Is it true Ham Radio hobby for lazy lousy people ?????

[A71AN]

Is it true Ham Radio hobby for lazy lousy people, those who love to talk and talk like widows?

I was discussing this matter last night with a friend, he keep saying Hams are so selfish, doing no much of work at their homes, neither they are helping their families with their problems, this is because they spend their whole time setting behind the radios, just to talk and talk, the only time Hams might do some work, is when there is a problem with their radio tools, that’s the time where they would do some work, as they need to be back on the air so fast to do more talking and talking

I tried to convenes him other wise but he still insist on what’s in his mind about Hams.

Is there any sign of truth in this ?

My friend is 100% correct and I am me not been prepared to except other wise, or is it my friend is totally wrong about his ideas concerning Hams?

[w8znx]

some people balance their hobbies
with family and work
some people do not

it matters not what the hobby is

mac

[KE7HQY]

I strongly disagree with your friend that all hams are lazy. Not to say there aren't some who are, but calling all of them lazy is an injustice to the people of the hobby. Here's some counter examples you could use:

1)ARES/RACES. Almost every city over a certain population has at least a band of Amateurs who have gotten together to build an emergency communications system. Many of them are quite sophisticated setups. You can cite the Katrina hurricane disaster as an excellent example of Amateurs helping their neighbors, first responders and local government.

2) Every ham operator is a potential asset in an an emergency. If there are no ARES/RACES or other amateur emergency systems setup, a regular ham operator can still help out. Even with no training besides their radio operating skills, most hams if they are called to will be able to pass traffic and help with communications at some level. All that "talking, blah blah" you're friend likes to lambaste about hones communications skills. In an emergency sitation, some ham somewhere may be at the best spot to help out and kick in their hobby's experience.

3) Ham radio helps the furthering of electronics and science knowledge. Most hams (often older and "lazy asses" as your friend may like to call them) could beat the general population when it comes to electronics or electrical understanding.

4) Amateur radio is an excellent feeder hobby into the telecom/radio/electronics industry. I couldn't tell you how many hams I've met who went into a technical field because they got involved with this hobby as a kid. People aren't exactly flocking to the sciences these days, and amateur radio is a good way to help drive interest in it. Sure, its not "millions and millions", but it is SOMETHING.

5) By its very nature, Amateur radio promotes an international perspective. It helps give people a way to get in touch with other people from around the world (either via HF, IRLP, etc.). There is a local ham club here where I live that has gotten hundreds of 4-6th graders there Technician licenses, and even some General licenses. A *major* hook that got many of them into the hobby was being able to listen and talk first hand with Australians halfway around the world via IRLP. For the small price of a basic HT radio, they can be sitting anywheres in repeater range and talk with someone in Australia. No concerns about internet availability or bulky computers. Sure, the internet has also significantly helped with international perspective. But it is the norm, and not many people actively seek out international contacts, and amateur radio is a way to do that.

6) It promotes good communications skills. When you're trying to chat with someone with a lot of noise on the band, you can't help but talk clearly. That is the only way to communicate. After some time, you learn how to enunciate (most do anyways :D), and how to deliver your thoughts coherently.

[K8MHZ]

Myself and several of my ham friends met at 7 am this morning and volunteered our services for the Wings of Mercy run. One of our youngest members father was among us while his son ran in the race.

http://www.wingsofmercy.org/

My opinion of at least the hams I know would be that they are far from lazy. I would hazard to guess that most of my non-ham friends were still sleeping when we showed up at the airport.

[N2RJ]

It is true for some people.

FOr me, it's not really true, although there are things I will abandon to get on the radio.

But these days usually WORK tends to get in the way of everything else, including ham radio.

Not much I can do about work. I have to keep a roof over my head and food in my stomach somehow.

[k9xr]

Is it true Ham Radio hobby for lazy lousy people, those who love to talk and talk like widows?

I was discussing this matter last night with a friend, he keep saying Hams are so selfish, doing no much of work at their homes, neither they are helping their families with their problems, this is because they spend their whole time setting behind the radios, just to talk and talk, the only time Hams might do some work, is when there is a problem with their radio tools, that’s the time where they would do some work, as they need to be back on the air so fast to do more talking and talking

I tried to convenes him other wise but he still insist on what’s in his mind about Hams.

Is there any sign of truth in this ?

My friend is 100% correct and I am me not been prepared to except other wise, or is it my friend is totally wrong about his ideas concerning Hams?

I think in many cases your friend may not be too far off base. When the "Radio Bug" bites it can turn most people into a fan in a hurry. It can also bite a little harder and turn a "fan" into a "fanatic". There is only a fine line between the two.

In my younger days I have to admit I was a fanatic. When this happens we can lose sight of the real world, and our priorities can become really messed up. In my case it took a long time to put ham radio on my list where it should be, instead of at the top of it at all times. That's right, there was a time when ham radio ruled my life and there was not time left for much else.

Oh, I had a seemingly normal life. I was married and had 2 nice kids, and I guess my family had everything they needed. But I believe I used to be pretty selfish and self-centered.

As I grew older I stared to realize there was a lot more to life than ham radio. Don't get me wrong, I still love hame radio, but it no longer rules my life.

Now that my kids are grown and I have 2 Grandkids, I have learned a lot more about where I've been and where I want to go. I will be just goofing around with the Grandkids and something will happen that I really get a kick out of. My wife will tell me they are just like our kids were, and you know what? Between working and ham radio I now realize I missed quite a few neat things when my kids were growing up. I think that is why I am so close to my Grandkids. It sort of lets you relive your younger years, although you never get back all that you have lost.

