antfreq said:
There is one educational thing about Ranch's post. It educates those new to the scanner hobby that there are all types of enthusiasts out there. A huge spectrum. Some friendly and informative, others are grumpy and elitists.
Elitists views:
1. Secretive discriminatory Radio Shack Friends and Family 30% off promotion the Elitists quietly and hurriedly took advantage off (Pro96 for $280)
2. Only thing worth listening to are bumbling digitized Andy and Barney: Masters of neo-ionosphere
3. You MUST buy a digital scanner to listen to ONLY Andy and Barney, they are the ONLY "agencies." No other agencies or worthwhile listening exists
4. Display of a post count
5. Display of images by screen name and other symbols to show a "status" and you're different from us aka elitism
Non-Elitist views:
1. Listen to what you can afford and enjoy, don't let high prices and Elitists dissuade you from the hobby
2. You do not have to buy a digital scanner now at a high price, have the honest Elitists tip you off to special manufacturer deals, like the discriminatory insider Radio Shack friends and Family promotions well in advance so you can buy a new digital Pro96 or Pro2096 for $280
3. A cheap affordable Analog scanner still has its uses (Weather alerts, CHP, CA/National Mutual Aid: ICALL, N. CA CLEMAR, ITAC 1, Region wide, ITAC2 ITAC3 N. CA FED/LOC, ITAC4 CLEMARS, local Novato: Taco Bell, Local Private Security, Boy Scouts, etc.), FBI, DEA, INS, BATFE, Secret Service, DHS, IRS, USPS, FAA, FWS, Dept. of Labor, State Dept, GSA, U.S. Attorney's Office, Military, NTSB, and so much more that can not be listed
4. There is more to the hobby than just listing to bumbling Digitized Andy and Barney
5. Don't get taken advantage of by seemingly "friendly" and "informative" Elitist profiteer characters who want to peddle their goods and take advantage of you.
6. This may be a good site for discussion, sometimes with the addition of comedy, of differing view points: Stay at home Elitists and average Joe's like you and me, the ultimate decision is yours.
7. Don't let the "interests" of others determine your interests. What is "interesting" is up to the hobbyist to decide. These interests vary. Each has its merits He, She or "it" does not have to be an Elitist to enjoy the hobby. The duration of transmissions do not determine quality, you do.
How did you know his desires and interest was County? Do you posses an Elitist supernatural notion of supremacy as well? A notion that Andy and Barney are perhaps better than Taco Bell, the Novato Boy Scouts, BRIGHT STAR SECURITY INC, Feds, CHP, Fed/State Inter Op Mutual Aids, Average Joe on the CB, etc.? Talk about Elitist.
I'm trying to help him based on his pocket book, not scare him away from the hobby with what may be high prices or into worshipping a seemingly "Friendly" and "informative" moonlighting Andy and Barney who just happens to have this for sale.........
If he can't afford a digital unit, he's more than welcome to the hobby with or without a scanner. Even a cheaper analog unit is enough for now and provides enjoyment.