The ARRL Letter, Vol 26, No 30

[AA7BQ]

IN THIS EDITION:

* + ARRL Board of Directors Acts on Background Checks, Digital Issues at
July Board Meeting
* + FCC Commissioner Lauds BPL in House Testimony; ARRL Responds
* + ARRL Board of Directors Names 2007 Award Recipients
* + Now Appearing on the ARRL Stage at the 2007 National Convention...
* + ARRL Membership Pages Go "Live" on the Internet
* + FCC Denies Vanity Call Sign Petition
* IN BRIEF:
This Weekend on the Radio
ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Course Registration
+ Get Ready for the 2007 ARRL On-line Auction
National Contest Journal
9U0X DXpedition Approved for DXCC Credit
ARISS Update
Syria to Celebrate 60 Years of Amateur Radio
Let Us Know

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

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==> ARRL Board of Directors Acts on Background Checks, Digital Issues at
July Board Meeting

The ARRL Board of Directors took action on two pressing matters,
background checks and emerging digital technologies, at its second
meeting of 2007, held July 20-21 in Windsor, Connecticut. Invited guests
included IARU Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, and Radio Amateurs of
Canada President Earle Smith, VE6NM.

A major concern at this Board meeting was the topic of served agencies
and background investigations. The Ad Hoc Background Investigation
Committee agreed that pursuing federally recognized credentialing for
Amateur Radio volunteers was critical for the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) to function. The Committee chairman, ARRL Atlantic
Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, proposed that the Board adopt a
policy with regard to Memoranda of Understanding with the various served
agencies.

The Board adopted a policy that "communications volunteers participating
in ARRL-sponsored programs should not be required by served agencies to
undergo background investigations of any kind," but notes that criminal
background checks--performed by law enforcement agencies--are "generally
acceptable." The policy continues, "It is not reasonable for a served
agency to require these volunteers to consent to credit checks, mode of
living investigations or investigative consumer reports. In negotiating
or renegotiating Memoranda of Understanding that commit the League to
provide volunteer emergency communications support, the League must be
assured that these volunteers will not be required by the partner
organization to consent to credit checks, mode of living investigations
or investigative consumer reports."

Digital communication was another topic up for discussion at the Board
meeting. One question was the extent to which D-STAR systems fall within
the FCC definition of "repeater." Some repeater coordinators do not
consider D-STAR to be a repeater.

The Board also thanked existing VHF/UHF frequency coordination groups
for their efforts "to promote orderly use of amateur frequencies." The
Board requested that such groups "extend their efforts to coordinate
digital systems such as D-STAR" and consider the bandwidths actually
required for successful operation.

In a related action, the Board thanked those involved in digital
networks that serve ARES, specifically radio e-mail systems, for
creating a system that facilitates Amateur Radio's ability to provide
emergency communications. The League affirmed its desire to work with
developers of digital systems to improve efficiency, address control
issues and enhance compatibility with other users of the Amateur Radio
bands.

John Chwat and Janet Worthington, KB3PDS, of Chwat & Company, ARRL's
Washington, DC legislative consultant, presented the Legislative
Relations report. In this session of Congress, the firm hired
Worthington, who with more than three years' experience on Capitol Hill,
actively advocates on behalf of the League. Chwat & Company has
continuously monitored and reported on congressional legislation and
activities to the ARRL, and networks ARRL legislative priorities with
House and Senate members and staff. They have also conducted targeted
lobbying on the key issues of Broadband over Power Lines and antenna
placement, assisted in the grassroots networking of ARRL Officers,
Directors and members to contact their elected officials, as well as
constant monitoring the legislative activities in all 50 states. Chwat
and Worthington also work closely with General Counsel Chris Imlay,
W3KD, on relevant legislative matters.

The report also discussed the status of two bills pending in the US
Congress, HR 462 and S1629.

In January, Rep Mike Ross, WD5DVR (D-Arkansas), introduced HR 462, the
"Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007." It calls
on the FCC to study the interference potential of BPL technology and
report its findings back to Congress. It has been referred to the
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

In June, Senator Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) introduced S1629, "The
Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007." This bill
is currently pending in the Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee.

The Board also voted to support HR 2743, "The Military Affiliate Radio
System Emergency Communications Act of 2007." This bill would permit the
continued use of the MARS and SHARES programs of frequency-stabilized
Amateur Radio equipment that meets FCC Part 97 technical standards.
Otherwise, volunteers in these programs might be prevented from using
their regular station equipment.

Recognizing the significance of recent FCC actions that included the
removal of the Morse testing requirement, the Board set a goal of
attaining 30,000 new licensees in 2008, increasing in the following
years. With approximately 6,000 licensees disappearing from the ranks of
amateurs each year through attrition and non-renewal, the Board
recognized the importance of striving to create real growth in the
Service. The new licensing regime along with the approaching increase in
sunspots can provide the motivation and inspiration for all hams to use
to increase the numbers of licensees as well as the interest level of
all.

The Board decided to ask the Programs and Services Committee to evaluate
how the Section Field Organization is governed. In doing so, the Board
will request progress reports from the Committee regarding this study,
with final results reported to the Board no later than the July 2008
Board meeting.

The Rules and Regulations concerning the League's elections were
clarified to and amended with regard to "mass communication" of campaign
material during Director, Vice Director and Section Manager elections.
The Board prohibited "communications by mail, electronic distribution,
posting to a Web site, e-mail, hand delivery or any other means of
distribution to League members in the particular Division or Section"
involved in an election at League expense during the campaign period if
the material might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome of the
election.

At the close of the meeting, President Harrison noted that Director
Frank Butler, W4RH, after 50 years of elected service to the ARRL
(starting out as Western Florida Section Communications Manager in
1957), was not standing for re-election this October. Everyone present
gave him a standing ovation in appreciation of his long service.

The next meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors is scheduled for January
18-19, 2008.

==> FCC Commissioner Lauds BPL in House Testimony; ARRL Responds

On July 24, FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein testified at a House
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet hearing that "three
of the many urgent priorities we face" include the need for "a national
broadband strategy to ensure the ubiquitous deployment of affordable,
high speed broadband infrastructure to this country." FCC Chairman Kevin
Martin and Commissioners Tate, McDowell and Copps testified as well at
the "Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission" hearing.

ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, responded via fax on
July 25 to Commissioner Adelstein's remarks. "I cheered silently when I
came to your reference to the 'current anemic definition of high-speed'
that includes service that is too slow to meet citizens' reasonable
expectations," he wrote. "I was even more impressed with your statement
in the next paragraph, 'We must take a hard look at our successes and
failures.'"

Sumner, however, expressed "great disappointment" over Adelstein's
reference to "broadband over power line" (BPL) as "a technology
deserving of 'increasing incentives for investment.' None of your
colleagues' testimonies contain a similar reference," he pointed out.

Sumner reiterated the ARRL's position with regard to BPL technology and
"its propensity to interfere with radio communication, a flaw that is
not shared by other broadband delivery platforms. As long as
interference is avoided," Sumner said, "it is of no concern to us
whether private investment is devoted to BPL. However, we must object to
your identification of BPL as a technology that is particularly
deserving of favorable public policy treatment."

Calling the FCC's "inexplicable favoritism of BPL in the face of
contrary evidence" one of the Commission's "failures," Sumner noted that
according to the Commission's own latest figures, "of 64,600,000
'high-speed' lines, only about 5000 are BPL. This is a share of 0.008
percent, a share that actually declined in the six-month period between
reports--and if an 'anemic' definition were not used, none of the 5000
or so BPL lines would qualify."

ARRL's concern, Sumner said, at the "prospect of an even greater
encouragement of BPL, as your testimony suggests, is that--even at the
very low level of deployment that exists to date--the FCC's enforcement
efforts have proved to be woefully inadequate to address ongoing cases
of harmful interference from BPL systems."

Sumner went on to note "one example of documented interference
(Enforcement Bureau File No. EB-06-SE-083) has been caused by the
Ambient Corporation's Briarcliff Manor, New York installation for more
than three years without being corrected and without penalty to the
system operator...If the Commission is unable to protect its licensees
from harmful interference from BPL now, it is difficult to imagine how
it will be able to do so should BPL be more widely deployed in the
future."

