot's of interesting people and we have often been bouncing off ideas of one another ensuring the next Ham project.
I think in the end you can only get out of it what you put into it.
73 de Mike - G7IDJ / DL6MS
Posted by
G7IDJ
on March 17, 2008
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Club
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No, too cliques. One individual decides what the clubs does.
Posted by
N0ELW
on February 12, 2008
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clubs
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no club affiliations for me. The people in the clubs in my area are to "clicky". I dealt with that crap enough in high school. I just cant deal with the immaturity. And im not the only one in my area in which feels this way. which is why our local repeater was formed its open and there are no club affiliations. Just key up talk then sign out thats that.
Posted by
KB3LAZ
on February 4, 2008
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Member of 2+ clubs
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I am the immediate past president of the Kitchener-Waterloo (Ontario) ARC. My wife VA3BLM is also a member of the club. We are also both members of the Guelph (On) ARC. We also both belong to Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) and I belong to the ARRL.
Bob VE3XNB
Posted by
VE3XNB
on January 28, 2008
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Awesome Club
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I am a new ham and I joined the TAARS club in Elizabeth City, NC. I have read some of the stories where people were not made to feel welcome in some clubs but I have to say that it is not the case here. The folks have really looked out for me and made me feel very welcome. A group of awesome people!
73's
Posted by
KJ4ACB
on January 14, 2008
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Only one choice
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After reading through these replies, I've come to the conclusion that the only club worth belonging to is the one that has no club radios, no clubhouse, no specific involvements and no politics at all. The club would have only one aim--to promote ham radio and fellowship.
This club would meet for a ragchew as often as necessary, members would help out other members when really needed and there would be no involvement with anything that would cause friction between members.
You may say there is no such club, but it turns out you would be wrong--just turn on your radio and start talking. Guess what? You just joined!!
Posted by
K1CJS
on December 4, 2007
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RE: Local Club
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To WU5E:
Hey there, Jim! You've seen my recent posts on the Temple ARC reflector. I'm going to try to get something going here, and no...we haven't forgotten you; as a matter of fact your name came up at one of our breakfasts within the last week or so! Can't wait for you to get back to Central Texas.
As for everyone else: visitors are very much welcome at our Temple ARC meetings. I will be very happy to shake your hand and be very glad to meet you. For information on our meetings just drop me an email.
Warren Rowe, WR1TX
Temple ARC Secretary-Elect (2008)
Temple ARC QSL Manager
FISTS #12064 / SKCC #228
Posted by
WR1TX
on November 24, 2007
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Good club in SoCal
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It is unfortunate to see all the posts about "Good Ole Boy" clubs who do not welcome outsiders. I joined the Ventura Amateur club and they have been very welcoming. As with everything, there are good clubs and bad clubs. Some clubs might just need to see some interest from you, who knows. Not sure on the situation, but Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in California have been very friendly so far.
Posted by
KI6MGE
on November 23, 2007
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Yep!
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It has been said if there are three hams in town, there will be two clubs. Traveling the country during my Navy Days, I found two different types of clubs.
The first had a lot of activities such as a Saturday morning fox hunt and breakfast and other thing that involved members. The leadership was changed every two years with no member permitted to occupy a position more than twice.
The second type had the same folks running it since Admiral Nimitz was a mess cook. They would address each suggestion from the membership with "we have never done it that way" or "We tried that in ought two and it didn't work". A static club going no where.
Which club do you belong to?
Posted by
W4JLE
on November 23, 2007
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Also felt invisible
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Belonged to a local club in a medium sized city that operated a fairly popular 2M repeater.
In the 2 years I was a member, not one club officer or member welcomed me to the organization at the meetings that were attended by about 20-25 people. After each meeting, group members would meet for pizza.
Again, I was never invited.
As a result, I stopped attending the meetings and let my membership expire. I was never called or contacted about why I wasn't renewing.
That I wasn't needed or wanted by the organization was communicated loud and clear.
Strange way to run a supposedly open organization that paid lip service to a club goal of increasing membership numbers and participation.
Posted by
W1ARW
on November 22, 2007
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Invisible Man II
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KB6YH said he felt he was the invisible man. I was the invisible man at the Rappahannock Valley ARC in Fredericksburg VA. Some years ago I attended a meeting (100 mile round trip), introduced myself to the presiders, and sat down expecting at some point a reference would be made that a new (potential) member was present, especially since there were no more than a dozen attendees. Instead, a 90+-minute session followed on repeater matters and then the meeting weas adjourned. No one said "boo" to me.
Posted by
W3ULS
on November 21, 2007
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Same problems everywhere!
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Reading the comments on this topic made me say: what a small world we are!
There were stated here the same problems and oppinions - pros and cons - as anywhere around the world. As a member of several clubs along my 35 years of hamming, both home and abroad, I can draw a single conclusion: a club is what its members want to be. Unfortunately, most of us do not really know what we want from our club, isn't it?
In my city of residence (Cluj, Romania) there was long ago a single, big club. Then the differences between members' interrests generated several groups quite irecocilliable. Now there are three clubs, each of them with different targets. The old club is populated by elders, most of them experienced contesters and dxmen. The University's club is achieving mostly the youngsters and those targeted -as you probably expected- on tech problems. The newest club is focused on ecologic and emergency response problems, most of its members being appasionates of escapes in the wilderness or even emergency professionals or volunteers.
What's most important is the strong co-operation between these clubs. When the contesters need a new antenna or a special configuration of the equipment, they always find a hand at the University's club. If they are targeting a title in a UHF/VHF contest, then the logistic of the prtable operation is left for the Eco Club. Reciprocally, when some new idea arise in the University's yard, the other two offer their help for experiments. Almost all members of the all three clubs are also participants to the emergency network managed by the Ecologists.
What's interresting is the migration between clubs. I've noticed that some of the hamradios are moving from University's club to the Ecologists and/or to the contesters/dxers as they're getting older. This was also valid for me :D
Of course, I've to mention the "lonely wolfs", persons with a quite important financial power, that do not need a club to satisfy their hobby, as they can afford equipments to which the most of us cannot even dream at. But, at least for now, in my country there are very few of these...
On my oppinion, a club is crucial for the hamradio's formation and development. And for the entire hamradio community all around the world.
Posted by
YO5QCD
on November 21, 2007
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One club was enough
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Belonged to a club for about a year. It was absolutely pointless. My time was better spent at home on the radio; I met far more people that way.
