OAUSA Net-9/11/14-What Can You Do If There is Another 9-11

[DaveK]

The net this week will fall on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks of 2001 and the discussion will center on prevention and preparedness. Our guest will be Mike Ward, KG6WSL. Many of you will remember Mike's Rescue Net and know the depth of his knowledge when it comes to dealingl with these topics. Join Mike for a discussion on how we can all help.

[lrsrngr]

I am venturing out into the world over a long weekend (that's what I do about 9/11...I live) and wanted to at least post a little something on this topic since I will not make the NET.

Do not take your training and preparedness for granted. This week is National Preparedness Month and I have been discussing this topic on the radio, at home, at work and with anyone who will listen to me. There is a plethora of information out there and I'm sure Mike and the rest of the group will hammer it home this evening.

God Bless the USA and give us the strength and foresight to meet all threats and defeat them. May our leaders not waiver from their resolve to see this mission through and if you have the time volunteer to help others advance their skill sets. I know there are a lot of us who can and do make a difference everyday.

[Dub]

I know I'm new here but can we keep the check in a check in? Last weeks check in was painful. So painful that by the time the discussion started I was done and I would have liked to participate.

Dub

[cruiserlarry]

I know I'm new here but can we keep the check in a check in? Last weeks check in was painful. So painful that by the time the discussion started I was done and I would have liked to participate.

Dub

I'm sure Dave will chime in here, but regarding net check-ins, they are a necessary evil that is hard to do efficiently, and still keep everyone happy. After all, hams are folks who like to talk

All sorts of check in styles have been tried by OAUSA net controllers to try and reduce the time required to check all the participants in each week - but the reality is it takes time, and the check in is an integral part of a ham radio net - it allows the user to make sure his radio is operating properly to participate, it lets the net controller know who is out there and how far the net's reach is, and generally, folks like to talk and be acknowledged; this is a talking hobby designed to provide emergency communication, and check-ins help to accomplish the basics each week, as well as give OAUSA a guide to topics that may be more or less popular. Of course, some folks like to add a little something-something when checking in, and this adds to the time needed - so it is also appreciated if folks can keep additional comments brief until after the check-in process is completed...

In summary, you can probably tune in later, during the discussion, and check in at the end, if time allows, volunteer to be a net controller, or provide constructive suggestions on how to improve the check-in process - but remember the net controllers are volunteers, doing the best they can considering the number of linked repeaters we now reach, and they all appreciate your patience as they do the job as quickly as possible

[KK6GFF]

I like both formats of check ins, yesterday's was short and perfect for the net, and last week's one was longer with input from the people, but I liked it for that net because I learned things that otherwise they wouldn't have come up. It was a more interactive net.

[DaveK]

Dub

We really do appreciate your comments. We make a real effort to continually improve the nets, and feedback from our listeners is one of the best ways to do so.

For Tom and I, check-ins have been have a continual topic of discussion. When we started out, we were pleased to get 25 check-ins. Now, we are dealing with 50 (or more) for most of the nets. As the numbers have increased, so have our concerns. We have even gone so far as to devote an entire net to seeking input on several issues, including check-ins, and in fact, will probably do so again in the near future. We know that with as many listeners as we have, we cannot hope to achieve unanimous acceptance, but we do want to improve things when we can.

I should mention that there are essentially two types of check-ins, 1) regular, where we just confirm who is listening and 2) where the check-in is actually part of the net topic. Last week was an instance of where the check-in was part of the net and this necessarily takes longer. Our Net controller (Aaron) wanted to encourage participation by getting listeners to offer their favorite flashlight and why. This information helped the topic to develop and resulted in some good information and, as Roger mentioned, made the net more interactive.

With regard to the reasons why we have continued to do check-ins, I don't think I could add anything to what Larry and Tom have said. I should note however, that our previous attempts to get listener feedback on the subject of check-ins have been nearly universally in favor of keeping them. That is not to say this sentiment is still the same now or will last forever. We have had a couple of comments recently and Tom and I will re-visit the issue again.

We would like your comments on how to effectively deal with this question.

[Dub]

Thanks for the replies everybody however I think I may have been misunderstood.

I am not in any way suggesting that you do away with the check ins. First, it gives everybody a good idea of how many participants you have on board for the discussion after the check in. I also agree that one of the most important aspects of a check in is an equipment check. It's a very good and what I would hope to be a quick way to get an evaluation of how well your station is operating.

What I do object to is the practice of "hijacking" the check in. Net controller asked for a simple statement of what your favorite flashlight is. What he got were people checking in, stating what their favorite flashlight is and then go on to the subject of the net discussion. On and on about lanterns, other flashlights, what kind of flashlight you should look for. Should produce light and not heat etc. and then HR4969.

In my opinion, checking in with any additional commentary not asked for by the net controller is disrespectful especially to the net controller. Just my 2 cents. Sorry to be a pain in the butt. My main point is that the long winded check ins detracted from my enjoyment of the subsequent topic discussion.

Dub