While I've been a radio user for many years (volunteer SAR), I'm a relatively new Ham. Got my Tech license last spring, and upgraded to General over the summer. Since joining the amateur radio world, I've lurked around several online forums. I finally opted to join RadioReference. The main reason is that this seems to be the most civil, and open place. Lots of interesting discussions on a very wide range of topics. For the most part people seem friendly, patient, and open minded.
I lurked on eHam for awhile, but that forum seems overrun with grumpy old men. Many (most?) of them can't seem to get over the fact that Morse Code is no longer a requirement. And page after page of argument about how the test is too easy now, and all new Hams are just appliance users. Also incessant grumbling about people who choose not to use their call sign as a screen name. Overall I find the signal to noise ratio to be pretty poor on eHam.
While I am getting old, I try not to be grumpy. And we can never go back to the good old days (however good or not they really were). That's why I find RadioReference to be a nicer place to hang out and follow discussions.
73
I lurked on eHam for awhile, but that forum seems overrun with grumpy old men. Many (most?) of them can't seem to get over the fact that Morse Code is no longer a requirement. And page after page of argument about how the test is too easy now, and all new Hams are just appliance users. Also incessant grumbling about people who choose not to use their call sign as a screen name. Overall I find the signal to noise ratio to be pretty poor on eHam.
While I am getting old, I try not to be grumpy. And we can never go back to the good old days (however good or not they really were). That's why I find RadioReference to be a nicer place to hang out and follow discussions.
73