On being Burt Fisher K1OIK: polishing the image of Amateur Radio
Burt Fisher K1OIK is a long time Amateur Radio guy and retired high school teacher. Burt seems now to have plenty of time to make videos on YouTube. Good for him!
As a long time Amateur Radio guy, Burt had made some observations about Ham radio over the years. Sometimes, when you are “in the system” (or “embedded in the culture”) of Ham Radio its a challenge to take an objective (“outsiders”) perspective on some of the activities and behaviors of Amateur Radio operators. From certain perspectives some of the things that hams do are just “crazy”.
Check out these videos and see if he makes any sense.
To William, RE: your post on March 23, 2012
I’d consider you to be an intellectual bully.
You presented a well reasoned argument, albeit unnecessarily l – o – n – g, but you blew it toward the end by stating: “…..he has the right to have his opinion and you do not have the right to come here and lie about him nor trash him.”
Everyone has the right to object to his opinions and write their objections here. Some of Burt’s opinions are factually correct but many others are subjective, petty insults and exaggerated stereotyping. In other words, he’s “trashing” a lot of people in his videos and people have the right to trash him back.
If someone is lying about him, that would be different. Considering that Burt Fisher has plenty of opinionated YouTube videos, I’d think it would be very easy to research his statements and argue against them. There’s no need to lie when there’s just so much evidence out there to buttress an objection!
Anonymous
April 1, 2012 at 5:52 am
Anonymous
First I would be unhappy if my mother named me as she did you.
Now William made a good point and saying “lies and trashing” is right on the mark. Trashing is saying something of little substance or garbage meaning not true, or not worth saying. So he did use the terms correctly. When I first saw Burt’s videos I was a little taken back by his opinions, but being an honest person unlike those in here who can do nothing more than attack him for what he said and provide not a shred of evidence to the contrary, short of foul mouth retorts, I decided to tune in and listen to Amateur radio and I guess after many years I became immune to the sill inane phrases and things like Hi Hi which makes no sense at all when speaking as opposed to Morse code. I notice that many use the Q codes more often than those who actually use code as a communications form. Burt made some good points and those who are guilty of the behavior come here to trash him and resort to bully tactics to silence him peppered with abusive and foul language the ignorant use when they are incapable of expressing themselves.
Now Jimmi Barnett trashes William and seems to have an issue with Williams occupation, which leads me to wonder what kind of felony record jimmi Barnett has. Notice that Jimmi Barnett can’t seem to refute what William says, instead like always Jimmi just hurls insults and trash talks, and has a serious issue with words that any 7th grade teenager can understand, which seem to confuse Jimmi. Maybe Jimmi wanted to be a cop, Lord knows why, and he couldn’t due to his past or lack of qualifications. But his entire post centers on Williams Occupation as opposed to the point of this thread.
Marcus you are a piece of work, and can’t seem to make an actual point short of illustrating your profound ignorance with the rich cesspool of foul language you use. I think I spent enough time with Marcus as he has nothing to contribute.
I see a common mentality in those who keep coming here often to trash Burt, they have literally nothing to back up what they say and are here because no one on Amateur radio wants to talk to them, so they developed a love affair with Burts thread so they have an audience to complain to.
Burt, I must admit I was a little taken back by your videos, but I decided to validate or invalidate your points by listening to Amateur radio and sadly I found out you have a point and the silly behaviors you listed are more common than not. There are good points to you illustrating the behaviors, some actually took them to heart and try to not repeat the behaviors as they are pointless. I understand why you took the time to do the videos, because we human beings often develop behaviors that make us look silly, and some when confronted with the facts change and adjust, and others just throw a fit like an errant 2 year old and scream, shout, protest, and demand they have their way. We can’t fix the idiots who deny reality, nor can we fix those who can only express a point with foul language. Yet I have hope that they will die off and the newer blood will try to not make the same silly errors in judgment.
Sad as it is, I hear all too many on Amateur radio that sound as bad as the common idiot on CB radio and more often than not they are worse because they were able to pass a test by memory as opposed to actually learning something. One point that was made, is Amateur radio was developed as a service, and not to be validated CB radio. All too many on Amateur radio think it is all about them. Tune in to 14.313 and when that frequency gets going you will not be able to tell it from CB radios worst of the worst as it was pointed out by many. So much for reporting to the FCC because 14.313 has been that way for years and the FCC has done nothing to stop the abuse and sheer stupidity there, from hours of music playing, jamming, and childish use of foul language and far worse. It appears the FCC has abandoned Amateur radio as it did the Citizens band.
James
April 4, 2012 at 11:33 am
To: James, in reply to your post on April 4, 2012
RE: Two of my posts as Anonymous, dated April 1, 2010
“…sarcasm [is] the protest of people who are weak.” (John Knowles; “A Separate Peace”) I assure you that my mother gave me a proper name. Reading your past comments on here, I think you’re unduly obsessed with names and/or call signs. My real name is not germane to the discussion. However, in the interest of clarity and to avoid being confused with other Anonymous commentators, you can call me John, or Mr. Doe.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines “trash talk” as: To speak disparagingly, often insultingly or abusively about a person or group. A good amount of Burt Fisher’s YouTube rant fits this definition and I stand by my statement that people have a right to respond in kind.
In the “Truth revealed…” video, Burt Fisher talks about hams hiding behind their microphones. Hams have to use call signs on the air, otherwise they’re breaking the rules. All hams learn this while studying for the entry level Technician test. You stated: “your supposition that they always give their call is false and you knew that before your fingers hit the keyboard to promote such a falsehood.” Anyone who transmits on the ham band without identifying with a call sign is NOT a ham. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t require someone to have a valid amateur license to purchase a ham radio transceiver, so anybody can operate illegally and hide behind a mic. What I stated is not a falsehood because I’m referring to legal hams, as opposed to illegal operators. In his video, Burt never mentioned if he heard the call signs of people that threatened him, so they may not have even been hams.
By the way, James, Burt Fisher has a YouTube video titled: “The AMers-stimulating conversation”. It’s a 13 minute recording of a 75/80 meter net, with bad language, sound effects and no call signs, similar to 14.313. Burt, your hero, praises it by saying: “A roundtable of typical AMers frolicing and laughing, unlike contesters AM’ers are alive!”
Go watch it. I’d like to hear your opinion in light of your comments about HF ham being like CB. Your hero seems to like it, right?
John Doe
April 5, 2012 at 7:03 am
TYPO: (RE: Two of my posts as Anonymous, dated April 1, 2010) should be: April 1, 2012
John Doe
April 5, 2012 at 7:43 am
Dear John Doe
Below is your comments in quotation for reference.
Playing games with words should be beneath you, yet it seems you would rather play the game as opposed to address facts. I was not talking about illegal operators and you knew this, nice try. I am talking about those who we can all identify by voice, and other characteristics. You know damn well that licensed amateurs are out there in good numbers jamming other amateurs because of personality disputes and disagreements with the content of the conversation. I think someone use the term “Elitists” which is a good term barring a better one at this point. I have heard them jam then try to disguise their voice rather poorly and make either foul language gestures and or other mouth noises, and comments in poorly disguised voices. You know as well as I or anyone does that once you listen to someone long enough you can identify their voice with great accuracy barring any hearing disability.
I guess Burt will have to answer your charge of him condoning such behavior, I surely do not and never will.
Now I might agree with the supposition that 75 and 80 meters has a lot of Elitist minded individuals, and to be honest I never thought of it this way. I prefer to call them idiots.
But to be honest Burt has many good points and those who get their panties in a bunch over his telling truthful statements may need to take a long hard look at themselves. I have noticed the good old boys club mentality permeates Amateur radio and is what has brought Amateur radio to the point that many have no respect for it. This I find sad and disgusting. It seems perfectly fine to many to act as out of control adolescents at age 60 and older, and the older some get the worse the behavior gets and I have heard the various forms of that tired old justification that “I have been an Amateur for 40 years you can’t tell me anything” mindset all too many times as they willingly and openly break rules and act like fools over the air waves. It is one thing to have a sense of humor and joke around but countless times I have heard the old boys club idiots go far beyond jokes to rude, lascivious, and downright crude behavior with no concern that others may and are listening to their sick and disgusting X-rated sexual conversations and obnoxious behavior. How does one introduce today’s youth to Amateur radio when this kind of behavior happens and often? Please don’t reply with denials as many amateurs do. I am hopeful you will be honest in addressing this, as the others here seem to have lost their honesty and it seems to me that you are a bit more honest than some who have trashed Burt. To be honest I am concerned where Amateur radio is heading despite the others who seem to condone the stupid behaviors.
