[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: [IRCA] CQ Communications & The idea of merging NRC/IRCA
- Subject: Re: [IRCA] CQ Communications & The idea of merging NRC/IRCA
- From: Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:06:03 -0500
- Organization: High Noon Film
I think the logic is pretty self-evident, unless someone is too close to
the forest to see the trees. Both clubs serve a niche hobby audience,
with declining memberships. Very few young people listen to AM radio at
all...much less are interested in DXing it. That means that our
membership is aging, dying, and otherwise shrinking. While at one time
there might have been sufficient numbers to sustain both clubs, it's
doubtful that can continue for much longer.
While I've been a member of one or both clubs for well over two decades,
I really have no idea what caused the split to begin with. Even less of
idea of what could possibly be worthwhile enough to keep the groups
apart today. I also disagree with Mike (who I respect a lot) that the
two clubs have distinct personalities. If that's true, it's not
reflected in their publications or their e-mail discussion forums. What
I do see is a lot of duplication of information and the same names,
largely.
It's hardly a "corporate merger". The annual budget of both clubs
wouldn't pay for my company's digital media storage. Let's be honest
about who we are, the state of our hobby, and start taking a hard look
at what makes sense going forward.
Grown men shouldn't bear grudges for half a century. The only benefit to
growing older is that wisdom sometimes comes with age. I've learned that
forgiveness is one gift that benefits the giver even more than the
receiver. How many people actively pursue MW DXing as a hobby these
days? 300, 500, maybe a thousand? Hard to see how a group that small can
sustain two national clubs forever.
Mike is correct that the discussion about this topic comes up every few
years. What is never articulated in those discussions is pretty simple:
1.) What were the issues that caused the original split?
2.) Are those issues still relevant?
Or look at it another way. If someone was starting national clubs for a
niche hobby today, would they logically try to create two clubs or would
they judge that one was sufficient? Either way, I respect the opinions
of those who disagree. I'd just really like to see those questions
answered, in a civil manner. The last thing we need to do now is reopen
an old wound.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
Proud member of both the NRC and IRCA.
On 3/13/2014 12:51 PM, Mike Sanburn wrote:
I'm not really sure by what logic that " it is long past time for the
N.R.C. and the I.R.C.A. to merge ". While both are fine clubs in their
own way, each has its own distinct personality. While it was sad to
say goodbye to the printed DX Monitor, the I.R.C.A. is still a viable
club with much to offer its members. Yes there are areas that we can
have friendly interaction with other BCB DX clubs such as a common
test committee chairman or even occasional dual conventions in the
future, I see no great benefit in the two clubs merging at the present
time. This topic seems to come up every few years. I for one would
vote against a merger unless there was a massive push FOR it within
our club, and I haven't really seen that. Folks are always welcome to
belong to both clubs concurrently. Subscription rate for SDXM is only
$10 worldwide for a year. That's a great bargain. As I say, both are
terrific clubs with a rich history. In the corporate world we've seen
many mergers in recent decades and usually they lead to higher prices,
less competition and creativity, job losses, etc....
Mike Sanburn KG6LJU
> Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 12:14:54 -0500
> From: les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: am@xxxxxxxxxxx; irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [IRCA] CQ Communications & The idea of merging NRC/IRCA
>
> Discussions over the past few days regarding the demise of print media
> in niche hobby markets, along with decisions to go "all digital" by
> organizations like the WTFDA, have also
> rekindled interest in the idea that it is long past time for the
> National Radio Club and the International Radio Club of America to
merge.
>
> Whatever happened in 1961 (a year before I was born) is ancient
> history--and I suspect has little or no bearing on how the
organizations
> function today. With a shrinking pool of hobbyists, it only makes sense
> for the two clubs to strongly consider pooling their resources.
>
> For years, I served as the CPC Chairman for both clubs. During my
> tenure, representing both clubs was never an issue. Many of us have
been
> members in both clubs for a long time, and I don't really detect any
> differences in how they approach the role.
>
> My personal request to the BoD of both clubs would be to explore and
> strongly consider the advantages of merging into a single club. Pooling
> resources, and better position our hobby for long-term survival.
>
>
> --
> 73,
>
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> Maylene, AL
> EM63
>
> Member NRC, IRCA, & Medium Wave DX Circle
> Former CPC Chairman for NRC/IRCA
>
> Perseus SDR, SDR-IQ,Funcube Pro, Wellbrooke ALA-1530+ loop, LF
> Engineering Active Whips,
> Quantum Phaser, Kiwa Loop, Palstar MW Pre-Selector
>
> _______________________________________________
> IRCA mailing list
> IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca
>
> Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the
original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of
the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers
>
> For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org
>
> To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL
EM63
Member NRC, IRCA, & Medium Wave DX Circle
Former CPC Chairman for NRC/IRCA
Perseus SDR, SDR-IQ,Funcube Pro, Wellbrooke ALA-1530+ loop, LF
Engineering Active Whips,
Quantum Phaser, Kiwa Loop, Palstar MW Pre-Selector
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca
Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers
For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org
To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx