Just to add my piece...   
      
   I'm a "no-code" Amateur Extra and proud of it.  I got my tech ticket in 1999,   
   upgraded to General in 2007 and in 2008, upgraded to Extra (+1 for Hamtest   
   Online).  I did it for me and no one else.  In my area, we have a great bunch   
   of hams. We all admire each other and never look down at anyone because of   
   their license class. We're just glad to have them participate! We all have   
   different areas of the hobby that we enjoy. For me, it's the HF bands and the   
   special event stations. I enjoy phone and the various digital modes as well as   
   a ragchew on the local 2M repeaters.   
      
   As far as CW goes....I started learning it back in 1987 not long after my   
   step-father got his license. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I had to   
   let it go for awhile.  I still remember a little bit...but no where near enough   
   to carry on a conversation.  I most certainly want to learn it...but if I   
   don't, that's okay, there's plenty of other ham related activities. I still   
   have a great time on the radio and have talked to many interesting people and   
   made a few friends in various parts of the USA.   
      
   I'm not a member of any of the local clubs...but am still friends with everyone   
   in them and talk to them regularly on the radio or in person.   
      
   Don't let those who think they're better than you because of a higher license   
   class get to you. YOU passed the test and have the license. Like I told a local   
   fellow here that had some issues with some other hams a year or so ago, "It's a   
   hobby, not a job. It's supposed to be FUN! Enjoy it on YOUR terms, WHEN you   
   want and HOW you want."  That was good enough for him and he's still hanging in   
   there.   
      
   73 de KG4CNA   
   Allen   
      
      
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