DMJ> I think it would be a great idea if QST had more on Linux.
DMJ> Maybe even a seperate colume. The BBS people I have talked
DMJ> to either have used Linux out run TNOS system. And Linux
DMJ> has a lot of stuff unrelated to BBS software for HAMs. The
DMJ> HAM-HOW-TO would be a great outline for articles. I would
DMJ> read everyone. I think cross posting stuff from the Linux
DMJ> Journal to QST would be great with enough rewrite to
DMJ> satisfy the copyright requirements of course.
ARRL has fairly solid survey data which lets them know what percentage of their
readers have computers, how many of them use computers in the shack, and so on.
This information is critical to their ability to sell advertising, and it
allows them to tailor the content so that it is of interest to the general
population of readers.
There are also many elements of QST which are there not because they are widely
read, but rather because the small number of readers who do read them are
extremely vocal or fanatical, such as the DX or contest sections, or because
the editors feel that certain things should be published whether anyone reads
them or not, such as the board of directors minutes and the section activity
reports.
There has been a focus on using computers, but it is also probably unwise for
QST to take on a subject far afield from their established strengths. There
are dozens of publications already catering to computer users, and hams can and
do buy those. There are more magazines catering specifically to Linux users
than to ham radio operators!
My opinion is that Linux should make appearances in QST in connection with
useful applications, but it should not be oversold. The average QST reader
could be convinced to try Linux in order to use its superior networking and
packet radio capabilities, but Linux really is not practical unless you are
willing to devote a machine to it. Most people who have computers need them
for things which cannot be easily satisified with Linux alone.
I do think that Linux has a natural tie-in with the ham radio ethos of
homebrewing, and every ham to this day feels just a bit guilty when he buys
something that he could have made. A computer operating system that comes with
full source code is really the modern equivalent of winding your own coils and
drilling your own chassis. Sure, most Linux users don't actually write new
pieces of the kernel, but even in the 1930s most hams didn't build their own
vacuum tubes.
-- Mike, N1BEE