It's not just rampant in ham radio. it's the boomers in general. Corporate America, congress, ham radio. Everywhere. It's time the younger crowd starts pushing back aggressively.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You boomers are the most easily offended of any group. It's hysterical. No it doesn't cross all groups its mostly yours in this case. You should keep trying to deflect though.
@@hillbilly_delux78Your position is nothing new. There has always been generational conflict. I am a Gen-Xer and you probably feel the same way about us. But you WILL get older and you WILL be in our shoes taking arrows from some younger whippersnapper like you with misplaced angst.
I attended a local ham group. Cliques were apparent everywhere in the group. Officers were the Gatekeepers. Took my exam. Passed. Attended a couple more meetings. Same attitude, no interest in helping a new guy. Never returned. That was about 3 years ago. This year I will return, to take my General test, and tell them to change their attitude or they can kiss my a... I call them the 300 pound or more Ham club, because many of them were just that. It is an honor to teach. Nothing more enlightening than seeing someone you have mentored thrive!
First club I belonged to, I quit after I heard the president and board member talking about the then recent murder of a Game Comision Officer. The president pretty much stated it was the officers fault for following the rules too closely. Bet everybody else on the repeater LOVED that! Second club, everybody ignored me. Guess I wasn't old enough, average age was mid 60's. Oh well. I watch people like Walt and learn from them.
Man i got licensed a couple years back, and my local clubs and the cliques are just one big put off for me. But I found you don't need clubs, plenty of great elmers right here on youtube, like Walt here!
Been a Ham for 36 Years. Rule #1: If someone has to tell you how great they are, they aren’t! Rule #2: When you ask a question and someone tells you should know that, you just learned that that person doesn’t know the answer either. Unfortunately, Ham Radio is a cross section of society. Having been run through the ringer as a new Ham Operator by some real jerks, I vowed to treat new hams with respect and be a good Elmer to all. I also vowed to call out the gatekeepers for their bad behavior. Remember, you don’t have to put up with bad behavior!
Like it was said in the video, this stuff happens all through out life. My sister told me once, "you know smart people rarely tell you how smart the are." :)
@@rustytoolman4912 They don't tell you, they show you. Especially the people whose first response to a simple question is, "You figure it out. I'm not going to do your work for you."
I tend to be "that guy" when I hear a bully treating a new or newer HAM operator in a way that would garner a quick "KISS MY (donkey)" from anyone worth their salt. I will straighten a guy out in a heart beat while answering the questions/needs of the new/newer HAM radio operator. I get tired of the elitist attitude in our HOBBY. I've operated, by the way, radios from WWII all the way up to sea faring vessel radios, etc. Everyone wants to be a gangster until it's time to do gangster stuff...
Gatekeeping kept me from upgrading past technician for 8 years. I finally decided the sad hams can stay sad. I upgraded my license. I did research on radios and antennas and bought a budget setup that fit my needs. I have so much fun on the air with a rig that sad hams will claim won’t even work. Your channel is a big part of my enthusiasm! 73 KC4PPS
@@buddycraigg Me too. I'm running a 30+ year old Kenwood TS-140S and it's still getting the job done. I'd like one of the newer rigs but it's just not in the budget. Anything that gets a ham on the air is OK with me.
@@redstickham6394 My first rig is what I can afford right now, an HT that sucks overall, but it's what I can afford. I'm pretty sure radio waves work the same no matter what you're running. Sorry Sad Hams, but that's how I can fly for now, but feel free to donate your ICOMs any time you like.
I'm still running the Hallicrafters SR-150 from 1963 that my dad bought for me and is my first rig and still works great. Have a couple of other rigs as well, including a new Icom 7300, but the SR-150 is my favorite.
So, I ran into my first "sad ham" the other day. I made my first DX contact, with a guy in Spain, calling at the upper limit of his band. I told him he was my first DX contact. Immediately, some random guy came on, told me it doesnt count. Then, he continued to interrupt the exchange. I DID log it. The spurious transmission guy never once gave his call sign. He stated he was going to report me (not really sure to who...), and was just generally an ass. I just ignored him, which probably pissed him off even more. Anyway-got my first DX!!!
I watched a short video where a nice guy was setting up a POTA(?) and for over 8 minutes kept asking if the channel was clear. Once he got no response he issued a CQ to start talking to people...and that is when the Sad Ham broke in. He claimed the guy gave no request for the channel and got really nasty with this nice guy. Also he did not give his call station either. (is a pattern forming?)
The sad hams don't want attention to their plight. "Don't give oxygen to the fire". I asked in an EMCOMM zoom meeting if anyone did mobile practice as everything is done on 80 meters. How much property does 80 take? Crickets. Or the Facebook response "read your manual".
This. Call people out on their BS when they're clearly in the wrong (or if they're attacking someone else). Everyone makes mistakes, and when we're grossly wrong: we all need to be told. 🤜🤛
@@jamess1787 worse is when the 'teacher' blames the students for not passing the technician test, to the students!!!!!! "It is all your fault!". My thoughts are if everyone failed it may be the teacher's fault for not TEACHING.
@@Bob814u The "read your manual" response is rampant in the Linux world, too. I posted in an online forum once, describing the efforts I had gone to in order to try to find the answer on my own, the several things that I tried which didn't work, and the several websites and search strings that I had used to try to find my own answers. I specifically mentioned that I only posted very reluctantly after five hours of solid attempts to help myself first. Within a minute; the first two responses I got were "RTFM." 🤬 There are also those who don't want to lift a finger; can't be bothered to help themselves first, at all. So sometimes I ask "what things have you already tried which didn't work?" Instead of giving information which would keep anyone trying to help them from offering information on something they already tried; that person usually responds to me with something I won't type in polite company. It's made me far less likely to offer to help _anyone_ I don't already know personally, about anything at all. If we police ourselves, and call out the sad hams for the unacceptable behavior every time we see it, then hopefully we can make that behavior disappear. Clearly; "just ignore it," and "turn the other cheek" hasn't worked out very well for us. 73
Nice one. I've been licensed for almost 50 years and still learning and I'm a retired satellite communications engineer. It's a great hobby. Need more people in the hobby with your attitude. 73
I'm a new ham, under a year and I have already encountered "these people". Only a few others told him to settle down but I left the group. Good video buddy, you are one of the good guys! Thanks and take care Walt.👍
If someone called me a "jackass" like he said in the video, I'd respond by telling the Karen of the airwaves to "get a life, loser". It's not my problem his wife won't put out! 😆
I have been a ham for 52-years and constantly learn from those like you who put themselves out there. If I can’t say something constructive and positive, I don’t say anything. I enjoy your channel because you experiment and share your discoveries. As I have said before, the gatekeeper behavior you talk about is in all the other hobbies too . I follow cooking threads, travel threads, sailing threads and recreational flying threads. There are always gatekeepers. I ignore them. By the way, we have them in the professional setting as well. Thanks for being an Elmer.
@@KX4UL My big problem with Ham radio, is that it is very hard to find people who have the same interests as you. All the good mail-groups have disappeared years ago, and social media isn't the same clientele. My biggest problem is all my old ham friends are dead, and the clubs (monthly lunch) are long gone.
The only.people ever prosecuted for anything radio related in USA were creating pirate radio stations and distributing licensed music content. No random dude who talked on a radio or even used a repeater has been prosecuted. You don't need a license. Make up a call sign and respect the rules. You'll be fine.
Decades ago I moved to a new part of the country and thought, naively, that checking out some radio clubs would be a good way to meet people. People on several active repeaters would enthusiastically invite me to the club meetings, but once there no one would talk to you unless you made the effort. The newcomer seemed responsible for making themself feel welcome. AT one meeting I introduced myself to a guy who I'd talked to several times on the repeater. When I did that he looked at me like I had two heads or had just asked him for a date. What the? I had similar experiences elsewhere. A month before the Pandemic I found a local club that had people who were sociable, friendly, not afraid of new technologies, helpful. I joined that club, but they seem like an outlier. *That* is sad! I try to friendly and encouraging to any new hams that show up to our Elmer nights.
The technical part is never the hardest part. The people are. Ham radio has some of the worst gatekeeping of any technical hobby in the US. It's correct to identify the narcissism and bring up Dunning-Kruger effect. These are accurate assessments of the traditional or legacy amateur radio scene. We will just have to keep trying to build the friendly and supportive communities and environments that our remarkable privileges really deserve. They are out there. Thank you for speaking out about this. -Michelle W5NYV CEO Open Research Institute
I've noticed this behavior becoming more rampant in many areas. The people who love regulations more than they love others. I've noticed these people float to the top in many environments. They refuse to just live and let live. My wife and I got kicked out of the Civil Air Patrol because we called out some of them on their lies in an email chain. KJ4TQZ
@@psalmistinprogress9089These are the types who you will find as concentration camp guards. Crushing their own neighbors. Any little bit of power is irresistible to these cretins.
I was a HAM, took the classes and was mid-level licensed! I was really excited. I was very short on money in the beginning and was only able to save up for a hand held radio. I was 13-14yrs old at the time. I was really into it for a couple years and came across some A-holes that drove me away. My license lapsed a few years ago and I really considered getting back in, but I have been really turned off by anything "Social" the last 10years. People are really nasty just to make them selves feel better.
