[Elecraft] 73, et al.

[Bruce Beford]

> Bruce, note that T.O.M. hand wrote "73's" on his cards. 
 
> Newbie? T.O.M. was T.O.M. when still in diapers! The radiomen of his time
> had an almost clean slate on which to scribe their rules. 
 
Point well taken, Ron. The early pioneers of Amateur Radio did indeed make
their own rules and develop their own procedures. I imagine that many had
telegraphy experience with the railroads or Western Union, etc. I am sure
that landline telegraphers established the first "standards" during the
early days of radio.
 
As you said, languages evolve, and our "hamspeak" is no exception. There is
room for several dialects.
 
Thanks,
Bruce, N1RX