Progressive Changes at the ARRL

They didn't upset me, but they upset at least half the active amateurs maybe more.

That helped Wayne Green start 73 magazine and CQ was even doing great in those days.

Others will probably comment.

https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/incentive-licensing-retrospective.82940/
which took away many privileges from the General, Advanced and Novice went into effect in 1968.

 

Incentive licensing would be a good guess. ARRL idea that killed amateur radio growth and some say it led to the demise of some old line US amateur radio manufacturers. Google is your friend, search "ARRL incentive licensing".

The really funny part is now the ARRL is going for "reverse incentive" licensing....they call it "enhanced licensing".

 

I looked up some information on that, it seems that there was already a tiered system and they changed it reducing some privileges for some license class and added higher classes (or something like that). As a new ham technician class, based on reading this forum, the tiered system is very popular amongst the higher class hams. They seem rather bitter that the non-code hams like myself even exist; and think we are killing the hobby.

 

When you have a big group people many decisions will upset about 50 percent of the folks. Not really the same, but it's like giving a test, 20% will think it's too hard and 20% will think it was too easy.

 

Follow the money. Always, follow the money...

 

I am a new Ham. I joined the ARRL at the beginning because I REALLY needed and still need help understanding the hobby. I got help from the ARRL. From getting licensed to the publications and news, ham related job announcements with FEMA. They have even reached out to me personally and invited Me, to join a Zoom meeting for new hams.
My best Elmers are ARRL members. I have read through this entire thread and see no reason to stop supporting the ARRL.
73 N2OG Scott

 

Actually help is quite limited and one will find better help on the respective groups for the digital mode your using I was a member then so thanks for proving that to the poster who said I wasn't a member.

 

So what? That's true for just about anything.

If one goes to a general automotive forum and asks for help on a specific make and model, some will be forthcoming; but really detailed information is better found on an enthusiast forum for that particular vehicle.

 

Well it points out they are not the end all. Hope this helps.

 

It is hard to see how they can justify the numbers for what is effectively a club for enthusiasts - the RSGB seems to get along on about £1.6m per annum.

Martin (G8FXC)

 

Hi Scott!

Welcome to the ranks!

The ARRL , like most non profits, has its problems and change of positions on some key issues. Nonetheless, as you attest, the emphasis is in helping hams, especially in the recruitment of new ones. You should continue to support the ARRL, and also voice your opinions on matters they are pursuing.

73
Chip W1YW

 

The 'money' is donations from generous members. You should, indeed, IMO, follow their lead, if you have the resources and inclination.

73
Chip W1YW

 

I believe that the RSGB has roughly one tenth the membership of ARRL, and the number of hams in the UK is also roughly about one tenth of those in the US.

£1.6m is roughly one tenth of the ARRL figure. So perhaps the ARRL is as prudent with their money as the RSGB, or the RSGB is as profligate as the ARRL.

 

I seriously doubt that the running costs are directly proportional to membership numbers. I'm sure that, for the significant majority of members of both societies, their interaction with the society is limited to reading RadCom or QST every month.

Martin (G8FXC)

 

FOLKS,