3% of the population are just awful folks.. Doesn't matter what area of life you frequent.. from the gun club, yacht club, the local cafe - even the bar.. You have to focus on the 97% of the folks that are kind and are totally accommodating. Funny that the folks that frequent Facebook, eHam and QRZ forums hardly ever go on the radio..,
Dom, at the time of this writing, I have 170 activations. I will tell you first and foremost those 170 activations have been conducted with a technique or in a way from your influence. It’s true. By the way I acknowledge a call, or how I’ve ended the QSO, it was done in a manner influenced by your style/personality. In those 170 activations…39 QSO’s between us. I NEED your elmering and positivity, through your videos. And I plead to you to listen to the quantity of your ‘students’ and believers than the few mis-guided. 73
Agree with you 100%. Ignore them. Do not stop enjoying a hobby you love over a few bad apples. There will always be more good than bad people in the hobby. Keep doing what you do, do not stop. Ignore the bad apples in a way that works for you. POTA On Dom !!!!!!
Spoken like a true Elmer. I stumbled upon this video in my suggestions. Keep doing what you enjoy. This is a hobby of constant learning and it needs more elders, like yourself, to help.others learn. KD9ZRO 73
I am 57 years old. I am a newbie. My learning curve is very high. Your videos encourage me and others. I am grateful for you and others who have the time for us newbies or others who have questions. I am currently learning CW. I have an HT. I use the digital modes and phone apps. One day I will learn to use a HF rig. Thank you for your encouragement. 73 de KO6ANM! Wade White
This hobby is filled full of people who aren't neurotypical. So, it can be normal for someone to appearto be a little brusk in their responses because they're thinking about things logically. This hobby suffers from many people who think, "This is easy for me, why is it so hard for you?" .. and that falls into many different professions where I've dealt with professionals who are nearly offended by people asking what they consider to be "stupid" questions. There's no doubt in my mind that this hobby is filled full of brilliant people, but there's always going to be someone out there who just wants to learn and we should appreciate that they are willing to learn. I spent 20 years of my career doing deskside support in IT and I always appreciated the user that just wanted to learn. The problem in this hobby is that there are people who think that people who want to learn are energy drainers and don't provide any benefit to them at all. They don't see how friendships can crop up from it and honestly, that's a lot of what this hobby is about. If someone gets mad at me for asking a question, I'll tell them to go get bent and get the answer from someone else. The only answers to stupid questions are stupid answers, but better that someone learns the easy way than blowing up equipment without understanding what they did, only to repeat it later.
Its not just ham. Its society as a whole. We just have to ignore the bad actors or remove ourselves (or them) from the groups. Keep posting. I like to see someone having fun on a Tuesday when I'm stuck at work. Wish I could go out with you or be working you from my local park. 73 and keep having fun! de W4LJH
Haters on social media are like jammers and spammers on the radio .. they thrive on attention. We appreciate all you do Dom - please continue to thrive and know there are so many more that appreciate you and what you do and ignore the haters.
Thank you. I am new and I appreciate those who have been doing this hobby for a long time. It's a shame there are people out there that belittle others. I will not let anyone deter me from my enjoyment of radio. They are not worth my time and energy and I will not give up something I enjoy because of some old men.
Of course, ur so right, so positive & sooooo uplifting! But with the internet, I just overlook all of the negative crap! Whatever u do, please stay active (& I know u will), becuz this hobby needs more just like YOU! 73 👍😃🇺🇸
I don't have enough words to comment on your extraordinary video. I have been a radio amateur since 1982, I operated until 1994 and only resumed my activity in 2019 after retiring. I am 63 years old and what I see today in amateur radio has nothing to do with what I knew when I started in the activity. Individualism and people's arrogance have far exceeded the limits of what is reasonable. Thank you very much for the video and your words, which I will share in Portugal. Filipe Jorge ct1bsd 73's
There are two men responsible for me having an amateur radio license. My dad and you. When i was a kid he had a shack I was in awe of, and really still am in awe of what he had in his basement back then. I never pursued it but it was in my head. Then I stumbled upon a video of you talking about POTA. That lit the fire because that’s more in line with my interest than sitting in the basement. Hope you don’t step away. I’m still new and learning and you’re right about the attitude of many out there. People like you help make this all worth it.