Now for the record I have disagreed with Burt on youtube and was blocked by him, but that makes no matter to me, I still say he has some points that are entirely valid, and we can split hairs whether he is being petty or not, but valid is still valid never the less.
I hope you and everyone has a nice Easter weekend. I will be back next week maybe.
Sarcasm has it’s place and it not of the weak.
It is high time Amateurs be honest and clean up Amateur radio, even if the FCC has not the intestinal fortitude to do so.
“All hams learn this while studying for the entry level Technician test. You stated: “your supposition that they always give their call is false and you knew that before your fingers hit the keyboard to promote such a falsehood.” Anyone who transmits on the ham band without identifying with a call sign is NOT a ham. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t require someone to have a valid amateur license to purchase a ham radio transceiver, so anybody can operate illegally and hide behind a mic.”
James
April 6, 2012 at 1:40 pm
I have listned to burts videos (I am blind) and agree with his sentiments as they relate to 80 meters but many of his other problems are simply catch phrases people have always used for many many years. This why many people do not like burt, as he have a few good points but many others are just part of human speech phrases that do not mean people should not be on amateur radio. I also happen to agree that if it offends burt he should turn the dial. Too many other frequencies to talk on than to listen to those of us he apparently cannot stand just because someone say “I let you go” when they are the one that needing to go. This is where his videos become petty ranting and not constructive to the hobby.
Ken Rainn
April 6, 2012 at 5:26 pm
I chalk it up to the whiny Northeastern Jew aspect. Who wants to talk to an over-acheving northeastern jew anyways? I mean the regimen, and the strong fingered guilt and all that bullshit?
If you want to listen to real hams check out 80 meters with Tim and the rest.
It’s bad enough they’ve infiltrated the media, just imagine the amount of mollycollding and direction ham radio has taken since 2~1/2 men has hit the scene. STOP trying to emulate jews. It’s that simple.
Anonymous
March 29, 2012 at 4:16 am
Well you showed the world where you come from. News flash your Fuhrer is dead. So get over your hateful insanity already. Anyone who uses that rhetoric especially in the arena of Discussing Amateur radio bad habits is not worth his own salt. Maybe you need to go back to stormfront where the other imbeciles will appreciate your brand of cave man stupidity. And this comes from a German who who has the unfortunate family history of a grandfather who was an S.S. Officer. I find your type so repugnant mere words can not describe the feelings and thoughts your type of trash invokes. You are living proof that certain parts of humanity often prefer the dark ages.
James
April 4, 2012 at 10:26 am
The only thing I hear on 75 and 80 meters are hicks who have graduated to CB radio with a ticket so they now feel validated, because they have that piece of paper. I am betting you are one of the hicks.
James
April 4, 2012 at 11:35 am
It always amuses me when all the self-professed “intellectuals” come here to tells the rest of us how dumb we are and that are opinions don’t count when we live in a world where EVERYONE has a voice. But these idiots would have us believe we’re wrong not only because we disagree with burt the asshole fisher, but also because we express ourselves in a manner they happen to not like. So they try using intellect and more words to run people down the very same as they accuse us of.
Sorry to have to break it to you idiots who agree with burt, you’re everything you accuse US of being here. SO come on back and tell us some more bullshit because we just LOVE reading your self-righteous BS
Jim Barnett
April 4, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Yeah that’s it. Blame on the no-code changes. But I’ve got news for you. 75/80 meters has always, always, ALWAYS been the way it is today. Just a bunch of elitist operators who have ALWAYS talked down to people.
The no-code requirement may have put more people on that band but it certainly did not turn it in to what it is today because it’s ALWAYS been that way.
Jim Barnett
April 4, 2012 at 5:02 pm
You guys haven’t disputed anything I have said here. You may not like me, but you can’t fault the message.
Burt Fisher
January 4, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Nor have YOU disputed the existing replies here (we can go on all day with the whole “I said this, you said that” bullshit). Complaining the way you sometimes do doesn’t change the fact that many do not agree with you and simply see you as part of the problem rather than the solution.
By your prior comment you seem to imply you wish to engage in actual dialog with others as to being right or wrong when it’s clear in this one little thread alone the masses do NOT agree with you on the issues you stand on, at least in relation to amateur radio. That’s why the vast majority of replies have been strongly against you and your “issues” with ham radio. They are viewed by most as pet peeves, at best.
So you don’t like it when amateurs say “I’ll let you go” when they are the one’s who need to split. WHO CARES, Burt? Are these really the things that bother you in the hobby? Is it really worth being largely known as an asshole by people? If so then I say go for it. If not, try a little less complaining and DO something about whatever it is you claim is so life-altering bad in the hobby.
Until then you will always being known to the general public as another flaming asshole who just complains about mostly small things in life (granted though, there were a couple major pet peeves most would agree on). That’s just life. Oh and by the way, simply claiming people haven’t “disputed” anything you’ve said here is a lie because there are several replies here that have outright pointed out some things about your “issues” in the hobby, yet you didn’t bother to even address them. Posting two sentences doesn’t address anything. It just shows everyone you can’t dispute it.
Marcus Harrison
January 7, 2012 at 1:42 am
I remember reading the bible and they demanded the Crucifixion of Jesus because of what he said to them (the truth). No Burt is no comparison and no man is, but the lesson here is men are dishonest by nature and don’t like to hear the truth about what they do or say, and will attack the messenger instead of admitting the truth. We can argue till the cows come home and grown old, but fact is fact, Burt tells us an uncomfortable truth and most refuse to admit this and instead threaten the one who has enough courage to speak the truth. Funny thing is, I even hear Amateurs say the same thing over the air and get attacked for being honest.
What does this say about Amateur radio? Is the service filled with selfish self serving, self indulgent overweight and highly judgmental and dishonest people? I am afraid there is all too many that fit this description.
It’s so sad that they place themselves about the very reason and spirit of why Amateur radio was formed.
Maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and admit the truth. Burt may not be the best at delivering the message, but he is 100% on the money.
James
January 9, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Ohhhhhh boy. Now “James” is trying to use Jesus to sway our feeling towards Burt and his magnificent bullshit.
Well once again James is at it trying his best to get the masses to “confess” using bible tactics and even comparing ol’ Burt to JESUS CHRIST of all people. Now I’m really laughing because these assholes have the gall to even compare Burt to JC himself. Whatever, James.
Sorry James, but you will NEVER get the confessions you so desperately are looking for here. And like Burt, if the “hobby” troubles you so much then sell your shit and get the hell out. Until then you too are just one of the whiners who cry foul just because of a some things you don’t like in amateur radio in general. But I would agree with you there are some overweight people in the hobby. But it’s interesting how you talk about Jesus Christ and thereby introducing religion of all things into your rant, but then turn right around and talk shit about people who are overweight as if they’re the scourge of the hobby. You assholes really need to get your shit straight if you’re gonna try and run with the whole “Christ-Like” approach yet turn right around and run people down in the same breath because they weight too much. You’ve got a lot of nerve even mentioning Christ when you too have hate, deceit, or whatever you want to call it for your fellow man.
You sons of bitches need to get your shit straight and *think* about what you’re saying before coming here to run your little mouths about amateur radio of all things. After all, it’s just a hobby, so if you can’t handle it then get the hell out or shut the hell up. Talking about Jesus Christ isn’t gonna change the fact you are just another goody-two-shoes asshole looking to start shit with people just because we don’t happen to agree with Burt Fisher
James, you need to pull it together before even attempting to try running a religion scam on us you ignorant bastard. You have totally failed with your prior attempts to “convert” us all to Burt’s side so I guess you thought you’d try to pull some religious guilt trip bullshit. Only thing is you talk out of BOTH sides of your mouth here, which is why you will never get anyone to rally behind the bullshit you’ve been spewing here.
