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Survey Question

Question

How much real influence do you think ARRL has with the FCC and congress?

Results (1462 answers)

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Survey Comments

ARRL

I have been a strong supporter of the ARRL for almost 30 years. It has become obvious recently that the ARRL is off on some agenda that is removed from what it’s members and other hams want. I am specifically referring to the license restructuring proposal, the band plan proposal, and the entry-level license proposal.

The Directors need to stop coming up with stupid yuppie ideas and propose things that Amateur Radio needs. How about expanding the over crowded phone bands, or doing something about jammers for example.

I think that their common sense regulator has failed. It is time to start replacing some Directors.

Vy 73, Walt N9WB
ARRL LIFE MEMBER


Posted by N9WB on 2006-01-31

KG4RRN writes:

"If it was not for the ARRL, I would not be
able to learn about (and this is a short list): ARES, ARISS,amateur satellite work,new models of ham radios,old models of ham radios,HF and sunspots,auroras,all of the gadgets used to connect ham radio,IRLP, Echolink,Winlink,antenna types,how to sting a wire antenna, how to work skywave propogation,gain of antennas-especially beams,email forwarding service(even though it was responsible for much spam over the past two years from spambots harvesting the arrl.net address),and general electronics......"

"If not for ARRL...."
Its a sad day when a ham believes that ARRL is the ONLY sorse of good information. This poor ham appears to be a victim of ARRL propiganda.
Posted by W9WHE-II on 2005-12-27

Did that

>HOW DARE 65% OF YOU NOT RECOGNIZE HOW WONDERFUL ARRL IS. What a bunch of miserable ingrates!
What miserable ingrates you 65% are! Now shut up, sit down, and send more money into the Newington Boys Club.
Posted by W9WHE-II on December 5, 2005<

::Did that; I just joined the "Diamond Club" of the League by sending a larger than normal donation. This way, I get a free calendar. I'm watching my mailbox for the calendar, the promo looked cool. And yes, I'm serious. -WB2WIK/6

Posted by WB2WIK on 2005-12-09

Gee Bob, some of us don't have that "G" in our calls and have been around a little while and seen a few things come and go. They ask a question about the arrl and being all for freedom of speech some of us told what happened to us and how we felt. Its clear on many of these threads if one does not believe in how the league conducts themselves on key issues, and speaks up we're looked at as being less than a good amateur operator. For those of you lacking an attention span many of us have already been through all the proper channels etc. We wrote, emailed, bitched, called, etc and most times never got any response at all back. Or got rewarded with a prick on the other end of the line looking down their nose at some of us because we did not go with the flow of what ever dumb down etc they had planned to increase their membership as in "funds" as in make "their" bank account get bigger at the expense of "your" amateur radio. Like so many i felt i was fighting a loosing battle and decided to not rejoin. I felt i was wasting my money on deaf ears. The fcc is all any of us need. They set the rules and enforce them. This is not bashing on my part. You seemed to need to know why at least many of us feel the way i describe above. Here if you are not an arrl member you get called names etc and flamed. You're looked at as not being a proper ham because you do not blindly support them on any and every issue that comes up. Wait a few years and keep an open ear and eye. Maybe then you'll feel like so many nonmembers now do. I was a member over ten years, then finally realized i was wasting my money. Subscribe to Cq magazine, there at least you'll know where your money is going and what its being used for. I did and never looked back. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all. John WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-12-09

per N0NY: Go ARRL! (But I'm not a member now!)


Now that posting was a classic- We really need to bring back tougher guidelines.
Posted by N0AH on 2005-12-06

Reality Check

I see posting here is not of a serious nature, but real hams don't post to internet chat either.

Cya on Echolink: Room of 1!!!
Posted by N0NY on 2005-12-06

Reality Check

I see posting here is not of a serious nature, but real hams don't post to internet chat either.

Cya on Echolink: Room of 1!!!
Posted by N0NY on 2005-12-06

Hijacked

The ARRL is like a dozen other organizations that I know - hijacked by its hired help, barely responsive to its own board, and completely out of touch with its members. I don't wish to be "represented" by an organization like that.
Posted by AA4A on 2005-12-05

ARRL OR NO ARRL

Hay Bob/KG4RRN
First of all the ARRL does not like VOIP and they dont support it.If you wanta find out about echolink then ask someone.Only thing the ARRL cares about is the $39 year membership,So they can keep there pay job and dont care otherwise about the hobby.Sound like your just want your license with out haveing to work for it.Get a life learn the code like the rest of ous have.And you might find some thing you realy enjoy instead of becomming a Frequency-Cop a member of ARRL--> ARES Ecomm-Command


Posted by N2BR on 2005-12-05

Problem or Solution

If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem!

So everyone that complains about ARRL being ineffective..What have YOU done that beats what they"ve (ARRL) has done for Amateur Radio?

Everyone that supports ARRL, or believes they are doing what they can...