It's like everything else in the world. Getting worse each year that clicks. Society makes everyone feel like running away from it. Social media is just people trying to look better than they really are or people forcing their opinions on everyone else. It always dumbfounds me how people turned a society that was leaning into a open and tolerant world to a world of compliance where everyone must have the same opinion regardless of how wrong or bad that opinion is.
Well it's up to the rest of us to call the idiots out and shut em up! Start new clubs like "The blind leading the blind ham club" who cares!?! Use the existing clubs to glean info and bring it to your new club. If arrl or any other org tries to mess with us, just go around them. They have no say what others do at the end of the day!
That's nothing.... I was being taught Morse code in grade 2 some jackass called me a retard in Morse code.... I replied... f..u.... n...y I was a little slow on the ny on purpose. Now the person that was teaching me wasn't impressed and let's just say they traced the signal and several government officials knocked on that guy's door. Was funny aa he'll because queen Elizabeth 2 was pissed. Don't insult school kids around her. He got a fine. Apparently she liked radio and had muttiple callsigns so people wouldn't know it's her which is why she liked Morse code.
CW just whipped my butt. It was the barrier to my entry into ham radio. When the CW requirement was dropped I studied and was encouraged to study for all three tests, Tech, General, Extra. And I passed all three in one sitting. On the way out the door the CVE shook my hand and asked, "Have you considered becoming a VE?" "No," I told him, "I'm just trying to wrap my head around becoming a ham." I had immediately ran into the gatekeepers. "Oh, you're one of those 'no-code hams'." "You must have memorized the answers." No, the CVE and VE's saw me calculate the answers of the questions requiring math. I did have one of my early contacts congratulating me on getting licensed, "I see you just got licensed a few days ago." I replied, "Yeah, I'm one of those 'no-code hams'." He corrected me, "No, you're a ham. You passed the tests and everything required of you... you're a ham." That felt good. So, shortly after I made a phone call to the CVE at my test session. "OK, tell me what I need to do to become a VE." I'm very proud of the number of hams I've taught and administered their tests. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I never comment on vids. But I’ve been geeking out in Ham. I’ve been studying for my tech for the last week. Plan to take it in a week or so. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. But I really enjoyed it.
Walt! Keep on plugging away. We are learning things about antennas because of your experiments. I am building two antennas now because of your encouragement. I'm a boomer who loves the hobby and what you are doing. Thanks!
Ran into my first sad ham a week after I obtained my Technician ticket. I put together a 2 meter half wave dipole and called out to a local repeater for a radio check to see if I was able to get there on an HT using this new antenna. Some guy come back, said I sounded terrible and, he never identified himself. I got the impression he was not happy I was on "his" repeater.😢 Like you said, Amateur is all about experimenting and that is what I'm doing. Loving it. Thanks for the videos, keep 'em coming. 73
That sounds like your first encounter with the band police. We've all had it. They're far too important to give their callsign (i.e. identify themselves so they can be found and held to account for their behaviour). Always stand your ground
Unfortunately this behaviour is rife Walt. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, social media and comment sections are a breeding ground for people who can’t interact normally to be the person they want to be. Here in the uk, especially in the 1980’s and 1990’s, it’s one of the only hobbies I know of where a disagreement over radio lead to punch ups, acid on peoples cars and trolling over the radio that has lead to some pretty bad things. Take no notice man; enjoy your hobby and don’t let these people get you down. I certainly don’t.
I would like to thank you for your videos. You do a great job on them. Many years ago, I frequented a local repeater. There was a group of us regulars who bantered and had a good time talking. A good friend of mine was talking about his new radio that he just purchased. I asked him if i could come over to his house so I could help him play with his new toy. As I waited for his reply, a stern voice came over the repeater and said “An amateur radio is not a toy.” Silence for about 30 seconds, then my friend said a very long OK. I think the “Gatekeepers” or “Sad Hams” don’t recognize, or lost the sense that this activity is a hobby, and it is for fun. Thanks again for your videos. I’m enjoying them.
Been a ham since I was 13 yrs old. This foolishness has chased me away from the hobby a couple times, but later I return because I simply enjoy all the learning. I think a majority of hams are as brilliant as they are socially awkward. Put that combination on a medium like social media and this is what we’ll see. Every time. It’s refreshing to see someone call them out like this. Thank you Walt! The socially awkward sad hams won’t hear us, but those of us who aren’t that way will learn how to better ignore them.
I am the president of the local amateur radio club, and believe me I know exactly how you feel, I am a newer ham as well, and these sad hams drive me nuts. I have had to cut ties with several members for exactly the same shit for example we used to have a facebook group, the board decided to shut it down because people were using it to try and abuse other people, and being divisive. We need to stop tolerating this behavior as a group otherwise we are not going to get young people into the hobby.
Love the video, I just had a conversation with a new ham who is so discouraged by the sad hams he has encountered. Keep up the great work and you are encouraging more people than you know.
I joined a radio club. All amazing people. The president of the club is a retired electrical engineer. He knows to dumb down his language for us new guys and doesn’t expect us to be anywhere near his level. He holds lessons every Sunday to teach us how to make different types of antennas. I have so much respect for humble people like him. No judgment just a strong desire to share their knowledge.
I am new also, have lots of technical background, I dont know everything, and have forgotten more than I can remember. I learn a lot from guys like you. The gatekeepers need to remember this is amateur radio, and we are all by definition, amateurs and experimenters.
Thanks for making this video, Walt. Sad hams teach me a lot every day. They teach me patience and how to choose my battles carefully. They encourage me to be kind to unkind people. They remind me to never become so joyless that I try to take joy away from others.
I have been involved in ham radio since 1968. Don't let the few bent old timers spoil the hobby for you. I have learned heaps from the younger hams, especially with digital modes and fantastic software these youngsters create. We need the youngsters!
I've been licensed since 1996 and still come across these guys, one because my licence is a non code licence and two cause I'm female. Thanks so much for putting this out there. Regards de m1arx
I have gotten so much help from all of your videos. As a blind operator, I get shot down almost every time I ask someone to describe how to do something such as putting an antenna together, putting a wire on the end of a banana plug, or anything else. It is very discouraging; and your videos are awesome, because they help blind amateur operators to learn things. Most people think we should just not learn. Thank you, for all you do! 5:51
I’ve unfollowed all of the “general” ham groups on social media and just check in to the antenna group and maybe one that discusses specific transceivers because of the reasons you stated. I’ve noticed that TH-cam has much more valuable information and a sense of community that many are searching for. I especially enjoy your videos.
I agree with you 100%. My wife and I are hams and we’ve dealt with a lot of this since we got our license in 2000. Been members of three different clubs and always was a gatekeeper and sometimes more than one. Try and have a conversation with the wife on a local repeater and two other hams hoop on the frequency and took over the repeater. That’s why we hardly get on the air anymore dealing with rude people also. 73
Really appreciate you making this video, Walt. I'm a relatively younger ham and I totally agree with you. I've been working on getting on the air with CW and I'm finding it's pretty common to run into people who won't slow down or are just generally rude. I've also been hearing a lot of really overt racism on the HF bands lately and it's turning me off from the hobby. People like you really make the hobby fun, and I've learned a lot watching your videos.
Good video Walt, it's a shame we have these people, but I think they are out there for any subject, but it's very sad we have to have them in our hobby. I enjoy your videos and never see anything wrong with any of them. Just every once in a while you just have to vent. Keep on doing what you are doing, it's being enjoyed by the majority of people.
You definitely nailed it with this post and I'm glad I found your page. When I first recieved my ticket I was 11 years old, way before social media. I joined the local club and soon learned that a lot of these guys were not there to teach or pass on knowledge. They were there for a 🍆 measuring contest. So I bailed on ham for a few decades and found home on other services. Later in life I found ham radio again and decided I was going to be a better ham, a better person than those guys were. I'm glad you bring this up and appreciate you putting this out there. Good luck and 73 dude!!
I have been licensed for almost 30 years. I am always grateful to see new people enter the hobby. They bring a different point of view that is usually refreshing. Bad attitude is indeed everywhere these days.
Keep doing what you’re doing Walt. I have tried many of your ideas and you have helped me a great deal. There are more of us who appreciate your experiences than the few who care more about self promotion than promoting the hobby! Thanks Pete
Yep, I'm the guy you're talking about. Been a ham 50 years coming up in October next year. Had to sit in front a real FCC examiner. Yep I could be a gatekeeper. Actually I'm guilty of the gatekeeper role model. It became obvious when I got a GMRS license recently for communication between cyclists on a regular weekend bike ride. After about a week with that license I became aware that it's NOT ham radio and that's okay. But also realized GMRS won't be a hobby for me. So I dug out a gazillion HTs sitting around and dusted them off. But I became aware how I play the role of the curmudgeon sad ham. Ready to be judge, jury, and executioner of newbies who don't measure up to us old timers. Well spoken video!
There are a few which seem to be held in high regards from the community and allowed to spread their toxicity, without fear of being challenged. Well done for putting the video out Walt, lets stand up against these "gatekeepers" and call them out for harming the hobby. And it is still written in blogs and the radio press that there is a negative image of hams and we are struggling to get women and young people involved. I wonder why?