Sumner also attached a letter from William E. Burton, Chairman of the
Public Safety and Security Committee of the Westchester County Board of
Legislators. Burton's letter described the interference BPL is causing
to local Amateur Radio operators in the village of Briarcliff Manor. He
stressed that the FCC "should require that...Ambient cooperate with the
ARRL and its BPL technical experts forthwith...This would include both
the current experimental system, as well as any future or 'second
generation' technology."

Burton's letter went on to say that "the best way for the FCC to promote
a new technology while protecting public safety...[is to] make clear
that complaints concerning harmful interference are taken seriously."

Sumner concluded his comments: "We respectfully submit that BPL has not
earned a place in the much-needed national broadband strategy to benefit
all Americans. Resources are better devoted elsewhere, to more promising
technologies that do not pose a threat to the Commission's radio service
licensees."

==> Now Appearing on the ARRL Stage at the 2007 National Convention...

One of the main features of the 2007 ARRL National Convention, to be
held in conjunction with the Huntsville Hamfest August 18-19 in
Huntsville, Alabama, is the ARRL EXPO area. Part of the ARRL EXPO is the
ARRL Stage. ARRL Headquarters staffers and Field Organization leaders
will be giving short mini-forums on the ARRL Stage during the
Convention. Topics will range from how to write an article for QST, to
membership benefits, to BPL, to Logbook of the World, to education and
more!

ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, will give the latest on
Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) and how they affect Amateur Radio. ARRL
News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, will present two talks: How to
write for QST, and a general Q-and-A session about Amateur Radio and the
news. ARRL Membership Manager Katie Breen, W1KRB, will discuss the
"ever-expanding benefits of ARRL membership."

ARRL Regulatory Information Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND will
speak about the responsibility every amateur shares when they get on the
air--operating legally, safely and appropriately. ARRL Contributing
Editor Ward Silver, N0AX, will present Dr Beldar's Contest Emporium,
always a crowd-pleasing hit at the ARRL EXPO.

ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, will talk about the
newly dedicated Diamond Terrace and ways amateurs can be a part of this
lasting tribute at ARRL Headquarters. ARRL Education Services Manager
Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, will speak about opportunities with ARRL for
mentors and instructors. ARRL Emergency Preparedness & Response Manager
Dennis Dura, K2DCD, will be introducing himself and meeting hams
interested in or already involved with public service. DXCC Manager Bill
Moore, NC1L, will discuss operating awards and the QSL service.

ARRL Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, will host the ARRL
Section Manager Forum, while ARRL Southern Florida Section Manager and
Chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee Sherri Brower, W4STB,
will talk about why Public Information Officers are so crucial to the
ARRL Field Organization.

Stay tuned for more details. For more information on the ARRL 2007
National Convention, please visit the ARRL EXPO Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/expo>.

==> ARRL Board of Directors Names 2006-2007 Award Recipients

The ARRL Board of Directors named four ARRL award recipients at their
July 20-21 meeting in Windsor, Connecticut. The four awards conferred
were the 2007 Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award, the 2006
Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award, the 2006 Hiram Percy Maxim
Award and the Joe Knight Distinguished Service Award.

The recipient of the 2007 McGan Award is Daniel M. McMonigle, N3IXQ, of
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. McMonigle has been involved with public
service and emergency communications, making speeches to civic and
community groups. In 2007, through his tireless efforts, permission was
received from the Comcast East cable network to place ARRL public
service announcements on the company's networks. The cable air time
value of this advertising was valued at more than $1.5 million. The
McGan award is named for Philip J. McGan, WA2MBQ (SK), the first
chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee. After his death,
friends in the New Hampshire Amateur Radio Association joined with the
ARRL Board of Directors to pay a lasting tribute to the important
contributions he made on behalf of Amateur Radio. The McGan Award goes
to that ham who has demonstrated success in Amateur Radio public
relations and best exemplifies the volunteer spirit of Phil McGan.
Public Relations activities for which the McGan Award is presented
include efforts specifically directed at bringing Amateur Radio to the
public's attention (and most often the media's) in a positive light.
This may include traditional methods, such as news releases, or
non-traditional methods, such as hosting a radio show or being an active
public speaker.

The recipient of the 2006 Instructor of the Year Award is Dr William P.
Birmingham, KC8WBD, of Grove City, Pennsylvania. Over a period of many
years, Dr Birmingham has demonstrated his commitment to teaching Amateur
Radio in the classroom, as well as promoting Amateur Radio outside the
classroom. Herb S. Brier, W9AD, long-time CQ Novice Editor, represented
the spirit of effective, caring Amateur Radio instruction. The ARRL, in
conjunction with the Lake County (IN) Amateur Radio Club, sponsors this
award in his memory to recognize the very best in volunteer Amateur
Radio instruction and recruitment.

The recipient of the 2006 Maxim Award is Greg S. Davis, N3ZL, of
Florence, South Carolina. This award, given annually to a licensed radio
amateur under the age of 21, takes into account the nominee's most
exemplary nature of accomplishments and contributions to both the
community of Amateur Radio and the local community. Davis, first
licensed at 14, upgraded to Amateur Extra class before he turned 16.
While his first love is ragchewing, he likes to DX, contest and operate
all digital modes and SSTV. Davis is interested in and active in
emergency communications. As part of his Eagle Scout project, he was
responsible for planning, assembling and installing emergency
communications antennas at Red Cross emergency evacuation centers.

The recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is ARRL Puerto Rico
Section Manager Victor Madera, KP4PQ. This award, first established in
2003, honors the exceptionally notable contributions by a Section
Manager to the League's health and vitality. It is named for New Mexico
Section Manager Joe Knight, W5PDY (SK), who served as New Mexico's
Section Manager for 27 years.

==> Revamped ARRL Membership Pages Go "Live" on the Internet

The fully automated, easy-to-use, online membership application,
<http://www.arrl.org/join> which now provides immediate confirmation to
ARRL members, became a reality July 22. "Our new membership Web page
went live due to the inter-departmental team effort of Membership,
Circulation, Web Services, Accounting, IT and Business Services,"
commented ARRL Membership Manager Katie Breen, W1KRB.

"ARRL Circulation Manager Amy Hurtado, KB1NXO, and I visited many
membership organization Web sites to see if we could find details we
liked and wanted to use for our site. We then took those bits and pieces
to ARRL graphic artist Diane Szlachetka, KB1OKV. Diane worked to
decipher our notes, and ultimately we ended up with this awesome set of
pages," she said.

But it doesn't stop there. "Having a front page was only the beginning.
We needed to get all the systems behind the scenes to talk to each
other. One of the big parts related to credit card processing. ARRL Web
Developer Hugh Brower, KB1NFI, spent countless hours working with our
merchant services company to set up all kinds of security protocols, and
ARRL Web Applications Developer Micah Murray created all the
nitty-gritty scripts to make the site actually work! Wow--what a
process!" Breen said.

Breen said the online membership process "definitely needed an
overhaul." She added that more than 65 percent of ARRL members use the
ARRL Web site to join or renew their membership. "For existing members
who renew, when they log in to their member page and follow the link to
"Renew," the page will automatically populate with their existing
information. When a new ham joins and enters their call sign, their page
is automatically populated with data from the FCC. Again, the idea is to
make it as easy and streamlined as possible."

Calling the old online membership process "cumbersome," Breen said it
did not allow ARRL members to add family members at the same time, make
additional donations to the League or even add a subscription to QEX or
NCJ. "You can now also choose a Life Membership online, which previously
was not available. You can upgrade to Diamond Club while in the
system--again, this was not an option previously. Now when you join or
renew, you will receive an immediate confirmation by e-mail that
includes the type of membership selected, when it expires and when the
first issue of QST will arrive."

Breen said she hopes ARRL members will find this new Web page beneficial
and she welcomes any feedback. She can be reached via e-mail
<w1krb@arrl.org>.

==> FCC Denies Vanity Call Sign Petition

On Friday, July 20, the FCC denied the petition of Quinten R. Erickson,
N0RD (formerly N7GXA), of Big Lake, Minnesota, requesting a
reconsideration of his application for vanity call sign N7AZ. The FCC
granted N7AZ to Jon F. Goering (formerly NJ7I) of Apache Junction,
Arizona on February 13, 2007.

Section 97.19&copy;(1) of the Commission's Rules provides that a call sign
shown on an expired license is not available to the vanity call sign
system for two years following the expiration of the license. This
two-year period corresponds to the grace period during which the
licensee of an amateur station may apply for renewal of the station and
operator license. The expired call sign becomes available for
reassignment the day after the two-year period ends. Call sign N7AZ
expired on January 13, 2005 and was available for assignment on January
14, 2007.

