October 2008 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:17295] Re: Porker of the Month
by W3KD＠aol.com 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

Ironically, It has been reported in my Telecom Law Report that the House Energy and Commerce Committee announced that it has ended its investigation of potential mismanagement at the FCC and that it will not hold a public hearing. Instead, the committee is reviewing its options and may issue a report on its findings. Dingell announced that it was concluded, saying that it is determining how best to make its findings public, including a report on the investigation. Back last June, Shimkus, a Republican from Illinois, said that he had expected the exercise to be more educational than anything else, thus throwing cold water on the investigation. Big disappointment, since the investigators took two hours with us investigating the BPL mismanagement at the FCC. And now, NASCARgate. What bad timing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee..... 73, Chris W3KD In a message dated 10/31/2008 10:12:16 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dsumner(a)arrl.org writes: TGIF everyone, Last week, FCC Chairman Martin was named “Porker of the Month” for October by Citizens Against Government Waste. That’s quite a distinction considering the competition. _http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_porkerofthemonth_ (http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_porkerofthemonth) Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers. CAGW Names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin October Porker of the Month Washington, D.C. - Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin its October Porker of the Month for using FCC funds to sponsor a NASCAR driver from his home state. The FCC will pay $355,000 to sponsor David Gilliland’s number 38 car, owned by Yates Racing, for three races, in order to raise awareness about the upcoming switch to digital television (DTV) in February. Even though the commission has inundated networks with paid announcements for months, Martin considered it necessary to use additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the car and driver to bear slogans such as “Is Your TV ready for Digital?” The sponsorship has gotten off to a rocky start, as Gilliland’s car crashed into the wall on October 19 the first race with the new ad. While spreading public awareness over the transition from analog to digital broadcasting is important, the National Association of Broadcasters has stated that the public is already largely aware of the switch. “This doesn't seem like the most efficient use of resources,” admitted FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. While NASCAR is the biggest spectator sport in the country, it seems absurd to spend taxpayer money for three races only four months before the switch, following months of alternative advertising. Chairman Martin not only chose to misuse government funds, but did so without consulting all of the FCC commissioners. Not only does this expenditure show poor judgment, the underlying motivation for the contract has also raised eyebrows. Martin is generally expected to be replaced as FCC Chairman by the next president, after which he may attempt to launch a political career in his home state of North Carolina. Indeed, some have suggested that Martin’s decision to move forward with this sponsorship is linked to his political future in the state. Gilliland is based in North Carolina, while NASCAR maintains offices in four North Carolina cities. Additionally, Martin chose Wilmington, North Carolina as the test site for the switch to DTV. Considering Martin’s ability to sequester taxpayer money for his prospective constituents, he is well on his way to becoming a successful legislative porker. For using taxpayer funds on an unnecessary project, diverting focus from more important telecommunications concerns, recklessly spending without consulting with his peers, and attempting to use his influence to shore up his own political prospects, CAGW names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin its October 2008 Porker of the Month. Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers. #### For more information, contact: Alexa Moutevelis 202-467-5318 _amoutevelis(a)cagw.org_ (mailto:amoutevelis@cagw.org) As the release notes, in what we hope does not turn out to be a metaphor for digital TV the FCC-sponsored car hit the wall its first time out. There’s a photo at _http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/20/fccs-race-car-to-promote-digital-… hits-the-wall/_ (http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/20/fccs-race-car-to-promote-digital-t…) Dave K1ZZ **************Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=htt…)

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[arrl-odv:17294] Fathom Project Update
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

