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

[morsesat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Tim,
As a local co-ordinator for AMSAT here in NJ, I can tell you that your "Lurking" in the shadows has brothers and sisters in the satellite community.  I have answered many technical, operational, general questions for 100's of people while representing AMSAT at hamfests and at presentations in the NJ area.  As always, I work for donations and this is my contribution to the group.  The people that I meet seem to have the same feelings as yourself.  The only place to be to grow satellites in our ham community is as a member of the group that actually puts the work into getting satellites built and launched for our enjoyment.  If you (or anyone who reads this) feels that this BB is a reflection of actuality in the ranks of AMSAT members, you are far from being correct.  The other 99.9% of us that support satellite efforts do so even while the neysayers worry about the political ramifications of doing this or that to promote discord.  Even the majority of those that comment negat
ively, still are "Members" of AMSAT.  
To make a long story short, we need you and all those "Lurking" to join up and/or contribute to those that are doing the groundwork for "flight!"
73,
Dee, NB2F
NJ Area Co-ordinator

----- Original Message -----
From: Tim Holmes <W8TAH@zoominternet.net>
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 7:26 am
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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