Goering's application for N7AZ was received by the FCC on Sunday,
January 14, 2007. Because the application was received on a weekend, the
FCC deemed it to be filed on the next business day, Tuesday, January 16.
Erickson argued that the FCC should have dismissed Goering's application
for N7AZ as "premature." The FCC said that Erickson "assert[s] that Mr.
Goering's application should have been dismissed because the prior
license was still reflected in the Commission's licensing records on
Sunday, January 14, 2007. We disagree. That the Commission's records
were not updated until after the weekend does not change the date on
which the call sign became available to the vanity call sign system. Mr.
Goering's application therefore was not premature."

Goering and Erickson's applications for N7AZ, the FCC said, were
included in a lottery to determine the processing order of applications
with a filing date of January 16, 2007. Of the applications that
requested N7AZ, Goering's was the first selected. "Consequently, we
conclude that his application was properly granted, and your application
was properly dismissed," the Commission said.

Erickson subsequently applied for vanity call sign N0RD on April 10,
2007 and received it on April 28, 2007.

____

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: This weekend, the NCCC Sprint Ladder is on
the air July 27 and the ARD Flight of the Bumblebees is July 28. The
RSGB IOTA Contest is July 28-29. Next weekend, look for the ARRL UHF
Contest, 1800 UTC August 4-1800 UTC Saturday, August 5. The TARA Grid
Dip Shindig and the European HF Championship are August 4, while the
10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB), the National Lighthouse
Weekend QSO Contest and the North American QSO Party (CW) are August
4-5. The RSGB RoPoCo 2 and the SARL HF Phone Contest are August 5. The
ARS Spartan Sprint is scheduled for August 7. See the ARRL Contest
Branch page http://www.arrl.org/contests/, the ARRL Contester's Rate
Sheet <http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more
info.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Course Registration:
Registration remains open through Sunday, August 5 for these online
courses that begin on Friday August 17: Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications Level 2 (EC-002); Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Level 3 (EC-003R2); Antenna Modeling (EC-004); HF Digital Communications
(EC-005); VHF/UHF--Life Beyond the Repeater (EC-008), and Radio
Frequency Propagation (EC-011). To learn more, visit the CCE Course
Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the
Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* Get Ready for the 2007 ARRL On-line Auction: Planning for the ARRL
On-line auction, scheduled for October 24-November 2, is already in high
gear, according to ARRL Business Services Manager Debra Jahnke, K1DAJ.
"We have a head start this year, as many of the items used in QST's
product review articles will be part of the Auction." In past years,
product review items were auctioned off throughout the year via
announcements in QST and written bids. QST "Old Radio" columnist John
Dilks, K2TQN, started off the donation process when he dropped by ARRL
HQ with a Hallicrafters SX-25 Super Defiant receiver and matching
speaker. Jahnke commented: "During and after the conclusion of the first
ARRL On-Line Auction last year, we were bowled over with the level of
interest and the extremely positive feedback from both bidders and our
generous donors. We anticipate another terrific turnout and will have
even more items to bid on--a large selection of new and vintage
equipment, Amateur Radio-related products and services--and a few
surprises, too! Our goal is to make this an exciting, fun event for
everyone."

* National Contest Journal: The July/August issue of NCJ is on the
streets. This issue features an article about the 2007 Contest
University held at this year's Dayton Hamvention. This exciting event,
led by Tim Duffy, K3LR, and an instructor staff of 10, brought together
more than 150 contesters, ranging from beginner level to expert, for a
day of contesting topics such as propagation, shack design and layout,
DXpedition contesting, contest logging software and antennas. John
Unger, W4AU, writes about participating in the Pennsylvania QSO Part as
a Multi-Multi station, and Pete Smith, N4ZR, reviews the new Elecraft
XG-1. Ranko Boca, YT6A, writes about contest techniques and wonders if
there are more yet to be discovered. There are also articles on
contesting activities at the Visalia DX Convention and a profile of
Geoff Howard, W0CG.Regular columns, such as "Contest Tips, Tricks and
Techniques," "RTTY Contesting," "VHF-UHF Contesting" and "Workshop
Chronicles" are included. Visit the National Contest Journal's Web site
<http://www.ncjweb.com>. Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, is Editor of NCJ. He
can be reached via e-mail <ncjeditor@ncjweb.com>. NCJ is available from
the ARRL and starts at $20/year (6 issues). To subscribe to NCJ, visit
the NCJ Subscription Web site <https://www.arrl.org/forms/ncjsub.html>
or call 1-888-277-5289.

* DXpedition Approved for DXCC Credit: The ARRL DXCC desk reports that
the 2007 DXpedition to Burundi, 9U0X, has been approved for DXCC credit.
ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, said, "If you had cards rejected for
this operation, please send an e-mail <dxcc@arrl.org> and you will be
placed on the list for update."

* ARISS Update: ARRL Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) Coordinator Rosalie White, K1STO, said that the ARISS program is
moving along splendidly. On Tuesday, July 17, long-term hospitalized
children at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida,
spoke with astronaut Clay Anderson, KD5PLA, aboard the ISS. Anderson
answered the children's 33 questions. The Challenger Learning Center of
Lucas County, in Oregon, Ohio has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on
Wednesday, July 25 at 1148 UTC. The center has a science lab that is
used for the summer camp programs, and schools from northwest Ohio and
southeast Michigan participate in the programs which reach approximately
3000 students each year. An ARISS contact has also been has been planned
for the 21st World Scout Jamboree in Chelmsford, England. Special Event
Station GB100J will operate at the Jamboree from July 27-August 8, 2007.
Approximately 40,000 scouts from 200 countries are expected to attend
this event. The contact will take place on Saturday, August 4 at 2110
UTC. There have been 306 ARISS International Space Station-to-Earth
school contacts to date.

* Syria to Celebrate 60 Years of Amateur Radio: The Technical Institute
of Radio, the IARU member-society in Syria, will celebrate 60 years of
Amateur Radio in that country from October 15-November 15. In honor of
this important milestone, TIR members will be using special prefix 6C60
on all HF bands during the month.

* Let Us Know: What's your favorite part of The ARRL Letter? What kind
of stories would you like to see in the Letter? Would you prefer the
Letter in an HTML format? This is your Letter and your chance to let
your voice be heard. Please send your suggestions to ARRL News Editor S.
Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, at k1sfa@arrl.org, with the subject line "ARRL
Letter Suggestions." All messages will be read and discussed, and we
look forward to implementing positive suggestions into the ARRL Letter.


================================================== =========
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[wa3vjb]

What about the survey ?

[W3MIV]

The survey, since it was undertaken as a project by three Divisions, would not appear in the ARRL Letter, which is an all-ARRL (national) mailing, and not a Divisional mailing.

Details about the survey will probably appear in newsletters sent out by the three Directors, I would guess sometime after the turn of the month.

Patience is its own reward.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[wa3vjb]

Uh-oh. Problem seen. By not requiring senior staff to report that this survey was a new and warmly received method to shape some of the discussions at the Board Meeting, you are allowing them to potentially sweep the findings under the rug.

I don't understand how three Division Directors could avoid formally discussing the findings of this survey at the gathering in Windsor, since the purpose was to prepare them for discussions at that Board meeting.

Therefore, the purpose of the survey and a summary of its reception among the others at this meeting is a legitimate topic to include in the national newsletter.

By reporting on this project, which drew 2400 participants, this would have done at least two things: Affirmed for divisions that did not participate that this was a legitimate, sanctioned project that they too should consider joining the next time; underscored for senior staff that they can expect additional guidance from their Directors who are taking the initiative of polling their members about policy and planning.

How will subscribers in divisions that did not take part learn the impact this survey may have? They won't hear about it from Newington, apparently, and if a recalcitrant Director opposed to such surveys does not feel like telling his region, then its another "secret" from the Back Room Boys.

I urge you to reconsider allowing this survey to sink without a trace in the ARRL's national scheme of things. You will have done your region a disservice, since now is the time to leverage your work and form a multiplicity of voices through the conduit you have so freshly created.

Paul/VJB

[wa3vjb]

ARRL News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
k1sfa@arrl.org
"ARRL Letter Suggestions"

Krystyne,

I was disappointed to find no mention of a novel survey ARRL Directors from three regions conducted to help them provide guidance to senior staff in discussions at the Board Meeting July 20, 21.