Fathom Web Project Update: We have now officially completed Phase 1 of the Fathom Web Project. Here is what we have accomplished to date: Phase 1 - Planning & Designing Review and refine high-level site architecture and wireframes * Meet with team and review sitemap and wireframes; create detailed project schedule Completed April 2008 * Gather feedback and refine sitemaps and wireframes Completed April 2007 * Present finalized sitemap and wireframes to team; design kickoff Completed July 2008 Identify ARRL staff member to champion each section of site, serve as liaison with Fathom * Establish ARRL teams to work with Fathom on the details of the major section of the site based on website architecture Completed July 2008 * Outline tasks, roles and time commitments for each group Completed July 2008 Develop two design directions, each with a homepage and five other pages * Create two different design directions for four key pages of the website (8 designs total) Competed July 2008 * Present web designs Completed August 2008 * Gather and incorporate design feedback Completed August 2008 * Present 2nd round of designs based on the favored direction and feedback; revise selected design Completed August 2008 * Obtain approval of design direction Completed August 2008 Develop Present refined design directions at the Administration and Finance Committee meeting in April 2008 * Identify each unique page type in the site architecture Completed August 2008 * Develop designs for each unique page type based on approval design (8 pages) Completed September 2008 * Meet with the full Board in July and present the entire architecture, wireframes and design comps Completed September 2008 * Create online development environment to house design dcomps for view and dissemination Completed September 2008 Phase 1 Completed September 2008 We have now moved on to Phase II that includes: * Initial Content Planning * Conducting focus groups to determine member preferences for specific site content and functionality * Detail content management tool functionality and advise on implementation * Establishing design interfaces for functionality with existing ARRL infrastructure * Implementation planning and budgeting. We are still close to being on track with our original time line. We will be presenting a more detailed progress report at the A &F Committee meeting in November and we hope to do a progress report and update to the full Board in January 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: 860 594 0220 email: hkramer(a)arrl.org web: www.arrl.org/ <http://www.arrl.org/>

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[arrl-odv:17293] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

