[ARC5] Vocation vs. Avocation with emphasis on the latter

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Michael,

Your point about different approaches for different hams (some here are
not hams nor otherwise use the radios) is right on. Being picky about
forms, units, and even grammar does have a place but in most of the
discussions among these widely varying 'hobbyists', context is your
savior. Somebody might post about applying 5 MV of bias across a
detector diode in his newfangled homebrew crystal set. That's MEGAVOLTS!
However, none of us on these lists is going to actually apply that much
lightning to a crystal set detector diode. I don't even have access to
that much voltage! We all KNOW it's supposed to be more on the order of
5 millivolts (perhaps 5 microvolts - the author WAS sloppy). Nothing
hurt. It only really matters when we are trying to do lab research and
all participant have to be on the same exact page. In my fictional
example we all know there is a very small amount of bias on that diode.
Nobody needs to be that fussy if they are building kit radios or
repairing/restoring one with the aid of manuals and diagrams from the
manufacturer. It was the manufacturer who did all the fussy stuff and
that part is over.

Most people are horrified to have their own warts pointed at so it's
best not to do that any time you don't absolutely have to. We usually
don't have to on here.

73,

Bill  KU8H