Issue #27: Building our Radio Future -- Together!

This week's editorial is about the fact that the ARRL has been more than a bit heavy handed with organizations and people they feel are "competitors." In actuality, a non-profit organization shouldn't have competitors . . . they should have collaborators. What's preventing the League from taking a kinder, gentler approach in bringing educational content to the public? Post your commentary here. If you haven't yet seen the discussion, it's available at this link. Dave, W7DGJ

 

A site I was a member of disappeared a few months ago, the popped up under a new name this week - apparently they were sued by a large radio org in the US, they didn't name them, but it was obvious who it was.

 

Hi Dave, Great article. I agree with the whole concept.

The whole 'big brother' thing needs to go.

Can't they see this is BAD for their image? It's absolutely counter-productive!

They remind me of Ancestry.com

Back in the years B.A.com, genealogical data was freely and widely available.

Then along came big bad Ancestry who started buying the competing websites, and shuttering them.

Now, if one wants to research, they have to PAY!

It's wrong on so many levels for them or the ARRL to squash the 'competition'.

It makes them nothing but arrogant mercenary bullies to be shunned.

 

The ARRL has the greatest influence of any HAM organization out there when it comes to "setting the tone" of the hobby. It has become sort of a de-facto "spectrum czar" of its own. The ARRL creates many operational guidelines which are more "suggestions" than actual "FCC rules". While their guidelines promote courteous and efficient operation on the HAM bands (and have contributed order to what might otherwise be chaos), many HAM operators often confuse ARRL guidelines with actual FCC rules, and this can create quite a tussle on the bands at times. I have heard many HAMS bash other HAMS on the air for not adhering to the edicts of the ARRL (even though no FCC rule is being broken). Due to its size alone, it is no wonder that the ARRL is seen as a "monopoly" of sorts. It is sad thing when the size and influence of their organization starts getting to their heads. HAM radio is supposed to "promote international goodwill", not create monopolies and shut down the competition.

 

"Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

 

Good comment, Sebastian -- they're the 'big gorilla' for sure. Thank you. The ARRL has no business, however, putting edicts through for other content providers. I hope you'll agree with that? Thanks, Dave W7DGJ

 

Of course I agree. The way the ARRL is coming down on "the little guys" is becoming frightfully similar to the way that some political regimes regulate "freedom of speech" as it applies to their political opponents. Like I said, "HAM radio is supposed to "promote international goodwill", not create monopolies and shut down the competition." I will further add that HAM radio is NOT a "competition". We're all in this together and we're all learning it together. When an organization gets too big, they loose site of this fact!

 

There is an authoritarian trait in amateur radio, and have been for a quite long time.
The hobby tends to attract people who like to exert control, and control-freaks want to have
control over as large organisations as possible, Another consequence is that they also want to suppress competition, real or perceived.

Too many clubs and societies are run as petty dictatorships, and the ARRL is no exception.
Another aspect is that the traditional societies are designed to act in the pre-deregulation and pre-market-oriented environments, and have not adapted to a changed environment, where all spectrum users are expected to "earn their keep". Amateur radio as such does not create any revenues for the Government, but must rely on "good looks" which are not "marketable commodities" any longer.

This becomes very evident when acting on a "market without demand".

73/Karl-Arne

 

While I am disappointed by the ARRL's new "policy" regarding the QSO Today Academy and other ham radio content contributors like RATPAC and Open Research Institute, we are not victims. Of course, I would like access to the ARRL's email reach, their endorsements, etc. Who wouldn't? However, unlike the ARRL, I can rely on my own wits and spirit to find solutions for my QSO Today project supported by my Listener Sponsors, donations, and ticket holders. I am bound by the market place and not by a voting membership and board.

Ultimately, the ARRL answers to its board and members for its operations and policies. Perhaps pursuing the ham radio marketplace like a business corporation, rather than a non-profit is not in their long term interest. Do they need to sell books to us rather than focus on spectrum defense, education of the public that ham radio is more viable than ever, and represent us in Washington and the IARU? The World has changed. Anyone can publish, write a blog, build a website, make a YouTube channel, or build an on-line Academy focused on ham radio operators. As amateurs, we now have plenty of learning resources, including books to learn and practice amateur radio. What we need as an amateur radio community is representation to the rest of the World who would sell off the amateur radio bands for billions of dollars to corporate interests. We need more help with HOA restrictions, laws limiting radio use in our vehicles, and greater law enforcement against illegal use of the amateur radio spectrum.

I am an ARRL Diamond Club member, who lives abroad, and I will continue to support the ARRL year after year until I expire. For spectrum defense alone, I will support the ARRL. I just think, like the rest of us, they should slim down to live longer.

73, Eric Guth 4Z1UG QSO Today

 

"Conflict of Interest ?"
The above thread was started on 13 Jan 23 and is still going strong at just shy of 2000 replies.

While it may vary slightly in exact subject content it is a thread on the ARRL. While anyone is free to start a similar thread I think it's fair to say the topic has been rather well covered.

 

Thanks for a great op ed, Dave.

I'd say the ARRL has had a monopoly since its inception. Competition is good for capitalism, survival and growth. It will be interesting to see if the ARDC makes a dent in membership, activities, and most importantly to where hammies spend their dollars for a hobby. One thing is for sure, the ARDC is giving the ARRL some competition and it will be interesting to see who is still standing in the future.

 

Agreed.

Disagree.

Amateur Radio is one of several avocations of personal growth in individuals and groups that expend time for self-education, use own funds for preparedness, and are available and willing for active volunteerism which all has intrinsic value that our government recognizes.

Value of Volunteer Time - The Current Estimated National Value of Each Volunteer Hour Is: $31.80

Participation in Volunteer Activities

73, John, WØPV

 

Hey Dan, this stuff I am referring to (QSO Today and so on) just occurred a short while ago. I don't know what you're talking about in the other thread (probably Ria as the dates would be about right) but we have a separate thing going on here revolving around Trials and Errors. Appreciate your input, Dave W7DGJ

 

Another great article Dave!

I've been a member of ARRL the whole time I've been licensed, my membership is up for renewal this year and I'm trying to make a decision on whether or not I want to renew. I've been following with interest all the forums that have arisen since their announcement of their survey concerning their raising of ARRL dues and their decision to make the "physical" QST magazine as a separate subscription. Their has been a lot of comments made, both positive and negative. Now with their decision to "crack down" on training organizations that adds yet another piece of information to consider in my decision on whether or not to renew my membership. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

73

 

Thanks John. I'm going to hang in there and hope they start a kinder, gentler approach. Bring in some new blood, etc. Dave W7DGJ