Great question! We do NOT want to be one of these ham communities…

[Eric]

Here’s a very interesting short video that struck a chord for me - why do some hams primarily listen and not transmit?

I looked through the comments and a surprising number of people said that they find many hams to be clique-ish and not welcoming. This is the polar OPPOSITE of what I hope to achieve for TARC as a radio community. I want TARC to be distinguished as a club that welcomes new hams and helps educate and build up hams that are less experienced.

What are your thoughts??

 

[Don]

Hmm. The first thing that comes to mind is that from early on, the lesson was "Listen, listen, listen". In my own case, I would rather talk to people I know who have a sense of humor and don't recite the other stations's callsign plus their own callsign at the beginning and end of every transmission.

On a number of occasions, I have broken into a conversation, because the topic interested me, only to be told that I was not welcome (in so many words), or you had to make three contacts, pledge loyalty to the Angry Beaver net, and stand on one foot when you transmit.

I tend to listen longer than necessary to be sure these are my kind of people. I never answer a CQ call because I hate hearing long dissertations about politics, or why they are so clever because they bought a used radio for only $200... and the terrible audio confirms it. A CQ call can sound pretty friendly but when you answer blindly, you are at risk of being exposed to some gasbag bloviating about something that makes you cringe. My solution is to let someone answer the CQ first to make sure it is safe to be the second response.

So I guess you could say I've developed a bit of a phobia about talking to strangers on the radio. When I let my guard down and get caught in the trap it only reinforces my fears. I think QRZ should list a rating for every ham with points off for being boring, overbearing, or inappropriate on the air. At the end of the QSO, you would have the opportunity to add your own rating.

Notice: This message may contain a small amount of sarcasm.

 

[Greg]

i think we will always have a small percent of hams that just listen and don't participate much or at all for instance a new ham from Escalon that knew who terry was recently met him at a parade . i listen often to our repeater i feel the general vibe is a good one my only gripe is some of our veteran hams seem to critique different people talking on the repeater , some of these hams are new to the hobby and may be using a handheld radio to do so . Also some check in from long distances with a weak signal , myself im ok with the not so good signal im still a new guy too .

 

[Eric]

While individual preferences are completely fine, I always love seeing more people jump in. My broader concern is any issues we have with the culture we're cultivating across our repeaters and events. Things that might be discouraging operators to participate. We as a club have a responsibility to foster those who are new to the hobby, and we as individuals have a responsibility as decent human beings to be kind and welcoming.

I'm going to think on this a little bit - perhaps we can discuss it at the board meeting.

 

[Guy KN6WET]

I feel as a club; TARC is doing a great job fostering and supporting new hams and is very welcoming. The club is doing something right for Joerg and I to drive up to the club meetings monthly and to Field Day. Sad to say; but the clubs in the Fresno area are quite different than TARC's. I'm not saying that they are bad, but I guess it comes down to what one is looking for in a ham club and what their end goal is. Like Greg stated; we have a few veteran repeater users that are not in the club that are sometimes outspoken. We had quite a discussion during one Bacon and Eggs Net about the usage of 73 and 73's correcting my XYL and others on the net. At this point, I'm trying to get her comfortable in talking on the radio and not concerned with correct syntax. Like you stated; that type of rhetoric does not help and discourages new ham radio operators.

 

[Eric]

Guy thanks for the positive remarks and I apologize if there was anything on the B&E net that discouraged your XYL in any way. Building our hobby of amateur radio is the cornerstone of the club and my primary goal for TARC.

And yes, we've noticed of course and appreciate so much you guys' willingness to drive up to be a part of the club! It's a great and sincere compliment! Thank you!