What have YOU contributed to the hobby, to alienate the non-supportive of ARRL ham operators?


Maybe the non-supportive of ARRL Hams would like to see more BPL lines in their backyard, or would like to form their own group to compete with ARRL? Would that even work?

When was the last time YOU wrote a letter addressing the FCC's stance on an issue that affects anything to do with Amateur Radio?

When was the last time YOU wrote ARRL, voicing your opinion backed with facts, not vague hearsay, and off handed comments, for or against an issue?

Again, are YOU part of the problem or part of the solution?

I currently am not a member of ARRL...I had been a member previously, and I plan to rejoin again soon.

73's
Posted by N0NY on 2005-12-05

ARRL IMPOTENCE

HOW DARE 65% OF YOU NOT RECOGNIZE HOW WONDERFUL ARRL IS. What a bunch of miserable ingrates! After all, didn't ARRL:

1) STOP BPL dead in its tracks?
2) defend 220 Mhz?
3) get the antenna bill passed?
4) get the spectrum bill passed?
5) Hire a CEO to help its Executive director direct ARRL to submt a petition to dumb down our hobby?

What miserable ingrates you 65% are! Now shut up, sit down, and send more money into the Newington Boys Club.
Posted by W9WHE-II on 2005-12-05

YOU ARE THE ARRL

I am really tired of the bashing.
New hams/old hams need the ARRL-- to learn what you old codgers already know...alot about nothin.
If it was not for the ARRL, I would not be
able to learn about (and this is a short list): ARES, ARISS,amateur satellite work,new models of ham radios,old models of ham radios,HF and sunspots,auroras,all of the gadgets used to connect ham radio,IRLP, Echolink,Winlink,antenna types,how to sting a wire antenna, how to work skywave propogation,gain of antennas-especially beams,email forwarding service(even though it was responsible for much spam over the past two years from spambots harvesting the arrl.net address),and general electronics,and finally last but not least ELMERS...gee what has happened to this hobby when you all start bashing an organization, that some say "is self serving" give me a break!
So... 10-4 good buddy, and if you don't like it leave it...
I can't wait for no-code General... WOOHOO !
We are all getting older as you read this remember...if you can...your first dits and dahs, or first voice contact what is wrong? rf in the brain perhaps...
Bob, KG4RRN
member:ARRL,FFX. CO. ARES, VWS, NVFMA, SKYWARN, NTS, to name just a few...
Posted by KG4RRN on 2005-12-04

We only need FCC !

Hey Bob you can get all you mentioned at the Cq magazine website and not have to realize later that you've been wasting your money. Just hang around long enough and you'll find out. All any of us ask is that you keep an open mind and observe. 73 Merry Christmas WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-12-04

ARRL,,,,Too Much Power

The ARRL has too much power.

This recent proposal of dumbing down the requirements getting rid of the code put the clincher on it for me being an ARRL member. If the code requirement gets dropped, then all a Fly-By-Night has to do is memorize a bunch of answers in the study book and ~~POOF~~ they're an instant Appliance Operator...

The code was the only challenge left to make sure that only the serious minded people, the people that are meant to be hams would be the ones that become hams.

And the ARRL puts on a lot of this contesting. When the contesters are going, there is NO operating the net, there is NO having a normal conversation. There is NO ham radio for anyone BUT the contesters. There is no way I can talk to someone at all. I get blasted off the air.

Common folks !! Ham radio is for everyone! check to see if the frequency is in use, and that means asking more than one quick time and then commencing. if it is, then go 3 (THREE) KC'S away. Contests is "Supported Organized Chaos"

Another words, as long as the ARRL operates like they have been going, I will not support them.
Posted by KB0UZR on 2005-12-03

KE7FFL wrote:
"Now, the ARRL, for better or worse, is capable of representing us....They are trying again on CC&Rs (They won't get far because legally it is a contractual issue.)"

The fact that it is a contractual issue is not necessarily an insurmountable hurdle. The precedent has already been set. The purveyors of commercial dish TV have already received rulings stating that CC&Rs cannot stop the home owner from installing the small satellite dishes. The reference to the applicable ruling was published somewhere right here on eham. I passed the reference to a friend who lived in such a deed restricted community and he was able to put in his dish.

The ARRL does have a shot at this but it's going to be a long, hard road.
Posted by N8UZE on 2005-12-02

Throughout the 90’s, I worked with industry groups in the fixed wireless industry attempting to influence the FCC on various issues. During that time, I served as the technical committee chairman in both the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition, and the TIA Fixed Wireless Section. I also served as a director, and later president of the National Spectrum Manager’s Association. I can tell you that large industry organizations like these are necessary in order to influence the FCC. And even then, about the best you can accomplish are various compromises. The FCC listens to large industry organizations with a much higher level of interest than it does individuals. The ARRL is the only large organization representing us, and as such, has about the only meaningful influence we have with the FCC. And while maybe 20% of hams are members of the ARRL (some numbers I’ve heard bantered around here), this is no worse than participation I’ve seen in other large organizations. Finally, like the industry organizations I worked with in the past, the ARRL recognizes that the best they can do is come to some sort of compromise with the FCC and its members. My opinion is that if you don’t like what the ARRL is doing, run for an ARRL elected office and work to change the organization. Or, start another large influential organization to help us with our ongoing FCC issues.

