Tom, This may not be the "in thing" to do, but during nearly each time I speak to a group of hams I comment on membership in ARRL. Included in my remarks on this subject is a very brief, frank and non-confrontational statement that I value the input of MEMBERS on issues of note to them. I add that I review comments from anyone, but that it Is MEMBER input that carries the greatest significance for me. I note this position should come as no surprise to nonmembers inasmuch as one would not expect the Shrine to routinely pay much attention to non-members, the Knights of Columbus to non-members, the Kiwanis, etc., etc. I typically am congratulated for my position on this and have yet to be lambasted for it. Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL; http://www.arrl.org/ 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 Tel.: 513-459-0142; E-mail: k8je@arrl.org ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio Is! MEMBERS: The reason ARRL Is! -----Original Message----- From: Tom Frenaye [mailto:frenaye@pcnet.com] Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 7:10 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:12043] Yachts, cruisers, and rowboats The e-mail about wideband digital modes has been interesting in the last couple of weeks. I see the Winlink "managers" have called out the troops. I assume you've all seen at least a couple of them. The thing that strikes me most about the messages I've received is just how little they appear to know about ARRL and what is being considered, even though they were prompted with detailed info on what to comment on. A large majority are not ARRL members. Why not? Ham radio seems to be an important thing in their life. Getting licensed, then investing in the hardware and setting up and using an HF radio with Winlink isn't exactly plug and play. We've always thought that getting people on the air was an important step in getting people to a lifetime of ham radio - and that leads to ARRL memberships. Is it just that they can't easily get delivery of QST while "on the road"? What aren't they members? (Why don't they understand that membership gives them a real voice?) -- 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