At 2:33 - I chuckled at this, as 56 years is actually how long I've been a ham. However, my primary pleasures in this hobby are experimentation, homebrewing (construction), and swapping knowledge with other knowledgeable people, of whom there are many - not trying to prove that I know more than some else, which is a fool's errand. Way back in the '60s when I held a Novice Class license, most hams were much older than I, and had earned their chops in the 1940s or 1950s, when one generally had to be pretty sharp just to get a station built and operating. Yes, the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a real thing, and there seem to be more examples of it every day. I still enjoy the hobby, but there are deterrents. Thanks for making the effort to create and upload useful videos. Much better use of time than getting into a tug-o-war with crabby people. As Mark Twain sagely stated: "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." KT4RE
Great video. I’ve found that those people are everywhere in almost anything I’ve ever been involved with. They are miserable people and probably have no friends who really like them. I had the great psychologist Albert Ellis tell me personally that the key to a narcissist is that deep down inside “they know they are a f’ing worm.” I thought that was pretty cool and empowering in dealing with them. You do a great job and the worms can just be worms 😺
Wow, small world. I grew up with Dr Ellis-isms in the house. The institute for rational living really pissed of all the Jungian and Freudian shrinks for putting rational thinking ahead of psycho sexual repression. Lol, while I don't agree with all the tenants of of RET its hands down useful for dealing with everyday human b situations. Seattle had a lot of great thinkers at the time in human psychology. The world could really use RET now with all the irrational rage-a-holics going around slaying people with their "righteous infignation" You should read the Road less Traveled, lots of stuff Ellis would approve of in the pursuit of finding acceptance to substantiate the maxim of not allowing anger towards others and destroying conflict resolution. I see it's now called REBT. RATIONAL EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY. It seems after his death in 2007 they renamed it AES. Fascinating stuff taught. It still amazes me that a self taught guy rises up through the Depression, becomes a classical Sex psycho-babble therapist in the 1940s, promotes the sexual revolution ( yes women can enjoy sex and not just pop out babies) and through his own interpretation of the classics in Philosophy first used then taught his brand of psychotherapy, and then assertively rejects passive doctrines (insert Freud and the couch) resulting in lots of angry doctors decrying the therapist without a medical degree and by 1959 he had won over the State of NY revolutionising family counseling, individual therapy and even getting results in Penal institutions. It was quite much for an 8 yo like me to listen to my father's Ellis tapes at night and try to get through school with so many messed up kids in the 70s all twisted up from having parents that resulted from the hippy movement. After all who doesnt want to be an accident born out of the Summer of Love. Today more than then we have far too many cofrontational keyboard and real life warriors raging around putting people, places and things into an arrangement suiting their brand of morality and justice making untold victims in their wake. So when do rational emotive living people fuck up the activities of the rage-a-holics? According to Ellis as I heard him in 1975 you only embrace action with a contrived angry mein when life is immediately in danger. I'm still trying to resolve that to my circumstances. Be well
I've been a ham since 1982. Trust me when I say no one knows it all. I'm still learning today. I have no issues at all with a new operator. 9 times out of 10 they are the ones staying within the rules and are a pleasure to talk with. If I'm ask a question that I don't know the answer to my response is, I don't know. We all learn by doing. It's all trial and error.
Just found this video. This is spot on and I appreciate you calling them out. These people scaring or annoying all the good new hams away. We all need to push back anytime we see this type of behavior.
Well done Walt. I've been doing this for a while and really enjoy your approach. Your videos are a breath of fresh air and your enthusiasm is contagious. Don't change a thing. 73, George K2WO
"AMATEUR" Radio...The name says it all for me. I've been a ham about 35 years, ridden motorcyles 55 years, served my country, been married over 40 years, raised two excellent sons, and I am still an "amateur" at all these things. I'll never have a studio sounding setup, but I sure as hell have a lot of fun "PLAYING" radio. Just use the VFO and tune away from the noise. Walt, thank you for your efforts! 73!
What I have learned and taught myself, studied myself, and everything myself. No old crabby buzzard with a 4 character call sign taught me a damn thing. Old hams are dying out. Thank God
Amen Walt i totally understand what you are saying. Im getting back into ham radio after letting my license lapse and you have totally encouraged me with your videos. Thanks John
I love your videos. The things you do with the G90 and different antennas is amazing. I don't live near a body of water so I need to figure out radials. I love my G90.
Well said. Humility is lacking for some folks, as if everything they have to say is always spot-on. Some might have issues on the spectrum, lacking empathy. Others are probably just internally miserable to the core and never looked at options to better themselves, lacking (personal) tools that weren't even approachable in their generation.
I get a kick tagging along with you while you play radio. I'm grateful to you for sharing one of your passions with me... I for one get inspiration from your content... Thank you, Walt...
Great video sir, I am very new to this hobby and fortunately have not had a negative interaction. I can honestly say all my contacts have been helpful and respectful. I know there are "sad" hams out there, but there are always those who are never happy and look for the negative in everything. It's human nature! Keep up the good work my friend!
You have a good attitude. In this world we have many buttheads with inflated egos. A lie never gets so large that some fool will try and tell it. Ignore them !!!
I’ve never been a ham but I’ve always wanted to be a licensed ham ever since I was 13 years old. I can remember back years ago when I was young back in the 1960’s that Hams loved to fire up a ham radio and talk to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc., or just generally chatting with other hams. And I loved to listen to them. They also loved to meet new hams and chat with them about different things as well. They were wonderful people. Yes, they also did contests pertaining to seeing how many contacts they could reach around the world sort of like what CBers would call “Shooting Skip” as well but it wasn’t an impulsive over-riding hog the radio airwaves issue, it was more of a nice hobby like thing to do if you felt the urge to do so when the airwaves were quiet. But, from What I’ve seen and heard by many of the hams here on TH-cam now-a-days that’s no longer the case. It has now turned into a world of nothing more than “Round the World” Contest’s and they frown upon other hams if all they just want to do is use their ham radio’s for nothing more than talking or chatting to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc.. From their own mouths, Quote, “You have to keep it short and sweet” unquote. They conveniently imply without saying so that anything else is not acceptable. Evidently it’s become nothing more than “Keep it Short and Sweet” with only a 30 to 60 second “Shoot Skip” style of contact to as many contacts as they can or else it is in violation of FCC Ham Radio Rules and Regulations as well as Ham Radio Etiquette because it interferes with and interrupts other ham radio operators doing their continuous 24 hour a day “Round the World” contests. To me it’s sad that the World of Ham Radio has become that way. With that in mind it’s no wonder why they have trouble getting more people into ham radio as it is no longer fun or enjoyable. “Sad Hams” and “Round the World” Contest hams are spoiling and ruining it for everybody.
Hey Walt! There are a good number of amateur radio operators such as yourself that do a REALLY GREAT job of sharing things you’ve tried, and THAT INSPIRES! I don’t think any of the TH-camrs I have in mind claim to know it all, and that is key. You seem to enjoy sharing, and I think most of us enjoy learning a little something, seeing what works and what doesn’t and we shouldn’t expect anyone to have all the answers. For some reason, certain people incorrectly correlate the making of content to a statement of “knowing everything”. Thanks for all your efforts buddy! 👍📻⚡️ Tom - WA7FLY
I found your channel the other day and have already subscribed because you are very helpful. I found you by looking up how to make antennas for HF. I am 35 and would consider you one of my Elmers. You give clear and concise directions and answers, with out the bloat to puff yourself up. I really appreciate kind and humble men like you and that is one of the biggest reasons I'm getting into ham radio. I realize this video is a year old now, but I wanted to comment anyway. I may be way off base here, but you seem to know Jesus, which in my experience, paints a big target on your back for these narcissistic individuals. Keep up the good work sir!
I enjoy some of the content on TH-cam regarding Ham radio. I learn a lot from others. Our Ham radio club, about 50% of the members, meet for coffee once a week. I have not seen this problem in our group. They love helping any of us understand things. I am trying to bring more Ham knowledge into our Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (mainly civilians) That is a challenge because many people are happy not knowing anything about radio. Radio knowledge is vitally important to SAR because of the terrain around here. The Sheriff's Office repeaters simply cannot cover some parts of the county.
I enjoyed this commentary on gatekeepers. I've known a few, and I have learned how to spot them as soon as they open their mouths. The best response is to avoid them. Fortunately, I have not encountered any gatekeepers in my local radio club. I've had a general license for four years, and I am often told that I should go for the amateur extra license; but I am having too much fun building my Ham shack and experimenting with HTs and HF rigs, antennas and "relearning" Morse code to worry about studying for the Amateur Extra exam. I'll get around to that eventually. One of the first indicators that someone is a gatekeeper is the following comment: "I had to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code to earn my ticket." Well, times and technology have changed; and I think that there would be fewer new amateur radio operators today if the Morse code requirement had not been dropped, but I have found that many new Hams dive into Morse code after earning the general license. Based on the amount of CW traffic I pick up on different bands, I think CW is doing well; so the old-timers and gatekeepers who scoff at new Hams can rest easy.
Walt, you are so right. I started in radio when I was 5 years old, and I'm 73 now. I decided early on not to get a Ham ticket, because of the gate keepers. They've always been around and I guess they always will be. I call them "THE MISTER KNOW IT ALL'S", because they never change and they are over arrogant. I have a lot of friends who are older Hams and none of them have ever caused me problems. A few years ago I unloaded a lot of transmitters and receivers because of 2 particular Hams from Alabama, who thought they were GOD of the airwaves. They would always find someone to harass and condemn. It's too late for me to get my ticket, but that's okay. I can still build any radio, on any frequency, and build any antenna and loading proceedure to maximize the performance. I've been told, because I don't have a Ham ticket, I have no right to complain. The Gate Keepers are the reason I chose not to get a ticket. If everyone was like you, maybe I would've gotten one back in the 50's. Take care and continue your journey.