Phil – AD5X

Posted by AD5X on 2005-12-02

QST? Not in the racks!

I have not seen a QST in years. I thought they quit publishing that when the Internet got popular. I am just wondering who in their right mind would pay to advertise in a magazine that only about 20% of the amateurs in this country would receive. I would bet that magazine is considerably slimmer in thickness than it was in the days when it was available to the general public in the magazine racks. Could that be the reason membership rates keep increasing and the number of ARRL members keeps dropping? I know the other ham and related electronics magazines just recycle the same old crap year after year. That�s one of the reason I dropped all magazine subscriptions.
Posted by N4ZOU on 2005-12-01

Its true that not everyone will agree with what the ARRL does. I agree with WW0H, I believe the ARRL is doing the best they can for Ham Radio interests. I support the ARRL.
Posted by NE4CW on 2005-12-01

Its true that not everyone will agree with what the ARRL does. I agree with WW0H, I believe the ARRL is doing the best they can for Ham Radio interests. I support the ARRL.
Posted by NE4CW on 2005-12-01

WQ1H

WQ1H writes:

"W9WHE I am not impressed with your "stupid" comment. Get with it..."


I guess WQ1H is part of that 33% Minority that thinks ARRL is effective. Gosh, aren't we lucky to have ARRL and WQ1H to tell us how stupid we all are?
Posted by W9WHE-II on 2005-12-01

ARRL does a good job

The ARRL does a very good job when you consider who they are up against. Its money that drives influence in Washington. There is no way an organization like the ARRL can compete with the big telecom, broadcasting, commercial radio and power companies in that regard. Anyone who expects much more just does not understand Washington. The ARRL does a very good job of reminding our elected officials as to why amateur radio is important. Disasters like Katrina highlight our value and the ARRL is quick to publicize that fact. Those who are upset with the ARRL because of its handling of code or no-code, refarming band plans or other such nonsense should realize how lucky we are. We have a huge, and I mean huge, portion of valuable radio spectrum. The fact that we have been able to hold on to most of it despite attacks from well-funded commercial interests, is a testament to the ARRL's efforts. Are they perfect, no, but I for one am glad that they are there. If they were gone tomorrow, we would be out of luck.
Posted by N2DY on 2005-12-01

Majority

WQ1H is with the majority of the respondents to this survey. Please review the results.

86% believe that the ARRL is working for Amateur Radio in varying degrees..

13% believe that the ARRL can’t find the front door.

I just love your analogy…because I seem to disagree with your assessment I am calling you stupid.

But, you labeled me stupid because I do not fault the ARRL.

I must be stupid as you stated in your email to me... “Well, I put my education, IQ and intellect up against yours any day.”

Another quote from your email to me…it fits you perfectly: “Such arrogance is only exceeded by a narrow-minded intollerance for divergent views.” Please note I did not correct your misspelling of intolerance.



Posted by WQ1H on 2005-12-01

Influence

I am a ham radio operator. I enjoy the hobby. I like QST Magazine. I belong to ARRL because I want to have "someone" speaking for me. I thank them for "whatever" enfluence they may have. What in the world are all of these negative remarks for? Enjoy life! Enjoy being a ham! 73 JIM K5JDB
Posted by K5JDB on 2005-12-01

ARRL Does What It Can

We need to keep in mind that the ARRL is trying to represent hams in the USA. The ARRL, like any organization, is subject to the attitude, personality, and biases of its top leadership. The ARRL is not empowered to make law regarding ham radio. All ARRL can do is ask the FCC to make certain rules to its liking. ARRL cannot make FCC do anything and ARRL should not be disrespected the way I'm hearing above. I can call the ARRL or go to their web site and find just about any information I need regarding ham radio. They are providing a valuable public service and they represent hams the best they can. One of the best things ARRL does is advertise the value of ham radio operators to America. They constantly sing the praises of operators who help in emergencies. Further, they are instrumental in getting more new hams licensed than any other organization. They also lobby law makers to defend the ham radio rights we have. Working with the government is tricky and rather than bad mouth the ARRL, we should use this same time and energy to find better ways to help them help us.
Posted by KD8CIP on 2005-12-01

Feckless

The ARRL, knowing they are the only game in town, has no influence whatsoever.

The FCC has become dismissive of anything they express before them. See the BPL results? Not ONE BPL trial has been shut down at the ARRLs request. Why?

