I suspect, Nigel, that "modern" RADCOM reflects "modern" amateur radio
in many respects. Whilst acknowledging that the magazine/journal would
probably not exist without its advertising, that very advertising is a
reflection of what amateur radio is to many of its present day
adherents - "appliance operating"!
In such an atmosphere and coupled with a younger generation who do not
even get a basic grounding in simple workshop techniques and practice
is it surprising that the glorious days of articles of quality in home
construction no longer appear to suit us "longer-in-the-tooth" types?
Modern housing probably also contributes as it provides little room for
a space in which to indulge a little messy chassis-bashing and the
smoke detectors widely-fitted tend not to be too sympathetic to solder
fumes emanating from the cupboard under the stairs.
I know a number of local amateurs who have never constructed anything
and are probably never likely to do so, preferring to invest their time
operating expensive boxes and comparing notes about whose is biggest
etc.
One in particular was so desperate to work the Antipodes that he just
kept on spending until he managed it.
It might be that the "amateur radio industry" finds it a profitable
strategy to discourage home construction but then again I might be
accused by some of cynicism.
73 de Pat g4gvw
QTH Near FELIXSTOWE, UK
Thought for today:
In the race of life p
ut a few quid on the nag called "Self-Interest" -
He'll always be in there trying hard !
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:38
Subject: Re: LF: satellites
In a message dated 16/07/2008 21:07:05 GMT Daylight Time,
[email protected]
writes:
I've not got an axe to grind re RadCom,
but is the lack of major construction projects in RadCom more
to do with there being less people doing the larger
scale design/construction projects as well as being motivated to
write it up for RadCom?
----------------------
The use of internet groups to encourage cooperative design, both
hardware
and software, has led to a real time project structure that
doesn't necessarily lend itself to the monthly magazine publishing
schedule.
This of course does not only affect RadCom but, unfortunately, RadCom
as a serious technical publication started to lose credibility when a
recent
past editor attempted to turn it into something more akin to Women's
Weekly, with his requesting accounts of radio amateur romances on one
occasion, whilst dwelling more on his own interviews with radio
"personalities" than matters radio, which it would seem he didn't
really
understand.
Whilst I20don't suppose many tears were shed at his departure it doesn't
seem to me the RSGB has done the reputation of RadCom any more favours
by
employing Elaine Richards in a similar position.
Especially when one considers that not very long ago she was
suggesting through the pages of her radio comic that reports on any
form of
radio activity, legal or otherwise, would be welcomed.
If RadCom is taken to be the "shop window" for the RSGB in
general, then perhaps it's time to ask what it is they think
they're offering us for our money.
For RadCom to be seriously considered as a technical publication
again it will be necessary to leave editorial control with those who
have real technical ability and not just scrape the barrel
for anyone with prior magazine experience.
regards
Nigel
GM8PZR
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