Friday, July 6, 2018

Bullied on the Air? Ham Help is Available


If you've been bullied on the radio (and yes, it does happen, even among hams), you now have a place to turn for support and encouragement. Newsline is reporting that one amateur in Australia is offering support and more. Otto Benschop, VK6FLAB, has held an Australian "foundation" or beginner's, license since late 2010, and in his early days on the air, was subjected to routine harassment and rude remarks by other hams with more advanced licenses. Benschop has set up a page on the VK6.net website (<http://www.vk6.net/bully>) with tips on coping with bullying episodes and even a form on which one can report instances of being bullied. The form is focused specifically on Australia but the tips and links may be helpful anywhere.