Your conduct affects your reputation

Yesterday, reading an Australian HAM Radio Facebook group, I noticed a post by a frequent poster - a young, enthusiastic chap on a Foundation license who frequently posts videos of himself out and about doing radio work. I don't pay him a lot of attention, but it's great to see someone enthusiastic.

He'd made a post of a video where he'd been using a radio in the room with two other, higher licensed amateurs, but was using his own callsign.

A commenter pointed out that the power meter on his radio indicated he was using 15 amps - something on that radio suggests that he was set to 100 watts instead of 10 watts. 

This quickly spiraled out of control; the first few comments really were not harsh or terribly accusatory, just pointing out that he needed to be mindful of his license conditions given it appeared that he was transmitting well above his 10 watt limit. 

Then he started by pointing out that the others had higher licenses, to which it was promptly pointed out that he was using his own callsign so was limited to the conditions of his license rather than using one of the others calls, where he could, under their supervision work within their conditions.

This in turn caused more comments pointing out, not terribly harshly, that he was quite simply not operating to his license conditions, and nothing more. A few more attempts at poorly trying to argue the point - when he had a video right there showing it, and he finally pulled stumps and left the group. 

An unfortunate display really - and one that was the opposite of what I normally expect to see in those groups. No one was treating him harshly - just pointing out that the evidence in his own video (which he commented numerous times he didn't actually watch) indicated he wasn't operating as he should - no actual allegation that it was intentional or otherwise. The commenters were reasonably respectful, but the agitation was starting to become a little more evident as he tried to argue the point, ignore the obvious before finally tarnishing his reputation by removing himself from the group. 

A sad state of affairs. I feel a little for the guy. It takes a bit of guts to put yourself out there as he does but he didn't take constructive criticism well, and that is unfortunate. How one handles that reflects greatly upon them as a person, their willingness to learn and their ability to grow.   

I have no problem with the chap, and I wish him well. It's great that he enjoys this hobby, but he does need to learn to cop it on the chin when it's due and learn how to deal with "the big kids" - especially on the Internet. Not everyone will just say thank you and be positive about your efforts. Some will try to guide you and  let you know how to improve. Occasionally they'll even be nice about it. Part of ones growth is learning how to be resilient in the face of this.