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Fishing Where the Fish Are

Created by Don Keith N4KC on 2020-03-20

Fishing Where the Fish Are

By Don Keith N4KC

 

If you see no reason to attempt to attract other potential amateur radio licensees to our hobby, read no farther. If you don’t agree that the best way to keep our hobby vibrant and exciting is to grow its numbers, go on back to however you were wasting time before you clicked on this article. If you are convinced we will never recruit that many more new folks to come enjoy ham radio as you and I have, that we are wasting our time and energy trying, then resume your previous activities and don’t bother yourself by reading on.

 

Now, if you fall into one of those categories in the opening paragraph above yet are still reading, what is wrong with you and why are you so dense and deluded?

 

Of course, there is value in growing our ranks! The more people we have, the more diversified and interesting our hobby becomes. The bands are not overly crowded. Not every innovation or idea has been shared and developed and applied. Simply out of the goodness of our hearts we should be motivated to help others experience the same benefits, learning, public service satisfaction, excitement, competition, and just plain fun we have. Oh, and there is that little thing about allotted spectrum. As RF becomes even more crucial in how we live our daily lives (5G and all the other Gs to follow, anybody?), we need more and more justification for retaining the vast slices of territory we are allowed to roam…often exclusively.

 

“But Don,” you say. “It’s useless. Kids have cell phones and video games. Adults are too busy. Females will never adopt a technical hobby. We’re just an old man’s pastime and society has long since left ham radio in the dust. We’re wasting time and effort we could better apply to our 75-meter ragchew every night. Plus, the ARRL is only interested in making money and does nothing to grow the hobby, so why should I?”

 

My reaction? I get white around the mouth, squint my eyes, wag my finger in your face as I attempt to not totally lose my cool at the sheer ignorance of such a goofy response. Whew! Now, a bit calmer, I push back. Hopefully with convincing logic and not a literal shove.

 

At last estimate, there are 372 million people in the U.S.A. 38 million in Canada. Almost 8 BILLION humans populate planet earth. And since people do what people do, those numbers are increasing algebraically. Which is polite language for real dang fast.

 

And you are arguing that there are not a few million or so who might be interested in the most dynamic, versatile and exciting hobby there is?

 

Yes, kids are exposed to more technology than we old geezers could have ever imagined when we were their age. I was fascinated by a remote control for the TV so my dad no longer had to yell, “Don, change to channel 6!” And by Radio Moscow coming in on the radio at night in our living room. But is it not possible that such an early introduction to sophisticated and ubiquitous technology might just entice several million young folks to want to dig deeper? To maybe consider modern ham radio to be a hands-on entry into a lifelong career? Is it not feasible that young people who are exposed to RF, digital communications, and more might be easier by far to reach than kids of my generation who had no idea what might be possible one day? Also, to say females have no interest in a “technical” hobby is not only sexist, it is blatantly wrong. Women are more and more likely to become engineers and scientists and to pursue technical careers, thanks to the emphasis on STEM education and their own immersion in technology over the last half century.

 

I will bite my tongue and resist preaching about the value of what the ARRL does every day to try to grow the hobby. But I am more enthusiastic than ever about recent initiatives by the League to not only reach potential new hams but to give them good, well-researched reasons why they may want to put down Pinterest or Tiktok long enough to consider something new and exciting. Plus, I am thrilled that the League is also working to not just get newcomers interested and licensed but also to get them ON THE AIR. That is what will truly grow the hobby!

 

Those who know me and who may have read my amateur radio books know that I advocate getting new hams beyond the HT-with-a-rubber-duck-antenna and on to other aspects—and those are limitless—of our hobby. They will naturally gravitate to the areas that fit their likes and technical interest. And they will either be more infected and become contagious or they will decide this radio stuff ain’t for them and move on. But at least they found out what the hobby is really about. And that the possibilities are virtually endless. And pretty dadgum exciting, too.

 

Now, all this being said, I believe we all—and the ARRL included—are missing a mighty big pond teeming with hungry fish in which to cast our lines. And it is not because I am one of those fish in that big pond.

 

I am talking about senior citizens. Or those approaching that much-maligned demographic.

 

Yes, let’s do all we can to reach and convert teens (or younger kids). Middle-age people should not be ignored, even if they are so pre-occupied with career, paying bills, raising kids and funding the 401K that they hardly have time to come up for air. And it is a positive that if we truly bring younger people to the path of amateur radio righteousness, they will be supporters of—and missionaries for—the hobby for the next seventy or eighty years.

 

But here are just a few reasons I think a coordinated campaign to evangelize to gray-hairs makes sense.

