[EAS] Public Warnings Technology idiots

[Clay Freinwald]

A lot of this issue boils-down to the choice people are making today....

When faced between choosing between something that is- New and rich in
features, perhaps costs less, and will do something yesterdays technology
could not                     (LETS CALL IT 'BLING') 

And something that is - Older technology, has less features, and the folks
that knew how to keep it going retired....but it more reliable because it is
less reliant on other systems (LETS CALL IT  - OLD SCHOOL, OR BORING) 

The choice has become automatic - Bling will win out in 99% of the cases.

In the minds of many decision makers they look at this way - 

> Every time I flip the light switch - The lights come on .   Deduction - We
don't need a Generator

> Every time the make a phone call on their cell phone, it works.  Deduction
- See, it's perfect, and will always work when I need etc.

> Every time I start my car- It runs.  Deduction - Oil changes and
maintenance is not needed

I recall speaking at a gathering of Emergency Managers a while back where I
asked them some questions - 

> Why is it, when things get tough, you call in Ham Radio to save the day?

> Why is it the Hams are able to communicate when your sophisticated
communications systems cannot?

> How many of you have thrown out your old analog/simplistic yet reliable
communications equipment and then  - 

1- Later regretted doing so?
2- Felt you were force to because the fellow that maintained it retired?
3- Because you were talked into it by a - 
	A - Bean Counter
	B - A smooth talking sales rep for the company from whom you
recently purchase -Bling-laced' equipment ?

Final questions

>  Why is it this new 'Bling-enriched' equipment will, suddenly quit working
and had to be 'power-cycled'

> Why is it the older stuff never needed it?  

> Why can't they make the newer stuff have both 'Bling' and 'Reliability' at
the same time?

DON'T GET ME STARTED.

Clay Freinwald