All the emotionally charged helter-skelter created by ARRL disinformation, demands, intimidation & faxes accusing them of not doing their jobs coming home to roost! They show a total lack of respect toward their own 'membership' let alone the sole body that oversees our services' administration
Posted by K4RAF on 2005-12-01

Survey reflects reality

Fully 66% are convinced ARRL does NOT have meaningful influence with FCC or Congress.
Only 32% believe ARRL has meaningful impact.

I guess the 66% of hams are just too stupid to know just how effective ARRL is. Good thing we have that 32% that are sooooo smart!


W9WHE
Survey author.


Posted by W9WHE-II on 2005-11-30

FCC & Congress

W9WHE...I am not impressed with your "stupid" comment. Get with it...

Congress and the FCC in the same question shows that a low wattage light bulb was running...not many lumens flowing from the thought process.

Separate the two and you will receive different answers.
Posted by WQ1H on 2005-11-30

CQ versus ARRL

WR8D said "...End result was like myself many dropped their membership and never looked back. I subscribe to CQ mag and request everyone do the same."

So, I wonder how much money the ARRL has to spend on things other than publication of a magazine. Of course, the ARRL does have a few other sources of money since people do give money to the ARRL, they publish books, sell services, but when you compare the subscription prices, it does not seem to add up.

CQ magazine costs $31.95 per year for the magazine subscription. I subscribe. However, from what I can tell, the magazine is not the same value as QST in content plus the CQ Magazine web site is a joke.

QST, if you want to treat it as a subscription, costs $39 per year, only $6.05 more than CQ's subscription. But, in addition to the magazine, you get a whole lot of other things. The ARRL web site is a good resource for ham radio. The books that are published are a good resource for us hams.

I mean, it is not like I am spending a huge amount more to the ARRL to support their lobbying efforts.

But, as some people talk here, you would thing that all the ARRL ever did with the money collected was to lobby congress and the FCC in ways that do nothing other than destroy this hobby.

phil, K7PEH
Posted by K7PEH on 2005-11-29

If not the ARRL, then Who?

OK, we don't all agree with what the League has done. It seems that no matter what direction they take, someone is opposed to it. They were blamed and called names when it seemed they wanted to keep the code requirement; when it was dropped, they were blamed for not supporting it. If you don't agree with the League, fine. Now, which organization are you going to join that will have as much, if any, influence with the FCC? Are you contacting the Commissioners (I'm sure they will listen to you when they apparently don't have time to listen to the ARRL).

I'm a Life Member, and glad they do as much as they do for our hobby. Not supporting the League doesn't help any of us. Disagree - sure, we all have different interests; but where else are you going to give your support?

John - WW0H
Posted by WW0H on 2005-11-29

Some opinions are as useful as a silent key

WWOH has really hit the nail on the head here. No matter what the ARRL does there will be a great deal of nay saying. Perhaps that is inevitable in what is a fairly large organization; and honorable men and women can choose to respectfully disagree with each other. That's what public debate is all about.

What I see as totally ineffectual are those folks who simply like to gripe, seem to be oblivious to the mechanics of ARRL organization (Yes, they WERE voted in!), are accusatory with no evidence at all, and who put forth no alternatives. When you read something like: "Their arragent attitude. All knowledge rests in Newington. Us ignorant people out here in fly over country are to stupid..." then I would have to agree with the poster. It's not that the poster is "to stupid"--perhaps he is very intelligent, a great parent, a pillar of his community, and an electrical genius, but people like this have not learned to present themselves in a way that would provoke anyone (ARRL, the FCC or otherwise) to listen to them. I guarantee you that if this fellow came onto me in this manner, he would consider me "arragent" in the extreme because the only thing on my mind would be how to get away from him. You are not making any friends when you perform these harangues. You just look like an idiot. To put this in a HAM perspective, I think of this kind of presentation and attitude the same way some of you hard core CW guys think of no-coders.

Now, the ARRL, for better or worse, is capable of representing us. They know how to write grammatical sentences in English. They know how to properly petition the FCC. They have an active lobbying effort in Washington. They are fighting BPL in an organized manner. They are trying again on CC&Rs (They won't get far because legally it is a contractual issue.) And they do a tremendous amount in the field. And when they do wear their baseball caps, at least they wear them with the bill in front instead of with the adjusto-straps shown to advantage. In short, ARRL is your rep. It's a largely volunteer membership organization. You have as much say as the energy you're willing to put into it.

If you don't like it, by all means dump QST, go buy something else for your reading pleasure. If you want to start another organization, go for it. There's nothing stopping you (though perhaps you should pay a wee bit of attention to the experience in Canada).

By and large I don't expect this to happen. There is not the will to start another organization. That begs the question of how different it would be and whether it would be effctual at all in its own lobbying effort. Right now it is a pipe dream so all that is pure conjecture. That leaves a lot of solo folks out there--which is fine. Not everyone is a joiner anyway. Insofar as a non-member has an opinion about the ARRL, I support and bow before your right to have and express one. But in terms of the politics of the situation, it's about as useful as a silent key.