Posted by
KA9INV
on November 19, 2007
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Ham Clubs
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Here in the LA, CA area there are plenty of clubs to choose from, so I picked the one @ work, and then one in West Covina, a smaller club. That doesn't mean we don't have politics!
All in all, I think I did pretty well in choosing. For now.
Posted by
KI6JUX
on November 19, 2007
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The Invisible Man
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After going to several meetings I felt like I was invisible. Nobody even said hello. I've been a ham since 1958 and I thought I could be of some use to the club. I met more people in a half hour at a club for people interested in art than I did in 7 or 8 meetings of the ham club. The club seemed to be OK, except I might as well have been invisible.
Posted by
KB6YH
on November 19, 2007
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Looking for a QSO?
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Well Joe, I have some really great news for you! If you have a handy talkie, you’re only 4 button presses from all the contacts you could possibly ever want! There is a ham in California who has constructed many repeaters that operate in key locations all over the state. His name is Shorty, K4JSI and he runs the WIN System (Western Intertie Network System). I would be extremely surprised if you are not within range of one of his repeaters.
I am in Tennessee and I talk frequently with the left coast guys as well as hams from all over the world on my local 2 meter radio. The WIN System is connected to the Dallas Reflector 24/7 which allows connections from anyplace in the world on IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). IRLP is the brainchild of another industrious ham in Canada, David Cameron, VE7LTD.
http://www.winsystem.org/
Here is a link to the WIN System and all the associated frequencies that you can use to access it. The California hams are a great and friendly bunch. They tolerate no nonsense but are always there with ample assistance and information and friendship. Have fun and 73 OM. Johnny, W4XKE, node 4007
Posted by
W4XKE
on November 17, 2007
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Looking for a QSO?
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Well Joe, I have some really great news for you! If you have a handy talkie, you’re only 4 button presses from all the contacts you could possibly ever want! There is a ham in California who has constructed many repeaters that operate in key locations all over the state. His name is Shorty, K4JSI and he runs the WIN System (Western Intertie Network System). I would be extremely surprised if you are not within range of one of his repeaters.
I am in Tennessee and I talk frequently with the left coast guys as well as hams from all over the world on my local 2 meter radio. The WIN System is connected to the Dallas Reflector 24/7 which allows connections from anyplace in the world on IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). IRLP is the brainchild of another industrious ham in Canada, David Cameron, VE7LTD.
http://www.winsystem.org/
Here is a link to the WIN System and all the associated frequencies that you can use to access it. The California hams are a great and friendly bunch. They tolerate no nonsense but are always there with ample assistance and information and friendship. Have fun and 73 OM. Johnny, W4XKE, node 4007
Posted by
W4XKE
on November 17, 2007
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ARC
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I moved here to Placerville,Ca. a year and a half ago, and have yet to see or hear much activity on the radio. Would like to join a local ARC. Perhaps there are members here who can point me in the right direction!!!!!
Posted by
KE6SHJ
on November 16, 2007
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Thinking about joining
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I've just moved back to the home QTH and am probably going to join the local ham club. The thing that causes me to hesitate is the lack of public involvement I have seen in most clubs over the years; I like clubs that are interested in making Ham Radio something better than computer games and more interesting than going to your favorite web page to meet people.
The local club used to be a fun club and many of my fathers old pieces of equipment were sold there (I told him not to sell / auction them off...) and perhaps they are a worthy club today. If what they do is have several prima dons' running the sheebang, I'll definitely not join nor be part of them.
I do need to attend a few meetings and see if it's an ego based club or one meant for the furtherance of Ham Radio.
With that, I'm still on the fence.
Gary
ka1j
Posted by
KA1J
on November 16, 2007
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Clubs good and bad
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I have been a member of 4 different clubs since being licensed. The first was in Panama City FL (PCARC) what a great bunch of folks! They were into kit building, swap meets, ECom, VHF moral nets, Field Day and Pot luck dinners on the 5th Wed. Our membership included folks in the ages of 8 to 86 and we had folks with many different interests. Best thing, was everyone had a voice, even the youngest ham.
After a few years I had the privilege of becoming their youngest (30 yrs) and lowest class license holder in the club to hold the position of President. I was only a No Code Tech at that time but working to upgrade.
Our nearly 107 members were very active in many activities to include the Gulf Coast Triathlon one of three races needed to qualify for the Iron Man Race in HI.
This club spoiled me and I've been hard pressed to find such a great bunch of HAM in one place.
Other clubs I have been and I am still involved with are also a great bunch of folks and are friendly and supportive. I currently belong to the SVARC in Minot ND and everyone here is great. We all have different interests in the hobby. Yet, we all have a common goal, to have fun, share our knowledge, support new and prespective hams. We are not big but we know how to enjoy the hobby.
On the other hand I have been a visitor to some clubs that are best discribed as a bunch of Good Ol Boys, Cliches, Fight Rings or a bunch of malcontents. These serve only to give a blackeye to this fun hobby
Posted by
KD4POJ
on November 16, 2007
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Clubs good and bad
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I have been a member of 4 different clubs since being licensed. The first was in Panama City FL (PCARC) what a great bunch of folks! They were into kit building, swap meets, ECom, VHF moral nets, Field Day and Pot luck dinners on the 5th Wed. Our membership included folks in the ages of 8 to 86 and we had folks with many different interests. Best thing, was everyone had a voice, even the youngest ham.
After a few years I had the privilege of becoming their youngest (30 yrs) and lowest class license holder in the club to hold the position of President. I was only a No Code Tech at that time but working to upgrade.
Our nearly 107 members were very active in many activities to include the Gulf Coast Triathlon one of three races needed to qualify for the Iron Man Race in HI.
This club spoiled me and I've been hard pressed to find such a great bunch of HAM in one place.
Other clubs I have been and I am still involved with are also a great bunch of folks and are friendly and supportive. I currently belong to the SVARC in Minot ND and everyone here is great. We all have different interests in the hobby. Yet, we all have a common goal, to have fun, share our knowledge, support new and prespective hams. We are not big but we know how to enjoy the hobby.
On the other hand I have been a visitor to some clubs that are best discribed as a bunch of Good Ol Boys, Cliches, Fight Rings or a bunch of malcontents. These serve only to give a blackeye to this fun hobby
Posted by
KD4POJ
on November 16, 2007
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Two Club Meetings...
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I have been to two ham club meetings. The first was way
back when I was a Novice in 1966. The club was small,
about 5 or 6 guys, all high-school nerds, and the topic of
the floor was how to find a date. That was my first visit.
