In article , "Clint"
rattlehead@computronDOTnet writes:

"Len Over 21" wrote in message
...

The FCC does NOT use the term "ham" in Part 97. That's the LAW.

interesting topic spin-off, but I once researched where the term "ham" came
from... the only thing I could find was that it was simply a *******ization
of the term "amateur"

Heh heh. We will now expect that ARRL supporters to jump and reference
the "official" source of "ham." For once the ARRL is close to the truth.
:-)

Etymologically speaking, American English was already using "ham" as a
poor substitute for beef at the turn of the century before last. In show
biz
the term "ham actor" referred to a showy, not-very-good entertainer who
was more interested in presenting themselves than the stageplay.

The progression from "amateur" to "ham" was a natural for American
English speakers (a "*******ization of the word amateur" as you say).
According to the ARRL "official" source of all things amateur in the USA,
the word "ham" was used by professional radiotelegraphers as a not-nice
term for the non-professional radio amateurs way back in the beginning of
radio time.

"Real hams" do NOT like the word "amateur" at all applying to them. Some
want to be considered of "professional caliber" and constantly shoot off at
professionals in radio. They are shooting blanks of course, and their
caliber is about BB size.

So, we've got a bunch of these "professional amateurs" who want to be
"better" than real professionals because they think they are so damn
good. No doubt they are very skilled at morsemanship and have been
tossing out money for decades in building their "station," but very few are
REAL professionals in the sense that they accept money for amateur
services rendered (illegal, of course, a sort of "financial bootlegging").

ARRL is "professional amateurism" in an organized sense and with an IRS-
reported taxable income of $12 million or so a few years ago.

REAL hams are "superior" or something. They keep saying that outright if
not implying it constantly. I'm not sure what their "superiority" really is
other than marketing certain kinds of plant growth nutrient surrogates. :-)

Amateur radio remains a HOBBY, a recreational activity that requires
government regulation due to the physics of radio waves. Apparently new
folks aren't supposed to enjoy it or have fun in it unless they bow and
scrape to their "superiors" in ham radio. Rank, title, status, privilege
are
all "necessary" in the hobby of these "superiors." :-)

When questioned on their actual enjoyment of the hobby (to them it is a
"service" of a higher calling), they answer that they enjoy it "more" just
because they are "superior." :-)

LHA