05-15-2001, 11:12 PM
Aaron KD7NEW writes "
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. In many ways this is true, because let's face it: you gotta start somewhere. But why is it that new hams have to start somewhere.. TWICE?!</P>
Let me explain what I mean.</P>
Many hams (atleast the ones I've talked to) don't quite remember their first exam, or the anxiety they felt. I do, considering my exam was given roughly a week ago, and let me tell ya, those things are a pain! It's not that they were hard, it's just that I put so much into preparing for it I forgot to settle down and just take the exam.</P>
But I passed w/ no code (don't ask).</p>
First step: Taken.</P>
So here I am, with my new call (KD7NEW), and I'm stuck on something. There's something wrong! Something is not right! I should be feeling great! But I'm not!</P>
I'm afraid.</P>
I'm afraid of the "ol' timers" and their guidelines for operation. I'm afraid to mess up! Now don't get me wrong, I haven't found a ham I didn't like, young or ol-... err... not as young. However, I read an article in QST about this very subject, and in it it described a 2-meter net that was often given to the children of amateur operators (or "hamlets") so they could just talk it up, say hi, and have a little fun. The nets were soon hounded by grumpy old men (No, not Jack Lemmon) that wanted radio ran like they did back in the good ol' days.</P>
Frankly, I don't have a problem with that. Rules violations and poor practice should not be tolarated by any operator, ever.</P>
But if I make a mistake... am I forsaken? Am I in trouble if I have a little fun, staying totally legal in the process? Can I be myself in the amateur service?</P>
Life ain't easy for us youngins'. </P>
Especially us who are so anxious to key the mike, only to realize that someone is listening.</P>
It's not easy for a new ham. I am one, I should know. But if we can relieve that initial hesitation and anxiety, this hobby will get so much stronger for years and years to come. And while it may be a challenge to get in to this great hobby, it'll be totally natural for the hams that will take us into the next generation.</P>"
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. In many ways this is true, because let's face it: you gotta start somewhere. But why is it that new hams have to start somewhere.. TWICE?!</P>
Let me explain what I mean.</P>
Many hams (atleast the ones I've talked to) don't quite remember their first exam, or the anxiety they felt. I do, considering my exam was given roughly a week ago, and let me tell ya, those things are a pain! It's not that they were hard, it's just that I put so much into preparing for it I forgot to settle down and just take the exam.</P>
But I passed w/ no code (don't ask).</p>
First step: Taken.</P>
So here I am, with my new call (KD7NEW), and I'm stuck on something. There's something wrong! Something is not right! I should be feeling great! But I'm not!</P>
I'm afraid.</P>
I'm afraid of the "ol' timers" and their guidelines for operation. I'm afraid to mess up! Now don't get me wrong, I haven't found a ham I didn't like, young or ol-... err... not as young. However, I read an article in QST about this very subject, and in it it described a 2-meter net that was often given to the children of amateur operators (or "hamlets") so they could just talk it up, say hi, and have a little fun. The nets were soon hounded by grumpy old men (No, not Jack Lemmon) that wanted radio ran like they did back in the good ol' days.</P>
Frankly, I don't have a problem with that. Rules violations and poor practice should not be tolarated by any operator, ever.</P>
But if I make a mistake... am I forsaken? Am I in trouble if I have a little fun, staying totally legal in the process? Can I be myself in the amateur service?</P>
Life ain't easy for us youngins'. </P>
Especially us who are so anxious to key the mike, only to realize that someone is listening.</P>
It's not easy for a new ham. I am one, I should know. But if we can relieve that initial hesitation and anxiety, this hobby will get so much stronger for years and years to come. And while it may be a challenge to get in to this great hobby, it'll be totally natural for the hams that will take us into the next generation.</P>"