20 NOV, 2002 - 1200 CST The only alteration I would make to Kay's comment is to change her subject line to read: "Excellent Words". I particularly like his last paragraph as it illustrates exactly what he is talking about from his own "newbie" days in Amateur Radio. As for giving his commentary wider coverage, I strongly suggest that it be expanded into "It Seems To Us" column in QST. I would hope it would cause many of our old cranks to reassess their view of ham radio. BTW, the term "old cranks" is not limited to those over a half century old. 73 - Dick, W9GIG