Survey Comments
Whats a Ham??
Most people I come in contact with don't know what a Ham operator is. Heck, they don't know what CB is. They think my HT is some kind of cell phone. When I'm asked why there are so many antennas on my truck and I tell why, I get a blank expression or complete disinterest. Ah well, I felt the same way about computers 10 yrs ago.
Posted by
KB9SDS on 2002-11-10
Geek or Communicator
When my wife found out I was going to get my ham licence she started teasing me about being a geek. I have looked at hams with envy and admiration for years, although I may be some what a geek. The good news is that my wife is now looking at getting her licence. in fact she is studing Morse code, and learning it faster than me. I am an old electronic teckie from long ago, and that part comes easy for me.
Posted by
KD7SOE on 2002-09-26
I'm a Ham and proud of it!!!
I am 30 years old. I've been a ham since age 19 and I'm proud of it! I love this hobby and look forward to being involved in the hobby for a long time. I agree that 2 meters is starting to sound like 11 meters, (sometimes), But I enjoy operating H.F. (Thank you to the FCC for removing a useless code requirement!) I enjoy working DX, I enjoy meeting with my freinds on 75 meters on 3976 and 3865 in the mornings.. I enjoy listening to midcars on 7258... I enjoy doing 40 meter cw on 7.043 - or + QRM or QRN..
I just enjoy this hobby!
73 es gud dx to all!
-Chuck K8CPA
...-.- ..
Posted by
K8CPA on 2002-08-30
Most are clueless ...
I think the average citizen views amateur radio as cb. The cb community views us as old fat white guys. I generally don't worry about it; enjoy our hobby. I sometimes take the HT to work - something to do during lunch. I've been asked if the thing was a cb and how many channels it had. What WAS funny is the day the phones went out in the plant. Whilst everyone else was running around borrowing someone else's cell phone, I just couldn't resist. Whipped out the HT (volumn turned up quite high) and hit the local 444.850 repeater. Access code and up came the dial tone. Made my call - and now they KNOW it ain't cb. ;)
73 from Rochester, NY
Jim AA2QA
Posted by
AA2QA on 2002-08-30
New Hope
You know, I was just thinking about something. Lance Bass, one of the singers in *NSYNC, is going up on a Soyuz taxi mission in October to the ISS. He's probably going to have to get his Technician ticket at the same time. So, why don't we use this as a form of publicity for amateur radio? I'm sure that many of us (not me, I'm only 23, same age as Mr. Bass) have children and grand-children that LOVE *NSYNC and would love to talk to him on the ISS. Why don't we stop complaining about how ham radio is dying and wake up to these new opportunities for growth? Set up your rig for a elementary, junior high, or high school science class and let them talk to a member of *NSYNC! Sow the seeds now and we'll continue to grow. I don't want to be 60 years old in 2039 and find that I can't pick up any US hams when I call CQ because there's no one left.
Posted by
AD0AC on 2002-08-16
they don't know much about us.
I picked CBer because anyone I talked to said, "What is your handle?" or "what is that CB thing?" I think the public is not stupid-they just don't know what our hobby is. Look at CB and Ham Radio from the public's point of view. They both use HTs or mobiles or whatever, they both have strange antennas on there car or house, and they both can cause RFI. From their view they are the same! It is OUR job to make the public realize that they are different! Otherwise the public will keep thinking the same thing and we won't go anywhere and eventually CB and Ham radio will be one. If we don't do anything we will continue in a downward spiral. It is up to us to change it.
73,
Jeremy Whaling
KG6JAD
13 years old by the way!
Posted by
KG6FUT on 2002-08-16
they don't know much about us.
I picked CBer because anyone I talked to said, "What is your handle?" or "what is that CB thing?" I think the public is not stupid-they just don't know what our hobby is. Look at CB and Ham Radio from the public's point of view. They both use HTs or mobiles or whatever, they both have strange antennas on there car or house, and they both can cause RFI. From their view they are the same! It is OUR job to make the public realize that they are different! Otherwise the public will keep thinking the same thing and we won't go anywhere and eventually CB and Ham radio will be one. If we don't do anything we will continue in a downward spiral. It is up to us to change it.
73,
Jeremy Whaling
KG6JAD
13 years old by the way!
Posted by
KG6FUT on 2002-08-16
They just don't know.
I picked CBer because anyone I talked to said, "What is your handle?" or "what is that CB thing?" I think the public is not stupid-they just don't know what our hobby is. Look at CB and Ham Radio from the public's point of view. They both use HTs or mobiles or whatever, they both have strange antennas on there car or house, and they both can cause RFI. From their view they are the same! It is OUR job to make the public realize that they are different. Otherwise the public will keep thinking the same thing and we won't go anywhere and eventually CB and Ham radio will be one. If we don't do anything we will continue in a downward spiral. It is up to us to change it.
73,
Jeremy Whaling
KG6JAD
13 years old by the way!
Posted by
KG6FUT on 2002-08-16
They have no idea...
I went into a local Radio Shack store recently looking for a 3 conductor shielded wire. The clerk (happened to be a girl, not that it should matter) asked if I was using it for audio or video. I said it was for a ham radio application. She immediately headed for the CB section of the store and pulled out coax cable. ???
Posted by
WA7YUL on 2002-08-16
Don't look in the mirror!
I feel that too many of the votes and comments refer to the way the ham fraternity views ITSELF, not as others see us. In my opinion, the image of the service has been boosted since the tragic events of last fall. We damage our own image when we think of ourselves as old, white and fat! Yes, many of us fit that description, but this would have no bearing on our communications abilities! Let's get rid of our preconceived notions (mostly fostered by those, like me, who park on HF and rag chew,) and get with the program. The public is more aware of our benefits now than at any time since the Vietnam war. Let's not shoot ourselves in the foot!
Posted by
K4PDM on 2002-08-15
Image ?
Have to agree with Clinton AB7RG, the public image of a radioamateur is non-existant. From what I read in QST the American ham has, through it role in emergency communications, an acknowleged part in every day life. Young people joining ? At 46 I'm the youngest of a local group !
73' Leo.
Posted by
PA5LS on 2002-08-15
Regarding horn honking when you see a guy with a call letter license plate, I'm always mystified when it happens to me. I have a call letter plate, but the guy who does the honking usually doesn't. (Can't he spare the extra ten or twenty bucks a year that it costs?) So, what am I to think when he starts frantically honking and waving? Do I have a flat tire? Is my car on fire? Did I run over a little old lady and not know it? Of course, IF the horn honker had a call letter plate I might catch on pretty quick and have an idea of what he's up to, and if he'd just call me on 146.52 and say he's driving a half block in back of me it would be better, but I've also observed that the horn honkers usually don't have mobile radios, either. But, back to the beginning, why is he honking at me, anyway? Hasn't he ever met/seen another ham in a car? Is he socially deprived to the point where he has to start acting like a frantic jerk when he sees a call letter plate? It's truly amazing. Small wonder that so many people confuse us with CB'ers.
Tom, W2NJS
Washington DC
Posted by
W2NJS on 2002-08-15
I am the "OTHER"
I chose "Other" because I found it necessary to constantly explain to inquisitive minds what ham radio is. You know, one gets that glazed over confused look in their eyes when I explain what that antenna is on my car (one fellow thought my 6 meter halo was a basketball hoop).
After making a few cursory remarks about what ham radio is, they still don't respond with an "Oh, I get it." Instead its back to the drawing board and starting over again. Ultimately I tell the hard core ignorant that I am a CB operator with a federally granted license to operate.