Thank-you Dom. I've been a ham since 2005. I don't get on the air much. I would like to do POTA but you are correct I'm a modest humble person, I need your type of support to get it working. Thank-you for your step by step process. Please delete and block the haters. Thanks again for your help.
Dom, I don’t bother much with Facebook for the very reason you just explained., & I rarely post anything for the same reason. You are one of the best ambassadors for POTA that I know. When I first was getting into POTA, I emailed you asking a question. You gave me your phone number to call you where you could help out with my question. Me a complete stranger. Who does that? You did & I am living proof that your guidance now allows me to help others and be an ambassador for POTA. I am forever grateful for you & your wiliness to help others. For those Haters out there, they need to get a life! Keep POTA’ING my friend and sharing your wisdom where others can learn! One of the biggest thrills was making contact with you when I was activating POTA from California to N. Carolina! 73!
Could not have said it any better... Don't let the "participation award generation" get to you. Karma has plans for them! Thanks Dom... 73's my friend...
Well said OM. I too detest the RTFM brigade. We are ALL Elmer’s of one kind or another and need to nurture inquisitive minds to secure the future of the hobby. 73 de G0PNM 😊
Well said, I’ve about had it with a few ham groups on FB.. they slam anyone and everyone. I posted a idea for a antenna that got slammed by the keyboard commandos saying it’ll never work an it’s a dummy load. Well, I just worked Granada, Canada, stateside, Poland and Africa on my EMT conduit vertical antenna! Whatever happened to the days of experimenting and trying something for the sake of trying something on air?
Thank you first off for all the effort and awareness you brought so far to POTA. Always nice making a contact with you. Thank you also for addressing this unfortunate but all to often behavior on social media. I am relatively new to ham radio and loved participating in POTA but I have also stopped due to the same facts that when I had a question about an activation or questions about my set up, the ridicule that came with it far outweighed the positive for me. Nonetheless I always appreciated the positive responses I received and tried to thank each and every responder for any amount of feedback to help me. But no matter how much I tried to ignore the ones that respond as you described in this video, I also made a personal decision to cut back drastically. I think the answer for me was to stop using social media in regard to POTA and Ham Radio in general. But after listening to your post it has actually given me inspiration to get back into it. To not let this bother me. The reason is this…. if they will try to belittle you, a man who has many years of experience and know-how, it’s not my inexperience they are targeting, it is ANYONE. Whoever they can find to target at any given time. So I ask you please, don’t give this hobby up because a lot of people look up to your experience and you are such a fine example of a great ham that losing you and your knowledge would be a huge loss to this hobby. Thank you again for your time and compassion and your knowledge. From just another ham operator to another. Take care and God bless my friend. 73 from K3AMY
The world is full of sad people. Fortunately, they are few and far between they just happen to be vocal. Don't give them one second of the precious time we have on earth. Hope to work you again soon my POTA brother !
I’ve been using the snooze option a lot lately on Facebook. I enjoy the POTA program very much but negative people and social media not so much. It makes me less motivated to go activate or hunt and I don’t like feeling this way. Anyways I appreciate you Dom and it’s always a pleasure to work you. Have a great day and talk to you soon. 73
I've had my technician class for over a decade. Used my microphone 3 times. Yes, 3. I was made to feel foolish each time so I gave up. I only use Morse as I was in the Army, code interceptor. Thanks so much for what you said. Unfortunately,it affected me to not use voice. I have Chinese radios I use on gmrs only. I only feel comfortable knowing who the person is on the other end. I know I missed out on alot in those years.
