// snip //

and have consistently
supported my view of what is Ham Radio, and have
done that without indulging in the sorts of behaviours
that are out of place with those associate with the
scouts such as you exhibit below. For some reason,
those from the gutter who should not be associated
in any way with children (such as yourself below) choose
to pick on me and proceed to illustrate very well what is
the difference between those in the hobby (CB Radio) and
those in the adult technical pursuit (Ham Radio).

CB and Amateur radio are both "hobbies". CB is nowhere near as sophisticated
and held in such high regard as Amateur radio but it is a "hobby"
nontheless.

Here are a few examples of this...

From the ARRL Website,

Here's your invitation to a friendly, high-tech **hobby** that's got
something fun for
everyone! You can become an Amateur Radio operator--no matter what age,
gender or
physical ability. People from all walks of life pass their entry-level exam
and earn
their Amateur (ham) Radio license. They all share the diverse world of
activities you
can explore with ham radio.

From Wikipedia, the olnline encyclopedia,

Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a **hobby** enjoyed by many people
throughout
the world. An amateur radio operator, ham, or radio amateur uses two-way
radio to
communicate with other radio amateurs, for recreation or self-edification.

From www.101science.com,

INTRODUCTION: You can learn more about amateur radio at the American Radio
Relay League
web site. Want to know what this HAM radio stuff is all about in plain
language? Then
be sure to check the GETTING STARTED page. It includes information on how
to become an
FCC licensed amateur radio operator. For specific licensing information
click HERE.
Amateur radio as a **hobby** has many different aspects. This is one of the
things that makes
amateur radio so wonderful. There are a variety of activities for
everyone; men, women,
and boys and girls.

From eHam.net,

Welcome to the Guide to Amateur Radio for new hams. Whether you are a new
ham radio
operator or are interested in getting into the exciting amateur radio
**hobby** these pages
can be helpful as you explore the many opportunities of Amateur Radio.

From Don Irving, www.irving.org/hamradio/,

Amateur Radio, also called ham radio, is an extensive **hobby** that can be
used for world-wide
communications or for chatting with friends across a parking lot. There are
even gateways
between ham radio and the Internet. There are tons of fun things you can do!

All in all, everyone except a few people from this newsgroup see it as
something more than a hobby. It can be a technical and very advanced hobby
but it remains still a hobby. Why do people disagree and get so upset with
this word?

As most people see it, CB is a Hobby, Amateur is a technical Hobby.

As for the personal abuse you have been getting I think that's more to do
with your attitude and approach to others. I find, in general, if your
polite to people they are polite in reply. If you are arrogant and
dismissive in your attitude you will upset some people who will have a go
back at you in the same manner. I have cut previous posts short in this
newsgroup, not because I have lost the argument but because it's pointless
continuing as the other person has no interest in your point of view (your
as in whoever the poster may be) and is only looking for a one-upmanship
argument (for want of a better word) which benefits no-one and in itself is
a "childish" activity. Baiting people to lose their temper as some do is
also a "childish" thing to do and shouldn't exist in a "Gentleman's Hobby".

I know a few of you don't want to hear this but next year im going to be
taking my M3 licence to talk legally on 2 metres so keep a listen out for
me. I will post my nice new M3 callsign in here when it happens.

Look after yourself during the holidays and a Happy New Year to all,
Graham
--
-.-. -... / .-. .- -.. .. ---

Radio is only a Hobby. Don't let it rule your life...

73/51 - Graham, 26-Golf Charlie-19 (www.open-channel.co.uk)