I have asked about amateur radio operators on Wrong Planet before, with a similar complaint. Really, I am not trying to bash anyone at all. Truly, I am not. However, I have noticed that in the last few years individual politics, factions, and flat out anger from a lot of people have threatened to make the hobby no longer enjoyable. However, because I used to know several operators and such in person, I sort of feel a strong connection to the hobby still. I’ll try to site some of my concerns however.
Basically, there is this device called a repeater. A repeater is an automatic radio relay device mounted on a tall point, often at great cost, to expand the distance around that an individual radio operator can communicate with on a VHF, UHF, etc band. Though, technically there are HF repeaters. Anyways, people will either monopolize one, or kick people off them, or even (illegally) send jamming signals to them. Furthermore, the publications and stuff of the hobby has gotten really political. And there are always fights on the HF international wave bands.
Plus, the local organizations (Who often run repeaters and have strong HF operating groups, as well as monopolize nets - those are the on air meeting groups that are organized) have extremely selective and exclusive authorities. They really judge a lot on money in my experience.
Should I stick with it or not?
Thanks so much!