 

  1. As they approach and enjoy retirement, most are enthusiastically searching for ways to remain active, to continue learning, and to commune with others with similar interests. They soon discover golf five days a week or watching The Price is Right is not nearly as thrilling as they anticipated. They have a strong appetite for exactly what ham radio offers them. We just need to make sure they know what is on the menu.
  2. The media has finally gotten through to them that being active, being social, and learning new things can improve cognitive function and extend their lives. Become a ham and live longer, Grandpop!
  3. From empty nest to SK, they will have more time to do things they enjoy doing. There is no reason to be bored. Not with a hobby like ours to help get the most from that new commodity, spare time.
  4. Many of the other interests they have developed over the years and that they will pursue after retirement dovetail with ham radio so beautifully it is an easy sell. Camping, traveling, hiking…make your own list. And regardless their other interests, ours is a great way to find and share with others with the same proclivities.
  5. As the kids graduate college and start accumulating their own children and crushing debt, many seniors finally find themselves with enough disposable income that they can buy their own toys. Oh, and the occasional trinket for the grandkids.
  6. Baby Boomers and Millennials have grown up with rapid technological change. That means many of them will be intrigued with—not fearful of—how things work and what they can do and learn. Those of us who vividly remember the first moon landing are still amazed we can use amateur radio satellites and speak with astronauts in space.
  7. Among all those retirees out there is an amazingly broad cross-section of life experiences. How many of those potential converts are skilled at public speaking, marketing, managing people, advertising, teaching, technical development, writing…all talents that could help reach those kids with their silly phones and annoying social media.
  8. For some reason, when many of us turn 60, we develop a strong interest in weather. I don’t know why but it’s true. I’d love to see the demographics on purchasers of home weather stations. Just imagine how many of those sky-gazers would love the opportunity to become storm spotters.
  9. On a similar note, people who no longer have to punch a clock often desire to become more active in public service, mentoring, and the like. Ham radio is a natural conduit for those who want to volunteer, to help, to give back, adopt and serve a cause, or just make their towns better places in which to live.
  10. While many older people tend to become hermits or go into a shell, the fact is that most of them become more communal. They want to share time and a beverage of choice with those with whom they have common ground.

 

Those are just a few reasons why I believe it would serve us well to fish where the fish are, and especially since many of them are looking for precisely the bait we would be dangling.

 

Now, I think I’ll go lie down for a while.

 

 

Don Keith N4KC has been an active amateur radio operator for more than half a century. He had a long and award-winning career in broadcasting and marketing while also becoming a successful author. He has published more than thirty-five books, including several national best-sellers and many on World War II history and other subjects. His submarine/Navy SEAL thriller Hunter Killer was a major motion picture starring Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman, and there are five more books available in the series with more coming soon. He also has published four books about amateur radio. For info, see www.donkeith.com or www.n4kc.com.

Don Keith - Amateur Radio Station N4KC

Author of more than 30 books, fiction and non-fiction including books about the hobby of Amateur Radio.

Visit the web sites for more info: www.donkeith.com  www.n4kc.com  www.wallace-keith.com

 

N4KC2020-05-01
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are

VK2NZA:

Exactly! Again, I see great value in informing younger potential hams about all the hobby offers nowadays and give them a chance to learn more. But it's also a very appealing hobby for older folks, too. And I do like your idea about seeking out previously-licensed amateurs and let them know what may have come along since they got their tickets. Many went away because the hobby just was not for them. Many, though, might still hold that spark that only needs rekindling.

At risk of sounding self-promotional, one of my ham radio books is the result of some informal research among people who either had an interest but never followed up or who got a license but never became that involved. I asked them why. GET ON THE AIR...NOW! was written to address the most common answers I heard to that question.

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com

Reply to a comment by : VK2NZA on 2020-05-01

Hi Don, I am in agreement with your conceopt of attracting the older demographic to the hobby, Might I suggest that it may be an idea if ex amateurs were encouraged to return to the hobby, i'm sure that there are ways of looking up those who once held licences and let them expire for what ever reason and either clubs in the area to visit with them, organisations such as the ARRL in the USA or correspoding organisations in an amateurs own country etc sending out information of clubs or interested groups of amateurs in their area's. I am one of the many who held a licence when young, at high school then let my licence lapse due to making my way in the world, only to return in my mid 50's. i believe i would have been pleased to be contacted and encouraged to return to the fold and meet similarly minded people. just a thought!
VK2NZA2020-05-01
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Hi Don, I am in agreement with your conceopt of attracting the older demographic to the hobby,
Might I suggest that it may be an idea if ex amateurs were encouraged to return to the hobby, i'm sure that there are ways of looking up those who once held licences and let them expire for what ever reason and either clubs in the area to visit with them, organisations such as the ARRL in the USA or correspoding organisations in an amateurs own country etc sending out information of clubs or interested groups of amateurs in their area's.
I am one of the many who held a licence when young, at high school then let my licence lapse due to making my way in the world, only to return in my mid 50's.
i believe i would have been pleased to be contacted and encouraged to return to the fold and meet similarly minded people.
just a thought!
KC1EFW2020-04-22
Fishing Where the Fish Are
This makes sense to me. As someone who had an interest in radio for a long time but never bit the bullet and got licensed, I finally got my General 5 years ago at age 65. For a while it has been "2 meter HT with rubber duck" but now I am settled in our retirement home on the Maine coast I am getting a shack set up with ICOM 718 and a proper HF multiband on order. I would say with regard to trying to attract the young vs. the old geezers like myself it is not either/or we should do both for the reasons given. 73 de KC1EFW.
N4KC2020-04-13
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
N9LCD,

You've done a good job of stating the obvious! As I note in the article, all you need to know about successful marketing--which is what convincing anybody to give our hobby a try will require--is to:

1) Find out what people want.

