Thomas, No insult taken. Tone is challenging in email, forums, and so forth. But I'm happy to elaborate so that it's clearer. As a retired Editor-in-Chief, I certainly asked for that in my authors, Lol! The League is giving members a choice between printed versions of QST and OTA although electronic versions of each are free to members. Also, it's looking very likely that both NCJ and QEX in digital form will be free to all members...probably after the January Board meeting. That's good for all members! 73, Frank K4FMH
But how then is the new OTA being claimed a success? And what happened to the QST app which was available at one time. It appears that the infrastructure for rollout is a work in progress on both platforms (QST and OTA).
looks like one can choose between the printed edition of On The Air, or printed QST and the digital edition of ON The Air. I don't think I would ever give up the printed edition of QST, (never say never) but I would be happy to explore ON The Air, digitally. It would be great to be able look at QEX and NCJ too.
My preferences are for printed books and digital magazines. The digital format QST is offered in is not one that I enjoy very much. PDF is my favorite, but I understand there are other factors in play. I'm not currently a member, when I was, I tried the digital version from time to time, but renewed at the printed rate.
I 'claimed' its a success: I wrote this copy. The 'success' lies in launching a new magazine targetted to getting the 85% plus of Techs that never ever get on the air. That they will now have a devoted platform ,is the reason I called that I called it a 'success'.. In no way was I suggesting it was a 'business' success...that will have to be seen.
Thomas, While I've gone to reading most subscriptions digitally, I like the printed QST. I often give them away later at club meetings, especially for newer hams or those who are not ARRL members.
My PC experience is those who work in the field have laptops or tablets (more versatile); those who work in the office have desktop PCs (less expensive).
You must not be a serious GAMER. Last time I looked at Desk-tops (they still sell them, although not as many laptops, notebooks, or tablets as you say) they actually had desk top models (with large towers full of expansion slots) expressly designed for the "serious gamers". I have no idea what their needs are although I imagine audio/video interface has to be the latest. My shack computer is actually a tower for just that reason. I can add devices as required to keep up with a constantly changing ham world! And a Tower on the floor or adjacent shelf keeps my highly cluttered operating station clear of a laptop. I have more room for an adult beverage, snack, key, microphone, keyboard, mouse and paper and pencil.
And more power for the buck. It costs money to put lots of power in a small package. During my days of gainful employment I recall when they decided to outfit all Engineers with laptops instead of desk tops. Unfortunately we needed to access Autocad files and use large displays. To me it seemed reasonable to keep desk tops with large dual displays in the office...perhaps keep a shared traveling laptop or two for the field. Going even further back I recall offices w/o desk top computers. When our engineering office received their first PCs they were shared stations! We didn't have folks surfing the net, checking into FB or watching porn during business hours. There is quite a bit of that. I got to review spyware results watching employee computer activity. They all knew who the bad actors were. Going back even further...when I first got out of school we had a single desk phone serving 2 or 4 employees in a bull pen office w/o cubicle walls! Wow have times changed. But I must admit that efficiency has greatly improved in the computer age. Projects that required 300 people back in the day are often done quicker today with a staff of 20!
You must be a very poor reader I said numerous times only real need for a conventional Desktop Tower PC today was for Gammers, Video Production, and Autocad users. You cannot seem to get your noodle wrapped around that even when it is typed and spelled out for you. As for a Gammer today, even the traditional Desktop Tower PC is fading fast as the new Game Stations can just do a better job with a lot more titles and networked competitions multi-player modes. Good enough to make you puke wearing 3-D VR Goggles.
Guys, this OP is on ON THE AIR, Not some PC ...OUT TO LUNCH. DO you know someone who would enjoy seeing an issue of ON THE AIR? 73 Chip W1YW
It would be a REALLY good idea for clubs to sponsor a FREE digital trial (2, 3 issues) of ON THE AIR for new Techs/club members, through their club. People younger than 50 don't your old copy of a magazine. It's not a doctor's office. That club sponsorship would be a useful initiative for an assistant director to bring to the table, don't ya think?
The implementation of the digital QST is atrocious. The method used to display the pages is not conducive to easy reading.
