Ed   K7UC

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From: "Scott Howell" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 4:27 AM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: To upgrade or not

> All,
> G M Scott.  I got my extra way back in the early 60s when there was no 
> advantage at all to obtaining the license.  The reason for me was that I 
> wanted to learn more and I knew if I studied for the ticket I would learn 
> something which I might not if  I didn't try so that was my thinking and 
> haven't been sorry because when the advantages came I was not under the 
> gun.  73
> I happen to have a conversation with a friend who like myself is working =
> on upgrading from General to Extra. The conversation turned to whether =
> upgrading from General to Extra would really be of any value. Now I am =
> really interested in your thoughts, but I do not really want to hear a =
> bunch of crap either because I know there are some really strong =
> opinions on expanding knowledge etc. You can learn and expand knowledge =
> without upgrading your ticket obviously, so that is not the issue.
> THe conversation surrounded the question of added privileges in =
> operating in lower parts of the HF band. So, the question is beyond the =
> added band privileges and the fact you can call yourself and Extra:
> (1) Why did you upgrade and
> (2) Does it really make that much of a difference?
> I think one of his issues was learning the technical material such as =
> the math etc. would be a challenge and since he really is not interested =
> in building equipmentt. He obviously appreciates his responsibility for =
> operating his equipment and maintaining his equipment so he operates as =
> a responsible Ham.
> Again, I am not looking to start a hostile thread over appliance =
> operators vs those who want to learn the technical knowledge. So, before =
> you respond, step back and consider the topic before just firing off =
> comments based on your initial reaction because those comments may not =
> be constructive. Hey not everyone feels the need to upgrade and I =
> personally see nothing wrong with that. SOme are more interested in the =
> communications skills aspect of operating than the technical side as has =
> been observed on this list in the not to distant past.
> THanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration and responses.
>
> 73
> Scott/N3BYY