Comments on: The Death of EmComm http://www.hamradio.me/emcomm/the-death-of-emcomm.html Hams helping hams make the most of the hobby of amateur radio. (This site is moving from www.hamhelpdesk.com to www.hamradio.me) Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:29:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: n7ybh http://www.hamradio.me/emcomm/the-death-of-emcomm.html/comment-page-1#comment-69 n7ybh Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:55:58 +0000 http://www.hamhelpdesk.com/?p=303#comment-69 Not all amateur operators that get there ticket for the purpose for Emcomm are crazy, whacker, first responder wannebes. I know several, including myself, that got their ticket for the sole purpose on assisting in the time of disasters. Are we first responders? No and we will never be. But does amateur radio have a role in disasters or public service? Yes. ARES, Skywarn and Red Cross, amateur radio operators are there to assist the agencies and amateur radio will never be the primary means of communications during a disaster if they are doing their jobs right. As for the lights and “day-glow vests”, if by wearing one of these vests while supporting an event like the MS-150, YWCA Triathlon, Skywarn, or ARES makes the wearer a “Whacker” then I think we all should stand-up and cheer. Safety vests and lights are not for show and should never be used for show. During events amateur operators are often placed along the road to assist the medical staff of the event. If they, the volunteers, cannot be seen by the person that needs help, drivers (of obvious safety reasons), or the medical staff then why are they there? My advice to new amateur radio operators, join Skywarn and the local ARES group. Learn the part of the hobby that is known for, helping people. I do agree that this does not give any amateur operator the authority to help out emergency personnel, that is why ARES states “ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered …” But I also say to the new operators, be safe and wear a safety vest if the situation warrants it. Now a note about the cranky, rude style of writing from your post. Just because you do not like the fact that other amateur radio operators are volunteering their time and equipment to assist organizations, does not mean they are embarrassing, smiting, or hurting the hobby in any way. Many groups, people, and agencies are very appreciative of the volunteers and services of the amateur radio operators. Calling these operators names is not right and shows an embarrassment, by you, to other amateur radio operators that enjoy the hobby in all its facets. By the way, World Radio Magazine is only going to be on-line and taken over by the CQ Magazine. I do not know why you do not like to express your like of a hobby by not letting people know about the fun and interesting parts of this hobby. You do not have to impress anyone or let the world know you are an amateur operator. But just because other people get “ham plates” or collect QSO cards, does not mean they are out to prove they are better then the next operator. Kids love QSO cards and want to know more about the places and people you have talked to. So being quick to judge or narrow minded is not how you promote this great hobby of ours. I really hope you are not the owner of this web site. I first saw the site name and started to think how this could be a great place to exchange ideas and network with other hams. But after reading your article on the “death of emcomm” why would I come back or recommend this site to other hams? I will sign this post to let you and all the other readers know who I am and why I like this hobby. C. Phil Brunson, N7YBH Not all amateur operators that get there ticket for the purpose for Emcomm are crazy, whacker, first responder wannebes. I know several, including myself, that got their ticket for the sole purpose on assisting in the time of disasters. Are we first responders? No and we will never be. But does amateur radio have a role in disasters or public service? Yes. ARES, Skywarn and Red Cross, amateur radio operators are there to assist the agencies and amateur radio will never be the primary means of communications during a disaster if they are doing their jobs right.

As for the lights and “day-glow vests”, if by wearing one of these vests while supporting an event like the MS-150, YWCA Triathlon, Skywarn, or ARES makes the wearer a “Whacker” then I think we all should stand-up and cheer. Safety vests and lights are not for show and should never be used for show. During events amateur operators are often placed along the road to assist the medical staff of the event. If they, the volunteers, cannot be seen by the person that needs help, drivers (of obvious safety reasons), or the medical staff then why are they there?

My advice to new amateur radio operators, join Skywarn and the local ARES group. Learn the part of the hobby that is known for, helping people. I do agree that this does not give any amateur operator the authority to help out emergency personnel, that is why ARES states “ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered …” But I also say to the new operators, be safe and wear a safety vest if the situation warrants it.

Now a note about the cranky, rude style of writing from your post. Just because you do not like the fact that other amateur radio operators are volunteering their time and equipment to assist organizations, does not mean they are embarrassing, smiting, or hurting the hobby in any way. Many groups, people, and agencies are very appreciative of the volunteers and services of the amateur radio operators. Calling these operators names is not right and shows an embarrassment, by you, to other amateur radio operators that enjoy the hobby in all its facets. By the way, World Radio Magazine is only going to be on-line and taken over by the CQ Magazine.

I do not know why you do not like to express your like of a hobby by not letting people know about the fun and interesting parts of this hobby. You do not have to impress anyone or let the world know you are an amateur operator. But just because other people get “ham plates” or collect QSO cards, does not mean they are out to prove they are better then the next operator. Kids love QSO cards and want to know more about the places and people you have talked to. So being quick to judge or narrow minded is not how you promote this great hobby of ours.

I really hope you are not the owner of this web site. I first saw the site name and started to think how this could be a great place to exchange ideas and network with other hams. But after reading your article on the “death of emcomm” why would I come back or recommend this site to other hams? I will sign this post to let you and all the other readers know who I am and why I like this hobby.

C. Phil Brunson, N7YBH

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