The second visit to a ham club was about 4 years ago
when I came back to ham radio from being away since
those Novice days. I learned of a local (somewhat local)
club and attended one of their regular monthly Saturday
meetings. At the time, I was 56 years old -- so, not a kid.
Yet, I felt like a teenager compared to the 40 to 50 others
who were regular members. I think the average age had
to be above 75. I just didn't connect with anyone though,
not because of their age but because they were not very
friendly. Not one person introduced themselves to the
obvious new guy. I did chase down one ham I had a QSO
with one the air and he was the only person I talked to. I
could have been more outgoing I guess but the crowd
was not a very welcome group anyway.
Posted by
K7PEH
on November 15, 2007
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Posted by
K3JJC
on November 15, 2007
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Old boys club
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I live on Vancouver Island and here the local owner of the only "amateur radio store" has a strangle hold on the club. So much so the club has two presidents and we know who one is....
The same small group of misfit old guys have been in control for years. Attract young people?? not likely as most young people would say "These guys smell funny :-)
Posted by
VE7SDX
on November 13, 2007
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Old boys club
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I live on Vancouver Island and here the local owner of the only "amateur radio store" has a strangle hold on the club. So much so the club has two presidents and we know who one is....
The same small group of misfit old guys have been in control for years. Attract young people?? not likely as most young people would say "These guys smell funny :-)
Posted by
VE7SDX
on November 13, 2007
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Old boys club
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I live on Vancouver Island and here the local owner of the only "amateur radio store" has a strangle hold on the club. So much so the club has two presidents and we know who one is....
The same small group of misfit old guys have been in control for years. Attract young people?? not likely as most young people would say "These guys smell funny :-)
Posted by
VE7SDX
on November 13, 2007
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Old boys club
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I live on Vancouver Island and here the local owner of the only "amateur radio store" has a strangle hold on the club. So much so the club has two presidents and we know who one is....
The same small group of misfit old guys have been in control for years. Attract young people?? not likely as most young people would say "These guys smell funny :-)
Posted by
VE7SDX
on November 13, 2007
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Thank you
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After reading everyone's comments about the sad state of affairs in ham radio and ham radio clubs, I have chosen to not renew my local ham club membership.
Has the club lifted a finger to help me get back into the hobby? NO!!
Have any of the members of the club offered to get my antennas in the air?(even after asking) No!
Do I need access to autopatch on the local repeater? No!!
Am I tired of all of the new so-called extra class operators that do not know the difference between a reflector or a director etc. Yes!!
I hope that the thousands of dollars that I am spending to get back into the hobby are not in vain.
This local club even had a party to welcome the new blood into the hobby due to the lowered test requirements. If I did that, I think I would be ashamed and not flaunting it!
The area I live in is a very liberal and wishy washy. Embrace everyone even though they take the easy route.
Time to stand alone, finish or buy a 2nd tower trailer and forget asking for any assistance from the local club. (save the dues also)
Thank you all for making me realize the reality of the situation.
73
Posted by
KB6QXM
on November 13, 2007
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Politics/Beurocracy/No HF Offered by local club
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If you enjoy politics, join a Ham Club.
If you enjoy peace and quiet, make ham friends other than at a club.
REPLY: Here Here!
======================================
HERE HERE!!!!!!!
Posted by
KB3MMX
on November 12, 2007
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Ham Clubs
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I'm saddened by reading some of the other comments. Our club is small and perhaps not terribly exciting, but it is very friendly and supportive. If there is any political tension withing the club, I haven't become aware of it in some ten years of membership. Guess I'm just lucky!
'73!
John, KQ6HA
Posted by
KQ6HA
on November 11, 2007
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After 42 years of hamming, I found no ham club that compelled me to go to more than one meeting. I'd say that's just me, not the fault of any club. More power to 'em!
I just like staying at home on the air more...
73 John K7FD
Posted by
K7FD
on November 9, 2007
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Local Clubs
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We have two clubs in the area, and I'm a member of both. Oddly enough, though this is a small town, there aren't that many members in common between the two groups.
From time to time I come across evidence of serious fallings-out in years past, but I try very hard to ignore them. As a current officer of the club, I seem to have teed off a couple past presidents to the point that they don't show up at meetings anymore. All I know is that I am on speaking terms with some other hams in town that they dislike. Very sad...
But, both clubs are very friendly and highly productive. We work hard to nurture newcomers, and provide stimulating club meetings.
Posted by
K0RGR
on November 9, 2007
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clubs
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I'm a member of 3 small (15-25 members) clubs in rural areas - 2 local, one back in my home town. Treasurer of one and VP of another. Also EC/RO for the county. All are nice groups. Not much real conflict. Sometimes I don't agreee with the direction they may be taking, or they don't agree with my ideas. But I have learned to just go with the flow and avoid conflicts.
Also a member of USAF MARS. Not really a club but it feels like one. Affiliates all share common goals and operating interests. I highly recommend MARS if you are interested in (HF) emergency communications, or if you are frustrated with a lack of local ecom activity or a local ecom 'clique.'
Posted by
KC2WI
on November 8, 2007
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Being ignored
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Sad about the being ignored stuff, but I know it happens.
In fact, it happens when the ARRL is involved! Here's what happened to me. Lucky I'm already licensed and have been a ham since I was a kid, so this episode didn't have any impact other than to make me wonder why they bother showing up:
I was at the NAB (broadcaster's) convention three years ago at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. It's a large convention, pretty much the only one in the world like it, so it attracts people involved in the broadcast industry from all over the world.
The ARRL had a "booth" in the connecting hallway between two main exhibit halls of the CC, close to several food venues so it was a spot with a lot of traffic.
Manning the booth were two older gents wearing big ARRL badges and hats. They were locals. The little booth had some ARRL pamphlets and such on the counter. The two gents were rag chewing with a visiting old timer (ham), chatting about all sorts of stuff. It was evident they all knew each other.
I walked up with no amateur radio badge or ID of any kind, like an interested party who might have some questions about amateur radio. I literally leaned on the counter about twelve inches from where these guys were, and stood there looking inquisitive -- for ten minutes. Never once did any of the three even look at me, let alone ask if they could help me or answer any questions.
If I had been a "prospective" ham, that pretty much would have ended my curiosity and I'd have thought ham radio is a hobby populated by a bunch of 70 year-old guys who couldn't care less about anyone else.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on November 7, 2007
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Clubs
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Admittedly, I'm not much of a joiner. However, I have examined two local clubs via their web sites and local flea market. At one, my daughter and I were ignored. For the other, I sent emails to two of the club officers expressing my interest. Neither email bounced and both officers were heard on the local repeaters the same week. Meaning, of course, my emails were ignored. There are other clubs around here that have been recommended to me but no so easy for me to attend. The first two seem to be cliques. This whole club thing has become a real curiosity to me as I wonder why some of them exist. I wish them all well.
