Well, it's been a while since I turned my attention to the RSGB and its monthly magazine, RadCom, often changed to AdCom by critics, as it has so much advertising within.
Someone astutely observed a while ago that RadCom book reviews are almost always positive, and have nothing bad to say about any aspect of the texts examined.
This is quite important, because book sales make up a very large fraction of the RSGB's annual income, and potential buyers of these texts deserve a proper, rather than just an always-positive review.
Let's have a look at the Christmas 2019 edition of RadCom. Before we get to the books, there's a review of the Ciro Mazzoni 'Baby' Loop, a magnetic loop antenna that will set you back £1229.95 at the time of writing. There is absolutely no hint in the review that, should you wish to, it's easily possible to build a magnetic loop antenna for 40-10m for less than £100, or a bit more if you bought a fancy vacuum, rather than air-spaced capacitor, which is by no means necessary.
OK, the reviewer has been asked to comment on the commercial product. But should the RSGB simply fail to mention a substantial amount of money could be saved through a simple homebrew project, and instead, give the impression, at least to those just starting in the hobby, that they have to find £1229 for an antenna, in addition to the £1000+ rigs advertised prominently in the same magazine? I think not and, moreover, that the RSGB has a duty to help its members and prospective members to save money and learn how to build things. After all, we are still in the throes of a severe economic crisis, where money is in short supply for many.
Onward to the books. Any evidence of negative comments? Not a bit of it!
First, Brixmis, a book about the Cold War:
"It is a gripping read...It's a truly remarkable and very lively account that I really enjoyed."
Next, How to survive and atomic attack:
"This book is quite fascinating. It will definitely bring back some not-entirely-welcome memories to some, and/or give you something to talk about with your grandchildren." [with a very RSGB-eqsue presumption that only grandparent-aged people are reading RadCom.]
Then, House of Spies:
"This book...does it in a very readable way...Fascinating stuff."
Next up, The Discovery of the Universe:
"There is a colour section [ooh!] with some breathtaking images...all of which aid understanding of the topic. The breadth of this book's coverage is enormous, and all of it is in a readily digestible form. I found it very interesting and stimulating and hope you will too."
Penultimately, XY and Z:
"This book certainly opened my eyes to a whole new 'take' on the history of Enigma [not another one!] and if you have any interest at all in the subject [why else would anyone buy it?] you'll find this book contains a lot more of the story than is normally published."
And, lastly, Space Exploration:
"Rather than try to be all things to all people, this book describes itself as a sort of 'executive summary' of the grand, glorious enterprise we call space. It's supported by an extensive set of appendices and references that contain more technical information in the express hope that it launches you into your own journey. I think it will."
So, every book anyone ever reviews in RadCom is brilliant and worth buying. Strange, that, when so much of the RSGB's income depends on book sales, especially around Christmas.
Meanwhile, here's a public message from the RSGB:
1 comment:
Through the post you wrote about the RSGB Radcom magazine I think you're just not happy with it. Or your expectations are too high? It is interesting to read that Radcom suffers the same as the VERON magazine Electron. Many are unhappy. Personally I think the radio amateur magazines have had their time. There are much more interesting things to read on the internet from actual hamradio operators like you and me. 73, Bas
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