I sincerely hope you or Burt return with even more baloney bullshit because this has been utterly hilarious reading you guys’ bullshit the past year. So please do return and tell us all more crap so we can have even more fun with it because you assholes are entertaining if nothing else
Marcus Harrison
January 14, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Burt, this is all such common sense! I really like your point of view. I haven’t been on the air for a long time, and I am just now getting back into the hobby. I am SO GLAD that I have watched your video before I say anything on the air. I agree whole heatedly on what you are saying. I think the point of all this is — please be genuine. Be polite and then learn something about someone. I sell cars. I do a lot of product talking. But you know, the only talking that is really interesting, the parts I repeat to anyone, is what I’ve learned about someone, not about what they have. I think it would be nice to have interesting radio again! Isn’t that really the main point of your talk? I agree.
Mark - Marion Ohio
February 29, 2012 at 2:46 am
Burt, you must be loopy because I see numerous disputed retorts by people here against what you have said. I don’t know what planet you come from but I have read a bunch of things right here that people have said in direct relation to your ranting that have not only disputed you, but placed things in proper perspective.
I can understand a few of the things you rant about in terms of ham radio annoyances but they are merely annoyances and nothing more. As others have already said, I also agree your issues with the hobby in general are just “pet peeves” and nothing more. As irritating they may be to you, it’s just one of those things you will have to tolerate if you want to continue participating in ham radio as a hobby. And just like the other gentleman stated, if you think any issue is that bad then do something about it instead of just bitching all the time.
You have numerous videos putting people down in the hobby for doing things YOU do not like. Although you may think you are right, you are also wrong here. Talking trash about other people for things that are largely “annoyances” makes you just as bad as those you trash. Stop making useless videos and DO something about what you feel is so wrong in the hobby, the world, or whatever arena you have a problem with. Complaining and making complain-videos really does make YOU look bad because all people will remember after-the-fact is many of the issues you have with ham radio operators, which are only minor things to many. In the end it is your name that will go down as being that kooky old man who just can’t cope with life. So stop making complaining videos and start promoting good operating practices. Mixing the two only makes you look foolish.
Personally I do not have much issue with many of the things you have talked about either here or in your videos. Some truly need attention for sure, but much of your complaints have just been stupid issues that certainly are not worth getting the reputation you have had for a while now. But it is not too late to turn that around and do good things from this by ceasing some of the things you have been doing. But in the end it is your choice. However, you HAVE been disputed here by several people already. Just claiming you have not been disputed does not suddenly make it so, as we can all read what has been written towards you and it is rather compelling against your claims of all you seem to rebel against in the hobby. I am sorry but we are NOT with you on this.
Jim Barnett
March 21, 2012 at 5:19 pm
When I first heard Burt my reaction was a bit the same as many Amateurs, then I decided to listen carefully to see if I could dispute what Burt said, or validate his point. To start out one has to decide whether he is going to be honest, or just take a position. Being a retired Detective I had a responsibility to be honest not only to the subject matter, but to myself as well. A Detective never enters an investigation with a bias, if he does this, he destroys his credibility literally from minute one.
The first order of business is to listen not only to the evidence, but also to carefully listen to the pro and con side of the story. We have a saying, ” there is his side of the story, there is her side of the story, then there is the truth”. I can attest this is the case 100% of the time. Everyone has a bias and either attacks, or defends, in a direct relation to this bias. I will save my critique of Burt till last.
The first and most obvious thing I saw was the style of defense against Burt’s comments. Instead of providing a clear and concise denial based on evidence, we saw a circling of the wagons and an attack on Burt as opposed to evidence that Burt may be wrong or may have misinterpreted what he heard. The attacks were not of his points, but in fact were personal attacks on the messenger, with almost no counter arguments beyond personal feelings and emotions. This argument style is very much like religion, politics, or Chevrolet vs Ford. The tendency is to quickly attack as opposed to argue point, counter point.
Marcus starts out in one attack, by attacking someone who agrees with Burt’s views and points by making false assertions and lies such as “Ohhhhhh boy. Now “James” is trying to use Jesus to sway our feeling towards Burt and his magnificent bullshit.” We see Marcus didn’t use an adult response of pointing out James or Burt’s points and where they might be inaccurate, instead Marcus resorts to a vicious and highly emotion foul mouth ghetto style of attack.
Then we have Jim Barnett who attacks Burt ” Burt, you must be loopy” in another emotion style where he provides the typical “other mystery people disagree, then Jim in the next sentence agrees with Burt unintentionally, by saying “I can understand a few of the things you rant about in terms of ham radio annoyances but they are merely annoyances and nothing more. As others have already said, I also agree your issues with the hobby in general are just “pet peeves” and nothing more.”
Nice job Jim Barnett with your 180 degree argument, and validating Burt’s entire point.
What we have here is an emotional response to Burt’s videos with no actual facts contradicting Burt’s assertions. One after another I read personal attacks and outright lies to defend what they themselves do on Amateur radio which was one of Burt’s points of contention. Post after post those who disagree with Burt launch into personal and adominem style attacks, loaded with denials of what are obvious behaviors on Amateur radio.
Instead of disagreeing and providing at least a personal reason why they disagree, they just resort to name calling and even threats. One simpleton names Marcus Harrison has a common thread in his attacks, he has no point, just attacks and name calling literally in every post. Here he says “Apparently there are a lot of equally possessed assholes who follow this dickwad’s rants such as the moron who calls himself “j”.” Now Marcus you might wish to seek professional help since you think that anyone who agrees with what Burt has pointed out which is actually true, is somehow possessed, yet you keep coming here like you have some obsession with Burt and each time never provide any evidence to the contrary. If Burt upsets you so much you might try spinning the dial as Laura Smith said to a net/group who had contention with another persons religious views on another frequency, they actually read her response letter to their whining about the mans views, when they wrote a letter of complaint to her. Laura’s point is very right on the money, if someone has views you do not agree with, then move on. Last time i checked we still live in Republic and not a Mob rule populist democracy or Theocracy like the Muslim world. Burt and KC0EBM have the same rights you have, to spew what they think is true, without being attacked and threatened, or in the case of KC0EBM have the mob threaten his wife’s employer and mass call and harass the employer to get her fired because they have a disagreement with opinions. The death threats to KC0EBM, and endless letter writing campaigns to the FCC have become ridiculous and immature in the least. Not to mention the mob that jams his conversations with their gang mentality, much the same way people have on Burt’s videos, and this forum.
What I have witnessed on Amateur radio is beyond comprehension, and to be honest, most parents would be in horror if their children acted the way many Adult Amateurs do here and on the radio.
Over the months I have said nothing here, and made notes and paid attention to the accusations, points, and assertions and then listened, watched, and paid attention to what really happens as opposed to what was said, then made my post here today based on what I have witnessed.
Amateur radio is a “service” as the FCC calls it. It is not CB radio yet the 90% act as if it was, it is not a net CONTROL opportunity for those who want to control others.
Amateur radio has many types of personalities but the majority has become an intolerant platform for those who wish to control others, because they have lost control over their own lives. But ask any Psychiatrist and they will tell you it is most common for people who have either lost control of their lives to want to control others.
In the last year I have asked many a people in person and on many sites what they knew and thought of Amateur radio, and the responses ranged from they didn’t know anything about it to some glaring opinions from those who knew and were not Amateurs themselves. Many related the activity to what they heard on CB radio, noting fights, arguments, Jamming, and self indulgent activity.
I was a bit offended at first but then I have to agree.
Burt is right about Amateur radio for the most part, it is a bastion for the socially inept. But I am grateful for those few that use it for good. In the last snowstorm in Northern Michigan a number of Amateurs and myself included activated the local emergency nets and helped with traffic due to the massive power loss in the days following the storm followed by sub zero temperatures as low as -8 degrees in my area. I like a few headed out on snowmobiles into the darkened areas to rescue people who were slammed and trapped by 15 inches to even 24 inches of wet heavy snow that downed power lines, crippled areas with even no telephone or Internet due to the inability to get generators in place fast enough to keep the telephone services (both cell and land lines) running. Myself I Ran a snowmobile in an area where many retired and elderly lived who were literally trapped with no heat, telephones or internet to call for help. They couldn’t leave the driveways due to the heavy 24 inch snowfall an drifts exceeding 3 to 4 feet and downed power lines. We helped some get generators, kerosene heaters, and even took family member’s who came to help but couldn’t get to their elderly parents or grand parents to safety or to get a form of heat to them. To me this is what Amateur radio is about, a service, not a bitch and whine platform.
