IS HAM RADIO GETTING “SOFT”?
I think we’ve known, but didn’t want to admit, for years that ham radio was getting “soft”. So, instead of lingering on the negative, let’s consider some positives we can do to add some zest, interest, and activity to our hobby. I contend: There are at least two things we should consider to reduce the “softness” of our hobby. The first one…I’ve been harping on for several years. The second one…is a new consideration for me, but not for a lot of concerned amateurs. 1. Increase the PR effort 2. Relax the Morse Code requirement PUBLIC RELATIONS For all intents and purposes, ham radio does not have a PR department. I don’t recall reading anything in the Washington Post, or the Laurel Leader, about the FAR-Fest, and how there would be programs for all ages about amateur radio, demonstrations of the various aspects of our hobby, a test session for those wishing to join our ranks, and loads and loads of amateur radio equipment, both new and used, for sale. (I did read a few advertisements
