Re: [IRCA] A new list...

[Barry McLarnon <bdm@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Friday 25 November 2005 12:34, Scott Fybush wrote:
> ...is probably the last thing we all need right now. But there seems to
> be a sense that the existing DX lists aren't really the right place to
> be having some of the discussions that are going on there. Lynn has made
> it clear that the IRCA list is meant to be, as the name clearly states,
> "hard core DX." The same is generally true, if I'm not mistaken, for
> ABDX and the NRC AM list.

Call me a skeptic, but I agree that it's the last thing we all need right 
now.

I've had access to the Internet for about 20 years, and I've been on 
numerous mailing lists in that time.  I've seen this process repeated many 
times, usually with the same result.  A controversial topic breaks out, 
traffic on the list spikes, the discussion gets a little heated, and some 
of the list regulars start complaining and threatening to leave.  Then 
someone proposes a solution: create a new list where folks can have at it 
on said controversial topic, and leave the original list in peace.  
Trouble is, the new list doesn't get off the ground.  For a variety of 
reasons, it never achieves critical mass - people don't get around to 
subscribing, or they don't post there because they figure there isn't 
enough audience for their pearls of wisdom, etc., etc.  Or even worse, 
they can't figure out which of the many available lists is most 
appropriate for a given topic, so they end up cross-posting to a bunch of 
them.  Then those who have tried to keep up with the fragmentation by 
subscribing to multiple lists end up getting tons of duplicate postings.

I'd rather see fewer lists rather than more - ideally, just two that focus 
on AM DX: one for tips, and one for discussions of anything that is 
relevant to AM DXing.  We do have the DXTIP list, which works quite 
nicely, but unfortunately, many AM DXers don't use it.  You would think 
that we could all agree on one list purely for tips, but the participation 
rate doesn't seem to be what it could be.  The NRC AM list has been the 
closest thing to a general list for discussions of all things relevant to 
AM DX, but it is now a lame duck and will be going away.  The IRCA list 
seemed to be the logical successor, but it seems that the club doesn't 
want it to take on that role.

To avoid discussion of IBOC on an AM DX list is, frankly, bizarre.  Whether 
you are an active DXer or just a casual listener, IBOC should be of the 
utmost concern to you.  It represents a sea change in radio broadcasting, 
and you need to keep informed about it.  Moreover, AM IBOC in particular 
is on the bubble right now.  There is an increasing realization on the 
part of broadcasters, not to mention the FCC, that the interference 
problems, and their impact on analog AM operations, may be much more than 
they bargained for.  There are rumblings in the industry that maybe it's 
time to take a step back and look at other alternatives.  Listeners can 
and should be a part of this process, by letting stations being interfered 
with know how their service is being impacted.  Most listeners won't have 
much clue as to what is going on, but DXers are more technically 
knowledgeable, and they are networked - that's where the mailing lists 
come in.

If IBOC discussions are shunted off to a special list, then I suspect that 
most DXers won't go there, and they will remain ignorant about what's 
going on.  As radio enthusiasts, they should have a say in the future of 
the band, but they can't do that unless they stay informed about IBOC 
happenings.

Since I don't expect either club will change its stance, I guess we have 
little choice but to give the new list a chance, and see what happens.

Barry

ps: sorry about the cross-posting, but it comes with the territory...

-- 
Barry McLarnon VE3JF  Ottawa, ON

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