Yes Burt is on the money here, Amateur radio’s reputation needs a serious polish job, as the self indulgent little dick-tators have taken over the service. Amateur radio is not about “YOU”. It is about helping others and being Americans (in this country) who give a damn about their fellow American and that which once made this country great. It is all about tolerance for the views of others despite our disagreements or comfort zones.
Do I like the weather nets as I call them where they sit for hours telling the others what the temperature is? Well no, but I will not jam them nor will I interfere with them and demand they acquiesce to my demands that they do what I want.
Do I agree with KC0EBM and his religious views? Does it really matter if I agree? NO! Because he is entitled to his FIRST amendment rights to have his views and speak them whether I or anyone else agree or disagrees. Does anyone have a right to demand that he let’s them in on his conversations? NO and the FCC states this in terms.
Do I agree with Burt? Does it matter? NO!
The biggest problem with Amateur radio is it has become CB radio with self indulgent little men who think their views have more importance than the RIGHTS of others. This creeping Nazi like mentality is disturbing in the least and the immaturity of so called adults is distressing. I support the FCC including a maturity test in the exams to weed out people like Marcus and the others who think their opinions have more importance than the rights of others. These thugs who have a mentality not unlike punk teenagers who have no parental supervision and spew hateful comments, threats, and can only express themselves with vulgar language and frankly try to jam others on the radio and even here on this site with their abusive rhetoric gets boring, and is demonstrative of their mentality and lack thereof.
Sorry Burt I do agree with much of what you say but do think your fat comments are over the top, and the person who made the comments about our foods being unhealthy is right on the money. Yes there are Amateurs who wouldn’t lift a finger during the storm aftermath and even had the gall to demand we clear the local repeater which is owned by the ARES Races group so they could have their CB chats. Bit this seems to be indicative of Amateur radio these days, it, in their minds is all about them, as we see here in this forum. Forgive any typos I may have made, I am running on only 3 hours sleep. Have a wonderful day and get over yourselves about Burt, he has the right to have his opinion and you do not have the right to come here and lie about him nor trash him. Why he tolerates the stupidity is beyond me, but maybe his allowing the low life to do so proves his point better than he could himself…
William
March 23, 2012 at 10:20 am
This is in response to “William”, the self-proclaimed former detective who left us an entire dissertation of his thoughts but left no ability for anyone to reply directly to his comments. As such I will leave them here , like it or not
Seems Burt is the only one who can have and express his opinion here. Anytime someone else expresses their opinion (especially if they disagree with Burt), someone invariably jumps on here and tells us we can’t have our own opinion (such as the cop who posted his long dissertation agreeing with Burt -or should I say, alleged cop since anyone can say they are or were a cop).
And I guess we’re all supposed to be impressed how this guy used to be a cop? Throwing a bunch of long words and graphic explanations doesn’t impress people though. You wanna know what DOES impress people? Being open and honest about people. That’s why I like most of the replies here. But I don’t like anyone who tells me my opinion isn’t valid just because it doesn’t agree with the original poster of this crap, nor do I like it if someone who claims to be a former cop claims someone’s opinion isn’t valid just because they used a few swear words or didn’t work as a CSI agent at some point.
Clearly “some” people need to just get over themselves if they think they are more qualified than anyone else to come here and post their opinion of someone just because they used to do a certain job some time ago. I mean, how arrogant can you be? But the world is full of idiots who think they’re better than you just because they were a cop a long time ago, or even Burt who thinks people in ham radio are “doing it wrong”. You don’t like it? Too bad, you have to either live with it or stop operating and sell your junk. Posting BS videos or claiming you were a cop and trying your best to sound smarter than those you happen to disagree with isn’t the way to make your point because people are only going to laugh at your BS comments when you thought they would be in awe of your vast ability to bullshit us by telling us all how the “pro’s” did it when you were a detective or whatever the hell you claim you used to be – like it even mattered to begin with.
One day some of these people will wake up and realize nobody cares what you used to do in your job, because it has nothing to do with laying down the facts about people, at least not here in these forums. Oh it might matter in court but certainly not HERE. So go try to impress some little kids because were not impressed by your cop-talk here. And to think I was able to get all that out WITHOUT making it as long as the US Constitution like the former cop did.
And regarding the former cop, not everyone respects you so you might want to think about getting over yourself someday. Until then the kids are the only living things you might still impress.
Jim Barnett
March 31, 2012 at 10:01 pm
I can dispute a few things, easily.
“I’ll let you go” is a colloquialism that isn’t endemic to the amateur radio hobby. I’ve heard it used on the telephone and in personal conversations. Your complaint is invalid because it’s common speech used everywhere, not just on the radio.
Traffic nets are meant to maintain a pool of trained operators though regular practice, in case of an emergency. The messages passed need not be “useful” if it’s just for practice. When regular communications goes down, important messages can be delivered through the net.
“They [hams] hide behind their mic” is absolutely false! Every operator has to comply with the FCC part 97 requirement to identify themselves with a call sign, every 10 minutes or at the end of their transmission. A call sign can be easily looked up to reveal the name and address of the operator, so nobody can “hide” behind anything. If someone threatens you on the air, you can report them to the police and give the location of the offender. The police report also comes in handy when filing a complaint with the FCC.
“For I.D.” and “Hi Hi” is just harmless radio lingo. So what? What’s the big deal? Much ado about nothing!
“CQ vs CQ DX” Your complaint makes no sense to me at all. There’s nothing wrong with specifying that you want to contact hams in foreign countries.
There’s an inconvenient truth that you left out of your videos. None of the operating practices you complain about are in violation of FCC rules. Not one.
I could go on and on but I don’t have to. There are many other excellent replies on here disputing your “message”, if you cared to read them.
Anonymous
April 1, 2012 at 5:06 am
Please note: My post on April 1, 2012, starting with “I can dispute a few things, easily.” is in reply to Burt Fisher’s post on January 4, 2012.
Anonymous
April 1, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Interesting and woefully inaccurate reply on those who threaten people on Amateur radio. I have as a listener heard many times people run their mouths and threaten people and never give a call sign. Then later that same evening you hear the same voice in a conversation yucking it up about what they did to the other person with threats and jamming. So your supposition that they always give their call is false and you knew that before your fingers hit the keyboard to promote such a falsehood.
What I see here is the age old malady that people who protest the most about a criticism not directed at them personally are most often the most guilty of the actions criticized.
The most common reason I hear from shortwave listeners for not getting their ticket if they view most Amateurs as a group of selfish, egotistical, blow hards who run their mouths about others and engage in anti social behavior as a rule. Often I used to think they were taking things much too seriously, until I started to tune into amateur radio and listen, and now I tend to agree, with one addition, they also tend to have conversations where they are uninterested in what others say, and are much more in love with themselves, as evidenced by their constant bragging, self back patting, and listing their self worth reasons repeatedly day after day after day.
It is no wonder the youth of today find Amateur radio “a bunch of dumb old guys talking to themselves”.
James
April 4, 2012 at 10:42 am
I had the real displeasure of reading some of his posts last week he just a stinking turd that needs flushing.
MIKE
December 25, 2011 at 5:19 am
You are sure right about that, my friend! I’m all for that because many of us have been tired of reading of Burt’s bitching about every little thing he doesn’t like about the practices of ham radio operators. Apparently there are a lot of equally possessed assholes who follow this dickwad’s rants such as the moron who calls himself “j”. This douchebag runs his mouth calling other people posting here “liars” and implies they are food-a-holics of sorts with all his idiotic references to food. He refers to anyone who doesn’t like Burt-the-asshole as “teenagers”, thinking he is somehow superior to others merely because you may not agree with Burt. Then “j” further runs his little mouth here by accusing another poster of not making a comment in his bullshit video’s about how there are hardly any “black people” riding bikes where he lives. Moronic “j” defends Burt by stating he never said this and the poster is a liar for saying he did. However, I actually saw the video he referred to whereby Burt DID in fact make the comment in a video about there not being a lot of black people riding bikes where he lives. It’s not so much that Burt said what he did about black people, but rather WHY anyone would even bring up such nonsensical bullshit in the first place. But it’s clear Burt just likes to complain. And ol’ “j” is right there with him holding hist little hand in the process, making sure Burt has a bitch companion to support his BS.