It's NEVER too late to learn!!! An uncle of mine got his ticket at 75, he was a radioman in WW2, and has been wanting to get back into it! Finally took the plunge 50 odd years later!!!
QSO'd with my 1st Sad Ham today. Apparently he hates POTA. After he found out I did POTA he wanted to end the QSO but not before trying to insulting me. Also, apparently real hams don't use 7300's. I suspect he is the guy that jams POTA activators on 17 meters.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES There are one or more people actively jamming POTA activators on 17 meters. I was the recipient of that jamming on multiple occasions.
You've been a lot of help to me. I just built my first antenna and copied my first CW transmission, much because of your channel. Keep up the great work! I'll be doing a lot of experiments with antennas over the summer.
Good word and well said. I think these line items from the US Code of Regulations say it all what HAM radio is about: (b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art. The aforementioned negates gatekeeping because all HAMs -- Tech to Extra are all considered to be capable of contributing to the advancement of the radio art. And as well -- and specifically stated -- to encourage and improve -- not gate keep and muzzle for the purpose of advancing skills. So yes, agreed, the gate keepers do need to check themselves and reread/reconsider what the US Code of Regulations has to say about HAM radio. 73s.
That's awesome, Walt! I don't get the whole "if you don't do it my way, it's wrong" mindset. We're all here to learn from each other. Why do we let the sad hams piss in our cheerios? Keep doin' whatcher doin', sir! 🤠 73!
Your a good sport Walt ! Everybody comes from a different place before we land in ham radio. I'm a 68 year old with a tech license. I've been putting together my parts list after watching your triangular loop antenna video. You are doing a good thing here
I [think] the approach we should take is what you've had to do. They're everywhere, not just in ham radio although I'm sure we have a strong double digit percentage. Like another post said, after (my) almost 50 years, there's always something else and new to learn. You're a real engineer while there's a lot of people who quietly wish they were and flap their jaws to compensate. Carry on and keep the vids coming!
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I’m sick of the turds floating around acting as if their license gives them precedent over another license. They complain that digital modes and whatever else they can’t figure out are killing the hobby, but really they are killing it. I wished more TH-camrs started fighting back and pushing back because they are driving away new interest in the hobby. When people are curious about a hobby they go to Facebook or TH-cam to explore it first and all they see are the lids and sad hams constantly bashing people and i guarantee you it scares away a certain percentage. I have no tolerance of their crap. Good for you standing up against the turds. Love your videos and love your experiments, it’s helped me a ton. Keep up the good work
Truthful words have never been more clearly and elegantly spoken. ive seen this first hand and one thing that really p@ssed me off was a local sad ham was on my a$$ and brought up that i got my technician and a week later passed the general, then he told me i was on a local repeater asking how to program a baufeng. he said i was bragging about passing the general and didnt even know how to program that radio. wow oh wow i didnt know one of the test question was about programming a hand held. have ran into plenty of sad hams its like they dont like new blood. i recently passed my Extra and already took crap because i got it the easy way because i didnt have to code and not a real extra. just sad ppl and sad hams. and yes im sure i was happy about getting my general so i was bragging.
Well, I have quite a few Baofeng radio's. Not bragging, but programming my latest one is just as hard as programming my first one. Good little radios, but if I'm going fishing there's no way in hell, I'm taking my Yaesu, no way! But basically a throw-away radio is ok with me. If it gets lost, ruined, whatever, what have I lost? The Yaesu, OUCH, my wife would kill me and she's not even a ham... As far as programming is, the Yaesu isn't any easier! Guy's not really helping Ham Radio any! I'd stay away from him if possible! Sad that this stuff happens...
I Love watching all the different types of antennas you try out. I’m new at being a ham and live inland in va. My station is small and mostly portable. I live in a signal black hole so I have to get away from the house for decent signals. I get mostly Atlanta nets to listen to and a few pota contacts and on good nights Brazil and South America. So far only using an efhw or a wrc. Both good and portable. Learning to build a fan dipole for the house and the other two to go out with. Keep up the vids and I do agree there are a few grumpy old dudes out there. When they are on I just listen and laugh. Keep up the good work. You do inspire way more then discourage. Happy trails from Buggs island lake.
I'm a newer ham(under a year) and I'll read QRZ, but never ask another question on QRZ again. People like you make the youtube ham community absolutely amazing.
Back in the mid-.70's, I had to ask dad for the keys to the station wagon and walk out to the driveway to use his CB radio; in the snow, uphill, both ways. I still have that Royce 23 ch radio.
Walt, you will always have haters. Just ignore them and carry on. In the antipodes here we call it the "tall poppy" syndrome.......if you stand out and up above the others they try and drag you down to their level instead of raising their game. Keep sharing your experiments with the rest of us that appreciate them and all you do. Cheers Phil
Hi Walt! I recently subbed to your channel and it has given me new enthusiasm for getting back into HF, since you provide so many excellent portable recommendations - thank you for that! When I first got into amateur radio about 20 years ago, TH-cam and social media didn't exist and online help wasn't as much of a thing as it is nowadays. I joined a couple of local clubs and found many sad hams all around me - and some of them were also "mad hams," mad about everything from the dropping of code testing requirements from XX WPM to XX WPM, the "lowering of standards" in testing, "the ARRL is just churning out appliance operators now," etc., just classic gatekeeping. "I had it hard so YOU HAVE TO, TOO!" attitudes. Life moves on and requirements/standards/practices evolve, yet some people just don't wanna evolve with them. I learned pretty quickly that the quickest way to ruin my joy for a hobby is to join a club devoted to it. So many clubs - not just amateur radio - contain too many griping gatekeepers. Hobbies should be fun! Thanks for sharing your fun for this hobby. 73!
Thanks so much for watching my videos. I completely understand your experience and have seen it way too much. Hopefully this hobby will continue to grow with more great people like you and less Sad Hams. All the best and 73, Walt
Having returned to the hobby after about 15 years, I experienced this in the same way, except I believe the situation has improved from the past. Elmore’s were out there, but grouchy mean old men were out there to. Now is an improvement . I think there has been more courtesy, thoughtfulness and less grouchy behavior. I agree that we should’nt give sad hams a place in our mind.
you are soo true!!!! Well said! As a newly retired person, starting out on my radio journey.. I have ran into soo many of them! OMG ! For example, My New Di-Pole just arrived today! afraid to ask for advice... You hit the nail on the head!!!!
Hi Walt, new ham here. Keep 'er going my friend. You're one of the big reasons I got into this hobby. And try not to get sucked into the swirling vortex of responding to the ham radio trolls. They live sad lives. Ham radio's version of road ragers!
It's not just rampant in ham radio. it's the boomers in general. Corporate America, congress, ham radio. Everywhere. It's time the younger crowd starts pushing back aggressively.
LOL calm down kid. I’m a Boomer and can tell you that this crosses all age groups
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You boomers are the most easily offended of any group. It's hysterical. No it doesn't cross all groups its mostly yours in this case. You should keep trying to deflect though.
@@hillbilly_delux78 OK, God bless you. Have a great day
@@hillbilly_delux78Your position is nothing new. There has always been generational conflict. I am a Gen-Xer and you probably feel the same way about us. But you WILL get older and you WILL be in our shoes taking arrows from some younger whippersnapper like you with misplaced angst.
. Us boomers? Holy smokes
I attended a local ham group. Cliques were apparent everywhere in the group. Officers were the Gatekeepers. Took my exam. Passed. Attended a couple more meetings. Same attitude, no interest in helping a new guy. Never returned. That was about 3 years ago. This year I will return, to take my General test, and tell them to change their attitude or they can kiss my a... I call them the 300 pound or more Ham club, because many of them were just that.
It is an honor to teach. Nothing more enlightening than seeing someone you have mentored thrive!
And that sir, is what you will have to do but some of the same people are on Hf but it's not quite as bad.
First club I belonged to, I quit after I heard the president and board member talking about the then recent murder of a Game Comision Officer. The president pretty much stated it was the officers fault for following the rules too closely. Bet everybody else on the repeater LOVED that!
Second club, everybody ignored me. Guess I wasn't old enough, average age was mid 60's. Oh well. I watch people like Walt and learn from them.
Man i got licensed a couple years back, and my local clubs and the cliques are just one big put off for me. But I found you don't need clubs, plenty of great elmers right here on youtube, like Walt here!
And that is the reality of ham radio.
The gatekeepers on social media are some of the biggest proponents of clubs.
Been a Ham for 36 Years. Rule #1: If someone has to tell you how great they are, they aren’t! Rule #2: When you ask a question and someone tells you should know that, you just learned that that person doesn’t know the answer either.
Unfortunately, Ham Radio is a cross section of society. Having been run through the ringer as a new Ham Operator by some real jerks, I vowed to treat new hams with respect and be a good Elmer to all. I also vowed to call out the gatekeepers for their bad behavior. Remember, you don’t have to put up with bad behavior!
Like it was said in the video, this stuff happens all through out life. My sister told me once, "you know smart people rarely tell you how smart the are." :)
@@rustytoolman4912 They don't tell you, they show you. Especially the people whose first response to a simple question is, "You figure it out. I'm not going to do your work for you."
