LOUDNESS -- the key to ham radio fun.

I know you've read all the ARRL stuff on how considerate operators
only use as much power as they need.  And how exciting it is
to work DX using QRP.  Well, I'd like to make a case for being
LOUD.  That is having the largest antenna you can possibly fit
on the lot -- and the biggest amplifier that you can afford. 

The reason simply is that being loud makes it easier to find
someone to talk to.  I don't know about you guys, but my
time is pretty precious.  And, like, when I turn on that ham
radio I want results as soon as possible -- you know?  And, honesty
who wants to pick out some weak little station out of the mud?  
I don't blame people for calling the loud stations.  It's
just easier on the ears, you know. 

Not to say that QRP-ers are bad or anything.  You always here
of these guys who work all the Romanian provinces using 1/8th
watt or something.  That's amazing.  I don't know how they
do that.  And that's the fact for me.  When I operate with
low power I just don't get anything back.  Part of it is the
time it takes to make QRP contacts, I guess.  Also, it helps,
I think, to have friends who are there to listen for you.
Even so, with QRP you still want to be loud -- as a goal.
If I could be LOUD on 10 watts, I do that too.  

As a matter of fact, I believe that operating a big loud station
is the most considerate ham radio practice.  Because it's
most considerate to the people who you're talking to.  They have
to go through less trouble to hear you.  

Obviously, I personally have a ways to go before I've achieved
ham radio perfection -- ie that loudest possible station.  But,
I've taken it on as a goal.  Maybe sort of a self improvement
kind 'a deal. 

So, join with me and take the ham radio LOUDNESS pledge.

I (your name), do solemnly swear, to do everthing reasonable 
within my economic means to achieve the loudest ham radio station
possible.  I will make the sacrifice, of putting up the
tallest beams, and getting the biggest amplfier I can find.  All 
this as a service to fellow amateur radio operators, so they
may hear a loud clean signal.