Then they get it!!!
Posted by K2ANE on 2002-08-15
Amateur Radio...is that like CB?
Most don't know who we are, or think we are (or should be) extinct.
Posted by
N2MG on 2002-08-14
Sick Geezers
This forum proves most of you have too much time on your hands, and are nothing more than Cloned CBers, most of you are just sick with boring lives. AB7RG AND W5HTW ARE THE ONLY INTELLIGENT HAMS ON HERE. HF AMATEUR OUGHT TO CHECK INTO A CLINIC, YOU NEED REAL HELP.
Posted by
K7NNG on 2002-08-14
Re: Sick Geezers
NY7Q is projecting his own inadequacies upon the rest of us. His little rant is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black!
Posted by
GIBBY on 2002-08-14
Re: Sick Geezers
NY7Q is projecting his own inadequacies upon the rest of us. His little rant is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black!
Posted by
GIBBY on 2002-08-14
which way to go here????
I really didnt know what to pick but settled on the old and fat although it seems the old guys are in pretty good shape but the correct answer should have been young, fat sloppy and unkempt. The last hamfest I was at I never saw so much trailer trash in my life, sorry to come off this way but geez some of you guys need to get a life get out of the shack and do a little exercise.I think with the dumbing down of ham radio now with all the good buddy cb lingo on the repeaters and unkempt rif raf running around the public image of ham radio has got to go down the tubes. Again sorry for these comments but like my old man used to say....
"soap only cost a few cents".
Posted by
W8OB on 2002-08-13
Geek Or Cb'er
That was a toughy for me. I have had many of my friends think that ham radio is just CB radio and then others who understand wha ham radio is think I am a geek. Well I am not a Cb'er but I am a geek.
73
Steve,KD5OWO
Posted by
KD5OWO on 2002-08-13
Honking CW?
Hello:
First time comment on the perception survey. I was puzzled and a bit dimsmayed by comments that some Hams actually honk Hi in CW. Don't know where they live, but in crowded Southern California honking is pretty much not done, unless the other driver is about to change lanes into you.
In fact, honking might even get you shot here. Seriously. Not a good idea.
As to operations, I have no idea what repeaters they listen to, but what's wrong with idle chat to help with an otherwise boring, and usually stressful commute? A lot of it is technical, so does that ease your minds?
On the HF side, sure is a lot of talk about the weather, ailments, operations, hospital stays and the like by Elmers and Old Timers who earned their tickets way back when the tests were harder. Interesting isn't it?
But all in all I still like to listen to it ;)
73
John Powell
KF6EOJ
Posted by
KF6EOJ on 2002-08-13
Elderly Gentlemen
True, most of the hams I've met are older, white, and some are even overweight, but what ever happened to showing a little respect? Some of those "old fat white geezers" have been a great help to me, and I enjoy associating with them. They are the ones who are still getting on the air, and we could learn from their experiences. Funny, all that generation did was survive the great depression, fight a global war, fight the cold war, advance manufacturing, communication, medicine, put a man on the moon, and bring America to the highest standard of living on the planet, and we now call them the "greatest generation." I would much rather associate with them while they are still here and learn a thing or two. What ever happened to respecting elders in our society? As for personal appearance, who cares? It's what's on the inside that counts. It's hard to see what they're wearing when your talking to them on the radio. I think that most all of the choices mentioned were intentionally derogatory, and I'm not happy with any of them. Hell, the whole topic is nothing more than bait designed to stir things up, which by the way, did. The bottom line? The public sees us as each of you represent us.
Posted by
KC0IOX on 2002-08-13
Hmmm...
Fat, white geezers? Maybe the ARRL should require their VEs to hand out Richard Simmons' tape "Sweatin' to the Oldies" with every new CSCE? Stereotypes = never good!
I am a new Ham myself, and even though the exam I took may not be up to the same caliber of older exams, I still take pride in my accomplishment and want to conduct myself as properly as I should when I operate.
From all the postings I've read associated with this survey, I can say that some valid issues were identified, so, what are we going to do about these issues? Complaining (a passive state) is much easier than addressing and fixing (an active state) the problem.
73s,
Pete
Posted by
KG4UPX on 2002-08-12
KE4RWS , you´re totally right
i think this Randy Evans its completely right . i would not do any modification to his post . hey men , you are RIGHT ( READ HIS POST ) .
LU1YNE
EDWIN KOESSLER
PATAGONIA ARGENTINA
Posted by
LU1YNE on 2002-08-12
Old and fat...
My wife is ashamed to drive my car because of my ham plate. My neighbours will probably hate me because my antenna would harm their property value. Look at the pictures from any hamfest. Yes, we are old and fat. But I still love our stupid useless awkward hobby. I can't explain why to anybody, including myself. I just love it...
Posted by
W3UA on 2002-08-12
Re UNLICENSED
Continue studying for your license and when you get your ticket, enjoy the pastime of Amateur Radio. Learn as much as you can. Associate with hams who conduct themselves like ladies and gentlemen, and conduct yourself as they do. I think you will find that most hams are decent, helpful people who care a lot about the state of the hobby.
Posted by
N3BF on 2002-08-12
Gateway to Amateur Radio...
Enjoyed YE's Gateway...
The positive side of Public Perception is- that whenever disaster relief and/or Public Service is rendered by Hams, perception is always positive. The spirit of Amateur radio has always embraced a sincere desire to be helpful to others. Public perception of ham radio may be whatever it is, but no matter how ignorant, and by no one's fault- in times of Crisis, John Q Public must certainly percieve Amateur Radio as the wonderful and indispensible resource that it is.
Posted by
W3DCG on 2002-08-12
Sme people know
Some of the public acually know what a ham radio is VS a CB radio. Granted I also have a CB in my truck to communicate with truck drivers while on long trips but most people in Central NY know what a ham radio is....Sept. 11th also helped prove we are more than a bunch of radio people. We help when any kind of emergency occurs.
Posted by
KC2FIK on 2002-08-11
Try teaching instead of fighting
It's too bad that people like N0YE and W6XRL4 are so far removed from being new hams that they can't help new hams instead of fight them. The only way us new hams can learn is by having hams that have been around for a while teach us. I'd say that the books on the subject give us only about 25% of what we really know to be proper hams. So, instead of complaining, try guiding these people in the proper way of behaving.
Posted by
KG6LRR on 2002-08-11
The dumbing down of ham radio occured long before our license structure changed. Ever listen to those operators on 75 meters who like to complain about government, civil servants and fish and game wardens. Listen to these guys (licensed more than 15 years on the average) and they clearly don't understand how government functions. But they will complain when the roads aren't plowed or the local highway patrol doesn't pick up the latest accident. Its no wonder people listening in equate CB with ham radio.
Posted by
KG6AMW on 2002-08-11
KG6LLR - Comment
Sir,
I might ask you who made you my judge? You assume too much! I have attempted to help those folks, problem is some have iq's so low that they could care less if they sound like lids or not. Honestly I don't know how they could have passed a test, I am serious about this.
I have tried to help and have been told by a more seasoned ham than I that I should let him just go, so I no longer try unless asked.
Posted by
N0YE on 2002-08-11
Wow
Guys and Gals, the last posts to this board are some of the most discouraging I have read. I'm 24, unlicensed and studying. I am disappointed to read what so many of my future peers seem to think of guys like me. The FCC has "dumbed down" but I think it's to get young people into the hobby. I think it's the job of the more experienced, geezers if you will, to teach those of us who had an easier time of getting into the hobby all of the tradition, operating procedures and the rest that have been "cut out."