My apologies in advance to anyone I may have offended. Please go take a cold shower.
Posted by KE7FFL on 2005-11-29

Cq is great.

I can't see how the cq website is a joke Phil. There's just about anything an amateur would need there. Its really pleasant though to have someone disagree without all this name calling and flaming. You sir are a true gentleman. Honestly though on the cq website you can find anything you need, buy it and not wonder where the money is going. Its all about the magazine. I'm sure they have a nice profit from the price or they'd never stay in business. None of us can argue about that or we'd all be up in arms about the gas prices. Like i said the fcc is my representative, i need no other. Thank goodness i never became a life member and to be honest with you at that time i almost did. The machine just does not work. Sure you can be a member for years and never try to speak up on any issue and go along with the flow and think its the greatest thing since apple pie. Most of us though had questions at one time or another and either got no answers or were as i said before greated by a prick on the other end of the line looking down their nose at us because we did not agree with what ever the issue was they were trying to shove down our throats. Again, great to meet a gentleman. 73 John WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-11-29

Nah, not really

Can't see any major influence in evidence.

I'm still a member, though.

It would be nice to have hams as Commissioners....


Posted by WB2WIK on 2005-11-28

>>I wish more local clubs would compel
>>members to join ARRL...

Sounds like another method ARRL could use to disenfranchise the average ham. I'm sure it'll come up for a vote at the next ARRL board meeting, where the good directors will once again be shouted down by the inner circle to push it through.
Posted by N3EG on 2005-11-28

I'm really not surprised!

I never realized the sincerity of my post would be proven in such short time for all here to see. WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-11-28

About those federal grants

I've been an ARRL member for going on 23 years and I've rolled with the punches. When I don't agree with the direction the League is heading, I let my director know.

I am very concerned with the direction the League is going by accepting federal taxpayer dollars and then redistributing them. I don't care how worthy the cause may be. I don't think this is a proper function of a private membership organization. As the old proverb says, one cannot serve two masters. And if the League becomes dependent on taxpayer money I think a strong conflict of interest will occur. Will the League be guided by the will of its membership or will they strive to keep more money flowing?

I don't think anything good can come of this. The telecom interests the League bumps up against in proceedings like BPL play hardball. It would not surprise me if strings could be pulled to force the ARRL postition to be compromised once it becomes more dependent on federal taxpayer dollars. Also, I think it will devolve into a large conflict of interest issue when the League is receiving federal taxpayer dollars in one hand and trying to persuade a federal agency with the other.

Yes, I wrote my division director with my concerns about six weeks ago. I've not yet received a reply and I was told there were some health issues so it may be a while longer.

I truly believe no good can come of this. I'm afraid the ARRL is heading down the path of becoming a money machine much like the NRA and other organizations have become. It seems to be the nature of any group that gets involved in Washington politics.
Posted by N0NB on 2005-11-28

Conflict of Interest

"I am very concerned with the direction the League is going by accepting federal taxpayer dollars and then redistributing them. I don't care how worthy the cause may be. I don't think this is a proper function of a private membership organization. As the old proverb says, one cannot serve two masters. And if the League becomes dependent on taxpayer money I think a strong conflict of interest will occur. Will the League be guided by the will of its membership or will they strive to keep more money flowing?"

N0NB raises a very good and disturbing point. I thank him for this. I for one intend to do a little research on this and then do as he did and contact my Division Director.

With the ARRL credit card pitch recently received in the mail and the heavy issues facing amateur radio, we all ought to press the ARRL to tell us more about what they are doing and where they expect to go with this.

Posted by AI2IA on 2005-11-28

Arrl and congress

Well notice like i've said numerous times. If you don't belong to the arrl and voice your opinion to that fact then you're called names and looked down uppon by those that breath the thinner air with their noses turned up so highly. Let me say this again in simple hillbilly terms that even you city slickers can understand. Many of us were members at one time. We had issues with things going on in amateur radio and tried through the correct channels to contact whomever it was at that time to try to voice our concerns. Most times we could'nt even get a reply. Other times we were rewarded with a pure prick on the other end of the phone line looking down his arrogant nose at us, just like you do here, because we did not agree with what they were trying to sell the membership on. End result was like myself many dropped their membership and never looked back. I subscribe to CQ mag and request everyone do the same. There i'm not wasting my money on a defunt organization only interested in "their" best interests. Some say if you're not satisfied organize another body to represent us. The FCC is my representative, i don't need another. Lets grow up and not act like the dumbasses we are. Lets act like adults, other parts of the world would love to have the freedom of speech we take for granted. Cw or no cw, being a member of the arrl or a nonmember is not what makes us a good amateur operator. Its the character all see and hear on the air that defines the individual. Bottom line here is just get over it, many of us have seen through them and are no longer members "period". 73 WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-11-27

Proud to be an ex-ARRL member

WR8D,
Thanks. I couldn't have put it better myself. Its when we disagree with the League on an issue and try to voice our opinion that we find out that the League doesn't want to hear anything we have to say. We realize that we have no voice. We wise up and realize that they just want our money and otherwise just want us to shut up and sit in the corner. It took me 9 years to wise up. From one ex-member to another.

