Hi Howard, I don't necessarily see it as bad news. I see it as an opportunity. If they are healthy they will likely want to do wireless projects. But their projects may not involve big iron HF like traditional hams. Instead they may be looking from UHF to Microwave, particularly the stuff that Broadband Hamnet (and Hamnet in Germany who uses the 44/8 address space) does. I also do educational outreach at work with a team that goes to local schools where we go and teach coding. So let's keep the dialogue open but also see if we can foster relationships with local maker groups. I get invited to events by HVDN - Hudson Valley Digital Network, which is in the ENY section, in Rhinecliff NY. Some of the members are ex IBMers and some are younger enthusiasts. There is a broad base and they have lively meetings. We have a good relationship. NY Hall of Science of course is also in the Hudson Division but for the most part they have been slowly dying, especially since their station was kicked out of the Hall of Science. Also, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't pursue maker style projects dealing strictly with radio. I will be honest that it disheartens me that the typical ham today is a so-called "appliance operator" and can't even build a crystal set. But this is an opportunity to teach and mentor, and we have good folks on our side - folks like Joe, K0NEB and Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE. Both of these hams and I chat on a regular basis and we could probably do things with them and their following. On Wed, 21 Aug 2019 at 19:05, Michel, Howard, WB2ITX (CEO) <wb2itx@arrl.org> wrote:
Confidential
Dear Officers, Directors and Vice Directors,
A while back there was some chatter on ODV about Maker Media (Maker Faires, Make Magazine, etc) laying off their publishing staff and cancelling Maker Faires. Some of you had suggested there might be an opportunity here.
Quietly, we reached out to them to assess their plans (bankruptcy, reorganizing, breakup, selling off their magazines, selling their subscriber lists, etc). I was hoping to have something positive to bring to the Board to consider.
Recently, Dale Dougherty, the founder of the 15-year Maker movement, announced that he has now acquired all of the assets of Maker Media. He’s formed a new organization, Make Community LLC. He’s moving Make Magazine and Maker Faire toward a new association-based business model. Make Community will resume publishing Make Magazine and continue to manage the global network of Maker Faires.
We will continue to explore opportunities to work together in areas involving electronics enthusiasts (including those interested in microcontrollers, robotics, etc.) – and with our eye on moving them toward learning and skills-development in radio communications.
73, Howard, WB2ITX
-- Howard E. Michel, WB2ITX Chief Executive Officer ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio® 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA Telephone: +1 860-594-0404 email: hmichel@arrl.org
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