When you have more than 2400 paid subscribers from around the country taking part in an unorthodox, fresh event, that's news for the rest of your divisions and worthy of inclusion in your national newsletter.

Please reconsider this oversight, and immediately get in touch with the leader of this poll, Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, to collect his thoughts ahead of your next newsletter. His initiative is a model for your other Directors to take to heart.

Subscribers from other divisions have expressed disappointment that their directors failed to take part in this interesting survey. For those fortunate to be in the Atlantic, Great Lakes and Delta Divisions, the survey was a gratifying way for members to feel included in their director's planned discussions at the Board meeting where policy and planning discussions take place.

Please let me know your decision.

Paul Courson
WA3VJB



Quote[/b] ]* Let Us Know: What's your favorite part of The ARRL Letter? What kind
of stories would you like to see in the Letter? Would you prefer the
Letter in an HTML format? This is your Letter and your chance to let
your voice be heard. Please send your suggestions to ARRL News Editor S.
Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, at k1sfa@arrl.org, with the subject line "ARRL
Letter Suggestions." All messages will be read and discussed, and we
look forward to implementing positive suggestions into the ARRL Letter.





I am sure this is just a coincidence...



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Keane, S Khrystyne, K1SFA <skkeane@arrl.org>
Date: Jul 28, 2007 9:32 PM
Subject: Out of Office AutoReply: ARRL Letter Suggestions
To: Paul Courson

I am currently out of the office until Monday, July 30.

If you need immediate assistance, including news matters pertaining to Amateur Radio, please contact QST Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, at jkleinman@arrl.org.

Thanks!

[kc5vdj]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif With all of the radical anti-government anthrax-mailing, federal-building bombing, clinic-bombing, Disneyworld bombing, Timmy McVeigh types and Koresh worshippers in ham radio who belong to insurrectionist militia groups, the klan, radical religious groups, and the various nazi groups, I can see why the ARRL would have a problem with background checks when hams are in liason with government agencies, especially when they are involved with FEMA and other agencies that such groups are against and would ESPECIALLY love to cause to fail.

The ARRL is just looking after it's radical constituancy again...They know who butters their bread.

I personally support background checks. #We are at war against Terrorism, and that includes ALL enemies: foreign, and DOMESTIC.

[wc5cw]

WA3VJB, et al...

For some preliminary information with regard to some issues you raise, look here:

http://www.weaver.gcara.org/

Regards,

Bruce
WC5CW

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ July 28 2007,21:29)]I am sure this is just a coincidence...



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Keane, S Khrystyne, K1SFA <skkeane@arrl.org>
Date: Jul 28, 2007 9:32 PM
Subject: Out of Office AutoReply: ARRL Letter Suggestions
To: Paul Courson

I am currently out of the office until Monday, July 30.

If you need immediate assistance, including news matters pertaining to Amateur Radio, please contact QST Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, at jkleinman@arrl.org.

Thanks!
At this time of year, I think I would strongly suspect a vacation before I would assume a conspiracy.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[wa3vjb]

