LEX what is your age?
This is the response from Eham...
Embarrassingly rude, intrusive, ageist question. Evidencing an adolescent, narcissistic personality devoid of compassion.
Which brings up the topic of the utility of such polling involving self-selecting participation.
A. Many young, teenage or younger, hams will want to be thought of as adults. They won't participate.
B. Many hams aged perhaps 20 to 50 will think such a question is silly, intrusive and meaningless.
C. Many older hams aged perhaps 60 to 90 will only be too glad to advertise their age, having survived in an ageist culture and for many more years than their parents.
I frequently have QSOs with older hams who freely announce their ages.
Frankly I could care less how many annular rings there are in person's tree trunk. Much more interesting is their ability to communicate clearly, their knowledge, their interests in a multitude of things and their sense of humor.
Such data collections are next to meaningless. Basic experimental design and data analysis ignorance.
What would like me to tell you OM? Eham did the survey. I just asked the same question Eham did.
People of all ages operate ham radio. What's your age? (This is the response from Eham) / December 7, 2020
0- 18 : (1)
18-25 (0)
26-35 (2)
36-45 (0)
46-55 (7)
56-65 (12)
66+ (42)
If Hams do not do something, most QSO we will be between our graves.
I tried to do something, I was interviewed for the CEO position for ARRL three times, I said repeatedly on interview, we must target the young and I had a solution, which I had performed a pilot test here in Texas. It works, but I simply don't have the resources like ARRL, But I digress
FYI: I did not get the job (ARRL CEO), otherwise, there would be a change in direction for the ARRL, rather trying to protect frequencies for Ham radio (Which is a great thing), but we can't protect something that we will not use!
Look, it is not all about Ham radio, How many of you are Engineers? Do you recall when you had your first exposure to Ham radio and you knew that would be your path...(I know this did for me)
Here is what I did to promote Ham radio
I went to the private schools, I provided a demonstration, and provided a small course..the kids loved it..
(And so did the parents!).. (Forget Public schools, way to much red tape,...Miserable experience!)
If I were the CEO ARRL, I would provide a mission to the Ham clubs across the USA and asked them to do the same, which is to target the private schools, and have a certain amount of quota (Per year) to provide demonstrations.
If for anything, those kids who are seeking a channel to become an engineer, Ham radio is the very best path...
Maybe it is time, to have another ARRL, and organization to promote Ham radio to the youth...I know others have tried. I believe the pilot test I did here in Texas, is one option that truly works.
Tell me what you all think?
Tom / NN2X / 73's