73 de AG4RQ
Posted by AG4RQ on 2005-11-27

Oh cut it out already!

The ARRL is T-H-E most influential voice that we have -- bar none. That is the way it will be until you find a Speaker of the House or President that is Amateur licensed and active.

I tip my hat to the people at Newington who represent Amateur Radio's interests. Though it may seem that you are the target of much negativity, please know that such is not the belief of everyone. Our collective kudos go to the secretary, mail person, custodian, technical crew, publication folks, legal council, Division and Section leaders, appointees and volunteers, column writers, executive committee -- and their SPOUSES.

Imagine having their job and having to read all of the crap above. Keep the faith, Newington. Thank you for what you are able to do for us all. Know that you are personally appreciated for each and everything that you do in our behalf.

Posted by W2EV on 2005-11-27

Oh cut it out already!

The ARRL is T-H-E most influential voice that we have -- bar none. That is the way it will be until you find a Speaker of the House or President that is Amateur licensed and active.

I tip my hat to the people at Newington who represent Amateur Radio's interests. Though it may seem that you are the target of much negativity, please know that such is not the belief of everyone. Our collective kudos go to the secretary, mail person, custodian, technical crew, publication folks, legal council, Division and Section leaders, appointees and volunteers, column writers, executive committee -- and their SPOUSES.

Imagine having their job and having to read all of the crap above. Keep the faith, Newington. Thank you for what you are able to do for us all. Know that you are personally appreciated for each and everything that you do in our behalf.

Posted by W2EV on 2005-11-27

Arrl and Influence

Is it a coincidense that the "8" callsign area has the most moronic input on this string? Is it the water? As the Tin Man said, "...if I only had a brain."
Posted by WB9NJB on 2005-11-27

ARRL!

They do a terrific job and if I never have another opportunity to publicly say this, I commend them for what every one of those personnel members do for our hobby. In fact, our club now defers to the leadership of ARRL in all matters. Why rebuild Rome? I wish more local clubs would compel members to join ARRL or offer $ reimbursement for joining. We just couldn't succeed without ARRL. Resources are abundant and offered...you only have to ask.
Posted by KA0SOH on 2005-11-27

ARRL"s Influencr

The biggest problem with the ARRL is Their arragent attitude. All knowledge rests in Newington. Us ignorant people out here in fly over country are to stupid to offer any new ideas or approach's to problems in the ham community
Posted by W8QP on 2005-11-26

Other games in town?

Whether we like it or not, nobody else is making any effort to represent ham interests, regardless of what those interests are and who may benefit. Just like any other organization, if you don't like the direction the ARRL is taking, you can voice your opinion through both words and action, and try to change things.

Right now the ARRL appears to be the only game in town, and has a pretty good entourage of both boosters and hecklers. But who else is making any attempt at all to speak for us?
Posted by K4IQT on 2005-11-26

Only game in town

For those who comment that the ARRL doesn't represent hams in the U.S., keep in mind that they are the only game in town. Is there another national organization around? In Canada we once had two national organizations. The Canadian Amateur Radio Federation and the Canadian Radio Relay League. Ultimately they both realized the futility of have two 'national' organizations and founds way to work together and finally joined together. That new national organization, the Radio Amateurs of Canada, represents maybe a sixth of the ham population in Canada but they do a respectable job. As an ARRL Life Member although someone on the outside, I would suggest that the ARRL does a decent enough job of representing the U.S. ham population before the FCC but perhaps less so before Congress. Let's face it, money talks!

And keep in mind that in most democracies in the world, the majority of those eligible to vote rarely do so. That George W. Bush received less than half of the votes of U.S. citizens entitled to vote doesn't mean he represents only those who voted for him. Like him or not, he represents all Americans.

Same with the ARRL. Nobody voted them into power. Got a better proposal? I think that U.S. hams get a good bang for their bucks. Imagine what the ARRL could do if more Amateur Radio operators were members. Strength in numbers....
Posted by VE3ES on 2005-11-26

Finally.....

Its about time there was a survey posted that asks an original question instead of a repeat of the same old trash.