You're right, Albert, she probably turned her mail off for the weekend.
~~~~~
Bruce, thanks for copying out a regional newsletter from one of the areas taking part in the survey. The most relevant material I could find regarding the need for national visibility for that survey in the ARRL newletter was this:

Quote[/b] ]ARRL is run by the Board of Directors. It is the Board of
Directors that develops all policy for ARRL. Our HQ staff implements
policies the Board develops. The day-to-day operation of ARRL is
managed by staff under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Dave
Sumner, K1ZZ. Dave reports to the Board of 15 Directors through the
Board President, Joel Harrison, W5ZN.

The fact that many members believe that the tail (HQ) wags the dog (the
Board) was particularly apparent from several comments I received
relative to the last survey.

Bruce if you are in a position to help dispel this widespread perception, one easy way of doing so is to see to it other Directors feel empowered to participate in surveys like this. They can acquire such confidence by obtaining feedback from people in their regions. As mentioned, you have a success story when 2400 people are stimulated to take part in a poll because they (suddenly) feel connected to the League's political process.

Let us know your progress.
Paul/VJB

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (kc5vdj @ July 27 2007,20:39)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif With all of the radical anti-government anthrax-mailing, federal-building bombing, clinic-bombing, Disneyworld bombing, Timmy McVeigh types and Koresh worshippers in ham radio who belong to insurrectionist militia groups, the klan, radical religious groups, and the various nazi groups, I can see why the ARRL would have a problem with background checks when hams are in liason with government agencies, especially when they are involved with FEMA and other agencies that such groups are against and would ESPECIALLY love to cause to fail.

The ARRL is just looking after it's radical constituancy again...They know who butters their bread.

I personally support background checks. #We are at war against Terrorism, and that includes ALL enemies: foreign, and DOMESTIC.
I'll try to be as respectful as I can, but, sir, please provide some evidence with respect to what you claim. Names, calls, affiliations, etc.

You accuse ARRL of a form of conspiracy and perhaps obstruction of justice in knowingly trying to cover up said affiliations with known terrorist organizations. Quite a heavy claim.

As a second step, after you produce a list of who's who in amateur radio that you allege belong to these groups, you might want to make an appointment with a local psychologist to help you deal with your fears. Actually, you might want to skip the psychologist and go directly to a psychiatrist.

I doubt that you've ever had a background check. But, if you have, you might take issue with your rights to privacy and just who gets to examine your bank account(s), credit history, assets, and such. Perhaps the 'served' agency might want to discriminate based on ability to contribute more than just personal effort to its cause.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ July 28 2007,06:12)]Quote[/b] ]ARRL is run by the Board of Directors. It is the Board of
Directors that develops all policy for ARRL. Our HQ staff implements policies the Board develops. The day-to-day operation of ARRL is managed by staff under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. Dave reports to the Board of 15 Directors through the Board President, Joel Harrison, W5ZN.

The fact that many members believe that the tail (HQ) wags the dog (the Board) was particularly apparent from several comments I received relative to the last survey.

Bruce if you are in a position to help dispel this widespread perception, one easy way of doing so is to see to it other Directors feel empowered to participate in surveys like this. They can acquire such confidence by obtaining feedback from people in their regions. #As mentioned, you have a success story when 2400 people are stimulated to take part in a poll because they (suddenly) feel connected to the League's political process.

Let us know your progress.
Paul/VJB
Paul: #Amen. #Your revelation here is the first I've heard of the survey.

Probably a good thing that we'll be soon having a new Division Director in the Southeast. #He's received many emails from me and I've received NONE from him.

Ah, perhaps it was the theft of the K4WCF callsign by the West Central Florida Section Manager via the ARRL VEC system that he didn't want to acknowledge.

Oh, well. #At least the call was given back to the rightful owner by the FCC, but, no response from Dave Sumner as to the results of the ARRL's special #"investigation" into the matter either.

Or, perhaps it was the ARRL's opposition to a Florida Bill a couple of years back that proposed a significant restriction on CC&Rs for simple wire and vertical antennas. #Ah, but it was too 'reasonable' perhaps. #Again, no response.

Anyway, hopefully the new Southeast Division Director will concur with the minority of three existing Directors that those footing the bill ought to have some input into the organization's decision making processes.

Yes, surveys are one good way to get opinions from the membership. #However, as noted in the very high percentage of digital mode operator responses, the results can be skewed by the population choosing to respond. #With respect to Regulation by Bandwidth, I'm most certain that owners of PMBOs would be in there enmasse saying, open up the bands to digital widebandwidth emissions anywhere. #Speaking of which, yesterday on 20M, I counted 5 separate digital emissions with the same characteristics from 14057 to 14250. #Interesting. #I couldn't help but wonder how many of them were PMBOs passing emails back and forth. #Of course I don't own an SCS modem so I couldn't identify who they were.

[wa3vjb]

Hi Lee,

It's disturbing that someone who participates here as much as you do did not hear about this survey when it was first rolled out nearly a month ago.

I can only imagine the number of other licensees with less interest who remain unaware.

Yes, survey results are affected by those who choose to respond. My view is that by responding, those people form a demographic that is active, involved, and interested in helping shape what comes out of Newington.

2400 people are hard to ignore. The survey proves the League's problem of communication, which is likely to be a reason they're not showcasing it in their national newsletter. Example: Of all the respondents indicating they are participating in digital, only half that number feel they were adequately consulted by senior paid staff in Newington before their group's petition was filed with the FCC.

Moreover, among the respondents indicating they read the ARRL "bandwidth petition," 75 percent said they understood it. This directly confronts Newington's attempt to blame its membership for the overwhelming opposition the proposal generated.

No wonder the damn thing failed.

Of interest to me is the survey's finding that nearly 20 percent of the phone operators responding list AM as among their voice activities. It has been my impression that most AMers abandoned the League a long time ago after years of chronic neglect of our activity. The number who still subscribe today forms a healthy category, it turns out.

Since the margin of error is about 1 percent, this can provide proof that the AM community is severely under-represented in League publications, training material, and magazine articles written by paid staff (as opposed to writings by outsiders like me).

Some of those articles are archived:
League's AM Page (http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/am.html)

I'd like to think the fresh proof of a strong AM presence among phone operators is what scared the szht out of Newington, but it's probably more a matter of ceding control to the people they answer to: The Board of Directors.

Good luck convincing your region's candidates to embrace this tool that Directors may use to assert their legitimate power to shape policy and planning by the League's senior staff in Newington.


--Paul/VJB

[W3MIV]

W6EM sez:

Quote[/b] ]Yes, surveys are one good way to get opinions from the membership. However, as noted in the very high percentage of digital mode operator responses, the results can be skewed by the population choosing to respond. With respect to Regulation by Bandwidth, I'm most certain that owners of PMBOs would be in there enmasse saying, open up the bands to digital widebandwidth emissions anywhere. Speaking of which, yesterday on 20M, I counted 5 separate digital emissions with the same characteristics from 14057 to 14250. Interesting. I couldn't help but wonder how many of them were PMBOs passing emails back and forth. Of course I don't own an SCS modem so I couldn't identify who they were.

With all due respect, Lee, it would be hard for one guy to be so wrong on so many counts.

Of the 2453, 52% stated they work digital modes. Fifty-five percent work CW regularly. Would you therefore also assume that the CW crowd got together to skew the results? Given the breakdown of participants in the survey by years licensed, I wouldn't leap to that conclusion at all. The only thing that is certain is that digital modes are far more popular than many are willing to admit or to acknowledge.

As to all those owners of WinLink PMBOs, yep --- there were fifteen of them. Hardly seems to fit the "enmasse" appellation. Total number of WinLinkers was 193, of which 147 work EmComm. Pretty thin for the makings of a conspiracy, wouldn't you agree?

If you feel strongly about Butler's position, and how he filled it, why not run for Director?

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ July 29 2007,09:31)]...the AM community is severely under-represented in League publications, training material, and magazine articles written by paid staff (as opposed to writings by outsiders like me).
I thnk you make a very good point, Paul.

Having spent the bulk of my working life in various and sundry positions in the graphics and publishing biz (from flatbed cameraman to Senior VP, from pasteup hack to publications' flack), I can understand the League's dilemma -- which is that they focus on the 82 percent rather than the eighteen. Also, the vast percentage of the newly baptized will have few AM credentials beyond that "other bunch" that we all would rather not mention in polite company.

I think you would be doing everyone, not least your own particular interest, a great benefit by submitting AM-focused articles to QST. You are quite correct in pointing out that there is a "vacuum" there that needs filling, and you are as good a wordsmith as any around. You experience makes you a prime asset.

Taken in parallel with Dilks' Old Radio feature in QST, your take on what is happening today with AM would be a natural fit that reinforces that "what once was, still is" to a greater extent than some may realize or appreciate. I would love to see you pursue this in a serious way.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ July 28 2007,08:13)]W6EM sez:

Quote[/b] ]Yes, surveys are one good way to get opinions from the membership. #However, as noted in the very high percentage of digital mode operator responses, the results can be skewed by the population choosing to respond. #With respect to Regulation by Bandwidth, I'm most certain that owners of PMBOs would be in there enmasse saying, open up the bands to digital widebandwidth emissions anywhere. #Speaking of which, yesterday on 20M, I counted 5 separate digital emissions with the same characteristics from 14057 to 14250. #Interesting. #I couldn't help but wonder how many of them were PMBOs passing emails back and forth. #Of course I don't own an SCS modem so I couldn't identify who they were.

With all due respect, Lee, it would be hard for one guy to be so wrong on so many counts.

