2010-06-23

My Wonderful Listeners, My Friends and the entire Radio Amateur Community

If you've been listening to the podcast for the last 4-6 weeks, you've probably noticed the short advertisement I read somewhere in the middle of the show.  The sponsorship became possible through my partnership with the TechPodcast Network.  The TechPodcast Network has opened many doors for this podcast by making it possible for The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast to become the first amateur radio podcast to be featured on the Roku and Boxee set-top boxes.  I felt this was an important direction to go as it "could" introduce the world of amateur radio to a wide audience.  I still believe this is possible.

As I've openly discussed, there are costs associated to making this content available to anyone wishing to listen.  I have received many, many generous donations from YOU to help offset these costs.  I've also (while difficult for me to do) asked for your donations.  Each and every time many have responded.  But like I said, it is difficult for me to ask for help.

I made the mistake in thinking that taking on a sponsorship would be easier than either always asking for donations or even accepting them in the first place.  I honestly thought you the listeners wouldn't care.  Afterall, every where we turn these days we are bombbarded by commercials.  A typical 30 minute TV show will contain 6-8 minutes of advertising.  Don't even get me started on sporting events.

My assumption (yes I know what it means to assume) is no one would notice, no one would care.  However, one of our long-time listeners did notice and did care.   He will remain nameless, but I'm so thankful he emailed me and discussed his concerns with me.  This listener is also someone I call a friend and I'm thankful he cared enough about me, the podcast and you the listener to contact me. 

After carefully reading his email about a dozen times, my eyes were opened to the problem.  I then read my favorite writing "The Radio Amateur's Code" and WOW...it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I consider myself a purist, but please don't misunderstand me that I'm going to start beating the drum to bring back the CW requirement.  But I'm a purist in my thinking that Elmering is the most important element of our hobby.  It is how knowledge has been passed down through the years.

I suspect that a portion of the audience didn't care, a portion cared but didn't consider it that big of a deal and I also suspect a portion (hopefully small) decided to stop listeninig.  This apology is to everyone.  If you left because of the ads, I hope you'll consider returning.  

It is my opinion (it is important for you to understand), It is my opinion that Elmering is done for free, without cost.  When/If we place a cost to Elmering, we will lose the true dynamics of what it truly means to be an Elmer and to be Elmered.  Again, please understand...this is my opinion.  I'm not making the rules and I'm not the Elmer police.

This is why effective immediately the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast and MyAmateurRadio.com will no longer include advertising or display advertising of any type on the website.  This includes Google ads as well.  Jerry Taylor, KD0BIK is commercial free starting now and from now on.  The only banner ads which will be displayed on MyAmateurRadio.com will be those supporting other amateur radio podcasts, blogs and other misc. amateur radio websites.

The plot which I completely missed or got blinded to is I'm Elmering via this podcast on my terms.  I mean, no one asked me to start the podcast, I chose to create this podcast as a way of giving back to the hobby.  Giving back.....Giving back....Giving back.  This website, this podcast and everything represented is a gift and there should never be a price set on a gift.

Now....a short note to other hams who podcast, blog etc. etc.  My decision to pull the plug on all commercial aspects is by no means trying to set a standard for all to follow.   I'm merely re-aligning my podcast and website with the standards I believe in for my own operation.  Again....these are my beliefs and my way of thinking and what I believe works best for me.  Many of you I call friends...close friends and I will always support your endeavors.

Thank you to all my awesome listeners.  I truly hope you'll forgive me for getting sidetracked.   I will return to podcasting in the next week or so.  For now, I have Field Day in a few days, my wedding anniversary a few days after that and the US 4th of July holiday.  Things will be busy for me, but I will return.

73 and Happy Field Day Operations to all.

Jerry G. Taylor - KD0BIK

Become A Ham

I'm pleased to announce the newest addition to the MyAmateurRadio.com website and that is the "Become A Ham", the 2010-2014 United States Technician Class Amateur Radio Exam Audio Review.  The "Become A Ham" 2010-2014 Technician audio program consists of 20 audio sessions covering questions from the exam question pool.  This audio program is designed to supplement a students overall tools for learning including the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 2nd edition.

I recommend a three step process for preparing for your technician exam.  Step One, read the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 2nd edition.  The 2nd edition is valid from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2014.  Step Two, after reading the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, I recommend using the following amateur radio exam testing site of HamTests.  HamTests provides a range of resources that will help you prepare for your amateur radio exam.  HamTests supports all levels with practice exams and some training lessons for the US Technician, General and Amateur Extra.  Step Three, listen to the "Become A Ham" 2010-2014 Technician audio program to polish your knowledge.

The "Become A Ham", 2010 - 2014 technician audio review program is extremely portable.  You can download the episodes individually or subscribe to this RSS feed which will allow you to download all the sessions either in iTunes or any other podcatcher type software.  You may of course also stream the episdes directly from the site. 

To access the "Become A Ham" learning section, please click on the "Become A Ham" button on the top of the page.  You'll then see a "Become A Ham" menu on the left and a link to the 2010 Technician Amateur Radio audio study material. 

Please note:  The audio sessions are for the 2010 - 2014 question pool which is active on July 1, 2010.  If you plan to test prior to July 1, 2010...the audio sessions may not align accurately with the older license manual.

Finally, should you have any questions while you continue your journey to "Become A Ham", please contact me.  It is my desire to help you "Become A Ham" and enjoy the exciting and rewarding hobby of amateur radio.

Jerry G. Taylor
KD0BIK