Re: [IRCA] CQ Communications & The idea of merging NRC/IRCA
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Re: [IRCA] CQ Communications & The idea of merging NRC/IRCA

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
>
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>
> For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org
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>



--
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

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