Of the 2453, 52% stated they work digital modes. Fifty-five percent work CW regularly. Would you therefore also assume that the CW crowd got together to skew the results? Given the breakdown of participants in the survey by years licensed, I wouldn't leap to that conclusion at all. The only thing that is certain is that digital modes are far more popular than many are willing to admit or to acknowledge.

As to all those owners of WinLink PMBOs, yep --- there were fifteen of them. Hardly seems to fit the "enmasse" appellation. Total number of WinLinkers was 193, of which 147 work EmComm. Pretty thin for the makings of a conspiracy, wouldn't you agree?

If you feel strongly about Butler's position, and how he filled it, why not run for Director?
Well, Al, on how many counts was I wrong? #Yes, I should have remembered that CW is also digital. #And, yes, PSK-31 is digital. #As are other "legacy" modes such as RTTY.

Al, you have the numbers in front of you. I don't. #All I had was a concern, based on the percentage of digital respondees. And, while I'm at it, with your numbers in front of you, 2453 responses were received out of how many ARRL members solicited?

I'm not anti-digital, just anti PMBO outside of about 5kHz of spectrum on each band. #And, anti proprietary-protocol use on the amateur bands. (Pactor II and III)

As to conspiracies, isn't this what the root of the problem is? #A conspiracy of insiders sitting around the table not asking what the dues-paying membership would like? #Or, whether the dues-paying members agree with what they've devised or planned?

As to my interest in running, no, there are far better people than me out in the Southeast Sea as it were. #Besides, if I were a Director, I'd want a wholesale change at the paid-officer level in Newington. #For many more reasons besides the two mentioned in my comments here.

BTW, I'd nominate Charlie, AG4YO, if he's willing to.

73,

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ July 29 2007,10:50)]...I should have remembered that CW is also digital. #And, yes, PSK-31 is digital. #As are other "legacy" modes such as RTTY.
CW did not figure as a "digital" mode.

Quote[/b] ]2453 responses were received out of how many ARRL members solicited?


This was not a random survey. The targets were the Divisional email newsletter recipients. The response was on the order of fifteen percent, which is an excellent return. Error margin calculated out to about 1%.

Quote[/b] ]As to conspiracies, isn't this what the root of the problem is? A conspiracy of insiders sitting around the table not asking what the dues-paying membership would like? Or, whether the dues-paying members agree with what they've devised or planned?


No, I don't believe there have been "conspiracies," whether of insiders or outsiders. I believe that most of the recent "errors of closure" between ARRL and a large portion of its membership have been misjudgments. I believe all of them were based on honest decisions badly made by the BOD.

In terms of the bandwidth petition, I would agree with most of the voices here on QRZ that some of the inclusions in that benighted prayer were put there by a minority with an agenda that went beyond what the membership wants or would support, though I would not necessarily agree that all of that petition was wrong or badly crafted.

Quote[/b] ]BTW, I'd nominate Charlie, AG4YO...

The nominations are still open, I believe. Send his name in. If nothing else, it should be good for a whole new series of threads here on QRZ!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[wc5cw]

WA3VJB, (et al)...

>"ARRL is run by the Board of Directors. It is the Board of Directors that develops all policy for ARRL. Our HQ staff implements policies the Board develops. The day-to-day operation of ARRL is managed by staff under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. Dave reports to the Board of 15 Directors through the Board President, Joel Harrison, W5ZN.

The fact that many members believe that the tail (HQ) wags the dog (the Board) was particularly apparent from several comments I received relative to the last survey."<-- Jim Weaver K8JE, Director, Great Lakes Division, ARRL

>"Bruce if you are in a position to help dispel this widespread perception, one easy way of doing so is to see to it other Directors feel empowered to participate in surveys like this. They can acquire such confidence by obtaining feedback from people in their regions. #As mentioned, you have a success story when 2400 people are stimulated to take part in a poll because they (suddenly) feel connected to the League's political process."

Paul, I agree wholeheartedly with your comment as quoted immediately above...I've communicated my thoughts and ideas to my Division Director via several e-mail messages pertaining to several issues, including League communications with its members, and I will have further opportunity to do so, in person, when he (Coy Day, West Gulf Division Director) is the guest speaker at my local ARRL affiliated club meeting in September...And, btw, my advice always includes the closing statement "Again, I am at your service with regard to ideas, opinions, research and legwork as need be for my fellow West Gulf Division Members and my fellow radio amateurs."

In a perfect world, I would have expected some greater mention of the Board of Director's Meeting activities in the first newsletter following that meeting...But for whatever reason, I also know that much of what transpires among Directors and Executives at such meetings (and the ARRL is only one example) does so informally as in small groups and one-on-conversations...Recognizing that, if you or anyone else is looking for a statement via a League publication anytime soon that describes a consensus viewpoint or a single mind-set with regard to the Survey's impact and results for 30-plus individuals who are duly elected officials, I think you will be disappointed...I could be wrong, but from my experience, non-agenda items, important as they are, (and involving that many individuals) do not get reported on as a newsletter or memorandum item...As Albert correctly points out, and most know, the Survey was conceived, formed and distributed by a cooperative effort among 3 Division Directors...Should not the follow-up and reporting also be distributed by these same Division entities?...That seems quite logical to me and my link as furnished earlier gives rise to this very possibility.

As for the report of what transpired with regard to agenda items, I suspect the Minutes of the July 2007 Board Meeting will be published at some point in August...Interested parties can read the Minutes of recent Board Meetings by linking here:

http://www2.arrl.org/announce/board.html

Patience and due diligence in the continued effort by concerned, vocal members such as yourself--working within the organization--is the wrench that will eventually loosen the nut that holds the lid on sincere, well documented and pertinent correspondence from ARRL HQ and Division officials.

FWIW

Bruce
WC5CW

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (wc5cw @ July 29 2007,11:45)]Patience and due diligence in the continued effort by concerned, vocal members such as yourself--working within the organization--is the wrench that will eventually loosen the nut that holds the lid on sincere, well documented and pertinent correspondence from ARRL HQ and Division officials.
It seems to me this is exactly correct.

What many fail to realize is the truly Byzantine structure of the BOD and the way if conferes a virtual fiefdom on each of the fifteen Directors. Given the realities of this structure, with its staggered electoral cycles (that effectively frustrate the creation of effective "reform coalitions"), it is imperative that every member take a proactive stance with regard to those issues and policies of great personal interest. Without the constant goad of emails and tête-à-tête encounters with the membership, it is all to easy for a Director to begin to believe his own inner voice, or, far worse, to succomb to sirens among the professional bureaucracy in Newington.

This is definitely not to say that any of these voices, internal or external, are wrong, dishonest or otherwise impelled by any other than the highest motives, but it is to remind one and all that these motive might not always be in congruence with the wishes of the membership. And, that, one must always remember is the coin of this particular realm.

For each member who sits back to "let George do it," I would have you remember that the failure of your sloth affects all of our futures, and not just your own.

For those of you who refuse membership and insist upon a voice, I would urge you to realize that if you don't believe your opinion is worth $39, why would you expect me to assign it any value at all.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[wa6itf]

Quote[/b] (kc5vdj @ July 28 2007,19:39)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif With all of the radical anti-government anthrax-mailing, federal-building bombing, clinic-bombing, Disneyworld bombing, Timmy McVeigh types and Koresh worshippers in ham radio who belong to insurrectionist militia groups, the klan, radical religious groups, and the various nazi groups, I can see why the ARRL would have a problem with background checks when hams are in liason with government agencies, especially when they are involved with FEMA and other agencies that such groups are against and would ESPECIALLY love to cause to fail.

The ARRL is just looking after it's radical constituancy again...They know who butters their bread.

I personally support background checks. We are at war against Terrorism, and that includes ALL enemies: foreign, and DOMESTIC.
Its not background checks that the ARRL is objecting to. It's the American Red Cross demanding the right to delve into its vilunteers personal finances using a sub-contractor that nobody really knows anything about.

With all due respect to your opinion, what the American Red Cross wants is for you to permit an outside contractor -- www.mybackgroundcheck.com -- to not only see if you have a criminal past, but also -- if the ARC so chooses -- to look at your personal finances.

The ARRL contends that the latter is an invasion of privacy -- and we at ARNewsline agree.

To be blunt -- whether or not the ARC exercises the right of financial disclosure it demands be a part of your background check or mine -- there is no way in hell I would ever sign on for such. My finances are my business -- and the American Red Cross has no business even asking about it. Especially through a sub-contractor that as far as I am concerned is nothing more than a website.

How can I be sure that mybackgroundcheck.com is not selling my personal info to the highest bidder? In this day and age where identity theft has become a daily occurance, I trust nobody with my financial information -- and none of you should either.

So before you condemn the ARRL, know all the facts. For once the ARRL is doing the job it should. Its protecting its members and all hams from wanton invasion of their privacy and we owe its leafders a sincere debt of gratitude for doing this.

de
WA6ITF

[wa6itf]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ July 28 2007,18:17)]Uh-oh. Problem seen. By not requiring senior staff to report that this survey was a new and warmly received method to shape some of the discussions at the Board Meeting, you are allowing them to potentially sweep the findings under the rug.

--snip --
I would be very surprised if the divisional surveys were even brought up for discussion at the BoD meeting nor do I suspect that there is any mention of them in the BoD meeting minutes.

As these were "divisional surveys," held at the behest of individual Directors, their only purpose would be to advise those particular Directors as to the temperament of their constituency.

While other Directors on the ARRL board might "unofficially" have interest in the results, on a "formal" level -- and knowing how the ARRL BoD works -- , I cannot fathom Directors from other divisions considering these surveys as the "official temperament" of the constituency in their divisions.

Its not "sweeping under the rug." Rather its just politics and no different than politics as practiced in the US Congress and state legislatures all across the land. Not right. Not wrong. Just politics.

