TZUTC: -0500
MSGID: 28.fidonet-ham@1:19/33 239f53db
REPLY: 1:18/200.0 5f383930
PID: Synchronet 3.18a-Win32  Aug 14 2020 MSC 1925
TID: SBBSecho 3.11-Win32 r3.176 Aug 14 2020 MSC 1925
CHRS: ASCII 1
Sean,

 SD> You forgot to mention the much larger availablity of DX stations from
 SD> other regions that only Extras in Region 2 have access to.

  Well, considering the last time I operated HF was nearly 10 years ago,
what did you expect??

 DS> 2) The shorter 2x1 or 1x2 callsigns...*IF* you're lucky enough to
 DS> get one.

 SD> Good luck.  There's nothing in region 4 but honestly, that's really
 SD> overrated to me.

  I liked the 2x2 one better.

 DS> 3) If traveling overseas, you can get Extra Class privileges with
 DS> the CEPT license.

 SD> That's something I didn't think about.

  But, with COVID-19, traveling overseas is a bust. At least we don't
have to do social distancing in the shack.

 DS> 4) As a Volunteer Examiner, you can give and grade ALL the exams.

 SD> That too.

  The last year they did a hamfest in Little Rock, one ham passed the
brand new Extra...with all 12 graphics. He not only passed it, but he
ACED it!! One VE growled "I want to take him outside, and beat the
[crap] out of him!! 

 DS> 5) Snob appeal (hi hi).

 SD> Oh, I've seen Technicians with plenty of snob appeal.  When I first got
 SD> my license in 1997, I was berated for being an "appliance operator"
 SD> because I didn't know CW.  There's still that attitude today...

  That is true.

 SD> I still catch hell from these crusty "CW since 1950" operators that
 SD> tell me that if you don't use CW, you're not a true amateur radio
 SD> operator.

  As far as the FCC is concerned, if you have a valid ham radio license,
you're a ham radio operator.

Daryl, WX4QZ

... If your head's in the sand, your butt's a prime target!!
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