A reflection article by Bob Kendig (KG4OOA) recently appeared on www.eham.net, which reflects on all of us. I took the liberty of translating it, although it is aimed at American radio amateurs and their history, it should also appeal to all of us... Oliver, MW3SDO
As I wander through Internet sites specifically designed for radio amateurs, all the articles highlight the services that radio amateurs provide to the public. It's all really great! It is actually one of the main activities for which we exist.
But not so fast! There is one problem!
Do you know who visits radio amateur sites besides radio amateurs? The answer is no one. Besides Field Day, when was the last time you heard, saw, or read about ham radio operations in a newspaper, magazine (other than ham radio publications), local or cable television? I don't even remember the last time there was a mention in the press or on television about what services we provide for the public.
I hear laments and laments that no one wants to become a radio amateur anymore. But seriously, how does one know that amateur radio still exists? In the sixties, when I got my first license, everything was simple. Here and there you saw huge masts in the city and there was always someone who could tell you what they were there for, what they were for. The stalls were full of radio publications. These huge things (old radios) in living rooms have now replaced televisions. Today, these radios are a thing of the past. Even the amateur radio magazines we used to know are no longer on sale. We don't even see that many masts anymore, but that's another story.
Nowadays many people come to radio amateurs from CB. Those are our children, but what about adults?
What are you doing to inform the world about our hobby? Does your club have a public relations person who develops relations with the media and radio amateurs, the common people? We live in the age of computers. Do you send news about the news on the Internet? It can work, we have nothing to lose. Don't you belong to a club? You can join our services. Just send an email. Who knows, you might discover a great future.