More than anything else the ARRL is a highly developed a political entity. And its Directors are very astute in playing the political game. Thats how each became a Director in the first place.

de WA6ITF

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (wa6itf @ July 28 2007,16:45)]I cannot fathom Directors from other divisions considering these surveys as the "official temperament" of the constituency in their divisions. #
Bill: #If you can't fathom that, what do you think the other Directors use to determine same? #Kama Sutra? #A Ouiga board? Vivid dreams ala peyote cactus?

Are the members in the three Divisions polled all that different than the rest of the Divisions? #I doubt it. ARRL Letter recipients in one region ought not be different than the next.

Aren't Board members from specific regional Divisions expected to represent their constitutencies? #If they aren't responsive to members and don't use an objective means to solicit input/feedback, well, time for them to follow Mr. Butler into retirement. #And, the sooner the better.

[WA5BEN]

Quote[/b] (kc5vdj @ July 28 2007,19:39)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif With all of the radical anti-government anthrax-mailing, federal-building bombing, clinic-bombing, Disneyworld bombing, Timmy McVeigh types and Koresh worshippers in ham radio who belong to insurrectionist militia groups, the klan, radical religious groups, and the various nazi groups, I can see why the ARRL would have a problem with background checks when hams are in liason with government agencies, especially when they are involved with FEMA and other agencies that such groups are against and would ESPECIALLY love to cause to fail.

The ARRL is just looking after it's radical constituancy again...They know who butters their bread.

I personally support background checks. We are at war against Terrorism, and that includes ALL enemies: foreign, and DOMESTIC.
The ARRL is NOT against background checks. It IS against the American Red Cross mandated "access to everything" checks. That includes personal finances, credit history, "lifestyle" (whatever that could be taken to mean), and basically EVERY aspect of a person's life.

To THAT type of "background check", I will NOT agree. Most amateurs (and most non-amateurs) are refusing to give permission for the ARC to do that type of "background check".

I carry RACES photo ID credentials issued by the City of Richardson, Texas. To receive those "Emergency Management Reservist" credentials, one must agree to and pass a criminal background check performed by the Richardson Police Department. Those credentials have been honored everywhere -- including in Louisiana after Katrina.

I also have State of Texas Division of Emergency Management credentials. Those required a background check by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The ARC cannot keep me out of ANY location where I have a need to be, because I have government issued credentials as proof that I have been background checked. By their own rule, I am allowed in.

[wa6itf]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ July 29 2007,17:43)]Are the members in the three Divisions polled all that different than the rest of the Divisions? I doubt it. ARRL Letter recipients in one region ought not be different than the next.
As one who travels to ham shows around the country every year: Yes the interest, wants, needs and desires vary greatly not only from division but from city to city within a given division.

If you spend a bit of time on the road -- as I do -- it will become exceedingly clear to you in very short order that want is of importance here in Los Angeles may be of no regard at all in Des Moines. What is urgent in Tulsa is ho-hum in New York City or Miami.

Don't judge by what you read here or elsewhere in cyberspace. Its rare that one finds the reality on the web one finds in face to face conversation.

Try it yourself if you do not believe me. You might be shocked at the difference in ham radio interest that 200 or 300 miles can and does bring.

de
WA6ITF

[wa3vjb]

Bill, you need to get modern.

Not everyone has the resources, interest and reason to "travel the country" to obtain a snapshot of what's important to ham radio. Ostensibly, that's why there are regional directors of the membership group ARRL, which claims to have such a handle on the hobby.

The problem Bill is that it is not the nature of some Directors to ask their constituents for guidance and direction, which makes it impossible for those directors to oversee the senior paid staff in Newington like they're supposed to.

The survey, initially rolled out across three regions, is a novel, effective, modern-day assessment for licensees that all regions should consider newsworthy, not only because more than 2400 people took part, but also because these directors had the spine to take the initiative to ASK in the first place. It's a challenge to the others, and they need to know about it directly and publicly to encourage them to endorse this method of actually interacting with subscribers.

The response rate that Albert has cited is but one factor validating that the survey is one of the ARRL's most successful outreach projects in recent memory.

--Paul/VJB

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ July 29 2007,20:43)]Are the members in the three Divisions polled all that different than the rest of the Divisions? #I doubt it. #ARRL Letter recipients in one region ought not be different than the next.
I feel that the results are representative of the member population at large. In fact, I would make the case that the results are fairly representative of the total ham population in the US, non-members as well as ARRL members. None of the questions asked were "League-specific" questions, and mostly they solicited information about "what" is being done on the bands, "where" and by "whom," not "why" any of it is being done.

The only content that could remotely be considered "controversial" was those few questions about the bandwidth petition that were at the end of the survey. Granted, these were important questions, and the answers were very instructive, but there is no reason to suspect that any of them were skewed by a concerted misinformation campaign mounted either by a disgruntled clique or by an overly zealous junto.

While there is always a possibility of some few drumbeaters emailing and sending their buddies a link and urging them to participate in the survey, it is likely that the buddy will already have received an invitation to do so if he/she is a member of the ARRL and on the newsletter list in the target Division. If the buddy is not a valid licensee and verifiable member, his/her response will not pass the validation requirement, and those responses will be rejected. So the chance of the data being skewed by intentional pushing by special interests is minimal.

Our goal is to solicit quality input from members. We want to separate the legends from the realities. Our goal is not one of creating dissention and controversy or stirring anyone's pot. The ancient maxim "veritas vos liberabit" is very applicable to this effort.

73

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (wa6itf @ July 28 2007,22:23)]#Yes the interest, wants, needs and desires vary greatly not only from division but from city to city within a given division. #
OK, Bill, you answered one of my questions. #Do members' wants and "needs??" differ from place to place. #Perhaps they do.

But, Bill, what about my other questions, such as how the Directors determine what their members want? #You didn't answer that one.

The short answer: #Squeaky wheels, not necessarily representative, get greased. #And, the whims, wants, and desires of the Director himself get top priority. #Or, maybe via the Ouiga board afterall.

As Paul notes echoing Al's comment, the survey is/was the most successful feedback exercise taken on by PART of the ARRL ever, I would suspect.

Someone elected by their regional membership was chosen to represent them and support their wants and interests, as diverse as those might be. #How can a Director do his job properly without objective feedback? #And, what better way than a survey that is/was sent via the ARRL Letter list via email? #Travelling to hamfests and sitting at the ARRL booth, arms folded like a lump on a log, and watching members walk by doesn't cut it....

Does Frank Butler even have a computer? #Internet email? #(Well, he has an address at ARRL.org if that serves for anything) #Its a one way address, from my observation.

I've copied or addressed to Frank at least a half dozen emails over the last four or five years, and I've yet to receive any replies from him. #And, they weren't just "Hi, Frank, how are things?"

What are the rest of the Directors afraid of? #That they might have to do something or say something to the paid staff that they wouldn't want to? #Oh, but this survey didn't even go there. #Perhaps future surveys may.

If they aren't willing to tell paid Newington staff, including the paid CEO, that their constituencies don't like what they are doing, well, they shouldn't be Directors.....

And, where is Newsline, Bill? #Do you just echo selected ARRL Letter News? #The survey deserves publicity and since you now know of it, it deserves a lengthy story. #Apparently we won't hear of it in the ARRL Letter anytime soon. #Go ahead, interview Paul, Al or Charlie, AG4YO, and print what they have to say.

73

[W9WHE]

As for the notion of "surveying" arrl membership, I can only imagine arrl management rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably! I can just isee them shouting, over and over:

"Survery, SURVEYS? #We don't need no stinkin surveys!"

arrl doesn't give a crap what the average ham thinks. That's why can float assinine proposals like thir most recent fiasco on bandwith. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ July 30 2007,10:21)]As for the notion of "surveying" arrl membership, I can only imagine arrl management rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably! I can just isee them shouting, over and over:

"Survery, SURVEYS? #We don't need no stinkin surveys!"

arrl doesn't give a crap what the average ham thinks. That's why can float assinine proposals like thir most recent fiasco on bandwith. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Your thesis about ARRL caring about what the average member thinks is open to debate. What is not open to debate, however, is that they probably don't much care about what you think.

Neither do I. You post the same claptrap every time, and always with the same effect: None.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[W9WHE]

MY THESIS ABOUT arrl NOT CARING WHAT THE AVERAGE HAM THINKS IS NOT "DEBATEABLE".
WE NOW HAVE A CONSENSUS. arrl SIMPLY DOES NOT CARE WHAT THE AVERAGE HAM THINKS. AND THAT, MY FRIEND, IS WHY ARRL DOES NOT NEED SURVEYS.

W9WHE

As for my having any "effect", I have overheard arrl people saying differently.

[wa6itf]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ July 30 2007,01:36)]Bill, you need to get modern.

Not everyone has the resources, interest and reason to "travel the country" to obtain a snapshot of what's important to ham radio. Ostensibly, that's why there are regional directors of the membership group ARRL, which claims to have such a handle on the hobby.

The problem Bill is that it is not the nature of some Directors to ask their constituents for guidance and direction, which makes it impossible for those directors to oversee the senior paid staff in Newington like they're supposed to.

The survey, initially rolled out across three regions, is a novel, effective, modern-day assessment for licensees that all regions should consider newsworthy, not only because more than 2400 people took part, but also because these directors had the spine to take the initiative to ASK in the first place. It's a challenge to the others, and they need to know about it directly and publicly to encourage them to endorse this method of actually interacting with subscribers.

The response rate that Albert has cited is but one factor validating that the survey is one of the ARRL's most successful outreach projects in recent memory.

