28 Jul
2021
28 Jul
'21
1:28 p.m.
Thanks for the e-mail Marius, here are some answers below:
On 28 Jul 2021, at 19:05, marius--- via 44Net
<44net(a)mailman.ampr.org> wrote:
That's a false statement. The goal of ham radio in general is to provide improvement,
learning and experimenting.
Sorry for being blunt, but somehow the goal of amateur radio was lost here...
It was never its goal to provide "easy adoption" of anything. We have CB and
PMR radio for that. As we have commercial internet for the networking needs of network
noobs.
Do you suggest that we kick out all the “network noobs” and only have a network of
“network pros”? I am personally against the idea of discriminating against users based on
their skills. I would not like to be part of a network where only “pros” are allowed and
all “noobs” are shown the door. I see great value in being open and inclusive to
everyone.
About the progress of amateur radio, I know many young people that see no value in it
because the Internet exists. No matter if we like it or not, the Internet is a growing
reason on why people will not care about this hobby any more. So is it really in our best
interest to also kick out the people that found some interest and want to join? I think
that if anything we should embrace them and help them become part of it in a way that
makes more sense for them: digital. Experience the hobby through a phone.
If we don’t bring more of these people onboard, then the 44net will literally die in two
decades, and this is not an exaggeration.
We have to look at what these people like. Not force our own opinions and what we like
upon then. We have to figure out what draws them, what they like to do, and then just help
them do just that.
Otherwise we would not have our licensing exams and
the licensing system, and the restrictions for using the 44 network space.
And as the terms and conditions of the ampr network say, is is no replacement for
commercial internet access.
I think this organisation and network has lost its goal, direction and its appeal since
the passing of Brian Cantor, and the rise of TACs and other "management"
organisms that don't seem to share to much with the ham radio spirit of pioneering and
inovation. So unless you care to keep this thing uncentralised and distributed the only
direction of the 44net is downwards into oblivion. If this is the goal, then you are on
the right track.
BTW, speaking of the TAC and its decisions, if 100 people speak against something
proposed and supported by a small number of people, you may actually consider that the
specific proposal may be wrong... Right now I haven't seen to many traction for the
proposal here, other than 2-3 people.
We are always open to new solutions and proposals from members, and we will be happy to
see one proposed, but right now the problem seems to be that all proposals either
willingly or not try to exclude people and increase the barrier of entry. And this is
something we disagree with on principle. Our mission is to make it easier. We could find
many ways to make it harder.
Antonis