From: tonyp@convex.com (honey bunny)
Subject: Feedback to Operating Practices
Organization: CONVEX Computer Corporation, Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1992 20:01:26 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

I've received quite a bit of E-MAIL from my posting (complaining/pointing
out) operating practices. 

One new feller sent me the following set of questions. I answered 'em all,
correctly of course [ahem!], but asked his permission to post it to the
group so he could get some well rounded feedback too.

---

        I have mixed feelings to  the  recent  comments  about  "operating
        procedures".    I  am  a  new ham.   Got my novice late June,  and
        General early September.

        For equipment, I have an HF transceiver, and a borrowed 2m HT.   I
        have  spent LOTS of time listening,  and very little attempting to
        make contacts.  My log shows exactly 10 contacts (9 10m SSB, 1 10m
        CW).  I haven't spoken to anyone on the HT.

        The reason is that I am scared to death.

        I want to sound like a "professional amateur".   I don't  want  to
        get  a  reputation for being a "lid" early on!   But comments like
        yours aren't entirely encouraging.  I'm not sure if ham radio is a
        welcoming hobby, or a closed clique.

        I've read lots of the books and magazines.  I still have  LOTS  of
        questions.    I'm  aware  of  a  resentment among some hams toward
        codeless techs, so I started with Novice, so I could avoid getting
        a "N1xxx" call.   In my area,  that  means  "probably  a  codeless
        tech".

        Ok,  maybe  I'm  oversensitive.    But  code  and  theory is easy,
        avoiding gaffs on the air appears to be difficult.  By December, I
        may be the only "advanced" class ham with less than 20 QSOs  under
        his belt!

        Here are some questions:

        1) Everybody on 2m seems to know each other already.  How do I get
           involved?

        2) There seem to be MANY repeaters in my area.   If I use them,  I
           should support them, right?   but I can't pay dues to ALL those
           clubs.    Are  regular vistors welcome on open repeaters?   How
           does this work?

        3) Based on what  I  read,  apart  from  real  emergencies,  there
           appears to be no valid use for an autopatch.  True?

        4) Apart  from  the  fact  that  I'd  be  unwisely broadcasting my
           creditcard number, is there a reason why a long-distance credit
           card call is inappropriate for autopatch?

           Does a long distance call violate the business use rule, as its
           furthering the business of Sprint or MCI?

        5) I've  heard  a  local  "net" on 10m.  I mean REALLY local,  all
           within a 25 mile radius of me.   They get on and exchange  1010
           numbers  and their own "net numbers",  and talk about basically
           nothing.   If I could join  them  some  night,  I'd  DOUBLE  my
           contacts to date !

           How do I do this?  Would I be welcome if I just dropped my call
           in during a lull?


--
Tony J. Podrasky |  What's this thing?
 San Diego , Ca   |  It's called a MODEM.
tonyp@convex.com |  And what's this button for? 
WA2EAA NNNN ZCZC  |  Whatever you do, don't touc{{{7bh6xx!{@%%hxbd&$#)$% NO CARRIER