--Paul/VJB
You are correct in one area. Not every Director feels a need to keep in contact with his constituency and thats very wrong.

The biggest gripe I hear in my travels is that this Director or that one never comes to club meetings and never answers correspondence. Yet election after election, year after year, the same folks keep getting re-elected. In some cases its that nobody is running against them, but in most cases there are challengers. So, why isn't the challanger elected?

There are two answers. Number one is simple apathy. Most ARRL members don't bother to vote in divisional elections.

Second s that hams tend to vote for people they know -- even if the guy or gal is a total looser. At least they know what they are getting as opposed to taking a risk on a newcomer.

Oh yes. It should be noted that most hams do not read these posts -- and if they did -- likely could care less. To the average ham -- the ARRL is not the political entity we know it to be. Rather, its merely a subscription to QST magazine. Their interest dies there.

So, Directors get re-elected in perpetuity. Its been that way since I was a kid ham in the 1950's and it is the same today as I head to retirement.

Oh, there have been a few upsets here and there. The most recent -- about 10 years ago when Dick Isley, W9GIG, ousted Ed Metzger, W9PRN. But Isley spent his $$$$ and went out and campaigned, He showed up at club meetings all over the ARRL Central Division -- at times as a complete surprise. He also had the advantage of being a pilot (retired AA 757 Captain) and the ability to fly to remote areas on hi own.

But thats the exception -- not the rule. In most cases, its a person nobody ever heard of with little money up against a well heeled incumbent. And its the incumbent thats re-elected, again and again....

So, how do you change the ARRL? You change Directors. How do you do that? You run against an incumbent. How do you get name recognition? You show up at EVERY radio club meeting -- big or small - city or rural -- and you spend lots and lots of your own money to do it.

Oh, you don't have the time or the money? Or you have the time but you don't wan't to spend the money?

Then, guess what: The incumbent Director you are complaining about will be re elected and "you" -- in the pajoritive -- will be here on QRZ.com -- complaining.

de
WA6ITF

[wa6itf]

Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ July 30 2007,09:24)]As for my having any "effect", I have overheard arrl people saying differently.
That depends on where you are in the country and whether you are talking about hams who sit on-line complaining -- or hams who in general -- could care less -- as long as qST arrives in their mailbox on time.

[W7CNK]

To preserve our national security I would be in favor of requiring the FCC to perform a background check to obtain or renew an Armature Radio License.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (w7cnk @ July 31 2007,07:54)]To preserve our national security I would be in favor of requiring the FCC to perform a background check to obtain or renew an Armature Radio License.
Hmmmm. Armature Radio License. What good's an Armature without a Field? If you're gonna check the armature, better check the field too.

Got news for ya, bud. The Feds are already scanning email traffic. Why do you think Alberto wants to change the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act? (So they can legitimize what they've been doing after the fact. FISA requires a warrant identifying who the person is first and if they haven't gotten same ahead of time, well, they're breaking the law. But, that hasn't stopped them before.)

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ Aug. 01 2007,20:29)]Why do you think Alberto wants to change the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?
I'm innocent!

At least until proven guilty.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[n3ixq]

Quote[/b] (w7cnk @ July 31 2007,07:54)]To preserve our national security I would be in favor of requiring the FCC to perform a background check to obtain or renew an Armature Radio License.
Interesting...

By background check, do you mean criminal background check? Or the complete consumer credit and past issues check?

So buy a rifle or shotgun, no checking, but getting an amatuer license get a full body cavity search?

I'm not prejudging your idea, I would like to hear more of your thought?

Not sure I get what you are attempting to do?

[W9WHE]

"....what about my other questions, such as how the Directors determine what their members want".


The simple answer is "THEY DON'T". Or, if they do, they simply DON'T CARE.
How else could they float proposal after proposal that such large swaths of the paying membership could be so ferverently against? Answer: They simply do not care what the average ham thinks.

W9WHE
Proud to have CANCELLED my arrl membership.

[W9WHE]

Interesting how many hams can not see the security risk of a drowning-in-debt, way overlevereged individual and the opportunity to steal in a context of strained to the limits (or non-existent) law enforcement. Do you really want a finincially desperate person so close to your unprotected family assets? I don't.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Aug. 13 2007,11:38)]... Do you really want a finincially desperate person so close to your unprotected family assets? #I don't.
If I knew what a 'finincially' deperate person was, perhaps I'd object to having him in the same room as the family jewels.

Or, is this just yet another Jonathan-slip? Do tell us, Jonathan.

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (w6em @ Aug. 14 2007,15:25)]Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Aug. 13 2007,11:38)]... Do you really want a finincially desperate person so close to your unprotected family assets? #I don't.
If I knew what a 'finincially' deperate person was, perhaps I'd object to having him in the same room as the family jewels.

Or, is this just yet another Jonathan-slip? Do tell us, Jonathan.
He is participating in the Great Spelling Boycott.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[W9WHE]

The ARRL Board of Directors has issued a policy statement saying no to the demand by served agencies for lifestyle and financial background checks............"



Somebody PLEASE tell arrl that the decision is NOT arrl's to make.
The decision on whether the ARC will require background checks is for the ARC, and ARC alone to make. (You don't see ARC telling arrl what it can do, now do you?) ARC has taken a step to protect itself. Afterall, its not arrl that will get sued - its ARC. So, I expect that ARC will respond to arrl much the way FCC has responded to arrl......BY IGNORING arrl's meaningless HOT AIR.

arrl ARROGANCE. SHEER ARROGANCE.


W9WHE
Proud to have CANCELLED my arrl membership!

[W7CNK]

Obtaining an amateur license is a privilege not a right. With a license we can communicate anywhere in the world with anybody about anything. It only makes sense that with the world condition as it is we know thing about who is receiving a license so a background check to the level of confidential would be appropriate. Do you have something to hide? Lee, join in the discussion with your superior intellect, sorry my spell checker fail me again, should be superfluous.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] ].....It only makes sense that with the world condition as it is we know thing about who is receiving a license so a background check to the level of confidential would be appropriate. Do you have something to hide?

Perhaps just a play on words, but no it doesn't make either economic or national security sense. #No, our way of life is not Orwellian yet. #Although its now the closest its been in many years to McCarthyism, thanks to the machinations of Dumbyah and Shotgun and their pinhead cadre.

Perhaps the CIA or NSA could use your services to help them listen to long distance phone calls. #If nothing else, it might satisfy your need to be part of the action.

A clearance is an investment by an employer so that an employee who has a need to know can learn or work with sensitive information. #The cost is borne by the employer, whether a civilian contractor to the federal government or the government itself.

Would the average ham be willing to spend say $3K to $5K for such a clearance so that he or she could have a ham license? #Would taxpayers support such a cost to them for each of the 600,000 or so licensed hams? #(5K times 600K) I think that works out to about $3Billion.

And, you think we have troubles now getting the attention of Congress? #We wouldn't if the FCC suddenly made that decision. #Ham radio would be extinguished and very quickly. The spectre of $3B just to make sure we're all super-sanitary just wouldn't fly.


Quote[/b] ]Lee, join in the discussion with your superior intellect, sorry my spell checker fail me again, should be superfluous.

Oh, now I remember. #You're the Motoradio man. #Armature Radio. #Well, to use the other motor component once again, you're still out in left Field. (Er, make that RIGHTWING Field!!) #BTW, are you shunt or series connected?

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Aug. 13 2007,17:13)]Quote[/b] (w6em @ Aug. 14 2007,15:25)]Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Aug. 13 2007,11:38)]... Do you really want a finincially desperate person so close to your unprotected family assets? #I don't.
If I knew what a 'finincially' deperate person was, perhaps I'd object to having him in the same room as the family jewels.

Or, is this just yet another Jonathan-slip? Do tell us, Jonathan.
He is participating in the Great Spelling Boycott.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Ha. #Apparently, so was I!!! (deperate)

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Aug. 15 2007,13:50)]The ARRL Board of Directors has issued a policy statement saying no to the demand by served agencies for lifestyle and financial background checks............"



Somebody PLEASE tell arrl that the decision is NOT arrl's to make.
The decision on whether the ARC will require background checks is for the ARC, and ARC alone to make. (You don't see ARC telling arrl what it can do, now do you?) ARC has taken a step to protect itself. Afterall, its not arrl that will get sued - its ARC. So, I expect that ARC will respond to arrl much the way FCC has responded to arrl......BY IGNORING arrl's meaningless HOT AIR.

arrl ARROGANCE. SHEER ARROGANCE.


W9WHE
Proud to have CANCELLED my arrl membership!
Obviously, in your haste to stick your thumb in the League's eye, you failed to read what the Board actually resolved. The ARRL will NOT mandate or sanction credit and/or lifestyle investigations, but has told its members that, if they are comfortable with such investigations, that they should sign as they desire.

The agreements that are currently being negotiated will also reflect that the League does not sanction credit or lifestyle investigations and will not require any ARRL member to agree to such investigations.

That is not arrogance. If you want to see arrogance, look in a mirror.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[W9WHE]

Somebody PLEASE tell arrl that the decision is NOT arrl's to make.
The decision on whether the ARC will require background checks is for the ARC, and ARC alone to make. (You don't see ARC telling arrl what it can do, now do you?) ARC has taken a step to protect itself. Afterall, its not arrl that will get sued - its ARC. So, I expect that ARC will respond to arrl much the way FCC has responded to arrl......BY IGNORING arrl's meaningless HOT AIR.



Thanks to YOUR arrl, ARC employees are now only 28 correct questions away from a ham license. Your ham ticket is not as "valuable" to ARC as it once was. ARC can easily replace you, and will, if you decline proper screening.

Its YOUR choice. You want to work like the professionals?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif ....then be willing to be screened like one. It is that simple. Don't want to be screened??? .... then stay away, because they don't need or want you. Deal with it.


Now, don't shoot the messinger..............OK?