Posted by
KA2DDX
on November 7, 2007
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The good, the bad, and the fugly
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When I moved to "City A" several years ago, I hesitantly went to a meeting of the local ham radio club. Much to my surprise, the hams there were friendly, engaging, and though there were some differences of opinion, everyone got along fairly well; those who didn't agree with each other at least respected the others' opinions, and 'agreed to disagree'. The club meetings were well-organized and well-run, with the business end of things taking place, then a short break, and a presentation of some sort, ranging anywhere from a 'read along' of handouts on some radio-related subject to hands-on demonstrations of technology. It was great, and over the next several years, I gave several presentations myself, and even served as vice-president of the club for a while.
A few years ago, I moved to "City B" for work reasons. There are a number of radio clubs in the area, but due to a strange work schedule, only one has meetings that I can attend. I went to one meeting, expecting (perhaps naively) to find a similar atmosphere of congeniality and interest in a common subject. What I found was a large room full of people who were clearly separated into their own little social groups, some with evident hostility towards others. The "business meeting" was little more than a back-and-forth about issues that had clearly been outstanding for a good while, and nobody seemed very surprised when the subject was tabled until the next meeting 'again'. There was plenty of grumbling and groaning about the state of various projects, each of which clearly had its supporters and its opponents, who did everything that they could to be disrespectful to those in favor of it, and to keep them from even holding discussion about them.
I only stuck around for the meeting's 'presentation' because I had hoped that it would perhaps be of enough interest to offset the acidity of the club's business. It turned out to be little more than a "show and tell", with people showing off their new handhelds, taking pot-shots at the competition's radios, features, or lack thereof. Before I left the hall, I hunted down the attendance sheet and crossed my name off of it, but they added me to the club's email list anyway, where the grumbling and politics continued in digital form. When emails to the list's administrator failed to remove my address from their gripe list, I ended up having to set up a filter to direct all of their email to the trash folder.
It was a pleasure to attend the meetings in "City A", and I looked forward to them every month. With clubs like the one in "City B" acting as ambassadors to the hobby however, it's no wonder that people have a negative perception of ham radio.
Posted by
W4TQI
on November 6, 2007
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Choice is what it's about
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We have the choice of two clubs here my my area. The reason for that is easy, Hams have varied interests. The two clubs follow different paths.
I am a member of both. I am a past vice president of one and current president of the other. I am an ARES and RACES member. I believe in inclusion for everyone.
Posted by
AD5TD
on November 6, 2007
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local club
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I'm a member of the Temple ARC in Temple Tx. The only one thing I have been deployed to the middle east so much since I join I think they even forgot about me. oh well have to start all over in about OCT 08
73's de Jim
WU5E
YI9JK
Posted by
WU5E
on November 6, 2007
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Local club in a rural area
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Unlike the comments of big-city hams, our club is in rural area of Eastern Washington. It supports one of our repeater systems. It is made up of active hams using all modes, including large-scale EME.
I have never tired of monthly meetings where I've learned about the vast array of projects our members are invovled in: advanced APRS; 6m DX; and designing SHF transceivers.
Our members help each other raise towers or fix repeaters, volunteer for COMM at local run/walks and rodeos.
I am sorry to here about the lack of social ham graces in your urban environments.
73,
---* Ken
Posted by
WI7B
on November 5, 2007
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The Internet as a Club
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For me, the Internet has partially replaced my need for a local club. I can give and receive advice throughout the world with like-minded hams on very specific topics. The pool of expertise has been compounded.
Posted by
N0NV
on November 5, 2007
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Learned this years ago...
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If you enjoy politics, join a Ham Club.
If you enjoy peace and quiet, make ham friends other than at a club.
REPLY: Here Here!
Posted by
KA3NRX
on November 5, 2007
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Joining radio clubs
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To me its like joining a gang.
Too much politics
Too many cliques
Too much waste of good time
It's for two meter newbies
Posted by
NY7Q
on November 4, 2007
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Clubs and Hams
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If you have three hams in the same community you will have two clubs :)
Posted by
KK4Z
on November 4, 2007
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I'm not an Active Member. I joined for the Support a Club gives the Hobby.
Doug S.
Posted by
DOUGG
on November 4, 2007
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Politics
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If you enjoy politics, join a Ham Club.
If you enjoy peace and quiet, make ham friends other than at a club.
Posted by
W7AIT
on November 4, 2007
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The Answer
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John, you must tell the Moonraker folks the proper way to modify their antenna. First, they must install a short "balancing loop" of #12 copper wire (about 3" long) between the coax connectors of the antenna. To make it work more efficiently and "put out to skipland", they will need at least an 800 watt amplifier to drive it with. The balancing loop negates the need for a tuner, so the antenna coax is to be hooked directly to the amplifier.
Posted by
ICR71A
on November 3, 2007
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Local Clubs
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I live in New York but still belong to the Dayton Amateur
Radio Association which I joined 20 years ago.
There are no local clubs that I wish to belong to because I
was spoiled by DARA. They are the "Gold Standard" for clubs.
Posted by
W2UIS
on November 3, 2007
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How many "I's" in club?
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Look, I got ne time for a power struggle between rivals in a group.
It's easier to join a group on the radio than to listen to an angry mob. There I can change the frequency if need be.
Thee's no group I have found worthwhile near me for at least a one hours drive.
A group that can have a place to go to operate something a person can't have is important a person gets liscenced and needs gear to borrow for a while till they can get thier own is just as important.
To work as a team to accomplish these goals is just as important. Notice I said team. Thee is no "I" in team.
Some education of a newbie is just as important. New modes, how to use gear, how to build station equipment, where to find resources, how to budget, how to manage QSO's, contesting, electronic education basics, etc.
With the way things are now the technology that gets beyond us, the time consumed in a modern day lifestyle and cost for transportation combimed with a "me" attitude so many people have taken on now.
Last one to die with the most toys wins idea.
I doubt its possible to get a good one going now. Hats off to those of you who have the good ones. Unfortunately I can't find one with my interests and with in a reasonable driving range of say 15 minutes for a twice a week appearance.
Granted not everybody can have a 160 meter station aned many can't even get to 80 or even 40. An apartment is one place you just can't have a good station.