<<102908.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 31, No. 44 October 29, 2008 -- Covers the period October 19-25. Upcoming Meetings and Events Ballot Counting for Director/Vice Director Elections November 21 in Newington, CT Administration &Finance Committee November 22 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Regulatory Information Reported by Dan Henderson, N1ND The FCC through Leo Cirbo has begun making the PAVE PAWS contacts for the third round of newly required mitigation repeaters around Beale AFB. We provided Mr. Cirbo copies of the materials ARRL had sent out in precious rounds of mitigation. We also inquired as to the status of how the FCC was going to handle previously notified repeaters that to date were not in compliance with required mitigation requests. The FCC has not yet determined how they will proceed on such cases. In conjunction with that Ed Hare in the Lab has been working with NARCC and NESMC on Longley-Rice plots for proposed new coordinations. Also a web story was prepared notifying the amateur community that the third round of contacts has begun. Member questions on a wide range of topics were handled including: the pending "white-space" issue at the FCC and its effect on the amateur service, a local city cell-phone ordinance in Paris, TX, queries about the ARRL's reconsideration petition on the experimental license that affected 40-meters, license renewal questions, vanity callsign issues, the usual reciprocal operating questions, and a couple of CC&R issues. We have begun working with Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, and Emergency Preparedness & Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD, on a white paper addressing the appropriate use and integration of amateur radio by public service agencies in emergencies. This is in response to numerous queries and concerns coming to the ARRL concerning the way public service agencies, such as law enforcement and EOCs, are beginning to incorporate amateur radio into their response plans. Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP Jim Cross reports that things went well at the Marine Corps Marathon and Amateur Radio was seen, useful and noted by leaders. Rosalie White reported that the interview set up for her to promote ARISS with broadcaster Ted Randall (www.tedrandall.com) also went very well. More material has come in which is being edited and adapted to the proposed PR-101 course and we secured HD quality NASA video for a planned PSA in 2009. Allen did the audio news for 10/24, the November CONTACT! is almost completed as well as cooperative projects with our Regulatory Specialist. The web-emails have decreased now but continue to come in from the contact option on www.WeDoThat-Radio.org . These are being given individual responses and then also sent on to the TIS and/or Section Managers for follow-up as appropriate. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH Development welcomed a new member of the Diamond Club at the Director Level. Information on the renewed charitable gift provision of the Pension Protection Act has been posted on the website and is included in all gift acknowledgement letters. The provision now permits qualified contributors, aged at least 70-1/2, to make contributions of up to $100,000 from an IRA or Roth IRA directly to a qualified non-profit organization before December 31, 2008 and again before December 31, 2009. Development has already received several inquiries about this giving opportunity. The annual fall Spectrum Defense campaign is in the mail to ARRL members. The goal is to raise more than $300,000 to meet the programs target for 2008. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE On Friday, Joel Kleinman visited the printing plant where QST is printed each month (Pontiac, Illinois) as well as the co-mail facility where it's shipped from (Bolingbrook). The staff at both facilities were more than generous with their time and hospitality. The November/December 2008 issue of QEX has been released to the printer. Khrystyne Keane wrote and Allen Pitts distributed The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 42, for October 24, 2008. Allen Pitts voiced and produced ARRL Audio News for October 24. (Tnx Allen!) Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R We are pleased to welcome a new part time customer service representative, Kimberly Piatek, to our team. Kim has experience in customer service from working at a local bank and supervising the branch. She lives in Berlin, is an avid Red Sox fan and loves pets! She is already busy processing publication orders and membership applications. Welcome Kim! At the January Board meeting earlier this year, the senior membership discount was eliminated, effective January 1, 2009. We are currently updating all the forms and membership collateral to reflect this upcoming change in our rate structure. Please review any materials you or your department may have that need to be updated. Contact Amy Hurtado for assistance. The fall 2008 publications and product catalog mailed to 13,000 members and customers on October 16. Catalogs were also supplied to 65 ARRL publication dealers. Returns from the recent publication mailing, featuring the 2009 Handbook and other new titles, have produced sales topping $20,000. A great start! We have stocked out of our initial printing of 50 Years of Amateur Radio Innovation. A reprint is expected to arrive by the end of November, in time for holiday gift giving. The Warehouse crew fulfilled 1,087 packages for publication and product orders, shipped 289 free book membership premiums, and sent November QST mailing supplements. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Contest Branch Heavy promotion continues for the 2008 November Sweepstakes. Blogs and articles for the web have been written every week for the past three weeks and a special article for the ARRL Letter was included in the October 24th edition. Sean, KX9X, has been talking up SS and encouraging operators in rare sections to get on the air, even for a casual operation. Sean has even taken matters into his own hands and will be operating this weekend's CW Sweepstakes from Nebraska, a rare section in SS, especially CW. The remaining one-third of 2007 Sweepstakes plaques arrived last Friday. Carol Michaud, KB1QAW, will have them out the door early this week. This means all 2007 SS plaques have now been processed. Sean, KX9X, will be gathering a group of volunteers together and process the ARRL 10 Meter Contest certificates early this week. In Awards issues, West Gulf Division Director Coy Day, N5OK, made a presentation of the Fred Fish Memorial Award plaque #1 to Lee Fish, K5FF, the widow of Fred Fish, W5FF. Fred was the first Amateur to work and confirm all 488 grid squares in the contiguous US, and is the person the new ARRL Fred Fish Memorial Award is named after. The FFMA #1 plaque was awarded and presented posthumously to Lee by N5OK at the Texoma Hamarama in Ardmore, OK on Saturday, October 25, during the ARRL Forum. Lee was said to be "happy and sad at the same time" over the presentation and was thrilled the League has chosen to honor her husband. FFMA #2 will likely be awarded in 2009, as there are four Amateurs who have fewer than five grids to go for all 488. W1AW Joe processed one Qualifying Run endorsement. He also monitored and copied a number of SSTV images that were transmitted from the International Space Station. (Joe also attempted to make FM voice contact with Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, who was aboard the ISS.) Joe also prepared cabling, assembled replacement hardware and constructed a side-mount tower support in anticipation of the autumn antenna/tower work that is scheduled to be performed within the next week. He and Greg also pulled a new coaxial line and power control line through to the Satellite tower. Scott worked on slow and fast code practice files for the latter part of the month of October and the first part of November. Field Organization/Public Service Team Chuck Skolaut and Leona Adams received, processed and sent out 16 Official Observer test packets this week. One new member of the ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch (from Maryland) has been approved to participate in the program. Making use of our online antenna zoning information and a Volunteer Consulting Engineer, an Ohio radio amateur reports prospects of a favorable re-writing of local zoning regulations with regard to Amateur Radio towers. After Chuck received a phone call that reported a continuous string of "dits" being sent on 7057 kHz, the FCC HF direction finding station was informed. The FCC responded quickly with a general location, and local Official Observers in Ohio were alerted to track it down. After having initial problems hearing the signal -- and for a time the signal ceased - Official Observers in the Columbus, Ohio, area were successful in locating the source. It was a stuck keyer at a radio amateur's home, and the problem was resolved. This was a good cooperative effort especially since the local FCC district office was not available for assistance at the time for follow up. Interference issues to an Arkansas HF net and unidentified transmissions on an Oklahoma repeater are currently under investigation by Official Observers. Section Manager Election ballots for five sections are still arriving at HQ via the postal mail. The ballots need to be at HQ by November 14, and they will be counted on November 18. Simulated Emergency Test results from around the country continue to arrive at HQ. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Staff Absentee List All Staff 11/27-11/28 Holiday `` 12/25 Holiday Kathy Allison 10/27-10/31 Vacation Bob Allison 10/27-10/31 Vacation Steve Capodicasa 11/24-11/26 Vacation Steve Ford 10/31 Vacation `` 11/11 Vacation Scott Gee 12/8-12/9 Vacation `` 12/23-12/26 Vacation Dan Henderson 11/14-11/16 Indiana State Convention, Ft. Wayne, IN `` 11/21-12/3 ARI Headquarters Milan/Pescara Convention `` 12/19-1/5 Vacation Debra Johnson 10/31 Vacation `` 11/3 Vacation Bill Moore 11/24-11/26 Vacation `` 12/16-1/3 Vacation Allen Pitts 10/31-11/4 Vacation Brennan Price 10/29-10/30 Washington `` 11/3pm-11/4 Vacation `` 11/7-11/25 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:17292] Porker of the Month
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

