My apologies for taking it to far over the last 24 or so hours. I felt and continue to feel like the operating suggestions were well written but to me seemed a little like a rant from a serious DXer and seemed like it would have been better served being written and posted when the author was not complaining about the poor practices of others. What made this matter worse is when my opinion was immediately shouted down because I do t operate the birdies. When in fact I said early on in this thread that on three occasions while still under my previous call sign KG5jUP (now AA5EM) that I had went through the time and expense to make a contact on the birds and was unsuccessful because of I am sure my nubbie-curve and the very problem that the suggestions are aimed to relive

From my perspective the

suggestions were written a little in favor of the DXers in our community which would make sense considering the author is into this part of this niche' hobby. I will just be bold and say it. I mentioned a vote because as an incorporated organization AMSAT allowing someone to post a set of suggestions to their official site to the unknowing individual looks as if it is the AMSAT way. It was a matter of perception for me. I admit, the vote comment was actually dark sarcasm based on the goings on from the previous string of messages that in my opinion were passive aggressive and someone called the authors out on the matter. When I said I didn't get a vote I was being sarcastic about those operators who feel entitled and superior to operators like myself who are not on the birds daily. \

All of this went to far with Dave Swanson and his unabashedly rude comments to and about me. So for the record I do not think that Sean's suggestions should have been arbitrarily posted to the AMSAT homepage because in my humble opinion the suggestions offer my protectionism for dxers. Though I do agree that something needs to be done. Amateur radio is supposed to be a self governing body because Lord knows we do not want the Federal government regulating us.

Finally, I have NOT worked a satellite and I am not in anyone's logs but as a member of this organization I believe that EVERY MEMBER should have an opinion and not shouted down by the dxers when they are questioned. If this is not the case then please by all means send my refund to my QTH until such time please be kind to all and less like a bully. IF there are any questions please feel free to pose them I will never shout you down.

PS. AMSAT was the first organization I joined after becoming a ham even before my local ARC. At each ARC meeting I present AMSAT related news and updates to the sigrin on the membership. Their eyes roll at me and I still present the latest I am proud to be a member of this group and had even considered attempting to build local interest and start a net and/or a club locally. I am a disabled veteran (still working full time but barely) and my wife is extremely illl as she needs a kidney transplant so for now I am not "active' but I volunteer for the ANS to help do my part and learn from you all.

Thank you,

AA5EM

Chris Bradley

Christopher R. Bradley, M. Ed MS IT

KMCO 101.3 FM | KTMC 105.1 FM

AA5EM - Extra Class Amateur Radio Op - A.R.R.L. Oklahoma Section Traffic Mgr - A.R.E.S. Emergency Cooridinator Pittsburg County, Oklahoma - AMSAT News Service Rotating Editor

624 Krebs Housing McAlester, Oklahoma 74501 (918) 558 - 5369 <(918)%20558-5369> (Home) (918) 424 - 7879 <(918)%20424-7879> (Mobile)