Bill - Thanks for the comments. Unless some convincing arguments are made on ODV, I plan to introduce a motion in July to refer this mater to the A&F committee, who has oversight on advertising. Actually, this kind of ad is permitted by our advertising policy. I think our policy should be reviewed. 73. Jim, W6CF sysop@bfdin.com wrote:

Jim,

I have long thought that ham radio ID badges had no place in the QST.

As section manager for Western PA, I had to deal with an issue with a ham radio operator flashing his "tin" all over the place. The image didn't help and there had to be lots of fence mending with the Red Cross unit involved.

We shouldn't be giving ideas to some ego challenged amateurs...

- Bill N3LLR

AR>The following was forwarded to me by an SEC, who picked AR>this discussion up off the SEC reflector.

AR>I suggest you all check the URL provided. I have to AR>admit that this kind of product bothers me. I don't AR>like the image it may project for hams.

AR>73. Jim, W6CF

AR>Hello to All,

AR>RE: "West Electronics presents Ham Radio Operators ID Badge" AR>http://www.arrl.org/adredir.php3?id=98

AR>The ARRL allowing advertising of this "Amateur Radio" ""badge"" is AR>in my opinion, a really bad idea that can only contribute to a AR>negative image of Ham Radio Operators. Who all wants that to happen?

AR>Why would the organization that we all spend many hours a month AR>supporting and one that spends many dollars on public relations and AR>lobbying efforts want to detract from our image by permitting such AR>advertising?

AR>I encourage you to email your Division Director and ask them to bring AR>this up at the June Board meeting that is coming right up. They are AR>the ones that have the real power at ARRL. You can find their email AR>address near the top of this page: http://www.arrl.org/email.html. AR>If you wish to copy ARRL Advertising, the address is Debra Jahnke, AR>djahnke@arrl.org.

AR>If we do nothing, that shiny badge will likely continue to tarnish AR>our image on the pages of ARRLWeb.