"Dr. Anton T. Squeegee" wrote

I've also seen cases where a couple of the ham
swaps have been "contaminated" by people selling
utterly unrelated-to-any-electronics-field items,
such as stuffed animals and (God help us) Mary
Kay cosmetics.

There was a story many years ago. A buyer for a major cigarette
distributor was in North Carolina buying several box car loads of
Raleighs. The fellow representing Raleighs shook the buyer's hand and
said, "You won't be sorry. Our formula now calls for 5% tobacco mixed
with 95% horse****."

The buyer looked surprised.

"Heck, give me six more box car loads. I never knew there was any
tobacco in the damn things."

That is just about where the hamfests around here are. We're at 5% and
barely holding. Ham radio related stuff has been diluted to the point
that it is no longer visible without the use of long range optics.

73, de Hans, K0HB

KØHB, I have to agree with you that most "hamfests" in my area (upper
Midwest) are more like "junkfests" or "fleamarkets" these days and I don't
attend as often as I used to. It would be nice if they were to advertise
these as such so at least you would know what to expect. I have not seen
any major equipment dealers at any of the local fests, however, if you need
parts or batteries or the like they are good for that. So, I would have to
say my answer to your poll is A.

Hammertyme

At Hamfests I have gone to, the most obese and smelly people have been
those selling the computer junk.


- Mike KB3EIA -

Dave wrote:
D has my vote!

"Hamfest Guy" wrote in message
...

Hans,

I took the liberty of adding a fourth category (D).


Hamfest Guy



"KØHB" wrote in message
hlink.net...

Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less Amateur
Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled trashed out computers,
7-generation-old software, Blockbuster-reject video tapes, and
constantly yammering raffles.

So here's a poll ----

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come
back to go to one like this.

___ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.



____ D. I would attend hamfests if there was a contest to select the
guy with the greatest body odor, most obese, & stupidest looking
clothing & largest call sign badge.




Vote for one (and only one) choice.

Paul_Morphy wrote:

"KØHB" wrote in message
ink.net...


Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.


X B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

Trouble is, you'd be driving two hours each way to spend one minute at the
hamfest. I think eBay has been the kiss of death for hamfests.

Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure. Presumably this will be eased
when the buyers come to their senses, as the sellers are happy to sell
items for more than what they cost new. The bubble will eventually
burst, or we will have proven that inbreeding is more widespread than we
thought.

In the meantime, buy new! It's often cheaper than ebay, and you get a
warrantee!

- Mike KB3EIA -

"KØHB" wrote in message link.net...
"Lloyd" wrote

Do you think you can control yourself and limit
your nonesense to one ng at a time?

Not a chance.. Deal with it.

With all kind wishes,

K0HB

PS: WTF is "nonesense"? I am patient with stupidity but not with those
who are proud of it as you are. Please QSY to
http://www.amishrakefight.org/gfy and enjoy yourself.

Hans, you really have been stirring it up lately. All I can do is get
the usual reactions from the usual suspects. Not at all rewarding.

bb

K0HB writes:

Hamfests in recent years seem to have become less and less
Amateur Radio, and more and more showcases for crippled
trashed out computers, 7-generation-old software, lockbuster-reject video
tapes, and constantly yammering raffles.

I haven't been to a hamfest in more than 5 years, Hans, so I'll have to take
your word for it.

From the late 1970s until the mid-1990s I was pretty much a regular at the
'fests within about 2 hours of my QTH. Would go as far as 3 hours for a biggie
like Gaithersburg or Timonium.

I intend to go to a few local ones this summer, mostly to sell.

My main reason for nonattendance was that it became increasingly difficult to
get that much free time in one block.

Another major reason was the want ad section of Electric Radio, and then the
internet. Not just eBay, but the newsgroups and particularly the specialized
email reflectors. Rather than haul lots of stuff to a fest and be at the mercy
of the weather and attendance, I can trade, buy and sell online whenever time
permits. Including answering other hams' "WTB" postings.

But it lacks the personal touch.

From my recollections, the trends you mention were already in motion more than
5 years ago. Some 'fests went so far as to explicitly forbid the sale or
display of "adult" merchandise.

So here's a poll ----

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material (new/used rigs, raw components,
connectors, antennas, Amateur Radio software, radio clubs, radio
retailers, VE sessions, ham radio forums, etc.) and prohibited sales of
non-Amateur Radio items.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come back
to go to one like this.

_X_ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.

Vote for one (and only one) choice.

Definitely B.

And now a question for you, Hans:

Local hams with more tenure than me say that 40-50+ years ago hamfests were
more of a social event and much less of a flea market. Hams would congregate by
activity (traffic men, DXers, VHF/UHF, mobileers, etc.) and the tailgating was
small and informal. The main draws were the socializing and the forums on
various topics. They say that only since about the 1970s has the flea market
aspect become dominant.

Any comments?

73 de Jim, N2EY

From: Mike Coslo
Ebay has hurt hamfests recently for sure.

Someone already mentioned that he likes to converse with fellow hams. Ebay
cannot replace the Hamfest experience.

At Hamfests I have gone to, the most obese and smelly people have been
those selling the computer junk.
- Mike KB3EIA -

No, they must be hams.

I lived with hams on a DXpedition, last May (2003). All hams, a high percentage
which were overweight.

From: Dr. Anton T. Squeegee
This one is my response. I've also seen cases where a couple of
the ham swaps have been "contaminated" by people selling utterly
unrelated-to-any-electronics-field items

I disagree.

Sometimes non-electronics items are offered at a significant discount. I have
purchase mostly electronics items. I also purchased some non-electronics items.
If I can get a good deal on these other items, why not?

As long as most of the items are radio and electronics related, whats the harm?
Also, the non-electronics items contribute to the whole "flea-market"
environment.

From: "KØHB"

Would you travel 2-hours to support a hamfest which strictly limited
itself to Amateur Radio material

No, 2 hours is too far.

___ A. I quit going to hamfests for the reasons you state, but I'd come
back to go to one like this.

The current hamfest are fine.

___ B. I like the current hamfests, but I'd support one like you
describe too.

Agree.

___ C. I go to hamfests for all the clapped out computers and X-rated
DVD;s and I ignore the radio stuff, so I wouldn't support what you
describe.

Disagree. I go mainly for radio stuff. My many radio related purchases at
hamfests support this claim.