Amateur radio suffers from an image problem. While the ARRL has recently updated its website to feel more “high tech”, we still find ourselves surrounded by technology that’s out of the 90s: packet BBSs running on DOS and scrounged together machines, the “old fat guy” image that comes to mind when you mention amateur radio, “affinity wear” like this “police-style badge”, and frugality to the point of cheapness. It’s unfortunate that I find myself surrounded by this, and I haven’t quite worked out what to do about it.

I suppose my first thought would be to fix the “affinity wear” problem: if you’re going to wear a shirt that labels you as an amateur radio operator (ARES, RACES, or otherwise), make sure it looks professional. Wear some clean looking slacks and a nice pair of shoes. Dress like a professional, even though you’re not. It’s unfortunate that the ARRL has not provided the ARES logos on anything besides a t-shirt and a baseball cap. The dress code in the environments I work in is a collared shirt and clean jeans, if not slacks.

Next, remain physically active–I’m not saying amateur radio operators need to dedicate themselves to looking like a bodybuilder, but there’s a reason I used the term “old fat guy” above…some of my fellow hobbyists definitely need to reconsider their diet and exercise plan. I work out on a regular basis, usually a 20-30 minute run/walk on the treadmill and some weightlifting. Not going to turn me into Mr. Universe, but it helps me feel better, more relaxed, and more energetic.

We’ll come back to this later…for now, I’m off to a BBQ…and to drink some bourbon and rum (not together)…perhaps a review on those is forthcoming. Maybe like a “Cigar Aficionado” for amateur radio? Tell me what you think this website should do.