Hamfests?
 

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.

Vote for one (and only one) choice.

Subject: Hamfests?
From: "KØHB"
Date: 5/1/2004 8:02 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id: . 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.

_YES__ 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.

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

Good question Hans .... I go really for the opportunity to meet with the
fellows one on one ....It is good to see fellow ops in person and the fests
provide that ....however most of the fests are on Sundays and I am tied up
with teaching Sunday School ....you know the job you get asked to take only
for one year in 1974. I find that if I do go later most of the guys leave
early as they snag the "needs" of the day.

73 Tom KI3R Belle Vernon Pa.

"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.

KØHB wrote:
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.

Vote for one (and only one) choice.


I guess I'd have to say B if I had to just answer from your list.

But I don't have a problem with *some* decent computers showing up at
hamfests. My shack has three of them in it, and they are an integral
part of it.

Problem is that too many hamfests appear to have the computers I put
out on the sidewalk for riffraff day.

So I'm really a lot closer to your A answer. I'de really like a lot
more ham related stuff, and less computer junk and Ginsu knives.

- Mike KB3EIA -

Mike Coslo wrote:

KØHB wrote:

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.


And what do the Armenian judges have to say about all this?? ;^)

hehe..... Mike KB3EIA -

"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.

73,

"PM"

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
ink.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.

KØHB wrote:

So here's a poll ----

B

73,

--
* Do NOT use Reply *

Reply to K3TD via arrl dot net

Tad, K3TD

In article . net,
says...

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.

snippety

I disagree. I've been (and continue to go) to several hamfests a
year. Although I have noticed some of the degradation you describe, each
hamfest/swap seems to differ depending on the area it happens in.

Examples: The two major Bay Area (California) swap meets, those
put on monthly by LARK and ASVARO, generally have a high content of
computer hardware and associated items. Granted, much of it is "trashed
out," but there are still Good Things to be found if one is sharp-eyed,
observant, and a good haggler.

Going further north and west: Once you get into Oregon and
Washington, the character of the ham swaps changes drastically, becoming
much more radio and test equipment oriented. I bought both of my service
monitors from vendors at local (to me -- Puget Sound region) swaps, and
I continue, every year, to see lots of assorted radios, both commercial
and made-for-amateur, and some good deals in test gear IN ADDITION TO
the assortments of computer and other goodies.

Anyway... With that said, let's move on to your poll.


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.

snippety

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

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, such as stuffed animals and
(God help us) Mary Kay cosmetics. The best possible way to handle such
intrusions is to, simply, vote with your wallet and IGNORE THEM. If such
sellers fail to make money from a given venue, they will no longer set
up at it.

I would add that, at least once a year, I make a scrounge run back
to the Bay Area (I grew up there). I never fail to come back with less
than 100 or so pounds of useful goodies as a result.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT! I have listings on my web site for some
hamfests, and many of the electronic surplus places, on my web site.
Start with the page:

http://www.bluefeathertech.com/technoid/swapindex.html

...And work forward from there.

Keep the peace(es).

--
Dr. Anton T. Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute.
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, ARS KC7GR,
kyrrin (a/t) bluefeathertech[d=o=t]calm -- www.bluefeathertech.com
"If Salvador Dali had owned a computer, would it have been equipped
with surreal ports?"

"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.

Lumushahs wrote:
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.

Hi Vipul. So you extrapolate that to hams as a whole?

- Mike KB3EIA -

Lumushahs wrote:

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.


I certainly agree there.

- Mike KB3EIA -

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

Hi Vipul. So you extrapolate that to hams as a whole?

- Mike KB3EIA -

I am not "extrpolating" from just one experience. I have been to many
hamfests, ham radio meetings, field day setups, etc. I have noticed that about
most hams.

I wrote:

I lived with hams on a DXpedition, last May (2003).

By the way, I was re-invited to go this year, but couldn't make it because of
family obligations.

Lumushahs wrote:
I wrote:


I lived with hams on a DXpedition, last May (2003).


By the way, I was re-invited to go this year, but couldn't make it because of
family obligations.

Do they know how you talk about them?

- Mike -

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/2/2004 8:22 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

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.

But I thouhgt you said that Hamfests were just places for fat, older white
guys with ugly women, Vipul...Why the change?

Steve, K4YZ

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/2/2004 8:25 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

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.

Lost the other job, huih?

Too bad. Back to being an "EE"...?!?!

Steve, K4YZ

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/2/2004 9:04 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

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

Hi Vipul. So you extrapolate that to hams as a whole?

- Mike KB3EIA -

I am not "extrpolating" from just one experience. I have been to many
hamfests, ham radio meetings, field day setups, etc. I have noticed that
about
most hams.

See Mike...WatdidItellya...?!?!

73

Steve, K4YZ

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/3/2004 11:01 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

I wrote:

I lived with hams on a DXpedition, last May (2003).