It's going to take me a while to save enough money to get on the air. In the meantime, I have a comment for all of the cynics out there who think none of the young people are interested in advancing. It's my goal to pass elements 1-3 in one sitting. I want to be at 30 wpm before the test. I'm a minority, but we're out here.
Everything I've read so far from the ARRL has talked about how willing and FRIENDLY hams are when it comes to teaching people how to operate well. This bad attitude needs to go.
As far as PR goes, I think every club should have a PR representative who is actively contacting the news services locally when hams are active in public service. If they have time to cover the old "cat stuck in a tree" story, they surely have the time to cover something with more human interest.
I look forward to being one of the gang... actively.
73 de Sam
Posted by
UNLICENSED on 2002-08-11
USDA, certified Ham.
Old? Geezer? All good things in time...Fat- a relative term...
White? hmmmmm...
Haven't ya'll heard? Pork- The Other White Meat?
Pork, Ham...
What do you mean, I'm not white- you mean, I'm not white? Well, Gaawwwwleee, Sarge!
Well, I guess I'm no Ham... guess I'll just be uh Amachur, but sum daze i might grow up an bee uh Pro, fesh-In Ole. Sounds like a Seminole...cuz I'm uh Indian Outlaw, half Cherokee and- Choktaw- my woman she's a Chippewah...
What? I'm not Cherokee, nor Choktaw, and my wife is no... Well then I just be Big- an-
...what's that?!?
Wachoo meen, I ain't black? I ain't black? Fine then...yellow- yeah- yell...
No? Not quite? How about a plain earth tone then... No? Well it's plain to see- oh, you say that most of me is what you cannot plainly see... hmmmmm.
[sound like amateur radio, most of it is what you cannot plainly see?]
That is curious. In that case,
I'll just be... closer to approaching forty than I was last year...
applying sun screen on my balding head...
finding comfort with other geeks, geezers, "Christians", witches, nerds...and skinny people, and ugly people, and stupid people, and brilliant people, and fat people, those with scales, pretty people, invisible people, animals, other creatures, stuck-up people, poor people, rich people, foreigners, little green people... angry people, sad people, happy-crazy people... lonely people, and generally, clueless people of Planet Earth.
Posted by
W3DCG on 2002-08-11
Re: Try teaching instead of fighting
Dear KG6LRR - I will patiently and kindly elmer those whom are willing to learn. However, there is a certain element of new licensees that have absolutely no interest or respect for the fraternal and technical traditions of our hobby. I am tired of playing the kindly uncle routine to those that are obstinate and frankly don't care. For instance, these individuals will flaunt the rules by talking illegally on 800 MHz with property stolen from their former employer and distributed to other hams. In addition, they will talk in the so-called 27 MHz freeband. They attach amplifiers to their FRS gear. They run crossband repeaters without any form of identification or control system. They will sometimes crossband from 27 MHz to 2 Meter FM. Why should I waste my time with people that behave in this fashion? Unfortunately, I am seeing this more-and-more. I am a reasonable person and not a grouch.
Posted by
W6XRL4 on 2002-08-11
Call us what you want
In spite of Riley's contributions to the hobby, amateur radio is getting about what it should expect. We allow inept politicians and burecrats to give us inadequate enforcement. We permit private enterprise and special interest groups to foster their greed and self serving agendas. Many hams would rather play games and gripe than contribute to constructive dialogue. We find fault with the League. At least they help offset threats to our interests in a way that leverages individual effort. Call us what you want. If we aren't more vigilant, the deterioration of our hobby is going to increase at an exponential rate and labels won't matter.
Posted by
K4RWW on 2002-08-11
VK3YE's Gateway To Amateur Radio
The following site should be required reading for new and not-so-new hams:
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/nooct00.htm
My personal is in my pants and my handle is on my shovel. Herman is my name.
Posted by
W6XRL4 on 2002-08-11
Ham Radio?
Nearly everyone who approaches to ask what my Hustler mobile antenna (with 3 band elements on it) is, has no idea what Ham or Amateur Radio is when I answer them. My answer to the survery is, therefore, "other." Other in respect to "what the heck are you talking about?"
Posted by
K8JE on 2002-08-11
Licensed Ham
After all the recent wildfires here in CO the public knows what Hams are and how they help in times of extreme need. Yes, I know the recognition won't last long but there are those who will always remember. 9/11 had a part in that as well. It's a hobby but it's more than that. Treat it that way. Have some self-respect and those around will respect you too! 73s de KC0NSC
Posted by
KC0NSC on 2002-08-11
All The Above
N0YE and WB2WIK are correct. Let someone listen to 2-meters and they will be certain they are listening to CB. The radio is small and looks like a CB, and regardless of any test we took, the uninitiated will see us push the PTT button and talk, and "That's what that CBer next to me does."
I find it sort of depressing to realize that so many of the "hams" are just spouses who got the ticket because the mate insisted: "Honey, you can keep track of me." Most of them will never talk with anyone other than the spouse (or the kids when they get licensed, and for the same reasons) and have no interest at all in ham radio. They are
interested in "keeping in touch," which is a facet of FRS. And in fact, is what CB was supposed to be all about. These hams to up the body count, but that's all. They will not upgrade until the testing requirements change again (as they will soon) and then only because it will likely be automatic anyway. They have what they want - a way to
keep in touch with Papa/Mama, etc. They just have nothing to contribute to the hobby, and want nothing out of it except the free cell phone. In fact, a friend who uses FRS to keep track of her teen daughters asked me a couple or so months ago if she could use the CB like the one I use to extend her range with the kids. I just said, "No, not too easily." That was all she needed to know.
So, I voted "CBer." I even took the printed call sign off my truck (though I still have ham plates on my Jeep) to avoid more questions about my CB. The Hustler HF antenna looks like any CB antenna around, as does the 5/8 wave VHF.
I've also found the majority of vehicles with ham plates that I pass and wave at the driver, ignore me. (I quit honking several years ago, when it dawned on me they don't know what "HI" is sent in code and think I am an angry motorist wanting them to get out of my way!) Most likely I will eventually drop the ham plates, though for now that's more trouble with MVD than I care to consider!
Still, a few nights ago I had a QSO on the 40 meter Novice band with a 15 year old in Utah, and that was really encouraging, as I was remembering when I was 15, I had started studying for my own Novice ticket. But the reality is probably that the majority of people who are not hams just don't know about us - or care. And if they did care, they wouldn't take the time to understand. Ever have anyone ask
you about your radio and when you finish the first sentence of explanation they start the conversation headed toward the weather or a new sports car? They want a one-sentence answer, and the best way to do that is with "Yes, ma'am," and go on about your travels.
Ed
.
Posted by
W5HTW on 2002-08-10
2 Meter CB!
I think the public's perception of amateur radio is usually a bit misguided. I work with some very intelligent people, but they simply don't understand what the amateur radio hobby is all about. I briefly explained the hobby to my co-workers once and they were sincerely interested in it mainly due to the technology involved. My boss is even studying for his license as a result.
In my experience there have been generally two different types of people concerning how they percieve our hobby. One group sees it as CB, which tends to make them think of us as unintelligent people (not implying CB users are unintelligent, but only public perception of it). The second group sees it as a geek kind of thing. This usually surfaces when they see the antenna(s) on the vehicle or at home. That's where the first speck of not understanding the hobby comes in to play. Since they don't understand why anyone would require more than one antenna on a car people tend to deduce you must be some kind of geek or wierdo.