Then “j” challenges yet another poster asking why they didn’t post their callsign here? Of course, “j” doesn’t bother to post his callsign either in all the piss & moan posts he makes, but he makes sure he points out how other posters didn’t actually list their callsign. Another dickhead called “James” makes the same comment yet doesn’t provide his callsign as well. What are these airheads thinking? But why would any body almost demand someone’s callsign but fail to provide one themselves? I think we all know why though. Assholes like “j” are just like Burt, in that they just LOVE to bitch about things. And if there’s nothing to actually bitch about then dumbasses like “j” will make up shit to complain about – Hence, the callsign complaint. Oh but later on “j” admits he’s not even a ham operator, yet he still feels somehow qualified to talk about the very hobby Burt complains about. Hell, “j” even supports Burt on a subject he has absolutely ZERO credentials in. So just how does that work? How does some asshole like “j” show up here and start flapping his lips about a hobby he isn’t even licensed to participate in. I myself am licensed but I’ll be damned to hell if I’ll EVER post my callsign because of dickweed idiots like “j”.
Then there’s “Neil”. This asshole floats in here and immediately starts calling amateur radio operators “fat”. But not all ham operators. Only AMERICAN hams. This illiterate orafice actually feels as though AMERICAN ham radio operators are the only group of people worthy of calling fat. Although it was pointed out to this dildo there are a LOT of fat asses in his country as well, he returned to imply this was not the case and that it’s only the Americans who are fat, lazy, slobs, uneducated, blah, blah, blah. Wow, really? What a cunt Neil is
It appears Burt has brought out the very best of his supporters here. Burt himself is an accomplished asshole. But then “j” and “Neil” make their debut as equally big assholes. And naturally they don’t like ANYONE who disagrees with ol’ Burt. Even though these crab-ass dickheads have absolutely zero information as to WHO they are talking about they still feel confident enough to run their mouths making wild accusations about those of us who don’t care for Burt as being fat, lazy, unqualified, and every other unwarranted bullshit reason they could throw out there in their pathetic attempt to discredit us. Only thing is these assholes only discredited themselves here. They proved without a doubt they are as big of an asshole as Burt could ever be. And all their pathetic accusations to innocent posters only tells everybody what sore losers they are.
So Burt, “j”, and “Neil”, congratulations assholes! You have succeeded in establishing yourselves as low-life dickwad douchebags who would rather complain about the hobby you claim you love than just have fun with it and do your own thing. All your bitching here has only demonstrated to EVERYONE what true assholes you guys are (of course, we all knew that already). But the end of the year is here and you ragged out bitches get to start a whole new year complaining, so you three clowns should be happy as can be.
Well, Happy New Year guys. I wish you another prosperous year of complaining and misery, and I’m sure you know what part of my anatomy “Burt”, “j”, “Neil” and “James” can suck
Marcus Harrison
December 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Marcus, you have the absolutely funniest replies to these people whining about ham radio! Your responses to various people who seem to support Burt are the funniest ever and we have enjoyed reading them. It is too bad Burt’s supporters have died down since last year because this has yielded some truly funny stuff from you! I only wish these people would have continued to reply so we could see you tear these fools up with even more hilarious material.
I know where Burt is coming from but it is his delivery of what he is saying that leave alot to be desired here. Whining about certain peoples’ terminology when they are signing off is truly a low blow and I would agree with you this is merely a personal “peeve” rather than an actual problem. And I also agree with you that if it irritates the radio operator that much then go elsewhere for your radio entertainment or just turn the radio OFF.
But Burt does make a few good points and I see you even pointed that out yourself on more than one occasion. However, all some of these fools want to concentrate on are the things they happen to not agree with you about, so they address your comments about Burt as if YOU are the problem when it is actually Burt who has the problem here.
I can only say that I agree with Burt on a few small points but overall he is complaining about minuscule issues that seem to bother other radio operators more than others. Some can more easily tolerate things than other people can. Looks like Burt can no longer tolerate much at all, which happens to many people when they get older. However, that doesn’t mean it is everyone else’s fault, only that people such as Burt need to learn to deal with his ham radio issues he obviously has because everyone else is not going to change for HIM or anyone else who cannot handle some of the little issues they may have with the operating habits of others.
Lastly, I also agree with you that making pointless videos likely only wastes his own time but will not change peoples operating habits just because he does not like it. But go ahead if it makes him feel better. But isn’t it mighty interesting how Burt implies he is the perfect operator? Anyone who makes this big a stink over other peoples’ radio etiquette should also consider themselves in the grand scheme of things, as it may not be everyone else but rather HIM that is the problem. But I’m certain this never even occurs to someone like Burt. He’s far too busy blaming everyone else for all that is wrong with the amateur radio hobby. And although I can agree with him on a couple small points, he completely lost most of us when it comes to the deeper issues he has with nearly everyone on the radio today.
Cheers to all
Jim Everett
February 29, 2012 at 7:25 am
You sure hit the nail on the head with these guys. I’m sorry to admit this but Neil and J have no business claiming the things they do because it’s likely they too have things we could talk about. As for ham radio people talking about Americans being fat, nobody has any room to talk when it comes to this subject because ALL countries have an obesity problem, not just America. But people love to talk about America anymore and will even use the same problems they have as a means to throw hateful remarks out there just to cut people down, or even an entire country.
How shameful it is today when these so called ham radio perfectionists think they can talk about others without receiving what they give in return. But many people think they can cut everyone else down and people won’t retort with their own remarks. That’s why the best policy is to not say things about others to begin with. if you don’t start this up then nobody will have a reason to return your coarse comments.
it is plain to see that Marcus Harrison has retorted because of the nasty comments by Neil and J, not to mention Burt Fisher. People seem to like posting their opinions but do so without regard for others and that is why this thread turned so nasty in the end, because people decided to cut down only certain groups of people. That’s why Marcus Harrison jumped in here and leveled the playing field by returning many of the not-so-nice things Burt, Neil & J have said first. Then of course they did not like it and returned with even more nasty things to say, which caused Marcus to come back returning the favor. This is why it is best to just not saying these things about people to start with. Had Burt, Neil & J not cut others down then everyone else would not have have said what they did. But to be specific it was Burt, Neil & J who threw the first punch. Everyone else only returned their nasty favors. But that’s what happens when people think its okay to talk trash about others.
Good for you, Marcus. Indeed you are funny with your replies
Richard Simms
February 29, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I say we form a group to kick Burt’s skinny ass.
Anonymous
December 25, 2011 at 4:14 am
Marcus Harrison I am making a broad assumption here, but you really didn’t watch the videos did you?
here you claim “And if he has a problem with Black People not riding bicycles where he lives then take it up with them.”
Yet on the second video at : 4:24 minutes he expresses a concern about hardly no black people in Amateur radio, I am still waiting for your bicycle assertion and it’s just not there. Marcus do you have a little problem with telling lies? Tisk Tisk Tisk Go super size yourself keep that rear larger than your chair…
j
July 23, 2011 at 4:14 am
The “Black People not riding bicycles where he lives” comment I referred to wasn’t made in the video you reviewed. However, he DID make this comment in one of his many other video’s he has made where he talks about such irrelevant things such as this.
The fact you have not seen the video I refer to clearly tells me you haven’t a damn clue what the man you are defending is *actually* saying in his pathetic little video’s. But if you care to watch it you can easily find it on YouTube by simply searching under his name. Until then I suggest you shut your mouth before trying to tell me Burt didn’t make this statement because he outright DID in the video I refer to. Just because you haven’t seen it yourself tells me and everyone else you are not aware of all the baloney he spews here.
Burt is a tool, a troll, and a hypocrite for talking about the practices of amateur radio. He continually runs his mouth about what is no more than “radio lingo” rather than a real problem. But if Burt, or YOU for that matter, doesn’t like amateur radio terminology then he’s more than welcome to get the hell out of the hobby because it sure isn’t going to change for him or anybody else who pisses and moans about such trivial bullshit. If Burt can’t handle someone saying “I’ll let you go” when they want to sign off then that’s HIS problem, not the entire hobby as he pathetically tries to blame it on.
Marcus Harrison
December 10, 2011 at 5:33 am
Neil it is the food it does not satisfy hunger and it’s designed to cause a carb load rush then you have a horrible drop in blood sugar then you buy more garbage food and go through that cycle again and again. We have been taught by the FDA that carbs are good and most diet experts condemn the FDA food pyramid as the Pyramid of Death, And it’s legal to do this here to rig food to make people go through this and the eventual obesity.
j
July 23, 2011 at 3:54 am
Vince Caruso
Hey Vinny are you not here also for the attention? You bet you are, and you get off being here.