2) Give them what they want.

3) Let them know that you are giving them what they want.

In the case of amateur radio, I am firmly convinced our hobby offers many, many things that would appeal to all ages, but especially those approaching or already at retirement age. If I'm right, we have #1 and #2 of that successful marketing plan covered.

Now all we need to do is develop and implement ways to let all those potential hams know what the hobby offers in the 21st century. Then help them get started.

That's all.

73,

Don Keith N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com


Reply to a comment by : N9LCD on 2020-04-13

Any ham radio recruitment program to be successful MUST first answer two questions: WHO would want to be a ham? WHY would they want to be a ham? IF HAM RADIO DOES NOT SATISFY A PERSON'S NEEDS, THEY WON'T BECOME A HAM!
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
N9LCD2020-04-13
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Any ham radio recruitment program to be successful MUST first answer two questions:

WHO would want to be a ham?

WHY would they want to be a ham?

IF HAM RADIO DOES NOT SATISFY A PERSON'S NEEDS, THEY WON'T BECOME A HAM!
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
N9LCD2020-04-08
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
"... we hams have to learn HOW TO BE NICE to new people ..."

Cut out the bragging: "I've got SEVENTEEN transceivers." "I got one antenna for each band that I work."

It's not how much you have; it's how effectively you use it.

No insulting the new guy or gal's rig.

I was on a repeater once with a newly licensed Tech when the "Repeater Cop" hollers "Get off the repeater until you guys get some "REAL RADIOS". I was using a Bendix-King / Relm PRC-127A and the Tech was using a converted Motorola.

Don't add requirements beyond those REQUIRED by the FCC.

The same "repeater cop" screamed that I should sign "N9LCD/Portable"; I was out for a walk. And the Tech was faulted for not signing /mobile."

Explain how you operate: chasing grid squares; DXCC; WAS; etc. and your favorite mode - CW, SSB, digital, etc.

Don't "steer" the new guy/gal down your "favorite" paths. Let them find their own paths.
Reply to a comment by : KC7MF on 2020-03-22

Good job Don. I could not agree more. It is a super hobby for older people. I know I sound like a broken record but we hams have to relearn how to be nice to new people. Many of us are awful Elmers. No more "appliance operators". No more "half a hams". No more "no code extras". There was a time when old men were thought to be nice and grandfatherly. Maybe we could try to get back to that.
Reply to a comment by : PU2OZT on 2020-03-21

Great read, as usual :-) May I add to the thread 6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing. Der Weg ist das Ziel. Oliver.
N4KC2020-04-07
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Bob K6UJ:

Again, I am not advocating "diluting" any efforts at attracting anyone to ham radio. I'm just saying there is fertile ground to plow with codgers.

But enough with the metaphors, dude! I'm going to go listen to some hip hop while I screen some TikTok and download another bunch of woke apps...

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com

Reply to a comment by : K6UJ on 2020-04-07

I still feel the ARRL is spot on with their plans. I think it would be a mistake to dilute our efforts at embracing the younger crowd by following your logic. I strongly feel that 100% of our effort should be in harmony with what the ARRL is doing. That is and should remain our priority.
Reply to a comment by : N4KC on 2020-03-28

Bob K6UJ: If you re-read my little piece above, you'll see that I strongly encourage and applaud the effort to reach younger (and even middle-age) folks. Simple math shows they will be around, contributing, for a much longer span of time. And they don't have all those wrinkles and gray hair that many of us assume scares off less-seasoned individuals. My point is simply that the hobby fits soon-to-be or current retirees to a tee...and with today's actuarial numbers, most will be around for another thirty years or so. Therefore, let's come up with ways to show them, too, what amateur radio offers. Thanks for the comments... 73, Don N4KC www.n4kc.com www.donkeith.com
Reply to a comment by : K6UJ on 2020-03-28

Don, The majority of amateur radio operatrs are "seniors". Why try to bolster the dwindling aggragate ? The ARRL is on the right track. They realize our effort needs to be placed on the newer, younger, crowd. They will be the future of Amateur Radio not us older operators. Your ideas are great but 180 degrees out of phase and should be applied to the "new crowd". Not addressing the "new crowd" and embracing their development pursuit of amateur radio is assuring a slow death of our great hobby. Bob K6UJ
K6UJ2020-04-07
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
I still feel the ARRL is spot on with their plans. I think it would be a mistake to dilute our efforts at embracing the
younger crowd by following your logic. I strongly feel that 100% of our effort should be in harmony with what the ARRL is doing. That is and should remain our priority.
Reply to a comment by : N4KC on 2020-03-28

