What are the biggest reasons folks won't operate or attend at FD.?

[KJ4VTH]

Hearing about Field Day helped, in part, to convince me to get my license.

Oops! They may cancel future events after hearing about that.

[KC9UDX]

Some of us don't like being constantly nagged to participate in a contest. I actually enjoy watching a pair of operators manning a (non)contest station at field day, but, I don't care to do it.

[N0NB]

I think some people are more afraid of embarrassment than welcoming of having fun while some honestly don't find that sort of operating all that appealing. After 25 Field Days, I don't really care if anyone avails them self of the opportunity or not. I'll be there and enjoying myself. That may be a bit hardhearted but the old adage about horses and water rings true.

[N4UP]

When did it become mandatory for anyone to participate in __________________ (fill in the blank)

There are those that like participating, and then there are those that don't. Pretty simple concept.

I agree. That said, my last Field Day where I actually operated in the field was in 1965 when I was WA4PFQ. I had just graduated from high school and was getting ready to start college. I spent the entire FD manning one of the rigs at W4HHO/4 ( Charleston ( SC ) Amateur Radio Club ). It was great. BUT, now, 47 years later, it has no appeal for me whatsoever. I'm happy for those who like it, and I'm happy for those who don't.

One of the great things about our hobby is that there are so many "features" to choose from, and we all have different likes and dislikes. Nothing wrong with that.

[WN9HJW]

What are the biggest reasons folks won't operate or attend at FD.?

Because amateur radio is a hobby with a lot of different facets that people enjoy, and not everyone is into FD or contesting.

[K6CPO]

I attended but didn't set up a station or operate. I was responsible for manning our public information table and taking pictures. I set up a computer with a separate monitor on our logging network so visitors could see the actual contacts we were making. It generated a bit of interest.

[KF5FEI]

I attended but didn't set up a station or operate. I was responsible for manning our public information table and taking pictures. I set up a computer with a separate monitor on our logging network so visitors could see the actual contacts we were making. It generated a bit of interest.

Showing the logs sounds like a really cool idea. Might have to recommend it to the club next year.

The one thing I do dislike about field day is the folks who come unprepared. They randomly toss all their crap in a box (and usually forget something important), drag out their spare radio that hasn't been used since last year, can't remember how to set everything up, etc... How hard is it to make a list, organize your stuff, check / test it, go somewhere for a trial run and make some contacts.

If you can't set up a portable station and be on the air in 30 minutes, you need to rethink and practice.

[K6CPO]

Showing the logs sounds like a really cool idea. Might have to recommend it to the club next year.

Here's a picture of the table. You can see the monitor to the right.

IMG123-0607-G12-L.jpg

Two things I'll do differently next year is have my own canopy (I was half in the sun and half in the shade all day) and some carpet or astroturf to put down on the ground. Our field day location is pretty dusty...

[KB3LAZ]

It seems to me, And I've been watching it for years people that will NOT at least attend FD. I don't know all the reasons the do not. Being on a weekend most are avaliable. I hear them chatting. I know people get sick and they have family/other commitments to attend to.
It's just once per year. We have plenty of able bodied people that have never even stopped by to check it out, It's in the Center of town. Everyone knows where we are we publish it months before the event.

Are they afraid they might have to commit themselvers to a few contacts.? God forbid. I haven't made them all in the past 30 years But, If, their was anyway possible neven if, it was just for a short visit Iwas there.

I dont like clubs. I partake in FD with my grandfather and my cousin in my back yard. So I guess I do attend FD just not a club sponsored FD. Though, I do have a standing invitation to attend FD a bit south of my hometown and if I ever find myself back in the states I may take that person up on his offer.

I guess I have just had bad experiences with clubs and or groups in general over the years, not particularly related to AR. As I grow older I have been giving thought to giving such things a second go.

[KC8VWM]

What are the biggest reasons folks won't operate or attend at FD.?

Because there's no hot chicks wearing Bikinis...

I setup and operated a station at the announced location this year. I know it's not because of any lack of food. For the most part, I think the people who don't attend probably have other commitments going on in their lives.