You guys are an interesting study. Let’s go kick sand in the old guys (Burt) face because we have a mob mentality.
Nice group here… Like feral dogs they run a muck trying to find a victim.
Troll Dogs of virtual war lmao.
I hope you are all dumb teenagers with nothing else to do, because if you are not you all need a long stay in a straight jacket to sit here and Cyber stalk an Old man who doesn’t kiss your lard filled behinds. Too funny!
j
July 23, 2011 at 3:49 am
I actually read Vince’s comment and don’t see that he’s here for “attention” as you falsely claim. As for “kicking Sand” in ol’ Burt’s face, you can call it anything you want if it makes you feel better. But when someone puts out numerous video’s bitching and moaning about trivial bullshit the way he does, you can surely bet people are going to reply. Then when people do reply you jump on here and claim we are kicking sand in his face? So what’s it called when Burt slams an ENTIRE hobby for the practices of a few? Ohhhhh, I see. Then it’s *different* I guess. And why? Because it’s “BURT”. Yeah, whatever you gotta tell yourself, buddy.
You call us “feral dogs” merely because we speak our opinions on the issue, just the same as Burt did. So *why* is it okay for Burt to come on here slamming the shit out of people and you think he’s a hero, but when people don’t agree with him and reply with their own opinions, we’re “feral dogs”?
Once again, we now see exactly how you think and WHY. So actually it is YOU who has the “feral dog, MOB mentality” to even accuse others of simply stating their opinions in relation to this douchebag.
Now come on back and tell us all some more bullshit as to why WE are the bad guys just because we don’t happen to agree with Burt-the-asshole. We’d really like to see more of the bullshit people spew about why it’s okay for THEM to say everything they want to about a situation but not those who don’t agree.
Marcus Harrison
December 10, 2011 at 6:07 am
Jimmi Pennington where is your call letters?
I would give some if I had them. I might join Amateur radio just to piss you off Jimmi
j
July 23, 2011 at 3:42 am
Jimmy Pennington First of all threats don’t work with me little boy.
“You obviously need an enema if you think for one second people aren’t going to stand up against morons like Burt and now YOU.”
And how are you going to stand up against me?? please tell me little one.
You keep assuming I am an amateur despite my clearly saying I listen to shortwave! That as you know clearly states as I said I am a shortwave listener you know a “SWL’r”
Fact is as rough as Burt’s delivery might be he is 100% right and you are a liar. I have over 10 hours of recordings of idiots like you threatening that KC0EBM guy. You still avoided answering or addresses what I said, because you can’t you know it is true. So instead you resort to teen ager intimidation tactics. Well little one I have faced far worse than a but of waddling Cop wanna be amateurs.
Get over yourself Jimmi
j
July 23, 2011 at 3:39 am
I’d sure like to have a copy of your recordings of threats made against me on amateur radio. I’d also like to have names, call signs, home addresses, and photographs of these people. Elsewhere in this thread it was implied that FCC’s Laura Smith is Catholic. That would explain why she turns a deaf ear to all the nightly jamming and threats made against me and my protected speech on ham radio. Elsewhere it was implied that QRZ has been used to publicly discuss these offenses against me and my lawful QSO. That doesn’t surprise me either. But I need proof. I’ll take whatever you or anybody else has. If you can provide dates, frequencies, and times of these occurrences would be very helpful. 10 years of this garbage is long enough. I’m ready to take whatever action is necessary to preserve my free speech rights on ham radio. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thomas E. Friess
August 11, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Marcus are you an amateur? Do you understand a lot of what he says is right on the money? The selfish self involved ego massaging that goes on in contests, Nets, and various other behaviors to control others. I find it funny people avoid the subject and instead just attack. I don’t agree with his methods, but he has good points. for four decades I have sat quietly and listened to the very behavior Burt illustrates. Do I think he is whining? Maybe a little, but he still has a point.
You worry too much about being “liked” Marcus it seems to be a sticking point with you. Well everyone on one side of an argument once didn’t like this one guy because he said things that were true and made people very uncomfortable. They thought he was loony because he challenged traditions.
That man was named Jesus. Nope before you wet yourself Marcus I am not comparing, I am in fact illustrating. Illustrating how people when they hear something truthful and it points a finger at them, they become angry and wish to kill the messenger. Wait didn’t they do that to Jesus?
Burt can be quite annoying to some I am sure, and sometimes it does come off as whining, but what troubles me is how angry, hurt, and indignant Marcus is that he become a Cyber stalker and spews hate every chance he can at silly old Burt. And Marcus tries to rally others (like me) against Burt as if this is some High School popularity contest. What Next Marcus threaten him like they do to that one other annoying guy KC0EBM? Maybe try and get his wife fired? Now that part of Amateur radio we need to discuss, the violent evil little men who would get a mans wife fired from her job and use the forums at QRZ to falsely smear him and his family, you know Marcus it’s also called bearing false witness. Maybe BURT should do a series of videos on how the Amateur community as a whole endorses the persecution of one man because of this RELIGIOUS beliefs that deep inside we all know is the truth. But since it makes us uncomfortable we will jam, threaten his life, make calls to get his wife fired? Marcus is that disturbing? Or do you also hate that KC0EBM guy too? I have spent years as a shortwave listener listening to Amateurs plot against the man and they are so messed up in the head they do this in the open on the bands as they call it, and in the QRZ forums… Now answer that Marcus… WHY?
What did that man do to deserve such vile and vicious persecution? Just like the did to Jesus… I am sure the man wouldn’t want that comparison I made but again it is an illustration of how Amateurs act like some sick blood thirsty Spanish Inquisitors plotting to decide that mans fate… is that okay with you Marcus?
j
July 23, 2011 at 3:26 am
Marcus are you an amateur? Do you understand a lot of what he says is right on the money? The selfish self involved ego massaging that goes on in contests, Nets, and various other behaviors to control others. I find it funny people avoid the subject and instead just attack. I don’t agree with his methods, but he has good points. for four decades I have sat quietly and listened to the very behavior Burt illustrates. Do I think he is whining? Maybe a little, but he still has a point.
Anonymous
July 23, 2011 at 2:58 am
Lots of Americans are assholes and the same can be said of some Europeans too. But some of Burt’s comments are not easily dismissed and do strike their intended targets well. I’m into Ham-radio for the technical challenges and experimentation that it offer me.
As far as the over weight comments are concerned, this statement can be leveled at your society in general “Super Size Me”. Either thyroid problem are endemic or it’s simple a matter of impulse control and then sitting around doing nothing? I know what I believe is the truth and your only kidding yourself if you believe differently.
I visit America a lot for business and was in a restaurant looking for a glass for some soda as you call it, I could only find what can only be describe a polystyrene bucket!!! And all the “Gas Station” there compete as to who has the biggest bucket, its a sad joke and some of you are paying the price around your waist and that’s a fact…
Neil
June 26, 2011 at 9:40 am
Welcome to America.
Taste worth dying for …. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=panvf3eqtNs
I agree with you. It’s a matter of self-control and respect for yourself.
It’s a simple energy equation. And for those who say, “It’s not my fault”. Yes, it is your fault.
You are a product of every decision you ever made.
frrl
June 27, 2011 at 8:26 pm
It’s funny you mention weight issues in the USA. It never fails to amaze me when someone from some part of the UK chimes in telling us American’s how we are overweight and “WE” are the one’s to blame for this issue. Take Neil for example. This guys comes along and decides to post in a thread that’s been all but dead for a full YEAR and he decides to throw some more America is fat baloney in the mix. Wow, not like we haven’t heard that one before – only about nine thousand times now . . .
The really interesting thing about this kind of rant is the fact that where NEIL comes from, they also have a little *weight* issue going on, and have been for a loooong time now.
I’ve been to numerous portions of the UK and I have to say, those people are FAT just like we are. In fact, the obesity numbers are shockingly high in that region of the planet too, almost as high as the USA. So it’s rather odd somebody like Neil would stroll in here and make a post in what was a dead thread by saying “America if fat”. Better look at your OWN country there buddy, as you are also fat. In fact, VERY fat. And although the numbers on this issue are slightly higher in the USA, it ain’t by much. So you have a lot of nerve coming here saying we are fat and imply we have made poor choices resulting in our own demise when your own people are pretty much in the SAME boat. You may not sell super-sized soda “buckets” but your people are some fat-ass lazy folks just like we can be.
