[KYHAM] Use of Terms Amateur vs. Ham

Wed, 22 May 2002 17:22:04 -0700

Hi Pat and all,

First, I really benefit from the articles posted here such as emergency
operations, battery power etc.  Keep up the good work.

It has been suggested by Wallace Murray KE8HR, a Michigan ARRL Technical
Specialist that we in Michigan could benefit from some type of list server
like the one you maintain for cooperative exchanges of information and
ideas.  We would wish it accessible to all of our section TS staff and any
interested person wishing included-much as you do.  Any advice on how to
proceed is appreciated in advance.

Concerning the terms: We may be stuck with the term Amateur and continue to
accept "showing real professionalism" as a high compliment for good service
to those we serve.  The communications act of 1934 defines our service, as
Amateur and Part 97 of the FCC rules are the rules governing the amateur
radio service.

The term Ham is thought by some to have its origins in Vaudeville
performances-perhaps for overacting.  I believe the term 73 is considered to
have originated in wire line telegraphy.  Many terms are abbreviations used
in radiotelegraphy such as the "Q" signals such as QSL to acknowledge
receipt or simply R for Rodger.  The English language is evolving and even
CW abbreviations like QRZ, originally are you calling me or station calling
please identify is sometimes used on radiotelephone in place of the query
"is the frequency in use".  Even the old meaning of the term LID, an
abbreviation for an extremely rude and poor operator does not offend those
who are enamored with Lid Dom.  There is a site that is funny:
http://www.webdeals.net/local.htm

73 de Dave W8YZ

David Smith W8YZ
Technical Coordinator
Michigan Section ARRL
Monroe, Michigan 48162-2943
Phone 734-242-5589
Fax 734-242-8413
Cell 734-479-4686
E-Mail: [email protected]
OR: [email protected]
Please visit our websites at:
http://www.arrl.org/sections/index.html?sect=MI
Or:
http://www.msp.state.mi.us/division/emd/staff.html

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of Pat Spencer, KD4PWL
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 10:32 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KYHAM] Use of Terms Amateur vs. Ham

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 us
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 without
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�t take the word �amateur� in �amateur radio�
too seriously. When we walk onto a scene, into an EOC, or arrive at an event
we are professionals. Take pride that you possess a special capability that
most people don�t 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 the
same time in good jest.

Take care all! 73,
Pat, KD4PWL

> From: Ham Radio <[email protected]>
> Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 12:14:25 -0400
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [KYHAM] Use of Terms Amateur vs. Ham
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> 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.
>
> 73
> KE4SGV
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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