TGIF everyone, Last week, FCC Chairman Martin was named "Porker of the Month" for October by Citizens Against Government Waste. That's quite a distinction considering the competition. http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_porkerofthemonth Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers. <<Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)>> <<Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)>> CAGW Names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin October Porker of the Month Washington, D.C. - Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin its October Porker of the Month for using FCC funds to sponsor a NASCAR driver from his home state. The FCC will pay $355,000 to sponsor David Gilliland's number 38 car, owned by Yates Racing, for three races, in order to raise awareness about the upcoming switch to digital television (DTV) in February. Even though the commission has inundated networks with paid announcements for months, Martin considered it necessary to use additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the car and driver to bear slogans such as "Is Your TV ready for Digital?" The sponsorship has gotten off to a rocky start, as Gilliland's car crashed into the wall on October 19 the first race with the new ad. While spreading public awareness over the transition from analog to digital broadcasting is important, the National Association of Broadcasters has stated that the public is already largely aware of the switch. "This doesn't seem like the most efficient use of resources," admitted FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. While NASCAR is the biggest spectator sport in the country, it seems absurd to spend taxpayer money for three races only four months before the switch, following months of alternative advertising. Chairman Martin not only chose to misuse government funds, but did so without consulting all of the FCC commissioners. Not only does this expenditure show poor judgment, the underlying motivation for the contract has also raised eyebrows. Martin is generally expected to be replaced as FCC Chairman by the next president, after which he may attempt to launch a political career in his home state of North Carolina. Indeed, some have suggested that Martin's decision to move forward with this sponsorship is linked to his political future in the state. Gilliland is based in North Carolina, while NASCAR maintains offices in four North Carolina cities. Additionally, Martin chose Wilmington, North Carolina as the test site for the switch to DTV. Considering Martin's ability to sequester taxpayer money for his prospective constituents, he is well on his way to becoming a successful legislative porker. For using taxpayer funds on an unnecessary project, diverting focus from more important telecommunications concerns, recklessly spending without consulting with his peers, and attempting to use his influence to shore up his own political prospects, CAGW names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin its October 2008 Porker of the Month. Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers. #### For more information, contact: Alexa Moutevelis 202-467-5318 amoutevelis(a)cagw.org As the release notes, in what we hope does not turn out to be a metaphor for digital TV the FCC-sponsored car hit the wall its first time out. There's a photo at http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/20/fccs-race-car-to-promote-digita l-tv-hits-the-wall/ Dave K1ZZ

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RE: [arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by William Sawders 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