When I have the opportunity to logistically explain the need for my equipment and what it does, that usually changes their perspective of how they think about the hobby. I say "normally" because there will always be those who don't understand it and don't want to, and that's okay too. I guess you either like it or you don't. If you do, fine. If you don't then find something you do enjoy and go for it. I may not share their enthusiasm with their hobby but I'm certainly not going to bash them for it.
On a related note, I've seen a lot of folks slamming what it sounds like on the 2 meter band in this thread. But I listen everywhere in the spectrum and I've heard a hefty amount of CB similarities in the mighty HF region as well. Some consider no-code techs as "dumb amateur operators". I guess if an operator is content with their current level they're considered stagnant by many because they don't climb to the highest licensing level. Man, what a mindjob. Guess that's why I've deliberately stayed away from HF priviledges based on all the goody-goody attitudes out there. Just remember there's CB activity on all bands at any given time. And the fact that someone doesn't decipher you blowing your horn as some sort of CW code doesn't mean amateur radio has gone to the dogs. You don't have to be able to build a transceiver before being worthy of talking on one. I'm perfectly happy being a no-code tech, so I guess I'm not what the amateur radio community wants in their little click because I'm not striving to be at the top of the pile like all the other perfect 75 wpm pro's out there.
It's that type of criticizing that pushes people away from the hobby. That's just my little footnote . . . .
Randy Evans
KE4RWS
Posted by
KE4RWS on 2002-08-10
Yaesu Radios Everywhere
I own several Yaesu radios, love them all. But i do have one ICOM that i also like. I own an Yaesu FT-101B, FT-221, FT-620B, FT-2400 and one lonely ICOM IC-2000H that is my mobile. Have to say that the ICOM mobile has better intermod rejection.
Posted by
KB0NLY on 2002-08-09
Hams/ CB'ers
Do to a lack of public education we are
identified to 85% of the general public
as CB'ers. There have been zero public
awareness programs initiated to correct
this problem. Too bad.....some HAM
organization could attract many more
bodies to Amateur Radio if folks under-
stood our primary directive. No self
respecting person wants to be identified
with a bunch of toothless , mindless and
dirty talking SOB's that screw up TV's
, stereos , and garage door openers .
Posted by
WA4PTZ on 2002-08-09
What Hams look like
"You don't look like a geeky, old, fat, white, CBer" is what the usual reaction is, when I tell them I am an Amateur Operator. Unfortunately, a trip to the Hamfest will confirm their stereotype as pretty close to reality. Based on my admittedly unscientific observations, demographically it looks like we are older, whiter, fatter, and geekier than society in general. You could also accurately add: cheap, unwashed, opiniated, odd, socially insecure, semi-employed and unfashionable too...
Maybe it is just the region I find myself in, as I recently relocated to West Virginia for business reasons, but I suspect after reading others comments, that the observations above apply to hams in general in a lot of the country. Be that as it may, I still enjoy talking to a lot of the members of this merry band of misfits, and I have found a great many generous, brave, and intelligent friends among the crowd. If we could learn to do more than trade 5/9's with our friends in other countries, and if we could reduce the number of drunken frequency hogs on 75 meters, the hobby would be even more interesting. As a good friend of mine said once, "The only problem with Ham radio is, it is populated by hams!"
Posted by
AH0L on 2002-08-09
Ham Image
I responded that most look at us as CB'ers. I agree that if a "non-ham" were to attend a hamfest they might come away with a totally unflattering impression of our hobby. I have watched our hobby slowly "age" as have I myself slowly "aged" however, attending a meeting of a particular interest area will give a much better impression of the hobby. Perhaps it is the serious ham that attaches himself/herself to a interest group that adds a bit of improvement to the overall image of the hobby in general. I have found this to be true in other hobbies as well. Just go to a Public Gun Show or Computer Show or to a Medical convention and you will find the same "cross section" of the population. Go to any Public gathering and you will see the same "cross section" of society in general. since the public for the most part think our antennas and equipment looks much like CB equipment. When/if we are given the chance to demonstrate our equipment it is most obvious that we are not CB'ers. Usually I get the same reaction, "can't you do the same thing with a cell phone"? I usually reply, No! Most of the time we don't have to ask "can you hear me now?"
Posted by
K4MZW on 2002-08-09
What do people call you?
It depends on the IQ of the member of the public:
----
@120+ : A knowledgable communicator....
@110 : An electronic genius....
@100 : A nerd...
@90 : Do you work for the government?...
@65 : "10-4 Good Buddy" ...
----
Seriously, I find that most intelligent people can relate to ham radio, though many have conflicting interests that prevent them from joining us. Then, the next tier are those who are impressed with some aspects, but can't understand why anyone would want to pursue it as a hobby. Below that we have the ones that produce the funny stories and the horror stories, like the lady who sued her ham neighbor for making her cats sterile (true story!).
Posted by
K0RGR on 2002-08-09
Re 90 % Dormant
To W8MMQ.
Go back and look at my posting:
It stated two Facts and asked a Question based on those
facts.
Doom and Gloom reports are found elsewhere.
Posted by
G3SEA on 2002-08-09
Radio is not a new medium.
Radio is not a new medium. As such, I think we have a forgotten engineering art or science. Regardless, our evidence is only noted when every one else is down,including: cell towers, land lines, power lines and so on. CB is known but few know where that interest was derived. If we are to present any image, being available under those circumstances is what leaves a lasting impression. "You remember that fella that
helped us out the last time we had a flood?"
He was just damned helpful and we are glad he is there!" Thats the image we can leave,
regardless of our race creed or color!
........Bill Hopkins WJ2L/4
Posted by removed on 2002-08-09Image
I picked cb'er. Had no choice but to go this route. Since the "dumbing" down of the tests, the repeaters I have available in my area are starting to sound like 11 meters. It's sad but anyone with a scanner that would happen to listen in would identify us that way, I do myself as I listen to some of the qso's. I love ham radio, but I must admit that I am starting to use 2 meters much less as I don't want to be included in with this new group of hams and the way they are viewed in the public eye.
Posted by
N0YE on 2002-08-09
It Depends
I think that answer to that depends a LOT on where you are. When I lived in Springfield, Ohio (near Dayton), a great number of people knew about amateur radio. We were used for almost every walkathon, Earth Day, Marathon, and just about every event, of every kind, that occurred. Now that I live in Central California, almost nobody here (other than the hams themselves) have even heard of amateur radio
Howard
Posted by
N3TNQ on 2002-08-09
Re: Image
N0YE is right. Take a look at www.oldtuberadio.com. There you will see how CBers with amateur licenses are trying to turn amateur radio into CB.
Some of those licensed amateurs even refer to themselves as SWL#1 - w6yls, SWL#3 - kb6gfd and even as "lone eagle" - ae6ge, just check the site and judge
for yourself.
Posted by
W6XRL4 on 2002-08-09
USDA, certified Ham.
Old? Geezer? All good things in time...Fat- a relative term...
White? hmmmmm...
Haven't ya'll heard? Pork- The Other White Meat?
Pork, Ham...
What do you mean, I'm not white- you mean, I'm not white? Well, Gaawwwwleee, Sarge!
Well, I guess I'm no Ham... guess I'll just be uh Amachur, but sum daze i might grow up an bee uh Pro, fesh-In Ole. Sounds like a Seminole...cuz I'm uh Indian Outlaw, half Cherokee and- Choktaw- my woman she's a Chippewah...