Newbies have a more difficult time of getting started now than they ever have and harder to find things and operate them than the regulars may have gone thru.
As far as publicity goes, to holler when so many other intersts are hollering is a point of deafness from which little can be heard and even less understood.
No the odds are not good. So there may be clubs still, but a good club worth the effort, well I'm back to solo again like I've been for years. Maybe someday.
As lifestyles go and attitudes of the people, I think it unfortunate, but I think we'll eventually lose on this one.
Posted by
KA3DPW
on November 2, 2007
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Club or Clique?
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It's kinda hard to tell. If you listen long and hard for a few weeks, it becomes self evident.
Former member of one of the finest clubs in central North Carolina. Gone but not forgotten.
73...
Posted by
W4ABX
on November 2, 2007
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Both Local and RAC
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I belonged to our Local Club since I was a Student nearly 40 years ago. I also belong to RAC Canada's ARRL
73
Gerry VE7BGP
Posted by
VE7BGP
on November 2, 2007
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rcarc.com
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Member of the county club, Rockingham County Amateur Radio Club. It's an active club, with a Ham Fest each year in addition to being active in several yearly contests. The Club is very active in promoting Amateur Radio to the community. We would love to have any one in our area come and join us. See the above link for details.
73 Trey
Posted by
W4HWB
on November 1, 2007
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Local Ham Club
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Yes,I am a member as well as the Vice-President for 07/08(Baker Co.Fla).We have a small club but we have a small community as well.This was our 1st year to have the scouts over for JOTA & about 12 scouts came out & had a GREAT day & some pretty good food as well.I know clubs are not for all hams but for some it's a lot of fun for the members as well as their guest for SPECIAL EVENTS!I do NOT think I would enjoy a LARGE club as much as a small club since I USUALLY do NOT like BIG crowds unless it's a Hamfest anyway!haha
73's,
Clayton
W4KVW
Posted by
W4KVW
on November 1, 2007
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Amateur Radio Clubs!
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ABSOLUTELY, I do belong to our local ARC, in fact I am the current president, my term will expire next month(term limits). Our club though not large by some standards, some 65 members, had only 53 when I took the reins. I encouraged input from every one. If we have a new member show up at one of our meetings, when we introduce ourselves, I have the new member or prospective member stand up and say a few words about him/her self. Every other month, after our regular business meeting we try to have a program of some sort, ie; EchoLink, Packet, antennas 101,etc. It doesn't always work out that way but we try.
If you ever find yourself in sunny Vero Beach, Fl. our monthly club meeting is on the 2nd. Thursday of the month at 7:30pm at the new EOC 4225 43rd. Ave Vero Beach, FL. You can look us up on the web at http://www.vbarc.net.
In addition to the Vero Beach Club I am also a member of the St. Lucie Repeater Association, the Ft. Pierce ARC. I am also the AEC for Indian River Co. and an ARRL appointed Technical Specialist for our area. It does keep me busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We have a great bunch of guy and gals here, who will help in any way possible. Hope to catch you on the air.
73 de Mark
AI4HO
Posted by
KI4CRA
on November 1, 2007
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Re. New Bleed
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Found the same thing here in the Midwest. Just another manifestation of the "ME" generation. When I think of the thousands of hours (literally) that I spent helping new hams and the local repeater club in the '60's, I just can't believe the way things are now. Still spend a lot of time with electronics but very little air time and definately NO clubs.
Tom
Posted by
KB5DPE
on October 31, 2007
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Re. New Bleed
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Found the same thing here in the Midwest. Just another manifestation of the "ME" generation. When I think of the thousands of hours (literally) that I spent helping new hams and the local repeater club in the '60's, I just can't believe the way things are now. Still spend a lot of time with electronics but very little air time and definately NO clubs.
Tom
Posted by
KB5DPE
on October 31, 2007
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Kick / Bite / Scratch & Cuss
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The local club decided to conduct license testing and there were about 7 or 8 VEs who could participate. The VEs had a split in their ranks concerning FCC rules:
Group A protested when an unlicensed relative of a new ham talked on the local repeater, using a HT (in the presence of the licensed “control” operator). They publicly humiliated the offending party on the air, saying they would report anyone doing this to Riley.
Group B said nobody was violating FCC rules by allowing unlicensed friends to use the repeater via their HT because the control operator was present. They pointed out that if this practice is illegal, we would have to stop unlicensed persons from talking on the radio at field day also.
The 2 VE groups disagreed vehemently and the issue was never resolved. Most people didn’t want to get involved in the war (particularly the new hams) so the licensing exam program didn’t fly very long. The repeaters are predominately silent now.
The club decided to publish a newsletter. Several members said we didn’t have enough news to report to justify the cost of printing and mailing it. Those in favor won out but the newsletter editor received unending flack for consuming the treasury money to publish & distribute a newsletter that was not necessary. About 80 percent of the members received their newsletter electronically. After a couple of years of complaints, the newsletter team closed the press to the disdain of some and the glee of many. There is no newsletter.
The club decided to emphasize emergency operations and emergency training exercises. This planning activity bored and provoked a number of members who had no interest in it and it hampered their socializing at the meetings. The emergency folks managed to acquire a non-profit status for the club that was not appreciated by most. The cost of the 501 and the record keeping didn’t amuse most of the members.
The emergency hams formed a special interest group and set up a separate meeting night. They needed the 501 to encourage donations of equipment to prepare and train. The regular club members were angry that club money funded the 501 program and they decided they would not do the public service activities that the program required. “What do we want a 501 for? We’re radio operators, not public service workers.”
At the end of the fiscal year, the emergency group sent in the 501 paperwork with the emergency group’s name on the header instead of the regular club name that it was registered under. They reasoned that it was necessary to do this because the regular club had decided not to perform any of the required qualification activities and they didn’t want to lose the charter.
The regular club members said the emergency group stole their 501 that they had paid for. While they didn’t want the 501, they still thought it was very wrong for the other group to steal it from them. They threatened to file criminal charges against the leaders of the emergency group and try their best to obtain prison sentences for the emergency hams.
The white heat dissipated from the confrontation but a determined hatred remains. There’s a proud attitude in the south that says, “If you ever make me mad, I’ll never forget it and I’ll make sure my grandkids never forget it either.” Sooner or later the Hatfields and the McCoys will polarize (or in this case the EmComms and the Good ol’ Boys). You cannot be neutral. You either join the fight with us or else you’re one of them. Hard lines are drawn and the only way to avoid the clash is to avoid local amateur radio altogether and forget being involved with either group.
