While rewriting the splash page intro for this site, I got to thinking about what makes this particular Part 15 space better than all the others.
There are certainly plenty of similarities between the sites.
Virtually all Part 15 sites have experienced members, in radio, computers and with Part 15 broadcasting.
The more reputable ones all have similar posting and publishing guidelines, including the insistence on legal Part 15 operation.
So what makes this one better?
Well, first, it's the only site that is truly global in nature, welcoming members from around the world. The word 'welcoming' is also important. You don't have to prove yourself worthy in others' eyes to join Part15.org, be subject to restrictive security policies (including extensive tracking) or pay subscription fees (i.e., be a 'snob fool' to browse). All you do is sign up.
Second, it's the oldest Part 15 site by far. It had existed for at least several years prior to my joining back in 2006 when I started Artisan Radio on Bowen Island. Some of the veterans from those days are still around, and many (both newbies and radio professionals) have since joined to replace those who have left.
But, in my opinion, the site should be most proud of the fact that discussions here tend to involve original work and accomplishments by its members. It's pretty trivial to use that high tech tool, Google, to find individual stories on the Internet, and just post links. That isn't original work or research. It certainly doesn't imply any level of understanding of those stories.
Members here post about what they've done, their own work (including summaries/follow up to Internet stories), and in doing so, create their own stories.
So, just what I said. The #1 Part 15 site.
Careful Artisian, self-praise of the site can be more detrimental than advantageous. Consider HB tactics, they are not admirable, they're nauseating.
That said, I agree part15.org is the most appealing part 15 forum on the net. It's a truly public forum in which you can freely express your view . That's not the case everywhere. Here you can converse and inquire without risk of having your post regularly being edited or omitted entirely on the whim of a single overseeing individual.
I agree with everything you said, Rich. I don't usually do it. But there's a reason I posted (in addition to thinking about the issue while rewriting the intro splash page). Unfortunately, I can't reveal that reason right now, but it will become apparent in a while.
@Artisian Oh! Some intriguing activity going on behind the scenes is there? Cool!
Earlier you said ". The word 'welcoming' is also important. You don't have to prove yourself worthy in others' eyes to join Part15.org"
I gotta say.. hmm..where am I going... a lot of hobbyist are not welcome over there... Not sure I want to keep heading this direction but.. hmmm... I laughed aloud when I saw Bill posting on his forum about Richard Frys demise.. It seemed so strange when I think how many times he had edited my post there to remove Richard Frys name and then messaged me inatructing me to not do that because he didn't want Frys name anywhere on his site. That happened least twice with me a few years ago, maybe with others as well.
Other non-permitted names or topics include: Carl Blair, KDX, or the Low Power Hour. I'll never forget the time one of his editings of my post was compleatly ripped to shreds when I posted a review of one of the Low Power Hour episodes featuring Carl's interview with ISS and AAIRO founder Bill Baker.
Within minutes of my posting, my post had been edited and whittled down into a mostly incomprehensible narrative, which consisted of nothing more than a few quotes of Baker. Another member responded to the remnants of my posting by saying: "I wish I knew what show this is because I'd really like to hear it."
So I took my original intact post and transferred it over to my blog where I knew he periodically visited so he could read it there as well as access the links to download the show.
Also banned from mention is Tim from Bovery, KEBS-AM or even "the Iron Range Country station". Not sure why. Same goes for Mram, and of course, part15.org, MBCB, and the ALPB. It is permissible however for some reason to mention and link to the RadioDisccusions part15 forum, dont know why, perhaps because it's been practically defunct of activity for years. Mentions of HfUnderground was always permitted too, but that might have changed since they added a part 15 specific forum about a year ago.
I suspect most hobbyists are members of multiple forums. If you want to be a member of HB there are two things you must accept, 1. There is a high probability your posts will be edited for unsubstantiated reasons, and 2. It is not a public forum, it is a Bill Defilice forum with participants.
I speak from experience. I was for years, without question, for several years, consecutively the most active poster there, outside of Bill himself. I know what I'm talking about, so this is more than just some rant.
I became disenchanted with his forum long before he essentially booted me out. It's got a lot going for it but its moderationating control is usually neither reasonable or validly explained.
I haven't said anything ad-homin here, it's all confirmable facts, but perhaps post like these would be better suited in a separate forum section thats not open to the public, a private section. There's a section like that at HB, it's not visible on the site, not even new members had access or know that its there, it only shows up for the members Bill chooses to reveal it to. Its purpose is to keep "exclusive" news from leaking out prematurely, but it's often used to talk openly about others behind their back, even about his own members who are unaware that secret forum section exist there.
Maybe we should have a secret section too. Charge something like $4 a month to subscribe but leave the rest of the forum in its fully-open to the public as its always been. That revenue might incite getting rid of all these excessively intrusive ads.
I've never known who owns this site. I still dont though I've asked before. Do these ads really create enough revenue to warrant the damage it does to the general atmosphere here? I think its embarrassing.
Whoever owns a site has final say on how its run. That's the way it is and the way it should be. But it's important to take member concerns into consideration. The ads here are more active than any member could ever hope to be.
Ok. I guess I am ranting. I keep telling myself not to do that but did it again. Its really the wrong approach, but I'm not going to delete it.