On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:40:07 -0700 (PDT), Art Unwin
wrote:

I can easily see myself as being viewed as an "unwashed ham" on this
newsgroup !

Mabye. Most recently, the term comes from cold war era references to
the GUM (great unwashed masses). This was a derrogatory term for the
average intelligence of the general public. The origin of the term
dates back to merry olde England, where it was used to refer to the
lower classes:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=29346
This may be appropriate for ham radio if you have an elitist view of
the Extra-Class license, accompanied by the usual snobbery. As your
FCC ULS page shows you have an Advanced class license:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=410939
this is entirely possible, but improbable. To avoid confusion, I
suggest you upgrade to Extra-Class so that your self image improves,
and so that you not consider yourself being viewd as a lower class
"unwashed" ham.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558