♥ Well said, Sir. In the end times, "the love of many will wax cold." Yes Sir. The "drug" choice of many has become meaness and hate, egotism and pride. Many of us 70+ year olds have seen this coming onto the world, and to the hobby as well. We are taught that if we bring peace and are not welcome, to shake the dust off our shoes and move on from them. Hard to do when you are well intentioned and want to help. I sense you are a "believer." Hang in there. One way or another, we will all see our just rewards in the next life. How refreshing it is though to hear from a man of kindness and wisdom such as you. God bless you.
I appreciate what you do. What you post. Etc. Folks can choose to look at or not as they wish. If they whine, that’s on time. You are spot on here. Thank you Dom. Don’t let them get you down.
Hi Dom de KB5QFU. Well said sir! Dom I don't normally make comments. But you are a fine bright man who I "look up" to and I can only wish I had a friend like you who I could spend time with in person. You let your light shine and I have always enjoyed the times I have worked you at a park and your comments of prayers to others. Let not a few spoil your joy and again let your light shine. You are a brother in more ways than just radio. God bless you and smile! 73-Mike
Dom don't give up ! Screw the haters !! I have to tell you. Thee days ago ,,my club had a young man take his tech exam and pass ! One of the other V.E. ask this kid want to try for your general ? The kid who is about 15 years old thought about it we told him why not ? Low and behold that kid is now a general!!! Passed both exams in the same night !!!! DOM there is still hope,,you are a good man don't give up ,,73 kd2vrz
Dom, I love seeing your posts. I've not had the luck/pleasure of working you (yet) but I hope to some day. Thanks for being here and sharing your knowledge and experience.
I just discovered your channel for the first time this morning in my feed. I thought your POTA tips were brilliant. I stopped and really got back in to it more than once or twice after an incident. The POTA video you posted yesterday inspired me to not let others win and have the satisfaction of spoiling my fun. Thanks to you! I hope the inspiration you give to all of the kind viewers who enjoy your content comes back around and inspires you back!
The FAQ is there for a reason. The rules are there for a reason. I'm glad they're there. But I'm also glad I can hop on the group and ask for clarification if I have additional questions, or if I'm not getting it for some reason. This is the same reason we have schools AND books. We don't expect our kids to get lost in a pile of books without any assistance from their teachers, do we? I'm glad you're out there, Dom. Keep it up, please! 73 de KJ4WNA
Dom, I've worked you several times. I like the fact that you're out there. I'm 72 and watch videos to learn, to understand, and to get new ideas. Everybody on social media has spammers , trolls and know-it-alls, unfortunately. Yes it's sometimes a fight, but only fighters win. I look forward to seeing your call on the POTA page. Seen too many people give in to them. Don't give them the satisfaction!
I heard you on the air this morning, Dom, and thought to myself, this guy is a really good op! I was only SWL this morning with only my CW tx rig available so didn’t call. And when I say good op, I don’t mean just your technical skill, which you have, it includes a great personality that came across in your operating! Keep up the good work and keep enjoying yourself! I participate in as little social media and 75 phone as possible. Don’t let the bottom dwellers there get you down my friend!
Thank you, Dom, for articulating that message so well, I am very sorry to hear more of the nonsense being spread around these various platforms. I hope others see this for what it is and understand what you are projecting. So much negativity in this hobby of late, oh we've always had a few but the last few years seem to have brought out the worst. I personally am not into POTA but would never belittle someone for enjoying that aspect of our wonderful hobby. I hope you do not let whoever/whatever is the culprit of your disgust sway you from enjoying this hobby yourself, don't let the idiots steal your joy. Sincerely, Chuck N7UQ
For the most part the POTA community is great, I've found most operators to be respectful and helpful. I have found a few people who didn't operate courteously in one way or another, but just like in other parts of life you just ignore them and move along. Take care and be well. POTA on!
