RE: [amsat-bb] An observation from a non member

["A.J. Farmer" <ajfarmer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I would say that this behavior is typical of *any* list regarding *any*
subject.  It just seems to happen.  I would consider it a reflection of
those individuals, not the organization as a whole.  I have learned to
ignore it and separate the wheat from the chaff.  I'm sure the political
wranglings are important to some, but if you aren't interested, just hit the
ol' delete on your keyboard and move on to the next topic of interest to
you.  That's what I do. ;-)  

Good luck on the satellites.  There are many technical people on this list
that would be happy to assist you if you have any questions about anything.
AMSAT membership is, of course, your choice.  I "lurked" for a while on this
list too before joining.  I think it is a worthwhile cause to support by
becoming a member, regardless of the sometimes heated political
conversations on this list.

73!

A.J. Farmer, AJ3U
http://www.aj3u.com


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org [mailto:owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org] On Behalf
Of Tim Holmes
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 7:27 AM
To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org
Subject: [amsat-bb] An observation from a non member

Good Morning!!

I have been lurking on this list for some time hoping to learn a bit 
more about satellite operation and to determine if joining AMSAT would 
be a wise use of my hard earned dollars.  I would like to point out a 
few things that I have noticed from my perspective as a non member.

The level of rancor and dispute on this list is very high.  I certainly 
understand the need for an open forum for members ad others to air out 
their questions, problems, and disuputes.  I, however am wondering about 
the wisdom of doing it on a listserv that is advertised on the AMSAT 
website as the place to find information about using satellites etc.  In 
the past several weeks, (particulary since the symposium) the "political 
" posts have been beating out the "technical" by roughly 3 to 1.  Even 
as a somewhat experienced ham (5 years now)  I find this to be quite a 
put off.  I wonder what it does to those who are new to amateur radio or 
satellites.  To be honest the content and conduct of this list has made 
me seriously consider wether or not I really want to join amsat.   If I 
was a new ham who just stumbled across this list, I would be pretty well 
convinced that all the members of amsat do is grumble, and argue and 
never actually use the satellites that a few have worked so hard to 
construct and orbit.

Please take this in the spirit in which it was offered -- as 
constructive criticism -- not as a slam or a flame, and consider whats 
happening.

Thanks for listening

Timothy A. Holmes
W8TAH - Amateur Extra Operator
Hopefull Satellite Operator
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