I tend to be "that guy" when I hear a bully treating a new or newer HAM operator in a way that would garner a quick "KISS MY (donkey)" from anyone worth their salt. I will straighten a guy out in a heart beat while answering the questions/needs of the new/newer HAM radio operator. I get tired of the elitist attitude in our HOBBY. I've operated, by the way, radios from WWII all the way up to sea faring vessel radios, etc. Everyone wants to be a gangster until it's time to do gangster stuff...
Yep that’s a general truth: if someone has to tell the world they’re the thing, they’re not the thing.
Gatekeeping kept me from upgrading past technician for 8 years. I finally decided the sad hams can stay sad. I upgraded my license. I did research on radios and antennas and bought a budget setup that fit my needs. I have so much fun on the air with a rig that sad hams will claim won’t even work. Your channel is a big part of my enthusiasm! 73
KC4PPS
Thank you so much!
I hate it when they try to shame you for what equipment you have.
@@buddycraigg Me too. I'm running a 30+ year old Kenwood TS-140S and it's still getting the job done. I'd like one of the newer rigs but it's just not in the budget. Anything that gets a ham on the air is OK with me.
@@redstickham6394 My first rig is what I can afford right now, an HT that sucks overall, but it's what I can afford. I'm pretty sure radio waves work the same no matter what you're running. Sorry Sad Hams, but that's how I can fly for now, but feel free to donate your ICOMs any time you like.
I'm still running the Hallicrafters SR-150 from 1963 that my dad bought for me and is my first rig and still works great. Have a couple of other rigs as well, including a new Icom 7300, but the SR-150 is my favorite.
You said "social media", and immediately I understood the problem.
Hahaha yep!
So, I ran into my first "sad ham" the other day. I made my first DX contact, with a guy in Spain, calling at the upper limit of his band. I told him he was my first DX contact. Immediately, some random guy came on, told me it doesnt count. Then, he continued to interrupt the exchange. I DID log it. The spurious transmission guy never once gave his call sign. He stated he was going to report me (not really sure to who...), and was just generally an ass.
I just ignored him, which probably pissed him off even more. Anyway-got my first DX!!!
Congratulations on your first DX contact. Keep chasing DX!
Way to go on your first DX.
Well done on your first DX. It’s sad that people think they can tell you what counts and what doesn’t.
I watched a short video where a nice guy was setting up a POTA(?) and for over 8 minutes kept asking if the channel was clear. Once he got no response he issued a CQ to start talking to people...and that is when the Sad Ham broke in. He claimed the guy gave no request for the channel and got really nasty with this nice guy. Also he did not give his call station either. (is a pattern forming?)
6:05 - My grandpa used to say that if you’re not pissing off at least 20% of people, you’re probably doing something wrong.
What's worse are the people who don't call them out or allow it on their platform. Good stuff Walt 👍
The sad hams don't want attention to their plight. "Don't give oxygen to the fire". I asked in an EMCOMM zoom meeting if anyone did mobile practice as everything is done on 80 meters. How much property does 80 take? Crickets. Or the Facebook response "read your manual".
This.
Call people out on their BS when they're clearly in the wrong (or if they're attacking someone else).
Everyone makes mistakes, and when we're grossly wrong: we all need to be told. 🤜🤛
@@jamess1787 worse is when the 'teacher' blames the students for not passing the technician test, to the students!!!!!! "It is all your fault!". My thoughts are if everyone failed it may be the teacher's fault for not TEACHING.
@@Bob814u The "read your manual" response is rampant in the Linux world, too. I posted in an online forum once, describing the efforts I had gone to in order to try to find the answer on my own, the several things that I tried which didn't work, and the several websites and search strings that I had used to try to find my own answers. I specifically mentioned that I only posted very reluctantly after five hours of solid attempts to help myself first. Within a minute; the first two responses I got were "RTFM." 🤬
There are also those who don't want to lift a finger; can't be bothered to help themselves first, at all. So sometimes I ask "what things have you already tried which didn't work?" Instead of giving information which would keep anyone trying to help them from offering information on something they already tried; that person usually responds to me with something I won't type in polite company. It's made me far less likely to offer to help _anyone_ I don't already know personally, about anything at all.
If we police ourselves, and call out the sad hams for the unacceptable behavior every time we see it, then hopefully we can make that behavior disappear. Clearly; "just ignore it," and "turn the other cheek" hasn't worked out very well for us. 73
Had a 9th grade English composition teacher that failed 60% of our class. I got a D. She was a piece of work.
Nice one. I've been licensed for almost 50 years and still learning and I'm a retired satellite communications engineer. It's a great hobby. Need more people in the hobby with your attitude. 73
Thank you so much Jonathan!
I'm a new ham, under a year and I have already encountered "these people". Only a few others told him to settle down but I left the group.
Good video buddy, you are one of the good guys! Thanks and take care Walt.👍
If someone called me a "jackass" like he said in the video, I'd respond by telling the Karen of the airwaves to "get a life, loser". It's not my problem his wife won't put out! 😆
I have been a ham for 52-years and constantly learn from those like you who put themselves out there. If I can’t say something constructive and positive, I don’t say anything. I enjoy your channel because you experiment and share your discoveries. As I have said before, the gatekeeper behavior you talk about is in all the other hobbies too . I follow cooking threads, travel threads, sailing threads and recreational flying threads. There are always gatekeepers. I ignore them. By the way, we have them in the professional setting as well. Thanks for being an Elmer.
@rjollis - I have been a HAM for 30 years and I second what you wrote!
I've been a ham for...
Oh wait, you told us not to post our resume! 🖐
@@Parkhill57 Point being even though we have been HAMS for decades, we are not gatekeepers like others that have been HAMS for decades.
@@KX4UL My big problem with Ham radio, is that it is very hard to find people who have the same interests as you. All the good mail-groups have disappeared years ago, and social media isn't the same clientele. My biggest problem is all my old ham friends are dead, and the clubs (monthly lunch) are long gone.
The only.people ever prosecuted for anything radio related in USA were creating pirate radio stations and distributing licensed music content. No random dude who talked on a radio or even used a repeater has been prosecuted. You don't need a license. Make up a call sign and respect the rules. You'll be fine.
Decades ago I moved to a new part of the country and thought, naively, that checking out some radio clubs would be a good way to meet people. People on several active repeaters would enthusiastically invite me to the club meetings, but once there no one would talk to you unless you made the effort. The newcomer seemed responsible for making themself feel welcome. AT one meeting I introduced myself to a guy who I'd talked to several times on the repeater. When I did that he looked at me like I had two heads or had just asked him for a date. What the? I had similar experiences elsewhere. A month before the Pandemic I found a local club that had people who were sociable, friendly, not afraid of new technologies, helpful. I joined that club, but they seem like an outlier. *That* is sad!
I try to friendly and encouraging to any new hams that show up to our Elmer nights.
The technical part is never the hardest part.
The people are.
Ham radio has some of the worst gatekeeping of any technical hobby in the US. It's correct to identify the narcissism and bring up Dunning-Kruger effect. These are accurate assessments of the traditional or legacy amateur radio scene.
We will just have to keep trying to build the friendly and supportive communities and environments that our remarkable privileges really deserve. They are out there.
Thank you for speaking out about this.
-Michelle W5NYV
CEO Open Research Institute
Awesome comment Michelle, thank you!
I've noticed this behavior becoming more rampant in many areas.
The people who love regulations more than they love others.
I've noticed these people float to the top in many environments.
They refuse to just live and let live.
My wife and I got kicked out of the Civil Air Patrol because we called out some of them on their lies in an email chain.
KJ4TQZ
@@psalmistinprogress9089These are the types who you will find as concentration camp guards. Crushing their own neighbors. Any little bit of power is irresistible to these cretins.
TRUTH!
They're out there, and they're where they've always been. Soocial media is not one of those places.
The ability of the few to ruin things for the many is always impressive.
Yeah. Washington, DC, is the best example of this.
I was a HAM, took the classes and was mid-level licensed! I was really excited. I was very short on money in the beginning and was only able to save up for a hand held radio. I was 13-14yrs old at the time. I was really into it for a couple years and came across some A-holes that drove me away. My license lapsed a few years ago and I really considered getting back in, but I have been really turned off by anything "Social" the last 10years. People are really nasty just to make them selves feel better.
I enjoy experimenting and if someone finds a better way of doing something. I want to learn what they found
It's like everything else in the world. Getting worse each year that clicks. Society makes everyone feel like running away from it. Social media is just people trying to look better than they really are or people forcing their opinions on everyone else. It always dumbfounds me how people turned a society that was leaning into a open and tolerant world to a world of compliance where everyone must have the same opinion regardless of how wrong or bad that opinion is.
Well it's up to the rest of us to call the idiots out and shut em up!
Start new clubs like "The blind leading the blind ham club" who cares!?! Use the existing clubs to glean info and bring it to your new club.
If arrl or any other org tries to mess with us, just go around them. They have no say what others do at the end of the day!
That's nothing.... I was being taught Morse code in grade 2 some jackass called me a retard in Morse code.... I replied... f..u.... n...y I was a little slow on the ny on purpose. Now the person that was teaching me wasn't impressed and let's just say they traced the signal and several government officials knocked on that guy's door. Was funny aa he'll because queen Elizabeth 2 was pissed. Don't insult school kids around her. He got a fine. Apparently she liked radio and had muttiple callsigns so people wouldn't know it's her which is why she liked Morse code.
keep Up the great work
I'm a gatekeeper, by that I mean I'm a VE. Let's get as many people though the gate aka the test required by the FCC.
