GM1SXX and the RSGB August 2006
I've gone and done it!. I joined the RSGB.
Since I got 'my ticket' in 1986 I've steadfastly refused to join the RSGB. As an independent sort who loathes contests and much of the stuff that others seem to like, I've never been happy with there being only one radio society able to represent the views of radio amateurs. In fact since the majority of radio amateurs in the UK are not RSGB members, it's hard to see how RSGB can even fairly make the claim to represent UK radio Amateurs. They only represent some of them. You have probably at some time heard the old quote 'Why is there only one monopolies commission?'. Well that's the way I felt about the RSGB in nineteen eighty six and and I still do. I would much rather have a choice in who represents my interests, but there is no choice.
Having said that, I have to state the real reason for my change of heart. Since no other group is recognised by OFCOM in handling matters pertaining to amateur radio, with the changes to the licence and the move to lifetime licencing, I don't feel I have a choice now when it comes to RSGB membership. I needto be a member because it's the only way to have any representation.
It's a bit like union membership. The union that represents me at work is positively useless but since management won't recognise any other unions, I'm stuck with it, Hobson's choice ... and so it is with my grudging membership of the RSGB. If I'm to have any say whatsoever no matter how small in the future direction of amateur radio, I need to be a member.
Democratic it is not. I really don't like this at all. Being in a situation where decisions that affect all UK radio amateurs are decided by a minority group is not at all good. Of course, there's democracy and there's democracy. Imagine going to the polls to vote and there was only one candidate.
Don't read the above as a criticism of the RSGB, it's not. I'm sure they do what they do well, but monopolies are rarely beneficial to anyone.
73 Al.
GM1SXX