Bob K6UJ: If you re-read my little piece above, you'll see that I strongly encourage and applaud the effort to reach younger (and even middle-age) folks. Simple math shows they will be around, contributing, for a much longer span of time. And they don't have all those wrinkles and gray hair that many of us assume scares off less-seasoned individuals. My point is simply that the hobby fits soon-to-be or current retirees to a tee...and with today's actuarial numbers, most will be around for another thirty years or so. Therefore, let's come up with ways to show them, too, what amateur radio offers. Thanks for the comments... 73, Don N4KC www.n4kc.com www.donkeith.com
Reply to a comment by : K6UJ on 2020-03-28

Don, The majority of amateur radio operatrs are "seniors". Why try to bolster the dwindling aggragate ? The ARRL is on the right track. They realize our effort needs to be placed on the newer, younger, crowd. They will be the future of Amateur Radio not us older operators. Your ideas are great but 180 degrees out of phase and should be applied to the "new crowd". Not addressing the "new crowd" and embracing their development pursuit of amateur radio is assuring a slow death of our great hobby. Bob K6UJ
N4KC2020-03-28
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Bob K6UJ:

If you re-read my little piece above, you'll see that I strongly encourage and applaud the effort to reach younger (and even middle-age) folks. Simple math shows they will be around, contributing, for a much longer span of time. And they don't have all those wrinkles and gray hair that many of us assume scares off less-seasoned individuals.

My point is simply that the hobby fits soon-to-be or current retirees to a tee...and with today's actuarial numbers, most will be around for another thirty years or so. Therefore, let's come up with ways to show them, too, what amateur radio offers.

Thanks for the comments...

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com


Reply to a comment by : K6UJ on 2020-03-28

Don, The majority of amateur radio operatrs are "seniors". Why try to bolster the dwindling aggragate ? The ARRL is on the right track. They realize our effort needs to be placed on the newer, younger, crowd. They will be the future of Amateur Radio not us older operators. Your ideas are great but 180 degrees out of phase and should be applied to the "new crowd". Not addressing the "new crowd" and embracing their development pursuit of amateur radio is assuring a slow death of our great hobby. Bob K6UJ
K6UJ2020-03-28
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Don,

The majority of amateur radio operatrs are "seniors".
Why try to bolster the dwindling aggragate ? The ARRL
is on the right track. They realize our effort needs to be placed on the newer, younger, crowd. They will be the future of Amateur Radio not us older operators. Your ideas are great but 180 degrees out of phase and should be applied to the "new crowd". Not addressing the "new crowd" and embracing their development pursuit of amateur radio is assuring a slow death of our great hobby.

Bob
K6UJ



KC3MIO2020-03-28
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Don

Getting to the meat of your article, I agree and I am in your target demographic. My tale is on my QRZ page, but briefly, I was interested in ham radio in my teens, but then I went to college and forgot about it. Fast forward to 2018 and a friend suggested that we get licenses, and I dusted off my long dormant desire, took the Tech license in November, the General in December and got on the air in January.

I’m 69 and have learned enough CW to be functional, work QRP and am starting kit building. I try to talk up ham radio to all who seem receptive. My dentist (around 60) seems interested. You don’t know who will be open to HR until you try.
K4EQ2020-03-28
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Right on. Don. I couldn't agree more. I'm retired and in my 70s and, because of this great hobby with many sub-hobbies within it, I never lack for something fun to do--even during this coronavirus stay-at-home time. I was a kid when I got my Novice license and my dad said he would love to get his license after he retired and had more time for it. I never really believed he would do it but, sure enough, 19 years late--and then retired--he got his Novice, the General, then Advanced licenses. He enjoyed the hobby right to the end of his life.
K4ZNC2020-03-27
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
So moving on, we know that than 10,000 people over 65 each day are retiring. Many of us retirees can look forward to 30 more years of productive life. Any thoughts on how to better market to those retiring soon so as to set the hook? Maybe an article in the monthly AARP magazine? Maybe an editorial in a local newspaper that emphasizes public service? Maybe talikig up ham radio at a Rotary luncheon meeting?
Reply to a comment by : N4KC on 2020-03-27

Joe W3TTT: Thank you for the input but danged if I can see where I started my little article with anything even approaching a "condescending" attitude. The word, according to my dictionary, means: having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority. Then, in your next sentence, you accuse me of using that attitude because I'm insecure in my beliefs. No. Not at all. My intent--and even as a professional writer, I don't always make my intentions all that clear, but I try!--was to make a point. If you don't believe it is necessarily a good idea to increase the number of people who learn about our hobby then this article is not for you. No condescension there that I can see! And I proceed over the next 1500 words or so to offer my opinions why I would like to expose more people to what ham radio offers and a few ways we can do that, including to some worthwhile targets ("fish") we might find who would be highly interested. I did not say that a reason we needed to evangelize was that we would soon run out of people to talk with. Nor am I claiming that anyone is an egg-sucking dog if he or she has no desire to be a ham-recruiting machine. The whole point of the article is to make the argument that while trying to attract younger folks to hamdom is great, let's not overlook that teeming pond of potential hams who might just be looking for the very things you and I enjoy so much about the hobby. I wish some of you would get past that attention-grabber I was going for in the first paragraph and comment--pro, con or indifferent--on the rest! 73, Don N4KC www.n4kc.com www.donkeith.com
Reply to a comment by : W3TTT on 2020-03-27

