Here’s a good idea that recently passed through the HamRadioHelpGroup mailing list…
One ham wrote:
I heard a few new young hams talking on a 2 meter repeater. They said they had listened to the HF Bands and did not think that they would upgrade just to get on HF because it was just a bunch of old hams talking about about their high blood pressure and other medical conditions.
Well, one of the old hams was listening. He came on frequency and told the new ones, “Well, just wait another 40 years. You’ll be talking like that too.” You could of heard a pin drop.
To which, George, K0NGO, replied:
Uh … you really think that encouraged them?? Too bad he didn’t tell them of the other wonderful things they could do on HF.
This is a really great idea. Let’s not dwell on the negatives, but rather point all of the fun and interesting things about HF.
Elwood Downey says
I understand the desire to attract young hams because of what it seems to say about the future of the hobby. But on the other hand, I think the average age of active hams has always been fairly high. Many many people just don’t have the time to devote until they are older. Having predominantly older members by itself does not portend the end. It just means we need to keep recruiting the older folks. For instance, I have been licensed since 1974 but only in the past five years have I been anything near what you would call active. I meet many folks on the air in exactly this same demographic. So sure, recruit everyone, but it might be at least as effective to write an article for AARP as Wired.
David Brodbeck N8SRE says
Heh, that’s an old complaint. I remember ten years ago reading a post where a guy said, “I’ve thought about getting on 75 meters, but I don’t have enough ailments to talk about.”
To be honest, part of the reason I don’t operate more is I’m absolutely terrible at small talk.
Dan KB6NU says
Elwood: Great idea! Maybe I’ll query AARP and see if I can get them to pay me to write an article for them on ham radio. The Rotary Club is in a similar spot. Most of the members are older, but what that means is that they have the time and money to devote to Rotary activities.
Dave: Great line! I’m going to have to remember that one.
Elwood Downey says
Dave, I think we’re in the majority. After qth/wx/rig/antenna the strain is almost palpable. But sometimes I’ll try a quick mention of my line of work, or state I was born in. Usually it falls flat but occasionally it actually starts something and that can be a lot of fun.