Nobody wants to talk on the local repeaters because they don’t want their enemies to hear anything they have to say. The local “communications specialists” have chosen not to communicate and have resorted to just listening.
The emergency group trains regularly for tornadoes, floods and health incidents that they will never be allowed to assist in this county. They definitely had the disadvantage since their goal is to win the cooperation of the local county emergency management officials and to develop an effective organization.
The regular local club has no aspirations of seeing growth or change. This group doesn’t have to do anything to meet their goal, except to discourage any new plans. Indeed, a good argument or fight is adequate stimulation to keep the attendance up. A comment at a recent meeting: “I don’t care if anyone else joins or not, especially if we’re talking about more outsiders coming in.”
Some newly licensed hams talked about a meeting they attended. “We won’t be doing THAT anytime again soon!” A few hams belong to both groups but they are considered to be spies for one group or the other. Plans are often met with counter-plans from the adversaries and quenched rather quickly.
The emergency group did mange to send the communications trailer with some of their operators to the Katrina disaster. They can be utilized out-of-state okay but not anywhere around here where they are blacklisted. They finally gave up trying to talk with the locals and took the county identifiers off their logo and changed their name. Instead of “county” they now are affiliated with the Tennessee State emergency organizations. This county doesn’t participate in the state emergency functions or procedures.
More than a few hams have said they have lived in different parts of the country and have been involved in various amateur radio clubs but they have never seen such a situation as exists here. Camaraderie? Well, between 1 or 2 here and maybe 2 or 3 there. I think I’ll join the IOTA club where they’re not affected by politics.
Posted by
W4XKE
on October 31, 2007
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Several clubs in central NJ
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I belong to the Delaware Valley Radio Club (W2ZQ), the Raritan Valley Radio Club (W2QW), the David Sarnoff Radio Club (N2RE) and the NJ QRP Club. The first two meet the same night, same time (ugh!), the last two are "free, no dues, no bureaucracy" clubs, and the NJQRP group is also about homebrewing equipment, not just QRP operation. It's an eclectic group of clubs, for sure! Great folks, though, and many belong to several like I do.
In addition, I belong to the Princeton Emergency Radio Club, which operates N2ARC from the American Red Cross of Central NJ in Princeton. Again, many of the folks in PERC belong to several of the other clubs in central NJ!
Do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know more about any of these great clubs!
Gerry Jurrens, N2GJ
ARRL/AMSAT Life Member
Posted by
N2GJ
on October 31, 2007
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Hastings Electronics and Radio Club
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I belong to the Hastings Electronics and Radio Club (HERC). I've belonged to several clubs in the past, having lived in various parts of England, and HERC is the friendliest one.
73, Leon
G1HSM
Posted by
G1HSM
on October 31, 2007
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Hosarc, Limarc and the NFRC
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I USED to belong to Hall of Science ARC, but have let my membership lapse do to lack of intrest. I still belong to LIMARC, as that is probably the repeater I use the most. On top of that, there are a bunch of us who either chip in to maintain, and or help maintain a bunch of local repeaters and digipeaters - they call themselves the "NFRC". BTW the guy who does most of the work on those repeaters helps a bunch of the clubs too
Posted by
KG2V
on October 30, 2007
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Local club likes visitors!
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Anyone who is in the Mount Washington Valley area of New Hampshire is cordially invited to visit us! The White Mtn ARC meets on the second thursday of every month at the Conway,NH public library downstairs in the Ham Room at 6:30 PM. Check out our website-w1mwv.com. See you there! de WA1UFO/Hans--
Posted by
WA1UFO
on October 30, 2007
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New Bleed
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I am a member of the local club. I am reconsidering why I am. I joined the club after my 17 year absence from the hobby. The hobby has changed so much in the 17 years. I sent an e-mail out to the local club and a nearby club looking for people to come to a tower party. I had no solid responses and newbie heckling. 17-20 years ago when a ham was new to the area, everyone would get in line at the tower party and help get the ham on the air. Now with the "new breed" of ham radio operators, with their entire station on their belt, they have no desire to help the new hams in the area. Now I have a tower trailer and building a second, so I do not need any of the assistance of the "new breed"
Posted by
KB6QXM
on October 30, 2007
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No whiners!
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After being involved with my local club off and on for 25 years, I have come to the conclusion that there are those who just don't care about anyone but themselves, those that want everybody to do it their way but are not willing to put any effort into making the changes and those few who really are involved and try to make a difference.
Which one are you?
Danny
Posted by
NG9R
on October 30, 2007
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Am a wheelchair-user with no legs, despite the fact the local club is breaking the law, they will not move to another venue so that i too can share in meeting socially with local hams. Que sera sera!
Posted by
G6XCJ
on October 30, 2007
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An active, fun club brings folks in!
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My club is growing, and bigger than it's been since the mid-80's, but only because a few of us take the initiative to organize fun activities. It's up to you to make your club alive and worthwhile. Do something fun, tell your club members about it, and, if others are interested enough to participate, you will increase your fun and help your club. One or two evenings a month goes a long way. 73 de kt8k - Tim
Posted by
KT8K
on October 30, 2007
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An active, fun club brings folks in!
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My club is growing, and bigger than it's been since the mid-80's, but only because a few of us take the initiative to organize fun activities. It's up to you to make your club alive and worthwhile. Do something fun, tell your club members about it, and, if others are interested enough to participate, you will increase your fun and help your club. One or two evenings a month goes a long way. 73 de kt8k - Tim
Posted by
KT8K
on October 30, 2007
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Club Time Management
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Manage your time! You can't get a refund!!!
Don't do what you don't like to do. Its a hobby after all, and its supposed to be fun.
Learn to say NO -- Don't commit time to things you don't have time for.
Never give money to a club unless you could throw it in the trash and not miss it.
Just smile and walk away from arguments. There are enough people in the world willing to kick you. Get away from them and hang out with people who would rather chat with you.
Did I mention that its a hobby and its supposed to be fun?
Get on the AIR people! You are likely to find someone there that wants to chat with you!
161 Brandon
Posted by
K5YF
on October 30, 2007
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Belong to the statewide DX club
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I used to belong to the local club, but it ended up that their interests were much different than mine were (I could care less about APRS), and the meeting nights didn't fit well with my schedule, so I didn't renew my membership. I did join the Oklahoma DX Association since their interests are much closer to mine. They really only have informal lunch meetings every week, and it is a 80 mile drive for me, but they sure have good food and discussion.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on October 29, 2007
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One thing I like about ham radio is that if I don't like or enjoy what I am hearing, I can turn the VFO.