Don, There is nothing wrong with starting an article with a very condescending attitude. If this is your honest opinion, then go for it. Condescension is a highly underrated characteristic. Someone (important) once called me condescending, and meant it as an insult, but I took it as a complement. Me thinks that your first paragraph was due to an insecurity regarding your opinion. You quash down any attitude that does not match your own. And, You can find truth in math. The math says that, for example, there are 22,000 or so members of SKCC. If I worked three a day, it would take several lifetimes to work them all. And that is just one club. Then there is NAQCC, with the monthly sprints, awards and such. Then there is 3905 CCN, with their daily nets and awards. YLSystem, xCARS, yada yada yada. Not to mention Contesting (which I dabble). Not to mention projects and homebrewing, which I also do. Antennas, anyone? (Tennis, anyone?) Math, science and Engineering, and lots of fun. So, contrary to your opening paragraph, no, there is no NEED for expanding the ranks of hams. Not that I am against new people becoming hams. Just the opposite, I love and welcome new hams to the ranks, and do what i can to encourage and help new hams and I also talk up ham radio when I can and I feel that it is appropriate. Someone once said that Ham Radio is a big tent. Lots to do. Each one has interests in the many different aspects of the Hobby. And one aspect of the Hobby is to get others interested in the hobby, Elmer them and encourage them. That is one aspect but not the only aspect of Ham Radio. You seem to think that this aspect is important. It might be important to you. Not so much me. For me, if there is no one left to contact and no new radios to design or build, then there would be a problem for me. But I can't see that day coming. 73, Joe W3TTT "It's a big Tent."
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
N4KC2020-03-27
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Joe W3TTT:

Thank you for the input but danged if I can see where I started my little article with anything even approaching a "condescending" attitude. The word, according to my dictionary, means: having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority. Then, in your next sentence, you accuse me of using that attitude because I'm insecure in my beliefs. No. Not at all.

My intent--and even as a professional writer, I don't always make my intentions all that clear, but I try!--was to make a point. If you don't believe it is necessarily a good idea to increase the number of people who learn about our hobby then this article is not for you. No condescension there that I can see!

And I proceed over the next 1500 words or so to offer my opinions why I would like to expose more people to what ham radio offers and a few ways we can do that, including to some worthwhile targets ("fish") we might find who would be highly interested.

I did not say that a reason we needed to evangelize was that we would soon run out of people to talk with. Nor am I claiming that anyone is an egg-sucking dog if he or she has no desire to be a ham-recruiting machine. The whole point of the article is to make the argument that while trying to attract younger folks to hamdom is great, let's not overlook that teeming pond of potential hams who might just be looking for the very things you and I enjoy so much about the hobby.

I wish some of you would get past that attention-grabber I was going for in the first paragraph and comment--pro, con or indifferent--on the rest!

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com

Reply to a comment by : W3TTT on 2020-03-27

Don, There is nothing wrong with starting an article with a very condescending attitude. If this is your honest opinion, then go for it. Condescension is a highly underrated characteristic. Someone (important) once called me condescending, and meant it as an insult, but I took it as a complement. Me thinks that your first paragraph was due to an insecurity regarding your opinion. You quash down any attitude that does not match your own. And, You can find truth in math. The math says that, for example, there are 22,000 or so members of SKCC. If I worked three a day, it would take several lifetimes to work them all. And that is just one club. Then there is NAQCC, with the monthly sprints, awards and such. Then there is 3905 CCN, with their daily nets and awards. YLSystem, xCARS, yada yada yada. Not to mention Contesting (which I dabble). Not to mention projects and homebrewing, which I also do. Antennas, anyone? (Tennis, anyone?) Math, science and Engineering, and lots of fun. So, contrary to your opening paragraph, no, there is no NEED for expanding the ranks of hams. Not that I am against new people becoming hams. Just the opposite, I love and welcome new hams to the ranks, and do what i can to encourage and help new hams and I also talk up ham radio when I can and I feel that it is appropriate. Someone once said that Ham Radio is a big tent. Lots to do. Each one has interests in the many different aspects of the Hobby. And one aspect of the Hobby is to get others interested in the hobby, Elmer them and encourage them. That is one aspect but not the only aspect of Ham Radio. You seem to think that this aspect is important. It might be important to you. Not so much me. For me, if there is no one left to contact and no new radios to design or build, then there would be a problem for me. But I can't see that day coming. 73, Joe W3TTT "It's a big Tent."
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
W3TTT2020-03-27
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Don,
There is nothing wrong with starting an article with a very condescending attitude. If this is your honest opinion, then go for it. Condescension is a highly underrated characteristic. Someone (important) once called me condescending, and meant it as an insult, but I took it as a complement.
Me thinks that your first paragraph was due to an insecurity regarding your opinion. You quash down any attitude that does not match your own.
And, You can find truth in math.
The math says that, for example, there are 22,000 or so members of SKCC. If I worked three a day, it would take several lifetimes to work them all. And that is just one club. Then there is NAQCC, with the monthly sprints, awards and such. Then there is 3905 CCN, with their daily nets and awards. YLSystem, xCARS, yada yada yada. Not to mention Contesting (which I dabble). Not to mention projects and homebrewing, which I also do. Antennas, anyone? (Tennis, anyone?)
Math, science and Engineering, and lots of fun.
So, contrary to your opening paragraph, no, there is no NEED for expanding the ranks of hams.
Not that I am against new people becoming hams. Just the opposite, I love and welcome new hams to the ranks, and do what i can to encourage and help new hams and I also talk up ham radio when I can and I feel that it is appropriate.
Someone once said that Ham Radio is a big tent. Lots to do. Each one has interests in the many different aspects of the Hobby.
And one aspect of the Hobby is to get others interested in the hobby, Elmer them and encourage them. That is one aspect but not the only aspect of Ham Radio. You seem to think that this aspect is important. It might be important to you. Not so much me.
For me, if there is no one left to contact and no new radios to design or build, then there would be a problem for me. But I can't see that day coming.
73, Joe W3TTT
"It's a big Tent."
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
KC6RWI2020-03-26
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
I was the first comment and I was not so proud of my negative comment. My excuse and maybe the same for you, I am more involved and engaged in things to do than I have ever been. So saying that getting back to what ever you where doing hit a nerve.
Thanks for the clarification.
Reply to a comment by : N4KC on 2020-03-26