What? I'm not Cherokee, nor Choktaw, and my wife is no... Well then I just be Big- an-
...what's that?!?
Wachoo meen, I ain't black? I ain't black? Fine then...yellow- yeah- yell...
No? Not quite? How about a plain earth tone then... No? Well it's plain to see- oh, you say that most of me is what you cannot plainly see... hmmmmm.
[sound like amateur radio, most of it is what you cannot plainly see?]
That is curious. In that case,
I'll just be... closer to approaching forty than I was last year...
applying sun screen on my balding head...
finding comfort with other geeks, geezers, "Christians", witches, nerds...and skinny people, and ugly people, and stupid people, and brilliant people, and fat people, those with scales, pretty people, invisible people, animals, other creatures, stuck-up people, poor people, rich people, foreigners, little green people... angry people, sad people, happy-crazy people... lonely people, and generally, clueless people of Planet Earth.
Posted by
W3DCG on 2002-08-09
Amateur Radio in the Public Eyes.
Do we exsist?(YES) What do we do? (We have FUN with our Hobby.) Why do we do it? (Because WE WANT to!) Will the Public ever understand us? (Probably not, only a select few who get some form of interest in communications)
Some form of public PR is needed, not sure which would be most effective. Probably more Special events, set up in public areas, so the public can see whats going on.
73 - KG4UDN
Posted by
KG4UDN on 2002-08-08
Classification of Hams
"Old fat white geezer" fits a lot of us. Too many people like to take offense at most anything, even humorous stuff. They can't take a joke. I think the Polish folks have the best sense of humor. They even tell Polock jokes!!!
73, W7BWI
Posted by
W7BWI on 2002-08-08
Ham in the public eye?
It would seem to me the biggest PR problem with ham radio is our image
of nerdish boy scoutism, and goodie two-shoeism. Very uncool and boooooring.
I might suggest we start spreading as many rumors as possible of how amateur
radio is in fact a secret society of mischief and mayhem. A group of people
so diabolically evil as to make the Nazis, KGB, and Al-Qaida all combined
seem tame. We should write our local papers and demand they investigate the
rumor we heard that hams are in fact engaging in an inter planetary radio
dialog with long legged amazon chicks from Venus, soon to arrive and take
over world with their henchmen, old fat white guys, wearing hats with
strange combinations of encrypted letters and numbers on them .
It couldn't hurt.
The most interesting information I've obtained in the last few days on my
radio was that George finally received that long awaited tube for his amp,
that Bill and his wife are seriously thinking about getting a new sofa,
that Frank, thank goodness, got some pretty good rain over at his place.
And last, but by no means least, all local hams are invited this Saturday
to an ice cream social at the Shady Pines Retirement Home, where meter
pegging fun will no doubt be had by all.
Posted by
KG4HZT on 2002-08-08
Geezers or CBers
My first impulse was to select the Geezers category, but only we hams know that the majority of us are old white geezers. You just have to go to a few ham club meetings and hamfests to confirm this! However, I don't think the public would make that characterization; they just consider us to be CBers.
Posted by
K3AN on 2002-08-07
Doom and Gloom
I do not buy these doom and gloom stories that everyone keeps talking about. "Oh no, repeater use is down all across the country." "Oh, no one knows we exist," etc. First of all, there is a LOT more to ham radio than a VHF repeater. Personally, in my area, I am happy to see many hams, new and old, using simplex. Our repeaters are still heavily used, but there is a growing group of people who see the advantages and usefulness of simplex. Or they may be moving to other bands, such as six meters, 220, or perhaps UHF. Let us not forget HF. Just because you do not "hear" activity in your area does not mean that activity does not exist. And as far as the public not knowing ham radio operators are still around, I check the QRZ new callsign lists on a regular basis. How do you account for the hundreds of new licenses (nearly daily)? Sounds like someone is doing their job -- talking about and promoting ham radio to the public. Stop complaining about it on internet forums and get off your ass and make an effort -- get out and educate the public. Go to a mall, hand out flyers. Go to a county fair, hand out flyers. The ARRL certainly has an abundance of information available. The real problem with ham radio is people who complain, yet do nothing to solve that problem they are complaining about.
Posted by
W8MMQ on 2002-08-07
Positive attitude
W8MMQ: My repeater comment related to a posting just before mine which specifically discussed this. As for all the new licensees, that's encouraging; but, unfortunately, a lot of the new licensees are club calls for nonexistent clubs (FCC hasn't brought this under control yet, at all) and "family members" who get licensed because Dad (or someone) wanted them to, and many of them have no real interest and will never be active. That's not opinion, it's fact. I did a survey in my own zip code, here in a small village community of L.A., and found over 200 "hams" licensed in my little berg. Hmph. When I looked up each one individually: 20 "clubs" that nobody ever heard of; lots of women, coincidentally all living at the same addresses as men having the same last name and being licensed far longer (the "let's get the XYL a ticket" theory), etc. I did a drive-by for every single published address (except the P.O. Boxes) and found "no antenna" at most of them, not even any mobile whips on cars in the driveways. These are licensees, but are they really hams? Still, I'm confident our hobby will survive and surely outlive me. Although only a small percentage of licensees actually do anything to contribute to the hobby, that's still a lot of people; and, it's the same with any hobby.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-08-07
Positive attitude
WB2WIK: I should say that my comments were not directed at you, but to everyone who keeps bringing up these doom and gloom issues. This is not the first time this subject has come up, and I doubt it will be the last. I am simply trying to state that there seems to be a lot of talk, and little action, in our hobby. But as you point out, in many hobbies it is the same way -- a small percentage of people actually do all the work. In any event, I always appreciate reading your comments. As for Lansing, Michigan, I have long said we have a problem with declining activity, but by reading others' comments on this forum and others, it sounds like we are doing quite well. We have five club sponsored repeaters, one being part of a state-wide link system, and we have a dozen or more individually owned six, two and 440 repeaters, all of which are used on a regular basis. This does not include simplex activity, and those who use HF.
Posted by
W8MMQ on 2002-08-07
Dignity for What Should be a Dignified Hobby
To some degree the “Geek”, Old fat white geezer, CBer stereotypes are undeserved. The fact remains, however, that amateur radio has a serious PR problem. We do face ignorance and indifference from the broader community, but having said that, I think we’re our own worst enemy in some ways.
In a hobby with it’s basis in public service we often behave in self-serving ways. The flea market “culture” can be an exaggerated example of this where the cheap and greedy minority in our hobby can perpetuate our negative image.
To me, good “people skills” which include looking and behaving in a presentable fashion are a good starting point for building a positive image. Ask any politician - honest or otherwise. Also, when we’re promoting our hobby to someone from the outside, we need to talk on his or her terms. In other words, probe to find what their technological “hot buttons” are and then focus on those things as they relate to our hobby. Avoid self-indulgence and self-centeredness.
The truth about today’s amateur radio needs to get communicated to the community at large - not only for the preservation of our hobby, but also to ensure it grows with new people and new ideas.
The truth is amateur radio is an incredibly diverse hobby with something for the leading edge technology buff, as well as the traditional communications enthusiast. We’re doing leading edge stuff with DSP, image communications (ATV, SSTV), innovative new modes (PSK31, WSJT), location based technology (APRS), not to mention IRLP and satellites. The notion that “industry” has leaped ahead of amateur radio isn’t necessarily true. IRLP and APRS are good examples of this.
