John,

I was hesitant at first. Mostly because I think you are an okay guy. While my message might seem poor in taste, I stand by it.

I feel if you are going to play the arm chair lawyer part, then you should be more transparent with your role with NW Digital. I don't see you pointing out other rules issues, just things in those two areas, which ironically are directly related to NWdigital.

I do applaud your recent AMBE effort, offering a discount on the xlxd list to aide development efforts, rather than the usual approach. Moving forward I'd like to see less poo-pooing, and more doing not just on this list, but though out the hobby. Folks are expected to know the rules are part of their entrance test into the hobby. I am not an official observer, nor a lawyer, and suspect the same is with you. We have no obligation to remind others that obligation is on each operators shoulders alone.

If you want to do things that help NWdigital, I don't have a problem with you becoming the person to spear-head a more aggressive data rules overhaul proposal to the FCC. This is because its not just beneficial to NWDigital, but to amateur radio as a whole. I can't speak for others on this however, as I am sure operators of other modes may feel differently. I do encourage you to survey the odds and consider working in this positive manner to have these modernized, over the "old-man get off my lawn approach" that I have seen.

Now on to a new subject that is more productive please.

73 Steve, KB9MWR