KD9NXQ: I apologize. Had I not insulted you and relied on all those bogus, made-up facts, you might well have actually read my article and seen my arguments on why witnessing to older people could be worth the time and trouble. Who knows? You might even have agreed with my points. At any rate, I did and you didn't. Carry on. 73, Don N4KC www.n4kc.com www.donkeith.com
Reply to a comment by : KB9OAK on 2020-03-26

Indeed, there is a need to increase the number of Amateur Radio enthusiasts, as more of the aged demographic succumb to the inevitable march of entropy each day. Could it be, mayhap, that replacing the Silent Keys with those who are rapidly approaching an appointment with the Boatman themselves is perhaps a tad counterintuitive? If younger people seem to have issues with reading to Amateur Radio, perhaps new avenues need to be explored by people more relatable to younger folks. "Get off my lawn!" does not inspire much enthusiasm.
N4KC2020-03-26
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
KD9NXQ:

I apologize. Had I not insulted you and relied on all those bogus, made-up facts, you might well have actually read my article and seen my arguments on why witnessing to older people could be worth the time and trouble. Who knows? You might even have agreed with my points.

At any rate, I did and you didn't. Carry on.

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com

Reply to a comment by : KB9OAK on 2020-03-26

Indeed, there is a need to increase the number of Amateur Radio enthusiasts, as more of the aged demographic succumb to the inevitable march of entropy each day. Could it be, mayhap, that replacing the Silent Keys with those who are rapidly approaching an appointment with the Boatman themselves is perhaps a tad counterintuitive? If younger people seem to have issues with reading to Amateur Radio, perhaps new avenues need to be explored by people more relatable to younger folks. "Get off my lawn!" does not inspire much enthusiasm.
KB9OAK2020-03-26
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Indeed, there is a need to increase the number of Amateur Radio enthusiasts, as more of the aged demographic succumb to the inevitable march of entropy each day. Could it be, mayhap, that replacing the Silent Keys with those who are rapidly approaching an appointment with the Boatman themselves is perhaps a tad counterintuitive? If younger people seem to have issues with reading to Amateur Radio, perhaps new avenues need to be explored by people more relatable to younger folks. "Get off my lawn!" does not inspire much enthusiasm.
N4KC2020-03-26
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
KD9NXQ:

Sorry, OM. I'm a tad dense but I have no idea what you mean by "some assumptions without facts" and "careless disregard for the truth." Or what I said in the article that may be insulting to you or anyone else. If you have time, you might also let me know what you think my "personally selected tribe" is. I aimed the piece at all amateur radio operators, assuming no one would find fault with that potential readership on a website named eHam.

I did offer the caveat in the first sentence that if the reader does not believe there is any value in increasing the number of hams, or is convinced that there is no point in even trying, then it would likely be a waste of time to read the article. Seems fair to me, but again, I am not blessed with the highest gain brain.

Kindly explain your complaints to me in a way I might be able to understand and I'll try to re-state what I was actually trying to say. Maybe I'll do better next time. I believe my conclusions to be valid. I certainly don't want anyone to think I jumped to conclusions without backup or that I intentionally tried to insult anyone. That might discourage smart folks like you from reading the article, considering my points, and possibly applying my suggestions to grow our ranks.

Meanwhile, why don't you write an article on the subject?