CW just whipped my butt. It was the barrier to my entry into ham radio. When the CW requirement was dropped I studied and was encouraged to study for all three tests, Tech, General, Extra. And I passed all three in one sitting. On the way out the door the CVE shook my hand and asked, "Have you considered becoming a VE?" "No," I told him, "I'm just trying to wrap my head around becoming a ham." I had immediately ran into the gatekeepers. "Oh, you're one of those 'no-code hams'." "You must have memorized the answers." No, the CVE and VE's saw me calculate the answers of the questions requiring math. I did have one of my early contacts congratulating me on getting licensed, "I see you just got licensed a few days ago." I replied, "Yeah, I'm one of those 'no-code hams'." He corrected me, "No, you're a ham. You passed the tests and everything required of you... you're a ham." That felt good. So, shortly after I made a phone call to the CVE at my test session. "OK, tell me what I need to do to become a VE." I'm very proud of the number of hams I've taught and administered their tests. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I never comment on vids. But I’ve been geeking out in Ham. I’ve been studying for my tech for the last week. Plan to take it in a week or so.
This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. But I really enjoyed it.
Walt! Keep on plugging away. We are learning things about antennas because of your experiments. I am building two antennas now because of your encouragement. I'm a boomer who loves the hobby and what you are doing. Thanks!
Thank you!!! 73, Walt
Ran into my first sad ham a week after I obtained my Technician ticket. I put together a 2 meter half wave dipole and called out to a local repeater for a radio check to see if I was able to get there on an HT using this new antenna. Some guy come back, said I sounded terrible and, he never identified himself. I got the impression he was not happy I was on "his" repeater.😢
Like you said, Amateur is all about experimenting and that is what I'm doing. Loving it. Thanks for the videos, keep 'em coming. 73
That sounds like your first encounter with the band police. We've all had it. They're far too important to give their callsign (i.e. identify themselves so they can be found and held to account for their behaviour).
Always stand your ground
Dont give fires more oxygen, equally, dont give narcassists more attention.
hello old chap how are you, and I agree with your comment 👍
Well said Walt! First time i've saw one of your videos but you speak well, with passion and integrity. Subscribed!
Thank you so much Carl!
Unfortunately this behaviour is rife Walt. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, social media and comment sections are a breeding ground for people who can’t interact normally to be the person they want to be.
Here in the uk, especially in the 1980’s and 1990’s, it’s one of the only hobbies I know of where a disagreement over radio lead to punch ups, acid on peoples cars and trolling over the radio that has lead to some pretty bad things.
Take no notice man; enjoy your hobby and don’t let these people get you down. I certainly don’t.
I been a Ham for 2 entire days, and I think you are right =)
Welcome. We need you.
They are called keyboard cowered. They would never say what they say to your face. The fear of losing some teeth keeps their mouth shut.
Absolutely!
Thanks Walt. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm almost 50 years in the hobby. Really enjoy your videos and experiments. Keep learning!
Thanks, will do!
I would like to thank you for your videos. You do a great job on them.
Many years ago, I frequented a local repeater. There was a group of us regulars who bantered and had a good time talking. A good friend of mine was talking about his new radio that he just purchased. I asked him if i could come over to his house so I could help him play with his new toy.
As I waited for his reply, a stern voice came over the repeater and said “An amateur radio is not a toy.”
Silence for about 30 seconds, then my friend said a very long OK.
I think the “Gatekeepers” or “Sad Hams” don’t recognize, or lost the sense that this activity is a hobby, and it is for fun.
Thanks again for your videos. I’m enjoying them.
Thank you so much Eric!
Been a ham since I was 13 yrs old. This foolishness has chased me away from the hobby a couple times, but later I return because I simply enjoy all the learning.
I think a majority of hams are as brilliant as they are socially awkward. Put that combination on a medium like social media and this is what we’ll see. Every time.
It’s refreshing to see someone call them out like this. Thank you Walt! The socially awkward sad hams won’t hear us, but those of us who aren’t that way will learn how to better ignore them.
Randy at Notarubicon has nailed this situation.
glad to have found your channel Walt !! been a ham for 25 years, and learning a LOT from you !! appreciate you man !
Thank you so much!
I am the president of the local amateur radio club, and believe me I know exactly how you feel, I am a newer ham as well, and these sad hams drive me nuts. I have had to cut ties with several members for exactly the same shit for example we used to have a facebook group, the board decided to shut it down because people were using it to try and abuse other people, and being divisive. We need to stop tolerating this behavior as a group otherwise we are not going to get young people into the hobby.
Love the video, I just had a conversation with a new ham who is so discouraged by the sad hams he has encountered. Keep up the great work and you are encouraging more people than you know.
I joined a radio club. All amazing people. The president of the club is a retired electrical engineer. He knows to dumb down his language for us new guys and doesn’t expect us to be anywhere near his level. He holds lessons every Sunday to teach us how to make different types of antennas. I have so much respect for humble people like him. No judgment just a strong desire to share their knowledge.
I’m a new ham ~ studying for my first exam. Just keep being you - ban them and block them and keep moving. I for one appreciate your videos…
I am new also, have lots of technical background, I dont know everything, and have forgotten more than I can remember. I learn a lot from guys like you. The gatekeepers need to remember this is amateur radio, and we are all by definition, amateurs and experimenters.
Thanks for making this video, Walt. Sad hams teach me a lot every day. They teach me patience and how to choose my battles carefully. They encourage me to be kind to unkind people. They remind me to never become so joyless that I try to take joy away from others.
I have been involved in ham radio since 1968. Don't let the few bent old timers spoil the hobby for you. I have learned heaps from the younger hams, especially with digital modes and fantastic software these youngsters create. We need the youngsters!
I've been licensed since 1996 and still come across these guys, one because my licence is a non code licence and two cause I'm female. Thanks so much for putting this out there. Regards de m1arx
I have gotten so much help from all of your videos. As a blind operator, I get shot down almost every time I ask someone to describe how to do something such as putting an antenna together, putting a wire on the end of a banana plug, or anything else. It is very discouraging; and your videos are awesome, because they help blind amateur operators to learn things. Most people think we should just not learn. Thank you, for all you do! 5:51
Thank you so much for the kind words Shane! 73 my friend!
I’ve unfollowed all of the “general” ham groups on social media and just check in to the antenna group and maybe one that discusses specific transceivers because of the reasons you stated.
I’ve noticed that TH-cam has much more valuable information and a sense of community that many are searching for.
I especially enjoy your videos.
Thank you so much! 73, Walt
I agree with you 100%. My wife and I are hams and we’ve dealt with a lot of this since we got our license in 2000. Been members of three different clubs and always was a gatekeeper and sometimes more than one. Try and have a conversation with the wife on a local repeater and two other hams hoop on the frequency and took over the repeater. That’s why we hardly get on the air anymore dealing with rude people also.
73
Sorry to hear that, ugh! 73, Walt
Really appreciate you making this video, Walt. I'm a relatively younger ham and I totally agree with you. I've been working on getting on the air with CW and I'm finding it's pretty common to run into people who won't slow down or are just generally rude. I've also been hearing a lot of really overt racism on the HF bands lately and it's turning me off from the hobby. People like you really make the hobby fun, and I've learned a lot watching your videos.
Thank you Justin!
Good video Walt, it's a shame we have these people, but I think they are out there for any subject, but it's very sad we have to have them in our hobby. I enjoy your videos and never see anything wrong with any of them. Just every once in a while you just have to vent. Keep on doing what you are doing, it's being enjoyed by the majority of people.
Thank you Ron, yes I just needed to vent!
You definitely nailed it with this post and I'm glad I found your page. When I first recieved my ticket I was 11 years old, way before social media. I joined the local club and soon learned that a lot of these guys were not there to teach or pass on knowledge. They were there for a 🍆 measuring contest. So I bailed on ham for a few decades and found home on other services. Later in life I found ham radio again and decided I was going to be a better ham, a better person than those guys were. I'm glad you bring this up and appreciate you putting this out there.
Good luck and 73 dude!!
I have been licensed for almost 30 years. I am always grateful to see new people enter the hobby. They bring a different point of view that is usually refreshing. Bad attitude is indeed everywhere these days.
Keep doing what you’re doing Walt. I have tried many of your ideas and you have helped me a great deal. There are more of us who appreciate your experiences than the few who care more about self promotion than promoting the hobby! Thanks Pete
Thank you Pete!
Yep, I'm the guy you're talking about. Been a ham 50 years coming up in October next year. Had to sit in front a real FCC examiner. Yep I could be a gatekeeper.
Actually I'm guilty of the gatekeeper role model. It became obvious when I got a GMRS license recently for communication between cyclists on a regular weekend bike ride. After about a week with that license I became aware that it's NOT ham radio and that's okay. But also realized GMRS won't be a hobby for me. So I dug out a gazillion HTs sitting around and dusted them off.
But I became aware how I play the role of the curmudgeon sad ham. Ready to be judge, jury, and executioner of newbies who don't measure up to us old timers.
Well spoken video!
There are a few which seem to be held in high regards from the community and allowed to spread their toxicity, without fear of being challenged.