In addition, we do have an extremely respectable history. There’s a large segment of the ham community who support our rich history by collecting, refurbishing and operating “classic” equipment in classic, yet relevant modes such as CW.
It all boils down to communicating to the community at large that amateur radio is as RELEVANT today as it was in the past. Some of us work on protecting the hobby’s legacy while others work on the leading, and sometimes bleeding, edge. Let’s work on our image and interpersonal communications skills as well. That way we’ll win the support and respect one person at a time.
As a final note, I’ve met many new hams in the last year who’ve given me a great sense of pride and optimism about the greatest hobby on earth. They’re technically strong and always trying new things. Most of all, they’re accessible, friendly people with strong people skills. They reinforce my pride in amateur radio and nicely augment all the other friends I’ve made through my favourite hobby.
Posted by
VE3TMB on 2002-08-07
Eye of the beholder.
It depends on whom you ask. I have never received any negative comments or feedback about being a ham. I have been referred to as a geek (wife), a spy (friends), a CB'er (Radio Shack Employee). All of which was in a joking manner. I have only recently become a ham and was totally clueless of the hobby beforehand. We must educate the public about amateur radio, but we must not be overbearing about it. The public will listen (hear) what they want to and we should be there willing to provide the information when they are willing to listen. I was lucky to have an Elmer who would always take the time to talk. In 2000 a tornado struck Fort Worth, my cellphone and almost all of our police communications went dead. That’s when everything he had been saying fell into place. I soon got my ticket and now try to spread the word when someone is willing to listen. 73’s Jim/KD5RPU
Posted by
KD5RPU on 2002-08-07
Consider some other studies
In the Winter 2001 edition of the American Journal of Deviant Social Psychiatrating, Dr. Philip Fopster, of Quigsey College, in a quadruple-blind semi-uncontrolled study of social gracelessness and ineptitude, asked 958 people at randon the following question:
"What would you call a nail-biting, nose-picking, flood-pants-wearing, calculus-loving, girl-fearin', glasses-with-nose-bridge-taped-wearing, scratching-himself-in-public, dandruff-farming, loser?"
Results:
Computer geek 4%
Physics professor 2%
Dad 9%
Mom 13%
Ham operator 70%
Sorry, guys. But I don't make it up--I just report it.
Peace,
FU
Posted by
ME2FU on 2002-08-07
They are WHITE.
Come on!
Every ham I've ever seen is white.
Except me.
I'm kind of light brown.
Posted by
RODREE on 2002-08-07
CB Thingy
I was talking on the 2 meter mobile one day.I pulled into the drive-thur at the bank.The girl on the intercom told me to quit talking on my "CB Thingy".She couldn't hear any of the other customers.We are most mistaking for CBer's.
Posted by
KE4FVU on 2002-08-07
HFAMATEUR, you're whining. Get a grip. You wrote:
"Old Fat White Geezers" is an offensive term. Would you have been so quick to list "Old Fat Darkies" or "Old Fat Slanty-eyes" as options ? I think not...
Exactly WHAT did you find offensive about "Old Fat White Geezers"? White? Instead of your poorly-chosen "Old Fat Darkers", one might say "Old Fat Black Guys", which is not offensive, or "Old Fat Black Geezers" which is not offensive. Are we white folks getting thin-skinned? What SHOULD we be called, if not white?
Let's see:
"Old" - means not young. Not offensive, just factual.
"Fat" - if the shoe fits, wear it. Too much food and not enough exercise. The dictionary does NOT describe this as insulting, merely factual
"White" - Do you have a MORE politically correct word for this? I'm white - fact.
"Geezer" - mean a usually old, and eccentric person, also not an insult. If hams aren't eccentric, then they are usually not welcomed into the hobby - fact facts.
Go to any hamfest. Old Fat White Geezers. Sorry, but it's true. It's also what the kids call us, and it's true.
For me, at least, "fat" doesn't fit. But I am old, white, and eccentric, which means "Geezer" fits.
You can't stop age, and you can't change your color, and you wouldn't be a ham if you weren't eccentric, but you have ABSOLUTE control of whether you're FAT. I sure hope FAT isn't what you object to, since you're only fat if you chose to be.
BTW, for those who are a tad clueless - "Old White Geezer" and WASP are NOT synonymous. I'm an Old White Geezer, but I'm not a WASP.
Heck, when I was a kid and got my first ticket, hams THEN (late 1940s) were old fat white guys. This has never been a hobby for those with active careers and families, it's a hobby that you do by spending time AWAY from work and family, so it has always been more appealing to retireees. Nothing different today.
AM
Posted by
N0TONE on 2002-08-06
Give me a break!
"Old Fat white geezer" is offensive?
Come on HFAMATEUR, have a reality check.
KC0IOX and KL7IPV need one also!
You forget that 90% of people that you try to explain amateur radio to, haven't go a clue what your talking about. Most people find anything remotely "technical" completely bewildering.
Let's face it, amateur radio is an eccentric hobby for VERY eccentric people. Let's just leave it that way.
N0TONE, 'Yo de man! I couldn't put it better myself!!!
Cheers & 73 Andy VK5LA
Posted by
VK5LA on 2002-08-06
Hmmmmm
Most people don't know what we do. When you try to explain it, though, it really must sound eccentric. People think it is very odd to want to TALK on the radio. "Why would you want to do that?" When you add in Amateur Satellites, APRS, EME, meteor scatter, etc, people are more perplexed than anything else. I really can't explain to them what amateur radio is or why I like it so much. Everyone gravitates to hobbies or avocations that interest them.
People also think my other two hobbies - bicycle racing and coffee roasting - are odd. After all, why ride a bike when a car is faster, and why roast your own coffee when you can buy it already done from the nice Folger's people?
73 de KB1FLR, Rick
Posted by
KB1FLR on 2002-08-06
DANGER: 50,000 Ohms
I should have stated this earlier...
Field Day is one time when hams who operate portable from public locations can do _something_ to promote the hobby. Most FD operations I've ever been with or organized had a Publicity Chairman (or something) to deal with the public and the Press, and we had handouts about ham radio, etc.
One time we were set up in an isolated area on a mountaintop, but it was right on the Appalachian Trail and was pedestrian accessible. For fun, I set up string-supported banners reading, "DANGER: 50,000 OHMS!" It was a giggle.
This one time, we had no publicity chairman or any materials, since we really didn't expect anybody to drop by. So, to add to our fun, every time anyone asked us what we were doing we told them a different story. One time, I just whispered "CIA" and left it at that (never saying we were actually _with_ the CIA, or anybody else), and the people scurried off.
In retrospect, we should have been more forthcoming. I don't think we recruited any new hams, that one Field Day.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-08-06
Just as I suspected.....
I was the one who wrote the question, and no, Frank, I don't have a negative connotation of ham operators. In fact, I've been a ham for 8 years now and enjoy ham radio immensely. I just thought it would be interesting to see what we (as hams) think of the public we are supposed to serve. And I did put one positive selection in there, which is probably the most interesting statistic: 8% of respondents think the public views us as "knowledgeable communicators". 88% of respondents believe the public views us in worst possible light!!! That's pretty dismal. Either we have an incredibly low opinion of the general public, or we have grown to accept the labels of "Geeks, Old Fat White Geezers, and CB'ers". And as far as the "Old Fat White Geezers" being racist, I will admit I was asking the question from a US amateur's viewpoint. Look at our officials in the ARRL. Look at pictures in the QST or CQ. Look at the profiles on QRZ or eHam. Notice something? They are, almost without exception, white males approaching 60 (the "fat" was thrown in for humor). When ham radio makes the news, who is it that you see (or hear)? The white male approaching 60. Why is this? I don't know, do you? How do we change it? (FWIW..If I had to pick one, I'd say "Other" myself..I think that most people have no idea we exist, either.)