The other side of the coin is the question asked--and who asked it. The ARRL is about the only organization that represents the hams in this country. Even though their agenda sometimes makes some of us cringe, without them hams in the US certainly would be on the losing end of a lot of legislation that would have been rammed through. Witness the BPL debacle--without Ed Hare and the ARRL lab in our corner, we'd HAVE NO HF anymore.......
Posted by K1CJS on 2005-11-26

Another Stupid Answer

> "I agree with WB4M. Some of the choices are pretty stupid. Not too long ago a survey about WARC bands had "What are WARC bands?" as a choice. If my memory serves me right, several chose that one. If you are not aware of the frequencies you can operate, you're in the wrong hobby. "

I've been a licenced ham since 2003. And when I saw that question I had the same thought: What's that? Well, when I took my exam 80,40,30,20,17,15,12 and 10 meters were all "HF" bands for me. The question forced me to look into history to clear up the term WARC bands. In our local club in Denmark the Old timers use the term "the new bands". But to us newbees they are all "new".

eHam.net is actually used by hams OUTSIDE the US, so not everybody knows what ARRL is!

vy 73 de
OZ8AGB

Michael
Posted by OZ8AGB on 2005-11-26

Certainly the ARRL is not "perfection" but then the relevant question is "who is able and willing to make the effort to do better?" Clearly not the telecommunications industry!Unfortunately antitrust is now moribund in the U.S. and big industry and big money rule.
Posted by KK7WN on 2005-11-26

Influence? Ha!

I voted "none" because I feel that accurately describes the level of influence that the League has over the FCC and Congress. The FCC shot down the League's license restructuring proposal. Its a good thing that they did. The idea of bumping up all Technicians to General with no further testing was extremely unpopular. Hopefully, the FCC will also shoot down the League's bandwidth proposal, which is also extremely unpopular. Both proposals would make a lot of extra work and a lot of extra expense for the FCC, which is contrary to the direction that the FCC has been taking for the past quarter century.

I don't particularly care for the direction that the League has been going in lately, either. They have been departing from traditional values for the sake of the all-mighty American buck. They no longer operate in the best interest of amateur radio, but in the best interest of self and their own inner circle of favorites.
Posted by AG4RQ on 2005-11-26

Maybe we need a change

The ARRL is the only real organizational group I know of that has the membership that is large enough to even consider legitimate. As far as concerns to the FCC. Now saying that mouthful do I support the ARRL? Yes I do but I don�t agree with all they do.

But what many believe from what I hear is they think the ARRL actually has the power to make and or change the laws. Sorry folks that they don't. They ARRL is really nothing more than an organization to the amateur radio operators as the American legion is to veterans. Or the rotary club is to your local citizens.

I am not here to state any the fine upstanding groups are bad. Far be it to even imply that I will say this. But we all need to realize just what the ARRL really is. An organization that provided a service to the ham operators at large. Through there articles and other subjects at interest. There lobbing force for the FCC is just that a lobbing forces to help enforce their opinion on the FCC. Not to make laws and force the FCC into doing as they seem fit.

Now this leads me to another point. We live here in the USA in what is suppose to be a democracy. And with that democracy we where granted the freedom speech and the right to peaceful assembly. So they're for as I see it folks if you don�t like what it is the ARRL is doing for you. Then there is still some alternative means left to your disposal. One them being the ability to form and charter a new organization that you would fill better represents you. Or the second being you just do nothing and sit back and see what shall happen.

Personally I fill the latter would be the least desirable approach as that way the FCC or any governing body would never get any input into your thoughts and concerns. And the aforementioned maybe being the wiser of the 2. As you be able to steer your newly founded group into the direction you deemed necessary to fulfill.

Now after saying all this I ask you all. Is there any one out there that wants to take on this monumental task of becoming the next voice for the amateur radio operator? And please folks I don't wish to be taking as a flame or other nonsense I just simply wish that those whom argue that an ARRL is not looking out for our best interest. Stop bad mouthing them and instead create a better more useful alternative. Jeff/n3jbh
Posted by N3JBH on 2005-11-26

Immaturity Abounds

>>...been departing from traditional values for the sake of the all-mighty American buck...

No citations for this accusation, of course.

>>...They no longer operate in the best interest of amateur radio, but in the best interest of self and their own inner circle of favorites...

Again, no citations.

>>...Same with the ARRL. Nobody voted them into power.

Pardon me? The board of directors is most certainly voted into office.

>>...The biggest problem with the ARRL is Their arragent [sic] attitude...

I'd rather them be arrogant than illiterate.

>>...They are out to justify their own jobs in Newington...

Yeah, right. Again - no citations.

>>...Face it, two thirds of the total hams do not belong to arrl...

Totally illogical, of course. This gentleman wants us to believe that all the non-members of the ARRL have consciously chosen NOT to be members. A very poor propaganda technique that no one here will be swayed by.

Clint Bradford, K6LCS
ARRL Diamond Club Member
Posted by K6LCS on 2005-11-26

Incorrect Assumptions

Some will interpret facts in a negative fashion as a way to boster an incorrect assumption when all that's needed is a little research and some critical thinking. Most US hams aren’t members because they never were. Add to this fact the reality that most non-profit organizations in the US are fighting a losing membership battle. A recent survey in Indiana done by the Center on Philanthropy and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University revealed that interest in and support for non profit organizations is declining overall. I think ARRL membership performance is actually not bad given the age of its members and the current interest in ham radio in society in general.


Posted by KG6AMW on 2005-11-26

K6LCS

>>...been departing from traditional values for the sake of the all-mighty American buck...