Much of what I heard in the local club, that I was a member of, was either similar to, or exactly like what starts me looking for my VFO.
One time, I attended the DX annual end of the year club meeting for a large DX club north of me. I sat at the table of the outgoing pres., who remarked that his greatest accomplishment that year, was diffusing potential bickering and ego clashes enough so that they didn't loose a single member, and gained new members.
Unfortunately, the click in the local club didn't have the same insight or perspective. But, the inside click sure knew how to be right and cut discussion off to vote what they wanted.
Bob
Posted by
W7ETA
on October 29, 2007
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Two Clubs in Area
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We have two "clubs" in our area and the relationship has gone from strained to fractured. The one club has been active since the 40s and was the domain of the local good old boys and the retirees from up north moved in and by and large they were accepted, although some "yankees" got pushy and some good old boys didn't like that. But mostly got along. That wasn't the real problem.
Then a few years ago we decided to form a separate group dedicated to emergency communications. Many belonged to both groups, but the real focus in the new one was Emcom. We prospered and grew and built a great mobile commnications center with tower, radios, sleeping quarters, satellite internet, etc. Took it to Mississippi right after Katrina and it was just great. But a number of the members in the Emcom group grew restless and were on the verge of resigning as they had no say in the organization. We had a board of seven and thirteen non-board members - the chiefs and the indians. Long story short we tried to get the board to have elections of officers and board members (the seven), to have term limits, and to allow the members (the 13) to have a voice and a vote in things. At first the seven agreed to allow some changes but then reversed and said we could have no voice and no vote - i.e. Daddy knows best. So the 13 indians resigned at once after declaring a no confidence vote in the board (the seven). So the effort to keep the group failed miserably and there are some very strong feelings ranging from being irritated to outright hate between a few. Moreover, the Emcom group got off on the wrong foot with the local officials which were not moving fast enough and in the proper direction for them and managed to alienate themselves in their home county, and they subsequently reached out to other counties, which was a good idea regardless, but it is so sad.
Ham radio and Emcom is supposed to be something that causes enjoyment. I took the radio (Yaesu FT-857D & ATAS antenna) out of the old car and decided not to install it in the new car as the situation here has soured me on ham radio in general. The radios in the shack are also silent. I had to work in a stressful situation with some prople who did not get along when I was paid to do it, but in retirement when you have the opportunity to work together and learn from one another it just doesn't happen. And another shame is that there are really good and capabile people in both groups. Only one group had Field Day this year, it will probably be the same next year. I helped set up and tear down and watched TV at home during Field Day. And I so looked forward to having the time to enjoy ham radio when I retired, and I find myself living with a dysfunctional family of hams. Sad, so sad!
Posted by
W4NSA
on October 29, 2007
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HOSARC
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I belong to The Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club here in NYC and during the 10 plus years I have been a member, I have met some great people and made ( I hope )a lot friends, had the opportunity to work lots of Dx from the club station-WB2JSM,go on some portable operations to activate a few US Islands and host other operations that I would have never done on my own..Not to mention all the great guest speakers the club has had, like Gordon West WB6NOA and Ken Neubeck WB2AMU to name a few.
HOSARC goes out of it's way to make all new members feel welcome and at home and not many clubs can say that and I speak from experience from attending meetings of at least four other clubs in the surrounding area.
Clubs can be great if you get involved ,make friends and try not worry about any political stuff that goes on in any group-organized or not.
Posted by
KC2CBA
on October 29, 2007
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Two Clubs in Area
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We have two "clubs" in our area and the relationship has gone from strained to fractured. The one club has been active since the 40s and was the domain of the local good old boys and the retirees from up north moved in and by and large they were accepted, although some "yankees" got pushy and some good old boys didn't like that. But mostly got along. That wasn't the real problem.
Then a few years ago we decided to form a separate group dedicated to emergency communications. Many belonged to both groups, but the real focus in the new one was Emcom. We prospered and grew and built a great mobile commnications center with tower, radios, sleeping quarters, satellite internet, etc. Took it to Mississippi right after Katrina and it was just great. But a number of the members in the Emcom group grew restless and were on the verge of resigning as they had no say in the organization. We had a board of seven and thirteen non-board members - the chiefs and the indians. Long story short we tried to get the board to have elections of officers and board members (the seven), to have term limits, and to allow the members (the 13) to have a voice and a vote in things. At first the seven agreed to allow some changes but then reversed and said we could have no voice and no vote - i.e. Daddy knows best. So the 13 indians resigned at once after declaring a no confidence vote in the board (the seven). So the effort to keep the group failed miserably and there are some very strong feelings ranging from being irritated to outright hate between a few. Moreover, the Emcom group got off on the wrong foot with the local officials which were not moving fast enough and in the proper direction for them and managed to alienate themselves in their home county, and they subsequently reached out to other counties, which was a good idea regardless, but it is so sad.
Ham radio and Emcom is supposed to be something that causes enjoyment. I took the radio (Yaesu FT-857D & ATAS antenna) out of the old car and decided not to install it in the new car as the situation here has soured me on ham radio in general. The radios in the shack are also silent. I had to work in a stressful situation with some prople who did not get along when I was paid to do it, but in retirement when you have the opportunity to work together and learn from one another it just doesn't happen. And another shame is that there are really good and capabile people in both groups. Only one group had Field Day this year, it will probably be the same next year. I helped set up and tear down and watched TV at home during Field Day. And I so looked forward to having the time to enjoy ham radio when I retired, and I find myself living with a dysfunctional family of hams. Sad, so sad!
Posted by
W4NSA
on October 29, 2007
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We have a bunch
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No shortage of ARC's around here. I could belong to a dozen of them and never have to drive more than 20 miles to a club meeting.
I did belong to 3-4 local clubs at once, but became a bit burned out.
I'll join a few again when I have a bit more free time, hopefully in the next year or two. I don't enjoy "meetings" unless something's really being accomplished, and because of this I usually end up volunteering to do all sorts of stuff that takes time...vicious circle!
Posted by
WB2WIK
on October 29, 2007
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Amateur Radio Clubs
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Wow! Well I guess I'm lucky. I live in a very small town, and our Amateur Radio Club isn't that big but it sure is very friendly. Our club is very small, that I know of, I just joined recently. All of the members that I met have offered me help on setting up a station, offered to talk with me, and even gave me a HT to get started. I like our group. Very Friendly
73's,
Tyler
Posted by
TMTYLER357
on October 29, 2007
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Local Clubs
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My Amateur Radio Club, the YONKERS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB consist of a fine group of HAMS. We have many activities and give Amateur Radio test every month. Our monthly meeting are both informative and interesting. We have a nice coffe and bagle spread.