Thank you Dom. Remember Mockery is a form of Jealousy. NEVER give up my friend. Keep doing what you have been doing. VERY many more love you than don't. KD9TRA
Bless, you Dom. You are a credit to POTA, the Amateur Radio service and our hobby. Haters are gonna hate. I had the privilege of working you 18 months ago and hope I can again. Keep the faith!🙏
Thank you for the great words! I have come across many different operators in my short time in amateur radio. All too often I hear negative remarks about how an idea will not work or that its wrong to experiment… Of course those naysayers never give any type of guidance while they shoot down an idea. I find in this hobby, which is rooted in experimentation and thinking outside the box. Many people have lost their way from those roots. I think if more people choose a different path and offer help and guidance to any Operator in need rather than just slamming them for their flaws or mistakes, we all would benefit greatly. The community is only as strong as we all collectively, make it from extra class to technician from young to old we all have something to offer. May it be years of experience, or a fresh set of eyes or different thought process. Thank you again for your content and wisdom. Don’t give up on the community. With enough people trying to collectively work together we can effect change for the positive. All the best and 73. I hope to catch you on the air somewhere soon.
Just too darn bad people want to ruin the relaxation and enjoyment of someone else because they have nothing better to do, I personally enjoy what you do Dom, it gives someone who doesn't have the knowledge a bit of insight on what's going on. Going to miss you Dom, 73's William Darrell Duckett KO4SXH
I love your videos Dom! I got my license in June of 23. The only way I have learned anything in this hobby is videos like yours. There are still plenty of great teachers like yourself willing to help! Facebook is awful in my experience just in general. I hope you keep getting out and making videos!
Facebook IS a problem, for sure! I came back to FB to participate in some ham groups that I wasn't in when I left in 2021. I have no other connections.... just a few groups. Some photos of my car were going viral and I felt compelled to answer a few questions. Yes, there was a lot of IGNORANT tripe in the comments. I ignored those and answered the ones who I thought might appreciate it. But, to be honest, Facebook could shut down completely and I'd live my life just fine. You should do the same. I don't think we've worked on the air, but I've gathered that you brighten a lot of logs by activating parks. Keep it up! BTW, you just validated that ONE person and gave him credit for running you off. You did the same for someone else when I first returned to FB a couple months ago. It only boosts their egos. Block, move on, and don't validate any naysayer. We don't have enough time left on this planet to tolerate that nonsense. 73!
I appreciate the video. I am still new to HAM radio and still fairly new to POTA. I found the dynamic you are describing as soon as I got into the hobby and first got licensed. I found these people in every local HAM club and especially online as you describe. And I feel like those that are doing exactly what you describe are why some people never go farther than a Tech or even get licensed since allot of older HAM operators don't want to even talk to someone unless they are equally as smart as they are on the subject OR into exactly the same things that they are interested in about the hobby. POTA on man and just shrug them off. I am going forward and trudged through all the hate as an Extra now and doing POTA every single chance I can. I make it a priority to help the new people that come to our meetings at ALL three clubs I am a member of get started in any way I can. That is what we all need to do to continue to grow this hobby.
Just saw your video. Could not have said it any better myself. I feel the same way. I often want to learn something in particular so I do a lot of research, be it text or video. Sometimes I get to a point where I still don't understand something because the thing I was looking for was glossed over or wasn't explained in the way it click for me. So I ask questions to the folks I think that can help. 99% of the time I get what I need. Then I go back and see some of the responses later. Some are just not nice or off track. Like you say just spin the dial. That should go both ways. If you cant be nice learn to move on and let it go. I have not seen your videos before but rest assured I will take a gander and learn from ya. Keep up what you enjoy. Ned N6ZOZ 73
This is love, folks. Love isn't always squishy. The truth is the whole point of this life is relationships--how we treat one another. Thanks and hang in there--you get it.
