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AL0Y > SYSOP 02.01.21 23:14l 106 Lines 5513 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 14404_AL0Y
Read: GUEST
Subj: Is Packet radio broken?
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<IK5FKA<IK5FKA<N3HYM<AL0Y
Sent: 210102/2113Z 14404@AL0Y.#NNJ.NJ.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.21
Hello, all...
I have been reading almost all the messages about "2021 off to a good start",
"Message forwarding and routing", "WP being sent as B instead of P" ...
This message is my take on all of those, at once.
I hope my message doesn't offend anyone. I really hope not.
But I also know that I can't please all people all the time.
Oh, well...
I am not going to debate or explain how forwarding, routing, WP, or any other
technical aspect should be done in packet radio. But I will comment on what is
believed by a big number of SYSOPs to be the problem.
I have read a number of SYSOPs statements about packet radio being broken because
new comers don't know better, or they don't follow the rules/guidelines made by
the great old timers who keep flashing new comers with their 30 years of
experience. They state that new comers look for answers on the internet, when
all the knowledge is documented on BBS and Packet radio.. because they think
putting information on the internet .. kills ham radio.
I Beg to differ...
The following is my take, a new comer, a new ham (only 4.5 years now), and
defiantly a new SYSOP (only 4 months now... but used Packet for 3 years)...
Assume a new ham who just started this hobby wants to get on Packet radio,
and they need help getting started.. what options do they have?
1) Use Packet radio? The same system they are seeking information about how
to use? Umm.. I don't think so.
2) Ask an old timer who has been doing it? sounds like a good idea.. EXCEPT,
a big number of those, are either too proud of their 30 years of experience and
look down to new comers (I know, because I have been there), or they are too
nostalgic to what they did 30 years ago to the level they (probably
unintentionally) fight any change.
3) Use the internet... WHILE STILL EXPECTING THE INFORMATION TO BE SHARED BY
HAMS AND NOT ALIENS. But those with knowledge don't want to use the internet...
Also, I am not sure where is that knowledge you keep saying it's there on
BBSs? I tried to find any and I failed. I hope you didn't save that back in
in the 80s and 90s in Bulls that have a life time of 30-60 days.
Anyhow, new comers end up with limited amount of information sources. They
still are interested.. so what do they do? They use "Trial and error".
And when they have an error, they are then not even elmered by those who
should know.
nope. They are hammered, shamed, and looked down even worse.. for their error.
You think Packet radio is broken by new comers? I am sorry to tell you that
new comers also think Packet radio is broken.. but by those who have the
knowledge and don't want to pass it down. Not free at least.
About a month ago, I asked for help setting up FBB on a Linux system.
The ONE reply I received was from someone who didn't appreciate me moving
away from their ONE-PERSON-CONTROLLED-system.
Two weeks ago, I mentioned the same topic being discussed now about HRoutes
on an online forum for BBSs, I was told that SYSOPs have their reasons to
break the rules. The same SYSOPs who say they know it all. I was even told
my rant was toxic, unwanted and cancer.
Today was my first time reading that some governments are trying to shut down
packet radio. I never heard that before. what I read stats that ARRL and FCC
are favoring Winlink over Packet... But what I know FOR FACT, is that it was
hams who tried to kill Winlink 2 years ago for:
1) Allowing non hams to cause RF transmission by sending emails to hams.
2) not being readable by the "ordinary means" accessible to most hams.
I believe the second can apply also to Packet, VARA, PACTOR, etc.. but they
wanted to kill Winlink.. in favor of their nostalgic 30 yrs knowledge to the
point they gambled with all those and now state it's the government who
wants to shutdown packet radio.
I don't think the government has ever been more open to new technologies
as it is now with [AREDN, VARA, JS8Call, FT8/4, NPR, .......
Yes, BBS, and ham radio can be used as a service in case of emergency
but it is a hobby in the first place. and hobbies should be fun.
If you are not enjoying the hobby, find another one. but please don't
make it hard or miserable to those who still enjoy it.
If your hobby is making people miserable, that's a different convo tho.
I hope my comments are not understood that I mean all old timers are
like that. Of course not. I have received help from some SYSOPs who have
been their for long time. I was also told by some of them that they learned
a thing or two from me. Some became friends with me already.
What I am trying to say is... If you think something is broken, try to fix
it. It's more productive than only shedding tears over it being broken.
And try to consider the possibility you might be part of the same problem
you complain about. Maybe you will also learn something new that may catch
your interest.
I am sure Telegram operators who did it for 30 years also thought phones
killed their interest and jobs. I am sure DVDs and Blue-ray were fought by
those who did VHS for 30 years.
But guess what? blue-ray is much better than VHS. Cellular is more useful
than Telegrams, fax and Telex.
For SYSOPs who do their best to have a probably running system, and those
who share their knowledge, and those who don't look down people for not
knowing something.... THANK YOU... THANK YOU BIG TIME.. AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
2021 IS DEFINTLY OFF TO A BETTER START... as long as we keep the conversation
on.
73 de the new comer, Aly (AL0Y)
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