Some clubs are clickish as was the first club I joined. This club is very inclusive and a friendlier group of people you won't find
Posted by
KB2DHG
on October 29, 2007
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Cliques
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I tried two clubs, same results. There is a top dog, if you voice an opinion without ASKING him in private. You will be immediately shot down, and thereafter be ignored. I ran into the same situation in my previous VFW Post. Some people put their need to be King Of The Hill above the common good of the Club. It's just another form of BULLY!
Posted by
N4VNV
on October 29, 2007
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Great Oppertunity to grow
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We have a very active club here in Yuba City, Ca. We have monthly meetings that are programs, or building or potlucks, or breakfasts or dinners or fox hunts. We do a little of everything. A club is a great way to meet ham friends. Being an officer or board member gets you on the inside to have lots of extra fun. We have a web site:
ysarc.org
where members can download our monthly Valley Ham News letter.
We contest together and have field day together. From the sounds of it (in the above posts) we are lucky to have so much fun. Fun is what ham radio is all about. I hope some of you took the opportunity to work some DX this weekend in the CQWW dx contest. In just a few hours I worked 13 countries on 4 continents. What fun.
We have a Monday night net that meets at 7 PM. We have been doing this for 25 years and we check in about 30 or more club members and guest who find out what is going on in the Sacramento Valley and practice being net control for possible emergency service.
Every January the club sponsors a Technician class and then gives a free one year membership to the new hams. We work to get the new hams up and hamming ASAP.
If you want to have fun and learn more about the hobby then check out joining a club or starting a new club. The ARRL is helpful in this area or talk to your local Section Manager who can point you in the right direction. We are lucky to have Ron Murdock W6KJ as our SV Section Manager who visits all the clubs in our section and can help point people in the direction they need for help in joining a club of forming one. Clubs are there for you to enjoy with a little effort on your part to find the right fit.
Bob W6OWH President Yuba Sutter Amateur Radio Club and Assistant SV Section Manager
Posted by
W6OWH
on October 28, 2007
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Soon..........
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There are so many in this area in chicago I plan on joining stars suburban technical ametuer radio system and hamfesters.
Posted by
KC9MAV
on October 28, 2007
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new member
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I recently moved and just joined the local club. We didn't have a club where I used to live. Several of us were working on getting one organized, but it was difficult to build much interest.
At my new home, I joined the local club and have been given a really warm welcome. I have also joined the local ARES group and have really been enjoying this new area to me:-)
My hat is off to the Clark County [IN] Amateur Radio Club. A really great group.
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
Posted by
K9ZF
on October 28, 2007
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Radio Clubs in INDIA
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Dear Friends,
I am member of nearly 10 of our local Amateur Radio Societies and Clubs of our Country - in some taking active volunteer role and in some just a member on records.
de Lion Ajoy - VU2JHM
Disaster Manager & Custiodian - VU2LCI
Secretary, VU2ARC
Posted by
VU2JHM
on October 28, 2007
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Not sure if there is a club around this area.
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I have lived in four seperate counties in N. Va in the past 8 years, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and now Warren. I don't know how many clubs, if any, existed in these places, except for Arlington and Fairfax Counties. The one club that I knew of in Arlington had such an elitist attitude, that unless you were asked to join by the so called "inner circle", they did not want you as a member of the club. The only other club I knew of was actually an association (Northern Virginia FM Association). The association basically was there to support and work on the repeaters, and there was no other club type activities. The leadership of the association changed hands a few years back to a group that was less than nice, and the last I heard, the membership fell from what was once 400+ members to less than a 100.
Amateur Radio Clubs around here don't seem to want their existance known, or try to recruit any new members through direct contact, because I've never heard directly from any clubs in places that I have lived. I've also never seen any type of advertisment from any local ARCs. I don't think it is reasonable to expect hams, especially new ones or a person that is new to an area, to have to go out on a search mission just to find out if an ARC actually exists in their area. If clubs want to have members, they need to make their existance known, and encourage people to join.
73 Jim
Posted by
AB4D
on October 27, 2007
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No longer clubs but fight centers
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The two I belonged to are no longer 'clubs' so to speak, but places where hams go to argue about everything under the sun. In one, I just let my membership lapse, in the other I'm a life member.
In that club, the latest argument stems from two factions--one faction wants to tear down our clubhouse and build new, even though the old building is fairly new and serviceable and needs little in the way of repair. The other faction includes some of the longer time hams who are against tearing it down because they put their sweat and donations of time and materials into it.
Arguments everywhere, and even though a resolution has been accepted there are still some members with sour grapes. With society pushing more towards a 'me first' attitude, and that attitude pervading everything including ham clubs, it is becoming less and less enjoyable to join--or continue membership--in one.
Posted by
K1CJS
on October 27, 2007
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Amateur radio clubs
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They don't exist here now. We had a nice one in the area but now all i have is a nice looking jacket with my call on it and my sk dads jacket as a reminder. Nothing but bitching and fighting and back biting. I even joined another one in a nearby town and it was the same or maybe a little worse.
We gave amateur radio classes, had a ve team, tried to have picnics and field day get togethers...it all ended. I'm not a bit bashful either on the reason they fell apart here. We've got area hams licensed since the 50's here among us. The new breed started showing up and we could not elmer them at all. They simply refused it. Infact some of us actually got cussed while trying to help these freebanders better themselves.
Our hamradio club became the new version of the old cb club. Sure we all tried to be nice at the start and give them a chance. I even invited them into my home and shack. Many of them sat at my table and enjoyed the wifes cooking and then got a visit to my shack.
For some reason here locally you can't tell a cber with an extra class license why his moonraker 4 won't work on 75 meters. Oh well that's another story but the chain of events from those types coming into our club caused it to fall completely apart.
That atmosphere isn't amateur radio. I'll never get myself involved in another one as long as i can breath a breath of air either.
This is a beautiful part of our country i live in here but... there must be something in the air or the water we drink to make us so ignorant. "Southern Wv/East Ky".
Nuff said, chores to do!
73 John
Posted by
WR8D
on October 27, 2007
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Two Clubs in Area
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I actually have a choice between two clubs in the Charleston, SC area. The Charleston Amateur Radio Society (CARS) and the Trident Amateur Radio Club (TARC) of which I am a member (only time and funds to belong to one).
Posted by
KG4RUL
on October 26, 2007
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