73,

Don Keith N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com


Reply to a comment by : KB9OAK on 2020-03-25

The author makes some assumptions without facts being in evidence and insults his audience. At that point, anything else the author might have said was placed in question by a careless disregard for truth and apparent lack of ability to relate to anyone outside of his personally selected tribe.
KB9OAK2020-03-25
Fishing Where the Fish Are
The author makes some assumptions without facts being in evidence and insults his audience. At that point, anything else the author might have said was placed in question by a careless disregard for truth and apparent lack of ability to relate to anyone outside of his personally selected tribe.
K1VSK2020-03-25
Fishing Where the Fish Are
In numerous discussions related to the “death of ham radio”on Internet forums and to the ARRL regarding their impotent attempt to interest young people, I suggested this same thing. Older folks have both the time and disposable income as well as a lot of spare time in most cases and would serve as the best group from whom we could increase the ranks. Seems like the proverbial ‘no-brainer’ But, As the saying goes, “you can’t teach anyone unwilling to learn”. The ARRL doesn’t get it and apparently never will.
N4KC2020-03-24
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
K6CRC:
Thank you for the comments. I know you are stating your own opinion about whether or not there is a significant number of older people who have never had an interest in ham radio who might develop such a thing. But I believe research--rather than opinion--would prove you wrong.

My point is that sheer numbers...the Baby Boom generation still being the largest existing demographic group, and they are living longer than any group in history, and, with our own kids comprising the second biggest demographic group in history...ensure there are potentially millions of people who might be interested in the hobby if they only knew what it was all about in 2020. Not all of them, of course, but we don't need every single soul to get licensed.

If we allow them to think the hobby is all sparks and jargon and Morse code (I love and use CW all the time, but...), then your point may be right. If we show them what amateur radio offers today, I am convinced we'll recruit a lot of smart, eager, interested and interesting people to our ranks.

And we'll all be the better for having brought them into the fold.

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com


Reply to a comment by : K6CRC on 2020-03-24

While I appreciate the artlcle, I am not sure how many people can be recruited as new Hams. My kids don't get it, and just chock it up to another of my 'old guy' interests. Like those who collect certain brands of cars, have model railroads, or collect stamps, there is a natural attraction to Ham radio by people who use to be Hams in their youth. Best way to get them is through local press. Especially Field Day, or though local event such as holiday parades. People read about it and may want to revisit. I got back into the hobby via a CERT class at a local Fire Department. I doubt there are many older people who were never hams that want to be now.
K6CRC2020-03-24
Fishing Where the Fish Are
While I appreciate the artlcle, I am not sure how many people can be recruited as new Hams. My kids don't get it, and just chock it up to another of my 'old guy' interests.

Like those who collect certain brands of cars, have model railroads, or collect stamps, there is a natural attraction to Ham radio by people who use to be Hams in their youth. Best way to get them is through local press. Especially Field Day, or though local event such as holiday parades. People read about it and may want to revisit. I got back into the hobby via a CERT class at a local Fire Department.

I doubt there are many older people who were never hams that want to be now.
K4ZNC2020-03-24
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Argee completely with the premise of Don"s article. More than 10,000 people over 65 each day are retiring. Many of us retirees can look forward to 30 more years of productive life. Recruit another life-long learner to this great hobby!
Reply to a comment by : N6ORB on 2020-03-23

The point of this article is exactly correct. In the 14 years since I got back into ham radio, I've listened to a lot of hand-wringing about how we're failing to interest the kids in the hobby. In the meantime, substantial numbers of older people keep getting licensed, to the point that we have a near record number of licensed hams. I help teach my club's licensing classes and note that each new class seems to be much like the class before: ages 50-70+. This is the demographic that continues to be interested in our hobby. Yes, we do attract a few younger people, but the main group of new hams is composed of "empty-nesters" and recent or "almost" retirees. Let's stop complaining that we're attracting the wrong people to ham radio. These are the people who are really interested in our hobby. Welcome them, elmer them, and get them ready to teach the next group a few years down the road. Dave Piersall, N6ORB
Reply to a comment by : KD9PCN on 2020-03-22

Maybe it's not as bad as you might think. Everyone I've run into so far (local club, VE's, etc.) have been very nice, and happy to see a new face. I think I'm gonna like this. Peace. George KD9PCN
Reply to a comment by : KC7MF on 2020-03-22

Good job Don. I could not agree more. It is a super hobby for older people. I know I sound like a broken record but we hams have to relearn how to be nice to new people. Many of us are awful Elmers. No more "appliance operators". No more "half a hams". No more "no code extras". There was a time when old men were thought to be nice and grandfatherly. Maybe we could try to get back to that.
Reply to a comment by : PU2OZT on 2020-03-21

Great read, as usual :-) May I add to the thread 6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing. Der Weg ist das Ziel. Oliver.
N6ORB2020-03-23
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
The point of this article is exactly correct. In the 14 years since I got back into ham radio, I've listened to a lot of hand-wringing about how we're failing to interest the kids in the hobby. In the meantime, substantial numbers of older people keep getting licensed, to the point that we have a near record number of licensed hams.