OK, I understand. I didn't mean to have a "full supply" of ARRL materials. Just "How to get started" materials and maybe Technician Class information. I get calls all the time from the local Bend, Oregon store about how to get information to people about Amateur Radio. Maybe we need to make sure our Section Mangers advise their local clubs to keep Radio Shack updated about who to contact when asked for ham radio information. I know the big cities don't suffer from this problem, but rural American exists. There are a lot of people who are interested in our hobby, and have no where else to turn. They think "Radio Shack" is "radio". 73 OB's CU in January. Bill, K7ZM (for a look at La Pine, Oregon in the winter, check out k7zm on qrz.com. Those are "trash cans" in the background) -------Original Message------- From: JIM WEAVER, K8JE Date: 10/30/2008 6:36:00 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: 'Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB'; 'Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R' Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update I have to agree with Karl and Dave (and whoever else said much the same thing about RS in its current format). My RS store is friendly to hams, but I suspect this is only because the manager is a ham, himself. No one else at the store knows much beyond cell phone and home entertainment. Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL; 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 Tel.: 513-459-0142; E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio Is! MEMBERS: The reason ARRL Is! -----Original Message----- From: Karl Bullock [mailto:karl@bullock.org] Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 9:01 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Let me chime in on this one since I worked for Tandy for 5 years, and managed a dealer store for 4. IMHO, Radio Shack has lost their way. They re primarily a cellphone store now. The electronics parts and "radio" business, as Dave has already intimated, is low-volume, and RS is a high-volume/profit oriented business. They keep the parts because they're high profit, but Ham Radio fell by the wayside after the 2MFM era. I don't see them getting "back" into Ham Radio because of their current focus. IF Ham Radio showed a larger market potential, they'd be a more likely target, and that would be great. But, I wouldn't pin any great hopes on that happening. Having said all that, most of the people I knew, both in mid-level and upper-level management, have moved on to other things or retired, though I think at least one of the Fort Worth people I know might still be there (don t read anything into that - I have NO inside contacts), plus it has been several years now. But, knowing the corporate mentality, I'd be surprised if they expressed any interest in things ham-related. Sure, make the overtures, but there's a reason that, at least around here, they're known as "Radio Shack - you have questions - we have blank stares". 73, Karl, WA5TMC ---------------------------------------------------- "Of, By, and For..." - Not just words! Karl Bullock, WA5TMC ARRL Vice-Director - Delta Division 321 CR 458 Ripley, MS 38663 662 512-8053 Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ wrote: Bill, In the mid-'80s and into the early days of the codeless Tech license we had a great relationship with RadioShack. We did a special RadioShack branded version of our introductory book (which by the way had the side benefit of forcing us to put a realistic -- but high for us -- cover price on our basic book, which over the years generated a lot of revenue that we otherwise would have left on the table through our decades-long practice of underpricing our publications, but that's another story). RadioShack stores had printed lists we provided of clubs and licensing classes in their area, because of an agreement we worked out with the folks in Fort Worth. Their first 10-meter monobander was a sincere effort on their part to support our Novice Enhancement program. Later they added handhelds and mobiles for Techs But the size of the amateur market didn't support stocking such low-volume items in their stores. The situation probably varies from place to place around the country -- in particular it may not be true of the Dealer Stores that are locally owned and generally carry RadioShack branded products as part of their broader business -- but the RadioShack stores I have been in and walked past lately are not stores that cater to do-it-yourselfers, except perhaps those in need of batteries. They sell consumer electronics. To the best of my knowledge, the folks I knew at the Fort worth headquarters are retired or have moved on. Bob or Harold may be able to provide an update on my admittedly somewhat historical perspective, but I thought sharing it might be useful. 73, Dave K1ZZ From: William Sawders [mailto:k7zm@hotmail.com] Sent: Thu 10/30/2008 9:29 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17287] Re: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Now, if we could only get a working agreement with Radio Shack. There isn't a town in America that doesn't have a Radio Shack and most perspective hams stop by their local Radio Shack to pick up any information possible about ham radio. Just a thought. Bill Sawders, K7ZM V.D. NW Div. -------Original Message------- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Date: 10/30/08 13:32:06 To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17283] ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Hi, Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google. We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on our own Web site. For an example: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 hkramer(a)arrl.org From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: Amazon Update The ARRL Operating Manual is now part of the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will allow you to search inside. Its pretty neat. The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search inside shortly. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual The ARRL General Class License Manual The ARRL Extra Class License Manual Emergency Power for Radio Communications ARRLs VHF Digital Handbook ARRLs HF Digital Handbook ARRLs Low Power Communications Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be added as well. All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just takes much longer to process. Thanks, Jackie

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RE: [arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by JIM WEAVER, K8JE 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