I don't get on FB much any more for that exact reason! Not just in the group but everywhere now days. Too much negetivity! To many people know it all and shame the ones who dont know and ask for help. Not willing to help the newer people doesn't promote the hobby very well. You keep up the good work and don't let the lids discourage you! 73
This has been going on in every hobby there is for decades. There are always a few that make trouble because they know no better. I stopped FB many years ago. Don't you give up continue your RU-vid videos but forget FB, it's for inadequate folks. Keep up the good work you do and lots on. W2wc
Good morning Dom. I posted yesterday and now it is gone. WOW! Feel the love! I see enough love here to overcome any a-hole sad ham. God bless and keep on doing what makes you happy. 73 Kent K9AEE
Been a ham since 2008 and I get happily engaged when someone asks a question about Amateur radio, especially if I know they're not a ham. Good on you Dom, I don't know you personally but, I appreciate you brother! Keep on keepin on and I hope I can one day speak in wisdom as you do sir. 73 de K3TVM
I have you in my log a few times. You are one of the "regulars" I get when I do POTA. Honestly, I am now, and always will be, a student in this. I dont need to understand the ins and outs of everything. People MUCH smarter than me have figured it out already for me. I just enjoy getting outside and playing radio. And, honestly, the best parts of my day are getting people into the log whom I consider regulars, and people I actively hunt. Just keep doing what you're doing Dom. Take care my friend, I am sure we will chat on the air again soon. Bill KC1WTR
I have been down physically with heart problems for awhile, ended up with a heart transplant in August. I had started to get into activating but couldn’t for awhile. I was able to get my POTA fix watching your videos and thank you. I’ve learned a lot from you and I am back starting to activate again. Keep up the great videos, Bravo Zulu!! Ian KN4TBG
Social Media sucks.. It's ruining lots of people's lives. Keep doing what you're doing Dom. Lots of people enjoy it and learn from you. Ignore the idiots that are making this world today what it is. Hopefully change is coming, we need it, the world is going backwards.. and my comment is not meant to be political. 73!
Hi Dom! This is one of the reasons why I am not on Facebook (any more). I'm tired of this unnecessary flood of information and bullsh*t (sorry folks). Keep up your activations and videos. Thank you for what you do for our hobby! 73 POTA on
What im hearing from you about how some are acting is the same thing i have heard from so many ham operators over decades and the reason why every time i think about getting my license another one reminds me that i dont have the patience for people like that. Too many Ham snobs with smart mouths and holier than though attitudes would get me in trouble or cause me to leave. So why even bither? I dont want to be in an elitist club with a bunch of smart snobs just so i can talk to some good decent people. I only hope that this video finds its way to everyone out there in ham radio or considering ham radio. Its a good message and maybe it will make a difference.
This is heart breaking Sir. I know it's frustrating. There are too many people like this in every field, and not enough like yourself. I hope you won't give up. God Bless.
Appreciate what you do. I have about half your followers on my ham yt Channel.and even i get these trolls.and that's all they.keep your spirit and keep on adding value to the other eight hundred followers and not the few wasters. I'm behind your positive comments on helping others.
Hi Dom. I don't use social media - at all. I am a member of a few Discord groups that I choose. My other communication is done face to face with friends and on the radio. The vast majority of us out here feel the same way you do. Genuinely. Thanks for your honesty my friend - it's refreshing. Delete FB and move on. You are in the right here.
Dom, you are one of few lights in POTA....the group's toxicity has gotten out of control....with every post, one can predict which individuals will talk down to them...have started blocking them, something I've never needed to do in my entire life. 73 and POTA on, Dom
A Lot of bad comes from outside Ham Radio. We don't need to have it happen inside Ham Radio. In case where people ask questions we should be giving them a had not kicking them with a foot. Hope to still see you on the airways. 73
Dom thank you for what you have done for the hobby and for POTA. I love your positivity that you share with each post, video AND activation you do (not only as a activator but as a hunter). It always makes my day to get you in my log when I am out activating. Your a great witness to all of the new hams out there. I know they appreciate your positivity. And your right. No one wants to see negative posts or the comments back that are negative. Really takes the fun out of the hobby for everyone! 73 my friend. Robert KD4YDC