I help teach my club's licensing classes and note that each new class seems to be much like the class before: ages 50-70+. This is the demographic that continues to be interested in our hobby. Yes, we do attract a few younger people, but the main group of new hams is composed of "empty-nesters" and recent or "almost" retirees.

Let's stop complaining that we're attracting the wrong people to ham radio. These are the people who are really interested in our hobby. Welcome them, elmer them, and get them ready to teach the next group a few years down the road.

Dave Piersall, N6ORB
Reply to a comment by : KD9PCN on 2020-03-22

Maybe it's not as bad as you might think. Everyone I've run into so far (local club, VE's, etc.) have been very nice, and happy to see a new face. I think I'm gonna like this. Peace. George KD9PCN
Reply to a comment by : KC7MF on 2020-03-22

Good job Don. I could not agree more. It is a super hobby for older people. I know I sound like a broken record but we hams have to relearn how to be nice to new people. Many of us are awful Elmers. No more "appliance operators". No more "half a hams". No more "no code extras". There was a time when old men were thought to be nice and grandfatherly. Maybe we could try to get back to that.
Reply to a comment by : PU2OZT on 2020-03-21

Great read, as usual :-) May I add to the thread 6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing. Der Weg ist das Ziel. Oliver.
KD9PCN2020-03-22
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Maybe it's not as bad as you might think. Everyone I've run into so far (local club, VE's, etc.) have been very nice, and happy to see a new face. I think I'm gonna like this.
Peace. George KD9PCN
Reply to a comment by : KC7MF on 2020-03-22

Good job Don. I could not agree more. It is a super hobby for older people. I know I sound like a broken record but we hams have to relearn how to be nice to new people. Many of us are awful Elmers. No more "appliance operators". No more "half a hams". No more "no code extras". There was a time when old men were thought to be nice and grandfatherly. Maybe we could try to get back to that.
Reply to a comment by : PU2OZT on 2020-03-21

Great read, as usual :-) May I add to the thread 6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing. Der Weg ist das Ziel. Oliver.
KD9PCN2020-03-22
Fishing Where the Fish Are
You must be onto something. I'm a brand new ham, age 77, passed Tech and General same morning. Now I gotta get some gear and get OTA!

73. George KD9PCN
KC7MF2020-03-22
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Good job Don. I could not agree more. It is a super hobby for older people. I know I sound like a broken record but we hams have to relearn how to be nice to new people. Many of us are awful Elmers.

No more "appliance operators".

No more "half a hams".

No more "no code extras".

There was a time when old men were thought to be nice and grandfatherly. Maybe we could try to get back to that.


Reply to a comment by : PU2OZT on 2020-03-21

Great read, as usual :-) May I add to the thread 6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing. Der Weg ist das Ziel. Oliver.
PU2OZT2020-03-21
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Great read, as usual :-)
May I add to the thread

6 bis. In a desire to not depend only on chips and computerized stuff, these hams-to-be may want to keep ancient tech alive, big switches, lethal voltages, lots of mechanic, tweaking galore, a sixth sense for getting the best of the ether, pounds of gear instead of millions lines of code. Gaining some hability in restoring or building gonna be rewarding too, rather soldering than hooking a USB-thing.
Der Weg ist das Ziel.

Oliver.
K0UA2020-03-21
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
i thought the author's style was just fine. I though the article was well written. 73 james k0ua
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
NN2X2020-03-21
Re: Fishing Where the Fish Are
Here is what I have done to attract the young children

Two paths

Path one Day Care (Just the demo)

I went to private Day Care schools. The kids ages were 5 and 6 years old, and put up and portable Ham set up, that worked well. Peaked many kids interests.

Path Two...10 -13 Year old

Next, for the older kids, lets say 10 through 13, I created a project, which focused on communicating with a DX Country, however, I used the math, computer modeling, to meet the goal

For example I would ask the children what country they would like to speak to..Once the country was defined, I used VOACAP to predict what frequency, time and date to communicate to desired country.

I would further demonstrate which mode would be best (FT8, SSB, and so on). The children would understand the more efficient modes, and the trade off, (SSB voice, versus, FT8 just signal exchanges)

Then I would have the children calculate the dipole length, for the frequency that VOACAP predicted

To pre test the set up, I would use PSK reporter to detect our signal..and verify using FT8 that our signal was closing the link.

Next step: I would have a scheduled with the Ham operator at the desired QTH (DX Country). Of course I would use a DX station that had a good set up, to support SSB.

By using the above, it made a nice project for the children as they used math and computer skills, to meet an end goal.

Lets make Ham Radio Great Again! (So to speak)!

NN2X, Tom

FYI, My son (Adam) KI5FJE, passed his Ham (Tech) at age 12, however, truth be told, he passed for is Dad, (NN2X). Right now, he is busy studying!
Reply to a comment by : KC6RWI on 2020-03-20

Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.
KC6RWI2020-03-20
Fishing Where the Fish Are
Insult the reader by suggesting that if you don't agree with the first sentence or two, go back to wasting your time. Thats no way to start an article or keep the reader involved.