Category: ARRL

The Seven Virtues of Parks on the Air (POTA)

A while ago I submitted an article idea to the QST Magazine editors at the ARRL. It described the seven virtues of the POTA program.

A short time later I received an Email from them advising me they did not think my submission was worthy of publication in their magazine.

Of course, I was disappointed, but not surprised. Rejection is a common theme among writers.

Instead of abandoning the piece on my archive server, I share it with you here.

I am very passionate about the POTA program. It has brought me great joy and many fun challenges. I wrote the piece to thank all of the folks that saved the program and continue to run it today.

73
N1SPW

July 2025 ARRL Board Meeting Minutes

I try hard to steer away from discussions involving controversies. I must say, however, I closely monitor the operations of the ARRL. I also admit – it was very hard for me to send in my renewal dues this year. The ARRL has some serious issues that need to be fixed.

In the August 20,2025 issue of the ARES letter was a very interesting quote:

“At the Board meeting, ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, opined on the state of ARES. He noted that the number one area of negative feedback he receives from the field is that ARES is broken. He expressed his desire for ARES to be rebuilt from the ground up.”

Since the quote refers to the July 2025 ARRL Board Meeting Minutes, I had to take a look. Sure enough, that quote is on the top of page 6.

The quote originated from a Q&A discussion during a break. What I find so interesting about this quote, is that it made it into the minutes at all.

Continue reading “July 2025 ARRL Board Meeting Minutes”