Well done for putting the video out Walt, lets stand up against these "gatekeepers" and call them out for harming the hobby. And it is still written in blogs and the radio press that there is a negative image of hams and we are struggling to get women and young people involved. I wonder why?
Ham since 1984 an you are soooooo right! Keep up the good work! You are 100% right! 🤗🤗🤗
At 2:33 - I chuckled at this, as 56 years is actually how long I've been a ham. However, my primary pleasures in this hobby are experimentation, homebrewing (construction), and swapping knowledge with other knowledgeable people, of whom there are many - not trying to prove that I know more than some else, which is a fool's errand. Way back in the '60s when I held a Novice Class license, most hams were much older than I, and had earned their chops in the 1940s or 1950s, when one generally had to be pretty sharp just to get a station built and operating. Yes, the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a real thing, and there seem to be more examples of it every day. I still enjoy the hobby, but there are deterrents.
Thanks for making the effort to create and upload useful videos. Much better use of time than getting into a tug-o-war with crabby people. As Mark Twain sagely stated: "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." KT4RE
Thanks! and I love the Twain quote! 73, Walt
Love the message! Don't know how I ended up here but you got a new subscriber. Take care, look forward to seeing more of your videos!
Thank you! All the best and 73, Walt
Great video. I’ve found that those people are everywhere in almost anything I’ve ever been involved with. They are miserable people and probably have no friends who really like them. I had the great psychologist Albert Ellis tell me personally that the key to a narcissist is that deep down inside “they know they are a f’ing worm.” I thought that was pretty cool and empowering in dealing with them. You do a great job and the worms can just be worms 😺
Wow, small world. I grew up with Dr Ellis-isms in the house. The institute for rational living really pissed of all the Jungian and Freudian shrinks for putting rational thinking ahead of psycho sexual repression.
Lol, while I don't agree with all the tenants of of RET its hands down useful for dealing with everyday human b situations. Seattle had a lot of great thinkers at the time in human psychology. The world could really use RET now with all the irrational rage-a-holics going around slaying people with their "righteous infignation"
You should read the Road less Traveled, lots of stuff Ellis would approve of in the pursuit of finding acceptance to substantiate the maxim of not allowing anger towards others and destroying conflict resolution.
I see it's now called REBT. RATIONAL EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY.
It seems after his death in 2007 they renamed it AES. Fascinating stuff taught.
It still amazes me that a self taught guy rises up through the Depression, becomes a classical Sex psycho-babble therapist in the 1940s, promotes the sexual revolution ( yes women can enjoy sex and not just pop out babies) and through his own interpretation of the classics in Philosophy first used then taught his brand of psychotherapy, and then assertively rejects passive doctrines (insert Freud and the couch) resulting in lots of angry doctors decrying the therapist without a medical degree and by 1959 he had won over the State of NY revolutionising family counseling, individual therapy and even getting results in Penal institutions.
It was quite much for an 8 yo like me to listen to my father's Ellis tapes at night and try to get through school with so many messed up kids in the 70s all twisted up from having parents that resulted from the hippy movement. After all who doesnt want to be an accident born out of the Summer of Love.
Today more than then we have far too many cofrontational keyboard and real life warriors raging around putting people, places and things into an arrangement suiting their brand of morality and justice making untold victims in their wake.
So when do rational emotive living people fuck up the activities of the rage-a-holics?
According to Ellis as I heard him in 1975 you only embrace action with a contrived angry mein when life is immediately in danger. I'm still trying to resolve that to my circumstances.
Be well
This is a great video. One of the reasons I stopped participating in "ham clubs."
Yeah, well, at least 99.9 out of 100 of us love ya Walt. Keep doing what you and many of us love to do, thank you for your great videos.
Wise as the Serpent, gentile as the dove, bless you brother
Thank you brother!
I've been a ham since 1982. Trust me when I say no one knows it all. I'm still learning today. I have no issues at all with a new operator. 9 times out of 10 they are the ones staying within the rules and are a pleasure to talk with. If I'm ask a question that I don't know the answer to my response is, I don't know. We all learn by doing. It's all trial and error.
Just found this video. This is spot on and I appreciate you calling them out. These people scaring or annoying all the good new hams away. We all need to push back anytime we see this type of behavior.
I've been in amateur radio for over 40 years and I've learned a lot from your videos, keep on doing them pls, 73. CT2ATW
Thank you João!
We have plenty of sad hams here in the uk too . Shame because its a great hobby .... As long as we remember it is s HOBBY and nothing more .
Well done Walt. I've been doing this for a while and really enjoy your approach. Your videos are a breath of fresh air and your enthusiasm is contagious. Don't change a thing. 73, George K2WO
Thank you so much George!
Thanks Walt!!!
"AMATEUR" Radio...The name says it all for me. I've been a ham about 35 years, ridden motorcyles 55 years, served my country, been married over 40 years, raised two excellent sons, and I am still an "amateur" at all these things. I'll never have a studio sounding setup, but I sure as hell have a lot of fun "PLAYING" radio. Just use the VFO and tune away from the noise. Walt, thank you for your efforts! 73!
Well said Walt. This resonates with me. It really does say more about them than anything else.
Thanks Chris, it really does
Love watching your videos. Very informative. Keep them coming 👍
Thank you!! 73, Walt
Keep being Walt. Schlong wavers are dull.
Will do!
You nailed it. We have lost a lot of good people because of this.
Yes we have!
What I have learned and taught myself, studied myself, and everything myself. No old crabby buzzard with a 4 character call sign taught me a damn thing. Old hams are dying out. Thank God
Biggest thing holding HAM radio back is HAM radio operators.
Amen Walt i totally understand what you are saying. Im getting back into ham radio after letting my license lapse and you have totally encouraged me with your videos. Thanks John
I love your videos. The things you do with the G90 and different antennas is amazing. I don't live near a body of water so I need to figure out radials. I love my G90.
Thank you! Love my G90!
You hit the nail on the head. Thanks Walt. Needed to be said.
Well said. Humility is lacking for some folks, as if everything they have to say is always spot-on. Some might have issues on the spectrum, lacking empathy. Others are probably just internally miserable to the core and never looked at options to better themselves, lacking (personal) tools that weren't even approachable in their generation.
I get a kick tagging along with you while you play radio.
I'm grateful to you for sharing one of your passions with me...
I for one get inspiration from your content...
Thank you, Walt...
Thank you so very much my friend!!
Great video sir, I am very new to this hobby and fortunately have not had a negative interaction. I can honestly say all my contacts have been helpful and respectful. I know there are "sad" hams out there, but there are always those who are never happy and look for the negative in everything. It's human nature! Keep up the good work my friend!
Thank you Dean!
You have a good attitude. In this world we have many buttheads with inflated egos. A lie never gets so large that some fool will try and tell it. Ignore them !!!
I’ve never been a ham but I’ve always wanted to be a licensed ham ever since I was 13 years old. I can remember back years ago when I was young back in the 1960’s that Hams loved to fire up a ham radio and talk to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc., or just generally chatting with other hams. And I loved to listen to them. They also loved to meet new hams and chat with them about different things as well. They were wonderful people. Yes, they also did contests pertaining to seeing how many contacts they could reach around the world sort of like what CBers would call “Shooting Skip” as well but it wasn’t an impulsive over-riding hog the radio airwaves issue, it was more of a nice hobby like thing to do if you felt the urge to do so when the airwaves were quiet. But, from What I’ve seen and heard by many of the hams here on TH-cam now-a-days that’s no longer the case. It has now turned into a world of nothing more than “Round the World” Contest’s and they frown upon other hams if all they just want to do is use their ham radio’s for nothing more than talking or chatting to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc.. From their own mouths, Quote, “You have to keep it short and sweet” unquote. They conveniently imply without saying so that anything else is not acceptable. Evidently it’s become nothing more than “Keep it Short and Sweet” with only a 30 to 60 second “Shoot Skip” style of contact to as many contacts as they can or else it is in violation of FCC Ham Radio Rules and Regulations as well as Ham Radio Etiquette because it interferes with and interrupts other ham radio operators doing their continuous 24 hour a day “Round the World” contests. To me it’s sad that the World of Ham Radio has become that way. With that in mind it’s no wonder why they have trouble getting more people into ham radio as it is no longer fun or enjoyable. “Sad Hams” and “Round the World” Contest hams are spoiling and ruining it for everybody.
Hey Walt! There are a good number of amateur radio operators such as yourself that do a REALLY GREAT job of sharing things you’ve tried, and THAT INSPIRES! I don’t think any of the TH-camrs I have in mind claim to know it all, and that is key. You seem to enjoy sharing, and I think most of us enjoy learning a little something, seeing what works and what doesn’t and we shouldn’t expect anyone to have all the answers. For some reason, certain people incorrectly correlate the making of content to a statement of “knowing everything”. Thanks for all your efforts buddy! 👍📻⚡️ Tom - WA7FLY
I found your channel the other day and have already subscribed because you are very helpful. I found you by looking up how to make antennas for HF. I am 35 and would consider you one of my Elmers. You give clear and concise directions and answers, with out the bloat to puff yourself up. I really appreciate kind and humble men like you and that is one of the biggest reasons I'm getting into ham radio. I realize this video is a year old now, but I wanted to comment anyway. I may be way off base here, but you seem to know Jesus, which in my experience, paints a big target on your back for these narcissistic individuals. Keep up the good work sir!
