From: ehare@arrl.org (Ed Hare - KA1CV)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.policy
Subject: Re: HF STA Reps Candidate Info
Date: 9 Sep 92 07:52:41 EDT
Organization: American Radio Relay League

Comment: This is a personal opinion!

In rec.radio.amateur.policy, willis@cs.tamu.edu (Willis Marti) writes:

>In article <508@arrl.org>, ehare@arrl.org (Ed Hare - KA1CV) writes:

>deleted

>Egad, Ed!   I agree this shows that the ARRL " can indeed be influenced by
>strong strong action by concerned hams", but the point is that strong
>action can be *invited* as part of the decision making  process, or it can
>be a 2x4 up side the head! {or pin through the antenna coax...}  The 'input'
>came from people dissappointed with how the system worked.  No matter what
>Mr. Hurder's *intentions* were, the QST survey *failed* to get an adequate
>response.

>My point is that the 'input gathering' process needs improvement.

I couldn't agree more! (I was waiting for someone to say it!) Unfortunately, 
I have a positive outlook on life and try to see the silver lining in every 
cloud. In general, that seems to get more done for me than some of the 
alternatives. :-).

Oh yes, things sure could have been differently, on ALL sides of this issue.
Of course, all who were involved, from the Digital Committee to the STA ops,
can give valid reasons for the choices that were made. I'm just glad to see 
that when things go awry they can be put right again. But don't forget the 
other side of the issue too -- the 'input *providing*' process needed 
improvement too. Don't get me wrong, I don't think the ARRL is lily-pure 
here. But those with a vested interest in what is going on could have taken 
a more pro-active approach, too.

I finally decided to speak out on this issue because it was bothering me to
see everyone looking at this issue in high-contrast mode. What we have here
is a multi-dimensional issue that has been reduced to two dimensions. There
are many differing points of view other than the all-or-nothing way some
folks (note non-gender term!) have discussed in this forum. I don't envy
the jobs of those trying to sort out the issues and translate those issues
into action and policy. 

There are lessons to be learned here. The next time ARRL is involved in 
something that is important to anyone, those involved should be certain
that their views and all applicable facts are known to those who are
involved in the action. I also think that the ARRL and associated committees
should pro-actively seek out the key players who are silent (for whatever
reason) to ensure that the process has considered all salient facts and
opinions. 

Let's all stop trying to point the finger of blame -- one could be pointed
in nearly every direction any time anything goes badly. Right now we need to 
get on with the process of determining what needs to be done with a complex 
issue. After that is done we can all decide for ourselves to what degree we 
want to find someone to blame and to what degree we want to learn from our 
mistakes so we can apply that wisdom to the next time around. :-).

73 from ARRL HQ, Ed.


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Ed Hare, KA1CV                  ehare@arrl.org
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St.
Newington, CT  06111            There is no limit to what you can 
(203) 666-1541 - voice          accomplish if you don't care who
ARRL Laboratory Supervisor      gets the credit. - Harry S Truman
RFI, xmtr and rcvr testing  
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