But unlike “Neil” I won’t lump an entire country into the whole fat accusation just because there is a certain ratio of those who are overweight. So yeah, I’ve been to your country too, Neil, and it ain’t pretty either when it comes to who’s overweight. But it say’s a lot about a person when they come on here and talk so badly about a country in terms of the weight issue when your own damn people have the SAME problem.
Apparently Neil has solved the question of why the USA has it’s share of overweight people. So what is YOUR country’s excuse? I notice you not only failed to recognize your own country’s fat problem, but also omitted the reason it is nearly as fat as we are.
Typical of people to only point out other peoples’ issues while quietly skipping over their own. Burt seems to share this phenomena of telling us all how ham radio operators are all wrong in how they do things . . except for HIM of course. Naturally the way Burt operates is always the *right* way of doing it.
Truly pathetic.
Jim Pennington
July 8, 2011 at 1:24 am
Polishing, as in polishing his wood.
Burt
June 30, 2010 at 12:37 am
Get-R-Done Burt….
KA3ZLR
June 28, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Get off his back and stop being so paranoid.
Ike Goesinya
June 23, 2010 at 4:13 pm
We would if he wasn’t such as asshole. Based on nine simple words from you, you sound just like him.
Ben Winters
June 23, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Someone tell Burt that they do have training bras he could wear.
Doug Everett
June 4, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I have no idea how wordpress could have or even would have printed anything on this guy. I recently happened across his rant videos on YouTube and was, to say the least, amazed that anybody would want to remain within the amateur radio hobby when all they do is perpetually complain about it through his videos.
This individual has problems with everything and everybody. He has a problem with the way other ham operators sign off, if they use “hi-hi”, whether or not anybody responds to his call immediately or not, black people in ham radio (yes, you heard that right), and even states that most people in ham radio are fat and too lazy to go outside and get some exercise. All in all I was quite shocked that any human being would go on a world-wide forum and actually post not just one video, but NUMEROUS videos about relatively the same list of complaints over and over. Furthermore, some of the things he complains about are a direct slam against other people, such as those with weight problems. It makes no difference to him if these people cannot help it or not. And even if they could help it, what kind of a person would publicly exploit a physical problem someone else has by poking fun at them without knowing anything about these poor souls? Many of these people already have issues with themselves due to their weight. But then ol’ Burt comes along and drives the blade in even further, all the while twisting it just for good measure. I’ll never understand a person like that
Burt’s video’s have little if not anything to do with constructive criticism of the amateur radio hobby, but rather a series of poking fun at people either because they may be overweight, not sign off the air the way he prefers them to, others don’t get as “personal” with him as HE would prefer, or any one of a slew of other trivial issues he apparently has with absolutely *everyone* he speaks to on the air. With all the complaining, poking fun of and badmouthing the ham radio hobby Burt does regularly, it’s a wonder anyone would converse with him at all on the air. So it’s no wonder when he announces his callsign over the air, be it simplex or repeater, which he doesn’t seem to hear any other operators who will talk to him. I know I sure wouldn’t if I heard him put his call over the air. Besides, even if someone was foolish enough to talk to him over the air Burt would simply mention whatever he felt you did wrong in his next YouTube video. Even though you operated within FCC guidelines this individual would STILL find a few things you did that really bugged him. But naturally Burt’s amateur radio operating is all done correctly. He’s not referring to himself in his videos, but merely about everyone else out in ham radio land. That’s when I knew this individual had a serious problem. His videos aren’t among those tongue-in-cheek type posts where people will sometimes list all the things hams do that irritate you. No, this guy has an issue with everything and everybody in ham radio and he’s dead serious.
Burt is NOT the kind of person that relates well to the general public, at least not within the ham radio community. He is cynical, argumentative, and finds fault with absolutely everything a person does on the air even when it doesn’t violate FCC regulations. This is not a person that is worthy of even the smallest publication to give a few lines of recognition to. I’m sorry to say this about anyone but the fact is Burt has a problem. Just check out any of his YouTube postings and you’ll see and hear everything you need to know about him.
I sincerely hope he receives the help he needs.
Ben Winters
May 16, 2010 at 11:23 am
“Burt’s video’s have little if not anything to do with constructive criticism of the amateur radio hobby, but rather…”
I don’t think you can lump all of what Burt Fisher says into one chunk and throw it out.
One interpretation of what Burt has to say is simply that Amateur Radio folks should take a look at some of the things they do from the perspective of general society and what affect this has on the public perception of Amateur Radio. For example, putting up an 70-ft tower in a neighborhood where the community standard would consider this an “eye sore”. That does not reflect well on Amateur Radio or the judgment of Amateur Radio operators. Burt’s point is that, perhaps, Hams lack empathy with other people – seeing things through other people eyes – when they put up things like giant towers at the dismay of the neighborhood.
As for Radiograms and Slow Scan TV as being essentially “irrelevant” – perhaps he has a point – especially when one try’s to sell Amateur Radio to potential hams.
From an external perspective, what is the image of Amateur Radio to a teenager with an iPhone when folks start talking about Radiograms, Slow Scan TV, CW, and the like?
Maybe that’s Burt’s point. Look from the outside in and you might get a perception of Amateur Radio that one does not have from being a long-time ham.
If Amateurs want to recruit members, then they need to see what Amateur Radio looks like from the outside.
frrl
May 17, 2010 at 3:26 am
It’s become painfully obvious to anyone who’s watched any of Burt’s videos that he’s negative about, well, everything. You say he’s got a point about Radiograms and Slow Scan TV. But what about the people that still enjoy that aspect of amateur radio? I can’t speak for Radiograms, however I know MANY people who still enjoy Slow Scan, Fast Scan, Packet, CW, RTTY, PSK31 . . . you know, all the less popular methods of communicating. So teenagers have their iPods, BlackBerry’s, iPads and Netbooks. So are we supposed to just abandon the older methods and modes just because there’s something newer out? I realize CW & Packet probably won’t draw in these young folks into the hobby but I’m not going to throw my gear away because Burt doesn’t like it. But who is this really offensive to? Burt and those like him. So Burt is going to determine which methods of communicating should be utilized by hams? Not gonna happen.
Then there’s the issues Burt has with the FEW people who have had to take on their POA/HOA for antenna restrictions. I guess Burt also thinks hams should just roll over and do whatever these organizations say they should do, even though they have a lawful right to have an antenna up. And although it may be offensive to some people who have no affiliation to amateur radio, it isn’t against the law for these hams to do this either.
Burt has a book full of issues HE thinks hams shouldn’t do. Most of these things are merely pet-peeves he complains about, and he actually seems to like complaining about these things so long as it elevates his own operating practices to the general public. I do some of the things Burt outlines in his rant video’s but it doesn’t bother anyone else where I operate. But just because there are some people who operate in a manner I wouldn’t necessarily prefer doesn’t mean I’m going to go make a bunch of hate video’s talking trash about other people, and even going so far as to call out “Fat People” as he puts it. The thing is I’m not fat but it still raises my blood temperature to see Burt (or anyone for that matter) to go so far as to make a VIDEO where he talks about people who are FAT and won’t do anything other than sit in their houses operating a radio because it would require “effort” as he puts it, to go outside and actually do something physical. Burt goes further to say that even Field Day “forces fat people to go outside, which is why you don’t see many of them at those events”. Burt doesn’t give a damn what he say’s about anyone, and his videos demonstrate just that point.
Burt has another video asking why you never see “Black People” on bicycle trails in a mountainous area where he apparently lives. Is this really a question that needs to be answered? Does this really matter? Even asking such a question shows us what kind of person Burt is, and I’ve gotta tell you it doesn’t paint a very kind picture
It is apparent Burt’s “Issues” with amateur radio aren’t the only thing he has issues with. Out of all the videos he’s posted on YouTube there is only ONE that doesn’t slam other people throughout the entire presentation . . . . ONE.