No citations for this accusation, of course.

>>...They no longer operate in the best interest of amateur radio, but in the best interest of self and their own inner circle of favorites...

Again, no citations.

>>...The biggest problem with the ARRL is Their arragent [sic] attitude...

I'd rather them be arrogant than illiterate.


K6LCS,
My goodness! I guess my comments about bumping up Technicians to General with no further testing ruffled your feathers. I see that you've been a Technician class licensee since 7/28/94. The League tried to get you a free upgrade. I guess that's why you're so enamored with the ARRL.

As for no citations for my accusations, what do you call the League's 2 proposals for license restructuring and bandplan by bandwidth?

You've been licensed almost a year longer than I’ve been. I guess that qualifies you to be my elmer ;-)

I just love what you put in the “subject” of your post; “Immaturity Abounds”. The “mature” ham doesn’t waste time learning code for an upgrade. He knows that some time down the road, it will be handed to him. The “mature” ham launches personal attacks against those who he disagrees with, such as labeling someone who committed a spelling error “illiterate”, or labeling someone who is critical of the ARRL “immature”.

Hey, if you want to support the ARRL and give them your money, that’s your right. As far as I know, we are still living in a free country. But, don’t take pot shots and launch personal attacks against anyone who disagrees with you.

Posted by AG4RQ on 2005-11-26

Influence?

I am an ARRL member and have been for 34 of my 41 years in amateur radio. At times, the ARRL seems to ignore opinions of the general membership concerning their views on proposed changes to the amateur radio service.

Examples of this include Incentive Licensing, The creation of the NCT, The present issue concerning the retention of the code as a testing element and most of all, the regulation by bandwidth petition. The latter was seemingly decided by a extremely small committee of digital supporters.

In many cases it seems that the ARRL comes under the influence of very small special interest groups to the exclusion of almost everyone else in the membership base.IMHO the entire general membership should be the one special interest group (other than the FCC) that has primary influence with the ARRL.

In the past 8 years the ARRL has sent many petitions to the FCC which have either not been acted on or flatly turned down. This rings alarm bells as to how much influence the ARRL dies have with the FCC.

That being said, The ARRL is the only thing we have in terms of representation in DC. Unfortunately this seems to the the main role of the ARRL in this day and time. This and QST are the two primary reasons that keep the members renewing each year.
Posted by K3UD on 2005-11-26

ANOTHER JOKE

I voted NONE, because in my humble view, the arrl has turned its back on the Ham community. They are out to justify their own jobs in Newington.
Face it, two thirds of the total hams do not belong to arrl...why should they be our voice....
Posted by K7NNG on 2005-11-25

Strong Opposition

Realize that the Communications Lobby is wealthy and powerful. Think about the Telecommunications Corporations that the ARRL is up against. Ask yourself, "What other amateur radio organization is out there representing hams with all its resources?"

Congress is not the place of fair play. Why do you suppose so many actors and entertainers join their ranks, or why so many representatives want to become actors?

What has the ARRL got going for it? A little money, a long record of public service and an organization that over the years has avoided national public scandals.

Now put that up against the telecommunications giants, and really what huge success can you expect? The ARRL does its best. If you cam give them more help, by all means provide it.
Posted by AI2IA on 2005-11-25

It's about the pork...

Now if the ARRL could slip Congress a few million....like the telecommunication industry does....then maybe we can talk about influence.

73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
Posted by WA8MEA on 2005-11-25

Another stupid answer

I wonder what is the point by including ignorant answers in these surveys? In practially every survey, at least one dumbass answer is listed. This time it is "who are the ARRL and FCC?".
BTW, I vote Some, but not enough.
Posted by WB4M on 2005-11-25

ARRL Doesn't care

I agree with NY7Q "I voted NONE, because in my humble view, the arrl has turned its back on the Ham community. They are out to justify their own jobs in Newington.
Face it, two thirds of the total hams do not belong to arrl...why should they be our voice.... "
Posted by W7AIT on 2005-11-25

Influence!

I voted "some, but not much" because the ARRL does not seem to have a clear, well thought out long range plan and you certainly won't buy much respect if you can't offer vision that leads rather than is self serving.
Posted by WA4DOU on 2005-11-24

"Real" influence

I think the key word in the question was "real". Hams in general, and the ARRL in particular, get lots of lip service from Congress. But when was the last time any amateur-related bill made it out of committee?

One of the biggest problems is that we don't make anything, don't sell anything, and are represented by a 501(c)(3) that is precluded from involvement in the political process. No money, no access, no influence. That's the way it works.
Posted by K0RFD on 2005-11-24

What a joke!

The last question should read. " what use is the arrl now? and why has it turned its back on its members" Leave the fcc out of the question. I could'nt answer because any of the questions made me feel i was a two faced liar. Just another thread to keep the flames roaring. WR8D
Posted by WR8D on 2005-11-24