N4INU
09-22-2001, 12:53 PM
Bill Lauterbach - WA8MEA (http://qth.com/dwm) writes "An unusual phenomenon is brewing in amateur radio right now. Or maybe it isn't so unusual? Hams as a lot have always been whiners, myself included. But could it be that one of the effects of all of our moaning and groaning might be that of jeopardizing the financial status of many fine amateur radio retailers?
Amateur radio is a service in which our primary goal is to supply emergency communications during times of emergency. And I would say that right now, we have a pretty BIG emergency on our hands in this nation. So why would it be "tacky" or wrong to advertise emergency type rigs and antennas? Those of us who are manufacturing and retailing emergency/portable equipment have received complaints from a few hams that we are "taking advantage of this recent horrible event" or we that we dare to "make money" because we advertise our wares for emergency and military purposes. Why aren't you railing in the same manner against the flag makers? In fact, if this is your logic, why don't you ask the factory workers who are making replacement parts for those broken buildings, or making guns, tanks or fighters for the upcoming war to labor for free? How about suspending all Pentagon contracts and requiring the corporations to donate all of their materials?
All of us who retail in ham radio have to eat too. And it isn't as if we're getting rich at this. Most of us do it for the love of the hobby. But if this constant criticism of ham dealerships, ham advertising and ham products doesn't stop, I'm really afraid we soon won't have anywhere to buy our new toys. Right now, the ham market demands emergency and portable equipment. And I think it is only appropriate that we be allowed to advertise and supply those needs.
73, Bill Lauterbach - WA8MEA
Owner & General Manager -
DWM Communications - http://qth.com/dwm"
Amateur radio is a service in which our primary goal is to supply emergency communications during times of emergency. And I would say that right now, we have a pretty BIG emergency on our hands in this nation. So why would it be "tacky" or wrong to advertise emergency type rigs and antennas? Those of us who are manufacturing and retailing emergency/portable equipment have received complaints from a few hams that we are "taking advantage of this recent horrible event" or we that we dare to "make money" because we advertise our wares for emergency and military purposes. Why aren't you railing in the same manner against the flag makers? In fact, if this is your logic, why don't you ask the factory workers who are making replacement parts for those broken buildings, or making guns, tanks or fighters for the upcoming war to labor for free? How about suspending all Pentagon contracts and requiring the corporations to donate all of their materials?
All of us who retail in ham radio have to eat too. And it isn't as if we're getting rich at this. Most of us do it for the love of the hobby. But if this constant criticism of ham dealerships, ham advertising and ham products doesn't stop, I'm really afraid we soon won't have anywhere to buy our new toys. Right now, the ham market demands emergency and portable equipment. And I think it is only appropriate that we be allowed to advertise and supply those needs.
73, Bill Lauterbach - WA8MEA
Owner & General Manager -
DWM Communications - http://qth.com/dwm"