Posted by
KE4MOB on 2002-08-06
A lesson to be learned here.
The public at large can not recognize us? This can cause real problems in this day and age of mass media hysteria. Are people going to “turn us in” ala T.I.P.S program because they don’t understand why we have an antenna on our cars? Or carry an HT?
I think this survey shows we need to do some real PR work and fast.
Posted by
N9ESH on 2002-08-06
All geezers are white?
I resemble that remark in a darker shade. lol
On a serious note there are things you left out.
DOT Department Of Transportation,
TV or Radio station Remote,
Storm Chaser( I guess some storm chasers are hams),
Extremist Radio Scanner/SW listener,
Un-Marked Police Car.
Phineas
KC0LSC
Posted by
PHINEAS on 2002-08-06
No Image
I concur with AB7RG. I don't think the public has any idea that we exist, or would care if they knew. Without some kind of positive ongoing PR with the media we are relegated to obscurity.
Posted by
WB7X on 2002-08-06
For those who have trouble explaining what ham radio is, the phrase "I am a federally licensed radio operator." may be helpful (particularly with constabulary types).
What do I do? I talk to people on the radio.
Unfortunately, Most people think I'm a CB'er... so that's what I put down. :(
Posted by
KC9ASI on 2002-08-06
Re 90% Dormant Call Book Hams.
One poster stated that 90 % of Call Book Hams were
Inactive / Dormant.
CQ VHF Magazine states to the effect that " the overwhelming
majority of active hams in the USA are on VHF " .
How does this account for the endless reports of idle
repeaters found across the U.S.A. ?
Posted by
G3SEA on 2002-08-06
"On VHF?"
The majority of licensed hams probably have a piece of equipment to operate VHF, like a handie-talkie or mobile rig. That doesn't mean they actually use it. In the most populated metro areas in the U.S., repeater activity is at an all-time low. In more rural areas, it might be worse.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-08-06
Apathy
Most people are totally unaware of ham radio.
Posted by
N5NJ on 2002-08-05
HAMs
Just go to a HAMfest... it won't be hard, then, to pick the right answer.
-Mark K0EX
Posted by
K0EX on 2002-08-05
Where's the vote button for geeky old fat white CBer geezer?
Posted by
K5DVW on 2002-08-05
They don't even know we exist
Just today, Aug 5th, I was listening to the morning show on one of our FM stations here in San Diego and the DJs were doing a little segment they called, "How Do They Stay in Business" where callers would call in and give a name of a business they wondered how they stayed in business... one woman called in and said, "Ham Radio Outlet... I mean, who does that anymore?"
Posted by
N6TGK on 2002-08-05
Depends on who's answering
Ask someone in their 70's or 80's and it's likely they think a ham is a wireless experimenter, like Marconi.
Ask someone in their 60's, and they might think a ham is someone one notch above a CB'er, but probably don't know why.
Ask someone in their 50's, and they'll likely think hams are CBers.
Ask someone in their 40's, and they probably won't know, or care.
Ask someone in their 30's or younger and a ham is a good cut of meat taken from a pig and served at holidays.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-08-05
Licensed Ham
It depends on what you call a "Ham".
Its been estimated that 90% of all the listings in the "Callbook" are inactive (dormant). These people (most Hams) havent touched a radio in years.
Posted by
WB9YCJ on 2002-08-05
HAM RADIO?
I picked CB'er because everytime I have to explain what "Ham" radio is, that is by far what people think. They also think we just pick a call out of the air and use it. Also, they have no idea about licenses (or why). Why should they care about "Ham" radio, i.e., they have the Internet and 125 channels to pick and choose from on their TV. That's their world and this is ours. However, in the defense of "Ham" radio, I will state this. If world conditions really go into the sewer, then "Ham" radio could be a real asset to the country and to the communities therein. Don't count "Ham" radio out.
Posted by
K6HAM on 2002-08-05
Poor Public Relations
I think that if the general public were introduced to the "sport" aspect of ham radio (contesting and awards) we might be perceived in a new or different light.
Posted by
NT9E on 2002-08-05
GEEKS!!!!
I believe that the term "GEEKS" is the obvious choice. Neither bad or good and sometimes getting in the way(the "Do Gooders" who want to save the world).
Refuses to accept reality that public service can be done without their help(FRS,GMRS and MURS). But the public is told not to do their own public service work and to be dependent on the hams(ham propaganda).
Posted by
WD8MGO on 2002-08-05
Where's the "all of the above" choice?
C'mon, now! Make this list like a real scholastic test and throw us one of those "all of the above" answer options.
Because for many that would probably wrap up their true opinions of hams: old, fat WASPy, secretive, mad but knowledgeable CB geeks. Just kidding, of course!
The general population probably considers us "different" but intelligent gadget inclined people.
You know..the type that like to hang around Radio Shack till we're kicked out or the type (I'm guilty of this) who like to test the average Radio Shack employee but asking if you can see any of their 144 megahertz gear that would be either AF or RF modulated.
Or, perhaps you're the type who compares everything to today's rig prices..
Example: "Honey, that cruise is nice but it costs almost three Yaesu Mark V's"
I enjoy being a ham but I'm not always so open to announce it. Case in point, I have my callsign on my vehicle license plate but opted out of putting "Amateur Radio Operator" on it.
Why? It's not because I'm ashamed of it..not at all. But, why advertise to your neighbors that you're a ham?
At the first hint of TVI guess where they'll be running to?
Hollywood has strengthened our place in the world a little with movies such as Phenomenom, Contact and Frequency but the average layman still hasn't the foggiest idea what we do.
But, I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what a lot of people's hobbies entail. So there really is nothing wrong with that.
Posted by
FORMER_WS4V_KS on 2002-08-05
not a clue
While Roving, I've been approached by "bunches" of folks who were curious about what I was doing. The VAST majority of them had no idea what ham radio was. A few compared it too CB. Even the most of the police officers I have been "checked out" by had never heard of amateur radio.
73
Dan
Dan Evans N9RLA
Scottsburg, IN 47170
{EM78}
QRP-l #1269
1/2 of the N9RLA /R no budget Rover Team
Check out the Rover Resource Page at:
http://www.qsl.net/n9rla
Posted by
N9RLA on 2002-08-05
public
the public usually thinks i am an undercover federal agent or a spy. when i tell them im a ham they then think im a geek.
but the public doent count-they are all lemmings
Posted by
N2CTZ on 2002-08-05
all of the above
You should have included "all of the above" as one of the choices or allow more than one answer.
73
Joe
Posted by
KB8QLR on 2002-08-05
None of the choices are right as far as my experience goes. Most folks I talk to don't know a lot about ham radio period. When I tell them, it's not like they think it's wierd or anything, more like, "Oh, well I didn't know that much about it, but it sounds like fun."
I think that it's interesting that most of the stereoypes you put in the choices were negative conotations. Too bad. If we continue to see ourselves that way, that's the way everyone else will see us. In all the eyeball QSOs I've had with the hams in my area, to a person, they are all fine, upstanding folks, who I'd be honored to be counted among. Too bad one of the choices couldn't be "Good citizens and good folks interested in communication."
Posted by
KC0IOX on 2002-08-05
Ham Image
I choose "other"...My wife (not XYL) told some
friends that " my husband talks to satellites"
The reply " Oh? Really!!?" and stepped back..
