[KYHAM] Use of Terms Amateur vs. Ham

[Pat Spencer, KD4PWL]

I agree!  Sometimes, I have also found that "ham radio" has some strange
connotations to it as well.  I loved the sign I saw on a store when I was
leaving the Dayton Hamfest.  It said "Welcome Hamsters."  I guess some of u=
s
could be considered a little fuzzy around the edges.

Similarly, I was being interviewed by the local newspaper a while back, and
the reporter kept wanting to call us "Hammers."  Can't you get those withou=
t
a license on aisle 5 at Home Depot?

To the defense of the term amateur radio.  Here is a passage I put in the
Fayette County ARES Plan. "Don=B9t take the word =B3amateur=B2 in =B3amateur radio=B2
too seriously. When we walk onto a scene, into an EOC, or arrive at an even=
t
we are professionals. Take pride that you possess a special capability that
most people don=B9t have. Do your job to the best of your ability."

Maybe we just need to find a better name for our favorite hobby.  I am sure
there are a thousand suggestions.  I say this in all seriousness, but at th=
e
same time in good jest.

Take care all! 73,
Pat, KD4PWL


> From: Ham Radio <ke4sgv@juno.com>
> Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 12:14:25 -0400
> To: kyham@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [KYHAM] Use of Terms Amateur vs. Ham
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> Hello Everyone,
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> I came across some interesting use of words:
> Amateur - Originally meant "a lover of_____", such as an amateur
> astronomer. This was an individual who appreciated and studied a subject
> for the love of it.  It was an endeavor for the enjoyment of itself.
> This person would not ever think of taking money for his/her work.  Quite
> unlike a professional, who was paid for their services.  Only in recent
> times do people sometimes equate the word amateur with something less
> than refined or polished or just a dilitante.
> In the Spanish language they do not have this problem.  They use the term
> "Radio Afficionado"!  This reflects well upon us.
> I saw a Canadian at the Dayton Hamvention this year with a badge that
> read "I am a Professional Amateur Radio Operator"... which reflects the
> Canadian sense of humor quite well.  Anyway, the term "Ham Radio
> Operator" still has meaning and lots of respect throughout the
> English-speaking world.
> Feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested.
>=20
> 73
> KE4SGV
> Bill
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