By the way, I was re-invited to go this year, but couldn't make it because of
family obligations.


This would be the same family who told you it was dishonorable to be an
Electrical Engineer, Vippy?

Steve, K4YZ

Steve Robeson K4CAP wrote:
Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/2/2004 9:04 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

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

percentage

which were overweight.

Hi Vipul. So you extrapolate that to hams as a whole?

- Mike KB3EIA -

I am not "extrpolating" from just one experience. I have been to many
hamfests, ham radio meetings, field day setups, etc. I have noticed that
about
most hams.


See Mike...WatdidItellya...?!?!


Yeah.... same old same old.


FWIW, in my club, there are no obese members. I'm probably one of the
heaviest members, but most of my mass is other than fat.

So my experience at least defies Vipul's.

- Mike KB3EIA

From: (Lumushahs)
Ebay cannot replace the Hamfest experience.

From: (Steve Robeson K4CAP)
But I thouhgt you said that Hamfests were just places for fat, older white
guys with ugly women, Vipul...Why the change?

Wouldn't such people like to be among other such people?

From: Mike Coslo

So my experience at least defies Vipul's.

Perhaps, they follow me?

Currently have other priorities than to attend clubs meetings, Hamfests
(although I may be able to fit some of those in my schedule), etc. So, I don't
know right now.

I will have to try to check out Field Day and see what the demographics are.

From: Mike Coslo
Do they know how you talk about them?

Perhaps, not the people at the "DXpedition", but (a long while ago) I have
mentioned some of my observations to hams at hamfests, and club meetings.

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/4/2004 9:43 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

From: (Lumushahs)
Ebay cannot replace the Hamfest experience.

From: (Steve Robeson K4CAP)
But I thouhgt you said that Hamfests were just places for fat, older white
guys with ugly women, Vipul...Why the change?

Wouldn't such people like to be among other such people?

Sorry Vipul, I forgot just how big a bigot you were.

Steve, K4YZ

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/4/2004 9:59 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

From: Mike Coslo

So my experience at least defies Vipul's.

Perhaps, they follow me?

Currently have other priorities than to attend clubs meetings, Hamfests
(although I may be able to fit some of those in my schedule), etc. So, I
don't
know right now.

I will have to try to check out Field Day and see what the demographics are.

I seriously doubt that Amateur Radio has "enrolled" the "preety fems" you
are stalking, Vippy.

Steve, K4YZ

Subject: Hamfests?
From: (Lumushahs)
Date: 5/4/2004 10:02 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

From: Mike Coslo
Do they know how you talk about them?

Perhaps, not the people at the "DXpedition", but (a long while ago) I have
mentioned some of my observations to hams at hamfests, and club meetings.

"Observations"...?!?!

More like "condemnations", I 'd say.

Still a bigot.

Steve, K4YZ

Lumushahs wrote:
From: Mike Coslo


So my experience at least defies Vipul's.


Perhaps, they follow me?

HOWL! I'm getting these images of fat ugly people stalking you, chasing
you around, Vipul! Not a pretty image mind you, but a very funny one!

- Mike KB3EIA -

Subject: Hamfests?
From: Mike Coslo
Date: 5/4/2004 11:25 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

Lumushahs wrote:
From: Mike Coslo


So my experience at least defies Vipul's.


Perhaps, they follow me?

HOWL! I'm getting these images of fat ugly people stalking you, chasing

you around, Vipul! Not a pretty image mind you, but a very funny one!

Actually I had visions reminiscent of the angry villagers hunting down the
Frankenstein monster in the 1930's movie...Sickles, sythes, torches...you get
the picture!

73

Steve, K4YZ

Steve Robeson K4CAP wrote:
Subject: Hamfests?
From: Mike Coslo
Date: 5/4/2004 11:25 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

Lumushahs wrote:

From: Mike Coslo



So my experience at least defies Vipul's.


Perhaps, they follow me?

HOWL! I'm getting these images of fat ugly people stalking you, chasing


you around, Vipul! Not a pretty image mind you, but a very funny one!


Actually I had visions reminiscent of the angry villagers hunting down the
Frankenstein monster in the 1930's movie...Sickles, sythes, torches...you get
the picture!


Hehe. Remember we're amateurs, so maybe the villagers in "young
Frankenstein"?


- Mike KB3EIA -

Subject: Hamfests?
From: Mike Coslo
Date: 5/5/2004 3:27 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

HOWL! I'm getting these images of fat ugly people stalking you, chasing


you around, Vipul! Not a pretty image mind you, but a very funny one!


Actually I had visions reminiscent of the angry villagers hunting down
the
Frankenstein monster in the 1930's movie...Sickles, sythes, torches...you
get
the picture!


Hehe. Remember we're amateurs, so maybe the villagers in "young
Frankenstein"?

Believe it or not I've never watched it! I was never a Mel Brooks fan, and
I believe that was one of his, wasn't it...???

SR