I have to agree with Karl and Dave (and whoever else said much the same thing about RS in its current format). "My" RS store is friendly to hams, but I suspect this is only because the manager is a ham, himself. No one else at the store knows much beyond cell phone and home entertainment. Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL; 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 Tel.: 513-459-0142; E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio Is! MEMBERS: The reason ARRL Is! -----Original Message----- From: Karl Bullock [mailto:karl@bullock.org] Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 9:01 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Let me chime in on this one since I worked for Tandy for 5 years, and managed a dealer store for 4. IMHO, Radio Shack has lost their way. They're primarily a cellphone store now. The electronics parts and "radio" business, as Dave has already intimated, is low-volume, and RS is a high-volume/profit oriented business. They keep the parts because they're high profit, but Ham Radio fell by the wayside after the 2MFM era. I don't see them getting "back" into Ham Radio because of their current focus. IF Ham Radio showed a larger market potential, they'd be a more likely target, and that would be great. But, I wouldn't pin any great hopes on that happening. Having said all that, most of the people I knew, both in mid-level and upper-level management, have moved on to other things or retired, though I think at least one of the Fort Worth people I know might still be there (don't read anything into that - I have NO inside contacts), plus it has been several years now. But, knowing the corporate mentality, I'd be surprised if they expressed any interest in things ham-related. Sure, make the overtures, but there's a reason that, at least around here, they're known as "Radio Shack - you have questions - we have blank stares". 73, Karl, WA5TMC ---------------------------------------------------- "Of, By, and For..." - Not just words! Karl Bullock, WA5TMC ARRL Vice-Director - Delta Division 321 CR 458 Ripley, MS 38663 662 512-8053 Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ wrote: Bill, In the mid-'80s and into the early days of the codeless Tech license we had a great relationship with RadioShack. We did a special RadioShack branded version of our introductory book (which by the way had the side benefit of forcing us to put a realistic -- but high for us -- cover price on our basic book, which over the years generated a lot of revenue that we otherwise would have left on the table through our decades-long practice of underpricing our publications, but that's another story). RadioShack stores had printed lists we provided of clubs and licensing classes in their area, because of an agreement we worked out with the folks in Fort Worth. Their first 10-meter monobander was a sincere effort on their part to support our Novice Enhancement program. Later they added handhelds and mobiles for Techs. But the size of the amateur market didn't support stocking such low-volume items in their stores. The situation probably varies from place to place around the country -- in particular it may not be true of the Dealer Stores that are locally owned and generally carry RadioShack branded products as part of their broader business -- but the RadioShack stores I have been in and walked past lately are not stores that cater to do-it-yourselfers, except perhaps those in need of batteries. They sell consumer electronics. To the best of my knowledge, the folks I knew at the Fort worth headquarters are retired or have moved on. Bob or Harold may be able to provide an update on my admittedly somewhat historical perspective, but I thought sharing it might be useful. 73, Dave K1ZZ _____ From: William Sawders [mailto:k7zm@hotmail.com] Sent: Thu 10/30/2008 9:29 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17287] Re: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Now, if we could only get a working agreement with Radio Shack. There isn't a town in America that doesn't have a Radio Shack and most perspective hams stop by their local Radio Shack to pick up any information possible about ham radio. Just a thought. Bill Sawders, K7ZM V.D. NW Div. -------Original Message------- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B <mailto:wj1b@arrl.org> Date: 10/30/08 13:32:06 To: arrl-odv <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB <mailto:jcornell@arrl.org> ; Inderbitzen, Bob, <mailto:rinderbitzen@arrl.org> NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17283] ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Hi, Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google. We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on our own Web site. For an example: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 hkramer(a)arrl.org _____ From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: Amazon Update The ARRL Operating Manual <http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Operating-Manual-Radio-Amateurs/dp/087259109 3/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225390007&sr=8-1> is now part of the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will allow you to search inside. It's pretty neat. The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search inside shortly. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual The ARRL General Class License Manual The ARRL Extra Class License Manual Emergency Power for Radio Communications ARRL's VHF Digital Handbook ARRL's HF Digital Handbook ARRL's Low Power Communications Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be added as well. All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just takes much longer to process. Thanks, Jackie

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[arrl-odv:17289] Re: RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by Karl Bullock 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

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[arrl-odv:17288] Re:RE: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 31 Oct '08