Listen to Burt if you want to. As for me, I’ll stay far away from him to avoid a confrontation, as I have no patience with people like this. There is simply no need whatsoever to slam people and be so critical of what everyone else does in a HOBBY. And just because Burt thinks certain methods, modes or whatever are outdated and shouldn’t be used, there are many who still enjoy it and use it as prescribed. It is the manner in which Burt goes about informing the world that is so offensive to people. Burt say’s hams are fat people who have no balls. Yeah, that’ll rally people together for the common good . . .
Ben Winters
May 22, 2010 at 3:53 am
Burt’s a Good American he’s exercising his Right as an American Citizen “The Freedom to be Critical” an He’s just as Chubby as the rest of us…so there Mmlllaaah..LOL…….
KA3ZLR
June 28, 2010 at 3:38 pm
And so am I. I too have the same “Right to Free Speech”.
So back atcha . . .
Again, if Burt doesn’t mind being known as one of America’s amateur radio assholes then we’re okay with that idea too. The claim of free speech doesn’t change that fact
Ben Winters
June 30, 2010 at 5:44 am
poor Ben you have so much self righteous indignation for Burt and yet no courage to leave you call sign? I may not agree with Burt on all the issues but he is mostly correct. Amateur radio has become in the last 40 years a good old boys club. They talk in stupid jargon like Hi Hi and qth, q this and q that to make potential newcomers uncomfortable to the point of not joining. I remember the howls and cries about the no code requirements and Amateurs openly saying it would bring people into Amateur radio that “were unworthy” of being amateurs. I remember a conversation years ago with the then President of the ARRL where I argued that Amateur radio has made itself a reputation of being Elitist and not wanting new people, he reluctantly agreed that was the reputation was there and the ARRL was trying to change it. But I told him it would never change because the ARRL promoted this for years with the Wouff-Hong mentality by Hiram Percy Maxim who employed the Spanish Inquisition mentality and promoted this intolerance every chance he could. Frankly the ARRL has never once denounced that horrid mentality and tacit promotion of the Roman Catholic Inquisition mindset and traditions of terrorizing it’s perceived enemies. The entire insanity that some how anyone talking about a personal issue of belief in religion and or politics should be banned and that person tortured is disgusting. I know you will probably say he was joking and thats a bunch of clap trap nonsense in my book. I was Raised Roman Catholic so don’t get started ben it won’t work on me. I have witnesses the persecution by the ARRL, QRZ against a man who had conversations on the radio about a topic that was most dear to him, and the hundreds of ARRL and QRZ members who in an organized attack relentlessly jammed his conversations and made death threats over the air against him because he dared to talk about his views on religion that was contrary to the mostly Roman Catholic Inquisitors on Amateur radio. This so disgusted me that I swore to never become an Amateur. And Radio is my life on a professional level as an Engineer. In Amateur radio freedom of speech is almost non existent if one dares to disagree. Tom kc0ebm and Burt have had to tolerate lots of abuse and I have personally witnessed the death threats against kc0ebm as a shortwave listener, because he dared to have an opinion that was against the Roman Inquisitor Hiram Percy Maxim who started the ARRL. The FCC has done little to NOTHING to stop this and Laura of the FCC knows full well what’s going on as her desk has been filled with complaints. But being a faithful Roman Catholic why would she do her job as she gets paid to do when her religion is questioned? As a Roman Catholic and a AMERICAN I expect people to disagree but the intolerance for other opinions and others who Amateurs feel don’t fit in is glaring. Burt is 100% correct on blacks in Amateur radio as most Amateurs if they think someone is black they won’t even address the person or answer them pretending they didn’t hear them and the few blacks on Amateur radio are relegated to a couple of frequencies.
Ben you fool no one who has spent any times in Amateur radio or as I have listened to it for four decades and watched it go down hill. Not to mention the intolerance for young people who join the service.
Ben you only are fooling the fools like yourself, and try to be honest and give your call sign next time..
James
July 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I notice “James” accuses “Ben” of not having courage for not listing his amateur radio call sign in his comments. Of course, you’ll also note James didn’t bother to list his either. So what does that make you, James? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. You have a lot of nerve getting on here talking about people and then doing the SAME thing as those you accuse. Personally I could care less if ANYONE leaves their call sign here, as it doesn’t mean jack shit anyway – As if posting one’s call sign gives them some kind of authority. Yeah, whatever JAMES.
I also happen to think Burt is a total, complete ASSHOLE. But it’s interesting how you attempt to make Ben look like the bad guy merely because he spoke out against Burt’s child-like ranting here because he doesn’t agree with him.. When Burt speaks his mind you hail him as a “good amateur” and simply speaking out here. However, when someone else “speaks out” they are wrong? You clearly need to re-examine your thought process, James. People are going to speak out regardless of what YOU think about them (or accuse them of). All anyone can do is simply shake their heads when they read the BS you just posted.
And nobody CARES what religion you were raised in. People like you can quote your religion till Jesus comes back and it won’t make us think any better of you, James. But you talk as if you are better than other people just because you are “Roman Catholic”. You clearly have an inflated opinion of yourself for being raised in the catholic faith. You are nothing more than a self-righteous asshole who thinks because you are catholic you are special. Screw you James. Screw you and those like you for even hinting that you are better merely because you are “catholic”. And don’t act like that’s not what you were saying because you know damn good and well that’s EXACTLY what you were saying here.
Ben never said amateur radio didn’t have problems. You apparently assumed that because you are so in-love with anything Burt says here (and likely anywhere he runs his mouth). Clearly amateur radio DOES have issues, and LOTS of them. But name just ONE service as large as amateur radio that doesn’t have it’s issues. Even the “Roman Catholics” have their pedophile problems and overall sexual issue they have dealt with over the years haven’t they? It would have been better to not even open your mouth here than decide to respond to someone who wrote their comments a FULL YEAR ago. But I guess some people are just slow as hell anymore.
So go ahead James, reply with even more BS because those of us who have heard Burt run his mouth know that most of the shit this moron says is just his OWN intolerance of the amateur radio hobby brought on by his ever increasing AGE. You also apparently have the same effect happening if you can even remotely agree with that idiot. So go on James and reply with more of your smarmy BS about how ham radio has gone to the dogs. Please tell us all more of your pathetic BS so we can all brand you as being an ASSHOLE just like Burt has been for many years now. You obviously need an enema if you think for one second people aren’t going to stand up against morons like Burt and now YOU.
Amateur radio has changed over the years, James. SO DEAL WITH IT or GET OUT OF THE HOBBY because it won’t change just because dickheads like you and Burt don’t like it anymore. All your pissing and moaning got old a LONG time ago, so MAN-UP and deal with the changes or sell your shit and LEAVE, you roman catholic SNOB.
Jim Pennington
July 22, 2011 at 2:48 am
James you do realize that Burt was remarking about how he doesn’t see Black People riding bicycles where he lives? I saw his ridiculous videos and also think he’s ding-dong and his ranting does go too far and deals mainly with issues he personally cannot handle in life. And if he has a problem with Black People not riding bicycles where he lives then take it up with them. What does that have to do with ham radio? It doesn’t. But he likes to complain about things which is why he makes his little video segments. And the amazing thin is people like you actually agree with him. Agree all you want with that fruit loop. But then you start cutting other people down because they don’t agree with Burt and his loony beliefs you are going to start something you won’t like, because a LOT of people don’t like Burt or the things he has problems with.
Marcus Harrison
July 22, 2011 at 2:57 am
Ben,
It’s been nearly 2 years and your words still ring true.
It’s also been nearly 4 years since the Truth Revealed video was posted on YouTube, and reading the comment thread there, it’s clear that burt2481 is abnormally preoccupied with provoking fights with everyone.
None of it helps the amateur radio service and I agree with your assessment! Well said, Sir!
Lloyd
April 20, 2012 at 4:12 am
Where are all the replies????? How come your hands shake when you are talkking? Is it because you have a mental disorder? Most would say yes….I would agree. You do this for attention……it is obvious by your comments that you are not normal….talking about pileups…then translating that to some hangup you have been dealing with for years…..unreal. Back up your statistics before you open your un-educated mouth….present facts, not your attempt at convincing people to beleive what you say is factual…..nuff said …..look in the mirror and do a self inspection…..you just might scare yourself…..if you dont….that explains it all….you are whacked!
Vince Caruso
May 22, 2009 at 3:42 am
Polishing the image of amateur radio? How? By looking down on others. Hardly Polishing
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 4:43 pm