Trials & Errors #68: The Value of YouTube vs. In-Person Elmers

Hi Dave
Great topic. I have to agree with much of the replies I have read here. YouTube is good for some things like setting up a radio, but there is no substitute for hands-on help. Ham radio is a hands-on hobby. We have found that in our club there are people who tested but had yet to make their first QSO. Why? They really did not know exactly how to go about it and were afraid they would mess it up.
In our club we provide at least three opportunities per year for new hams to get on the air. We do a Spring and Fall picnic with a POTA station setup using the club callsign. Then of course there is Field Day, where we have a GOTA station for them. If they can just over that first encounter they are usually good to go.
The other part of Elmering(I like Mentoring as a better term) is to get them involved with a project to build something. There are plenty of projects and kits out there for clubs to sponsor a hands-on project to help "connect" them to the technology and electronics that are the root of the hobby.
We have to keep mentoring. YouTube can be a resource and learning tool, but no substitute for human contact.

 

Hi Dave
Anyone with a good Elmer will jump to their defense and that is how I feel about mine….youtube. YouTube is 100% my Elmer. I even list thanks to YouTube on my QRZ page for my perfect scores on General and Extra. Other than the part about handing down equipment I’d say YouTube is indeed taking the place of Elmerism for many just like me.
Doesn’t mean folks won’t get input from people of course but I’d say the need to vet input is just as important for live input as on YouTube. However, I think it is easier to figure out who on YouTube is competent. one thing we hams seem to like doing is commenting on YT to tell someone if they are wrong ha ha.

As hams we always want to share our knowledge and encourage others. This desire is a good thing. But, it doesn’t mean we are good teachers. Some local groups love having license classes and with a motivation of being helpful. But I wish they would, instead, send everyone to the training courses onW4EEY’s YT channel. So well done. I do not think any local group of Elmers could come close….no matter how well intentioned.
I know it will make some folks mad….but YT all the way…and, I believe it already serves as the leading source of info for the vast majority of hams coming into this in the last 5 yrs

 

The first thing we must do is DROP the term "Elmer."

It's outdated at best; Embarrassing at worst. When I hear "Elmer," I think of other outdated hick names like "Estus" or "Rufus." When I hear that outdated term, it brings visions of "Elmer Fudd" to mind... you know, the stuttering, bumbling idiot.

It also seems to be a name of some creep in the neighborhood who is on an offender list that you make sure to keep your kids far away from.

That name "Elmer" is not appealing to anyone. Barely anyone in the world today curses their son with that name. Amateur Radio should forget it.

We just have friends who help us with our stations. They have their own names and I bet it isn't "ELLLLL-MURRRRR!"