possible anti-gloom lessons

It's more fundamental than how "clubs" are organized or how they
set up for events. The problem is that society has grown far beyond
the basic technology behind Ham Radio. We have video cellphones,
ipods, laptop computers and satellite TV. Why should any kid be
interested in talking to someone on a radio with a lot of static
and actually have to study for and take a test just to get a license?
After all you don't need a license for a cellphone or computer...

Same with aviation. There are so many other cool things for people
to do that cost a lot less money and don't take near as much work
and effort... why bother when you can just go out and buy a jet-ski,
or a dirt bike. Powered flight is common place today, so is radio
communication. It doesn't elicit the magic and fascination that it
did in the 1960's.