Walt KA6VNU (for ID)
Posted by
KA6VNU on 2002-08-05
An american secret agents !
Here ( and I am sure everywere in ex USSR ) people , who do not have HAM licence and especially in age below 30 years think , that we broadcast music like pirate stations ( some " specialists " have this hobby in FM broadcast band ) . In age over 60 - 70 they think that we are AMERICAN ( !!! ) agents like they saw when were childs in old SOVIET films .
Posted by
UT3IM on 2002-08-05
KC0IOX said it....
None of the choices is correct and in fact, they tell me that the person who initially wrote the question doesn't think much of us either. Most people have no idea what we do and I wouldn't want the person who wrote the question telling any of the people I know what we are about. Talk about "negative"....
73
Frank
KL7IPV
Posted by
KL7IPV on 2002-08-05
Double-standards
"Old Fat White Geezers" is an offensive term.
Would you have been so quick to list "Old Fat Darkies" or "Old Fat Slanty-eyes" as options ?
I think not...
Posted by
HFAMATEUR on 2002-08-05
Sad, But True
Geeks, OFWG's & CB'ers............. Very sad, but very true............ I fear for the future of amateur radio. It is way past time for the older operators to be an "Elmer" to some newcomer........
Posted by
K9KJM on 2002-08-05
Do they even know we exist?
I had to pick "other", as I really don't think that your average citizen knows we exist. For the first 23 years of my life, I didn't know. Once I found out about Ham Radio I quickly became licensed. Anyway, if they do know we exist, they (unfortunately) think we are just another form of CB. 73 Clinton AB7RG
Posted by
AB7RG on 2002-08-04
A 'real' survey
I got my wife to ask her coworkers on this subject.
Result: We are Geeks....
But they are mad scientists... (www.ddre.dk)
73/72 Erik - OZ1GIY
Posted by
OZ1GIY on 2002-08-04
Invisible
How about invisible. Not such a bad thing, but then your future is also in question.
Posted by
KG6AMW on 2002-08-04
Image
Too bad there is no way to select more than one category......!
Posted by
K3KZ on 2002-08-04
If they're young: Geeks...
Otherwise Old Geezers...
But really, "People still do that!?"
We won't attract young people to the hobby and keep them there unless you change these perceptions.
73
Jeremy N1ZZZ
Posted by
N1ZZZ on 2002-08-04
As long as we enjoy it!
As long as we enjoy the hobby, let the public think what they want. I might think skydiving is a bit odd, but if you want to fall out of airplane, have at it! Coin collecting, I'd rather do something else with the little money I have, but if you enjoy it, collect! That is one nice thing about living were we do, we have a choice. Let freedom of choice live forever!
Best regards, Jerry/K1SO
Posted by
K1SO on 2002-08-04
Glorified CB'ers
Many times I get the response, "Oh is that a CB set?" We need to do our best to let others know what we do and why. In this day where just about everyone carries a cell phone with free long distance it can be difficult to show the advantages of Amateur Radio.
Posted by
W4DXL on 2002-08-04
Image
Our image is not important. We made the hollywood scene most recently and the CB craze of the 70s is fading. Let it be mysterious and defined by our backyard antennas and mobile whips. Nearly everyone of age has known a ham somewhere, but unless you get bit by the bug, it is very forgettable. I like the image of comparing our hambands to the National Parks, in that space that everyone owns is set aside for our use. In order to access this resource a license is required to show competence, since it is not there to squander or abuse.
We have traditions, rules and leaders to help us keep this resource for public use.
Let us keep it thus and forever be for those who find this resource of value.
Posted by
K8DIT on 2002-08-04
Really depends on who you ask
I have had such a mix of reactions from: "Wha kinda CB is dat?" to "What is the deal with all of the antennas?" to "Oh you're a ham, I'v heard of you guys." When I first got my license I was 12 and kids my age just gave me that "look". I'm not sure how to describe it. I did'nt have many friends my age due to my interests. Most of my friends were adults in my club. I'm a little older now and so are those same kids. I still get a mixed comments and reactions. My girlfriend says I can "be wierd" but "that is what makes me interesting to her." But she says it with smile, if you know what I mean. I think with the more we get out there and show how useful we are and how much fun the hobby can be, then, that is when we will start to turn any negative image around. But, for the time being I say, Let them think what they want. It's our hobby to enjoy, not their.
73's
Jason KE4NYV
www.ke4nyv.com
Posted by
KE4NYV on 2002-08-04
I checked secret agents. While this may seem a little odd, my response is based on a true story that happened last February. I am a college professor and I teach Political Science at a state university. More specifically, I teach International Relations (courses in foreign policy, international law, etc.). During this past school year my wife and I hosted a social for about 12-15 students who are members of the political science club on campus. Some of my students were aware that I am a ham radio operator and wanted to see my "shack." I agreed and a number of students observed a demonstration of amateur radio in action. I made a couple of domestic QSOs and one DX QSO to South America. When they saw my license from the FCC, a couple of the students became convinced that I had some special authorization to work with government agencies. At first, I thought they were kidding, but soon realized they were not. In particular, they wanted to know the relationship between ham radio and the military, considering the "war on terror" and whether amateurs had an important role to play. I must admit that I was quite surprised by their responses. I would have never predicted it. When I saw this survey, it reminded me of the episode. Jim, W4JFR
Posted by
W4JFR on 2002-08-04
IMAGE
It's 15 minutes of fame and you are gone. Having just returned from Tybee Island Lighthouse Weekend (GA) (no press this year), after doing 2 local TV Interviews last year, and working the other side of the Camera in Broadcast Television for 17 years, it is basically just a flash in the pan. Great when the deed or job is completed, but after the sun sets, no one remembers. That is where we must change our image, from temporary to a Presence! I voted "Other".
Posted by
W4CNG on 2002-08-04
new catagory
How about "Mad geek that spends too much money on radio junk just to talk with geezers" for an option? My XYL thinks that would describe it perfectly. I will not offer my "Image" of her shopping trips here in the interest of self preservation since three pairs of shoes for her are balanced by a new HT for me! Hey, it works in a pathetic sort of way......
72/73 Chris, KD7PKO
Posted by
KD7PKO on 2002-08-04
the catch
I also compare it to other hobbies... unless you are doing it, it seems dull to others.
The catch for us is we rely on our band allocations, and have to have a presense to some extent to do so (which I disagree, I think we are entitled to band allocations as citizens!)
Anyway I put geek, because let's face it that's what it is! If it really was just about operating and public service we could all belong to the red cross or some other agency.
rick
Posted by
KA1EZE on 2002-08-04
"Secret Agents"
A friend of mine actually thought that I was using my TS440s to communicate with my foreign counterparts. "Soon," he said, "You'll call in back-up! I'm onto you!" 73' de KB1FWN
Posted by
KB1FWN on 2002-08-04
People have no clue
Ham Radio is something a lot of people these days don't even know happens. It is off most people's radars. Twenty years ago, we were considered inventors, scientists, and somewhat, "geeks," but today we are not even thought about
Posted by
K0WA on 2002-08-04
my wife told me I looked like an agent
So I checked to "secret agent", though in Japan no real secret agent will TRANSMIT on the air - while we could still listen to some to the random number broadcasting stations here.
Very few people nowadays know shortwaves; let alone ham radio.
73 de JJ1BDX/3 Kenji Rikitake
Posted by
JJ1BDX on 2002-08-04