Yes, Tom, I too believe that they are trying to figure out what we have been discussing, but have yet to get the handle on, ourselves. The virtual world they have created seems to be a possible way to reach the gamers, and probably others, in the age groups we are not bringing on board. A lot of time and money has been spent so far, at least some of which was received as donations from other non-profit organizations. I've known Dick Crouch for many years, and I do not believe that he is in this effort for self-aggrandizement. I'm sure that any reply, if one is to be sent, should come from an Officer of the corporation. I'm also certain that Dick would be happy to hear what any of the recipients would care to offer as their own personal thoughts. 73, Bob -- W6RGG/7 On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 5:46 PM, Tom Frenaye <frenaye@pcnet.com> wrote:

I'm assuming all Directors and Officers received a copy of the Radio Arcala calendar and two-page letter from Richard Crouch/N6RC (Pacific Division, Life Member), based on a quick check with two others. I don't usually respond to a letter from someone outside of the New England Division.

It's a nice calendar and has USA-focused events listed (though the first four months have passed). I've been aware of the effort being made by the folks in the Radio Arcala project since early this year and it seems like an interesting effort to engage young people. Pretty hard for me to tell how successful it has been so far though. At first it seemed like an ego-filing exercise by some of the proponents, but now I'm thinking they are really trying to figure out the same thing we are - how are we going to engage the next generation and interest them in what we enjoy so much.

At the end Mr. Crouch asks for help, but doesn't suggest much specific, and asks me for "a vision of the future for amateur radio". Maybe he's looking for the ARRL strategic plan? In any case, my inclination is not to respond directly. If he's sending his letter to 20 ARRL officials I think the response should come from Dave, or Joel (or Bob Vallio).

Other thoughts?

-- Tom

===== e-mail: k1ki@arrl.org ARRL New England Division Director http://www.arrl.org/ Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444