Delivery of message traffic is a key factor in the impression we convey of amateur radio as a service to the public. How amateur radio is perceived can be influenced by our prompt and courteous delivery of messages. Yet many may not be comfortable calling people we do not know and may even be shy about checking into traffic nets so they won’t be asked to deliver a message. Even the thought of delivering a message to another amateur radio operator such as a new licensee can raise feelings of anxiety. There are some amateurs, however, who are quite comfortable making such calls. John Marcus, W1JWM, has written a script for speaking with others or for leaving voicemails. This has recently been added to the nts2 website at nts2.arrl.org/radiogram-call-script-guide. John has developed sales teams for over a decade and has made thousands of calls in his day job to deliver messages to absolute strangers. He also notes that he provides free coaching and “mock” or practice calls to amateurs looking for practice delivering traffic. Keep in mind, too, that you never know whether that recipient will find the message of value, but imagine how you will feel when they do.

Of course, when people screen calls and don’t answer a number they don’t recognize, or when a number is incorrect or disconnected, traffic handlers have often resorted to email if an email address is included. While not as personal as a phone call, there are some advantages and points to consider. In an email, the recipient has a written copy of the message to read at any time. When emailing a message, however, an explanation is important. A recipient may wonder who you are and how you received this message, so introducing yourself as an amateur radio operator and giving a brief explanation about how messages are relayed via amateur radio would appropriately be included in the email. Be sure to also include a way for them to respond to you with any questions or perhaps a reply to the originator.

I’m sure many have heard the question, why would we deliver by email when the originator could have sent an email themselves? The same could be said about telephone calls when most people have nationwide cell phone service. There is a variety of reasons, but the first to come to my mind is that we are exercising the network, teaching and giving opportunities for practice as well as keeping the network viable. When emailing, however, remember to ask the recipient for an acknowledgement of receipt so you can be assured the message was successfully delivered.

If phone and email are not getting a response there is, of course, the U.S. Postal Service for the cost of a stamp, which is really a tiny fraction of the cost of most radio equipment. An often-heard complaint has been, “my message was never delivered, and I never received a service message.” So, remember the “golden rule” of message traffic. If you can’t deliver it or relay it, then service it to the station of origin — that’s the licensee whose call sign is in the header. An ARL Sixty-Seven numbered radiogram with the blanks filled in is an easy way to do this and generates another practice radiogram into the network.

Do you have an experience in message delivery you could share to encourage others? Write to ntsletter@arrl.org.