Thank you so much for the kind words my friend! Hope to catch you on the air and put you in the logbook! 73, Walt
I enjoy some of the content on TH-cam regarding Ham radio. I learn a lot from others. Our Ham radio club, about 50% of the members, meet for coffee once a week. I have not seen this problem in our group. They love helping any of us understand things. I am trying to bring more Ham knowledge into our Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (mainly civilians) That is a challenge because many people are happy not knowing anything about radio. Radio knowledge is vitally important to SAR because of the terrain around here. The Sheriff's Office repeaters simply cannot cover some parts of the county.
I enjoyed this commentary on gatekeepers. I've known a few, and I have learned how to spot them as soon as they open their mouths. The best response is to avoid them. Fortunately, I have not encountered any gatekeepers in my local radio club. I've had a general license for four years, and I am often told that I should go for the amateur extra license; but I am having too much fun building my Ham shack and experimenting with HTs and HF rigs, antennas and "relearning" Morse code to worry about studying for the Amateur Extra exam. I'll get around to that eventually.
One of the first indicators that someone is a gatekeeper is the following comment: "I had to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code to earn my ticket." Well, times and technology have changed; and I think that there would be fewer new amateur radio operators today if the Morse code requirement had not been dropped, but I have found that many new Hams dive into Morse code after earning the general license. Based on the amount of CW traffic I pick up on different bands, I think CW is doing well; so the old-timers and gatekeepers who scoff at new Hams can rest easy.
Walt, you are so right. I started in radio when I was 5 years old, and I'm 73 now. I decided early on not to get a Ham ticket, because of the gate keepers. They've always been around and I guess they always will be. I call them "THE MISTER KNOW IT ALL'S", because they never change and they are over arrogant. I have a lot of friends who are older Hams and none of them have ever caused me problems. A few years ago I unloaded a lot of transmitters and receivers because of 2 particular Hams from Alabama, who thought they were GOD of the airwaves. They would always find someone to harass and condemn. It's too late for me to get my ticket, but that's okay. I can still build any radio, on any frequency, and build any antenna and loading proceedure to maximize the performance. I've been told, because I don't have a Ham ticket, I have no right to complain. The Gate Keepers are the reason I chose not to get a ticket. If everyone was like you, maybe I would've gotten one back in the 50's. Take care and continue your journey.
Thank you Tony!
It's NEVER too late to learn!!! An uncle of mine got his ticket at 75, he was a radioman in WW2, and has been wanting to get back into it! Finally took the plunge 50 odd years later!!!
QSO'd with my 1st Sad Ham today. Apparently he hates POTA. After he found out I did POTA he wanted to end the QSO but not before trying to insulting me. Also, apparently real hams don't use 7300's. I suspect he is the guy that jams POTA activators on 17 meters.
Wow, I once heard a guy on 17 meters ripping into a POTA activator telling him 17 and 12 were off limits. WRONG!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES There are one or more people actively jamming POTA activators on 17 meters. I was the recipient of that jamming on multiple occasions.
It's like model railroad gatherings.
You've been a lot of help to me. I just built my first antenna and copied my first CW transmission, much because of your channel. Keep up the great work! I'll be doing a lot of experiments with antennas over the summer.
Good word and well said. I think these line items from the US Code of Regulations say it all what HAM radio is about: (b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art. The aforementioned negates gatekeeping because all HAMs -- Tech to Extra are all considered to be capable of contributing to the advancement of the radio art. And as well -- and specifically stated -- to encourage and improve -- not gate keep and muzzle for the purpose of advancing skills. So yes, agreed, the gate keepers do need to check themselves and reread/reconsider what the US Code of Regulations has to say about HAM radio. 73s.
Thank you for your message. Looking forward to learning from you.
That's awesome, Walt! I don't get the whole "if you don't do it my way, it's wrong" mindset. We're all here to learn from each other. Why do we let the sad hams piss in our cheerios? Keep doin' whatcher doin', sir! 🤠 73!
Thank you Richard!
Your a good sport Walt ! Everybody comes from a different place before we land in ham radio. I'm a 68 year old with a tech license. I've been putting together my parts list after watching your triangular loop antenna video. You are doing a good thing here
I [think] the approach we should take is what you've had to do. They're everywhere, not just in ham radio although I'm sure we have a strong double digit percentage. Like another post said, after (my) almost 50 years, there's always something else and new to learn. You're a real engineer while there's a lot of people who quietly wish they were and flap their jaws to compensate. Carry on and keep the vids coming!
You're good man....just keep doing what you're doing. I for one appreciate you.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I’m sick of the turds floating around acting as if their license gives them precedent over another license. They complain that digital modes and whatever else they can’t figure out are killing the hobby, but really they are killing it. I wished more TH-camrs started fighting back and pushing back because they are driving away new interest in the hobby. When people are curious about a hobby they go to Facebook or TH-cam to explore it first and all they see are the lids and sad hams constantly bashing people and i guarantee you it scares away a certain percentage. I have no tolerance of their crap. Good for you standing up against the turds. Love your videos and love your experiments, it’s helped me a ton. Keep up the good work
Truthful words have never been more clearly and elegantly spoken. ive seen this first hand and one thing that really p@ssed me off was a local sad ham was on my a$$ and brought up that i got my technician and a week later passed the general, then he told me i was on a local repeater asking how to program a baufeng. he said i was bragging about passing the general and didnt even know how to program that radio. wow oh wow i didnt know one of the test question was about programming a hand held. have ran into plenty of sad hams its like they dont like new blood. i recently passed my Extra and already took crap because i got it the easy way because i didnt have to code and not a real extra. just sad ppl and sad hams. and yes im sure i was happy about getting my general so i was bragging.
Well, I have quite a few Baofeng radio's. Not bragging, but programming my latest one is just as hard as programming my first one. Good little radios, but if I'm going fishing there's no way in hell, I'm taking my Yaesu, no way! But basically a throw-away radio is ok with me. If it gets lost, ruined, whatever, what have I lost? The Yaesu, OUCH, my wife would kill me and she's not even a ham... As far as programming is, the Yaesu isn't any easier! Guy's not really helping Ham Radio any! I'd stay away from him if possible! Sad that this stuff happens...
I Love watching all the different types of antennas you try out. I’m new at being a ham and live inland in va. My station is small and mostly portable. I live in a signal black hole so I have to get away from the house for decent signals. I get mostly Atlanta nets to listen to and a few pota contacts and on good nights Brazil and South America. So far only using an efhw or a wrc. Both good and portable. Learning to build a fan dipole for the house and the other two to go out with. Keep up the vids and I do agree there are a few grumpy old dudes out there. When they are on I just listen and laugh.
Keep up the good work. You do inspire way more then discourage.
Happy trails from Buggs island lake.
Thanks! Hope to catch you on the bands!
I'm a newer ham(under a year) and I'll read QRZ, but never ask another question on QRZ again. People like you make the youtube ham community absolutely amazing.
Totally with you on this one Walt 👍
Thanks Adam!
Back in the mid-.70's, I had to ask dad for the keys to the station wagon and walk out to the driveway to use his CB radio; in the snow, uphill, both ways. I still have that Royce 23 ch radio.
Walt, you will always have haters. Just ignore them and carry on. In the antipodes here we call it the "tall poppy" syndrome.......if you stand out and up above the others they try and drag you down to their level instead of raising their game. Keep sharing your experiments with the rest of us that appreciate them and all you do. Cheers Phil
Thank you Phil!
Hi Walt! I recently subbed to your channel and it has given me new enthusiasm for getting back into HF, since you provide so many excellent portable recommendations - thank you for that!
When I first got into amateur radio about 20 years ago, TH-cam and social media didn't exist and online help wasn't as much of a thing as it is nowadays. I joined a couple of local clubs and found many sad hams all around me - and some of them were also "mad hams," mad about everything from the dropping of code testing requirements from XX WPM to XX WPM, the "lowering of standards" in testing, "the ARRL is just churning out appliance operators now," etc., just classic gatekeeping. "I had it hard so YOU HAVE TO, TOO!" attitudes. Life moves on and requirements/standards/practices evolve, yet some people just don't wanna evolve with them. I learned pretty quickly that the quickest way to ruin my joy for a hobby is to join a club devoted to it. So many clubs - not just amateur radio - contain too many griping gatekeepers. Hobbies should be fun! Thanks for sharing your fun for this hobby. 73!
Thanks so much for watching my videos. I completely understand your experience and have seen it way too much. Hopefully this hobby will continue to grow with more great people like you and less Sad Hams. All the best and 73, Walt
Having returned to the hobby after about 15 years, I experienced this in the same way, except I believe the situation has improved from the past. Elmore’s were out there, but grouchy mean old men were out there to. Now is an improvement . I think there has been more courtesy, thoughtfulness and less grouchy behavior. I agree that we should’nt give sad hams a place in our mind.
you are soo true!!!! Well said! As a newly retired person, starting out on my radio journey.. I have ran into soo many of them! OMG ! For example, My New Di-Pole just arrived today! afraid to ask for advice...
You hit the nail on the head!!!!
Thank you!
Hi Walt, new ham here. Keep 'er going my friend. You're one of the big reasons I got into this hobby. And try not to get sucked into the swirling vortex of responding to the ham radio trolls. They live sad lives. Ham radio's version of road ragers!
Thank you so much Jeff!