31 Oct '08

Bill, In the mid-'80s and into the early days of the codeless Tech license we had a great relationship with RadioShack. We did a special RadioShack branded version of our introductory book (which by the way had the side benefit of forcing us to put a realistic -- but high for us -- cover price on our basic book, which over the years generated a lot of revenue that we otherwise would have left on the table through our decades-long practice of underpricing our publications, but that's another story). RadioShack stores had printed lists we provided of clubs and licensing classes in their area, because of an agreement we worked out with the folks in Fort Worth. Their first 10-meter monobander was a sincere effort on their part to support our Novice Enhancement program. Later they added handhelds and mobiles for Techs. But the size of the amateur market didn't support stocking such low-volume items in their stores. The situation probably varies from place to place around the country -- in particular it may not be true of the Dealer Stores that are locally owned and generally carry RadioShack branded products as part of their broader business -- but the RadioShack stores I have been in and walked past lately are not stores that cater to do-it-yourselfers, except perhaps those in need of batteries. They sell consumer electronics. To the best of my knowledge, the folks I knew at the Fort worth headquarters are retired or have moved on. Bob or Harold may be able to provide an update on my admittedly somewhat historical perspective, but I thought sharing it might be useful. 73, Dave K1ZZ ________________________________ From: William Sawders [mailto:k7zm@hotmail.com] Sent: Thu 10/30/2008 9:29 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17287] Re: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Now, if we could only get a working agreement with Radio Shack. There isn't a town in America that doesn't have a Radio Shack and most perspective hams stop by their local Radio Shack to pick up any information possible about ham radio. Just a thought. Bill Sawders, K7ZM V.D. NW Div. -------Original Message------- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B <mailto:wj1b@arrl.org> Date: 10/30/08 13:32:06 To: arrl-odv <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB <mailto:jcornell@arrl.org> ; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R <mailto:rinderbitzen@arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:17283] ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Hi, Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google. We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on our own Web site. For an example: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 hkramer(a)arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/> ________________________________ From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: Amazon Update The ARRL Operating Manual <http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Operating-Manual-Radio-Amateurs/dp/0872591093/re…> is now part of the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will allow you to search inside. It's pretty neat. The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search inside shortly. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual The ARRL General Class License Manual The ARRL Extra Class License Manual Emergency Power for Radio Communications ARRL's VHF Digital Handbook ARRL's HF Digital Handbook ARRL's Low Power Communications Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be added as well. All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just takes much longer to process. Thanks, Jackie

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[arrl-odv:17287] Re: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by William Sawders 30 Oct '08

30 Oct '08

Now, if we could only get a working agreement with Radio Shack. There isn't a town in America that doesn't have a Radio Shack and most perspective hams stop by their local Radio Shack to pick up any information possible about ham radio. Just a thought. Bill Sawders, K7ZM V.D. NW Div. -------Original Message------- From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Date: 10/30/08 13:32:06 To: arrl-odv Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: [arrl-odv:17283] ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update Hi, Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google. We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on our own Web site. For an example: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 860 594 0220 hkramer(a)arrl.org From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R Subject: Amazon Update The ARRL Operating Manual is now part of the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will allow you to search inside. Its pretty neat. The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search inside shortly. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual The ARRL General Class License Manual The ARRL Extra Class License Manual Emergency Power for Radio Communications ARRLs VHF Digital Handbook ARRLs HF Digital Handbook ARRLs Low Power Communications Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be added as well. All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just takes much longer to process. Thanks, Jackie

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[arrl-odv:17286] Re: ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update
by Brian Mileshosky 30 Oct '08

30 Oct '08

Harold et al -- Great job! Anything we can do to leverage technology to further promote our stuff, the better. 73, Brian N5ZGT On Thu, 30 Oct 2008, Kramer, Harold, WJ1B wrote: > Hi, > > > > Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and > expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google. > > > > We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on > our own Web site. For an example: > > http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1 > > > > > > 73, > > > > Harold > > > > Harold Kramer, WJ1B > > Chief Operating Officer > > > > ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio > > 860 594 0220 > > hkramer(a)arrl.org > > <http://www.arrl.org/> > > ________________________________ > > From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB > Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM > To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B > Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R > Subject: Amazon Update > > > > The ARRL Operating Manual > <http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Operating-Manual-Radio-Amateurs/dp/087259109 > 3/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225390007&sr=8-1> is now part of > the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will > allow you to search inside. It's pretty neat. > > > > The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search > inside shortly. > > > > The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual > > The ARRL General Class License Manual > > The ARRL Extra Class License Manual > > Emergency Power for Radio Communications > > ARRL's VHF Digital Handbook > > ARRL's HF Digital Handbook > > ARRL's Low Power Communications > > > > Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be > added as well. > > > > All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just > takes much longer to process. > > > > Thanks, > Jackie > > > > > > ARRL Director, Rocky Mountain Division On the web at www.RockyMountainDivision.org

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