As for me, I think one of the reasons I turned from a "FAN" to a "FANATIC" was because when I first became a ham I couldn't afford to buy much in the way of equipment. That had it's good points too, because it made you build some things you couldn't afford. But I always heard myself saying: "some day I am gonna be a big gun too". A soon as I could afford it I went pretty crazy and just didn't know when to stop.

Now I have my fair share of radios and change them all the time. Unfortunately I am unable to have a really competitive antenna system now, but I deal with it.

Yep, I still love ham radio, but it no longer controls my life.

73 My Friend

Man I wish I could type faster!

[KD0BIK]

It's not an issue that is only related to ham radio. I know people who are into sports and will spend hours and hours on the sofa watching sports. The grass needs mowing, the house needs painting and the kids need a father. But that matters not.

Today I'm in Windsor, Colorado volunteering with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN). I'm spending this time away from the family, but since I'm spending the better part of about 8 hours away, I will be taking my wife out to dinner tonight.

73,
Jerry

[A71AN]

I strongly disagree with your friend that all hams are lazy. Not to say there aren't some who are, but calling all of them lazy is an injustice to the people of the hobby. Here's some counter examples you could use:

1)ARES/RACES. Almost every city over a certain population has at least a band of Amateurs who have gotten together to build an emergency communications system. Many of them are quite sophisticated setups. You can cite the Katrina hurricane disaster as an excellent example of Amateurs helping their neighbors, first responders and local government.

2) Every ham operator is a potential asset in an an emergency. If there are no ARES/RACES or other amateur emergency systems setup, a regular ham operator can still help out. Even with no training besides their radio operating skills, most hams if they are called to will be able to pass traffic and help with communications at some level. All that "talking, blah blah" you're friend likes to lambaste about hones communications skills. In an emergency sitation, some ham somewhere may be at the best spot to help out and kick in their hobby's experience.

3) Ham radio helps the furthering of electronics and science knowledge. Most hams (often older and "lazy asses" as your friend may like to call them) could beat the general population when it comes to electronics or electrical understanding.

4) Amateur radio is an excellent feeder hobby into the telecom/radio/electronics industry. I couldn't tell you how many hams I've met who went into a technical field because they got involved with this hobby as a kid. People aren't exactly flocking to the sciences these days, and amateur radio is a good way to help drive interest in it. Sure, its not "millions and millions", but it is SOMETHING.

5) By its very nature, Amateur radio promotes an international perspective. It helps give people a way to get in touch with other people from around the world (either via HF, IRLP, etc.). There is a local ham club here where I live that has gotten hundreds of 4-6th graders there Technician licenses, and even some General licenses. A *major* hook that got many of them into the hobby was being able to listen and talk first hand with Australians halfway around the world via IRLP. For the small price of a basic HT radio, they can be sitting anywheres in repeater range and talk with someone in Australia. No concerns about internet availability or bulky computers. Sure, the internet has also significantly helped with international perspective. But it is the norm, and not many people actively seek out international contacts, and amateur radio is a way to do that.

6) It promotes good communications skills. When you're trying to chat with someone with a lot of noise on the band, you can't help but talk clearly. That is the only way to communicate. After some time, you learn how to enunciate (most do anyways :D), and how to deliver your thoughts coherently.


Thank you my friend, I really like to do something here of emergency conditions, problem is, I do not know where to start whom to contact regarding this issue, it is nice to see the Hams here doing something useful for the nation and for the world in general.


Thank you my friend for what you do for this hobby and I wish you all of the best

[A71AN]

I think in many cases your friend may not be too far off base. When the "Radio Bug" bites it can turn most people into a fan in a hurry. It can also bite a little harder and turn a "fan" into a "fanatic". There is only a fine line between the two.

In my younger days I have to admit I was a fanatic. When this happens we can lose sight of the real world, and our priorities can become really messed up. In my case it took a long time to put ham radio on my list where it should be, instead of at the top of it at all times. That's right, there was a time when ham radio ruled my life and there was not time left for much else.

Oh, I had a seemingly normal life. I was married and had 2 nice kids, and I guess my family had everything they needed. But I believe I used to be pretty selfish and self-centered.

As I grew older I stared to realize there was a lot more to life than ham radio. Don't get me wrong, I still love hame radio, but it no longer rules my life.

Now that my kids are grown and I have 2 Grandkids, I have learned a lot more about where I've been and where I want to go. I will be just goofing around with the Grandkids and something will happen that I really get a kick out of. My wife will tell me they are just like our kids were, and you know what? Between working and ham radio I now realize I missed quite a few neat things when my kids were growing up. I think that is why I am so close to my Grandkids. It sort of lets you relive your younger years, although you never get back all that you have lost.

As for me, I think one of the reasons I turned from a "FAN" to a "FANATIC" was because when I first became a ham I couldn't afford to buy much in the way of equipment. That had it's good points too, because it made you build some things you couldn't afford. But I always heard myself saying: "some day I am gonna be a big gun too". A soon as I could afford it I went pretty crazy and just didn't know when to stop.

Now I have my fair share of radios and change them all the time. Unfortunately I am unable to have a really competitive antenna system now, but I deal with it.

Yep, I still love ham radio, but it no longer controls my life.

73 My Friend

Man I wish I could type faster!


God always be with my friend, I was never fanatic, I feel the familly have more right than anything hobby, specailly the children, they need care and attention at all time, I love also my ham radio, some times I do one hour and then stop and return back when I get time to spare, other wise I spend most of my time with the familly.

But I also like the idea which been presented here by some of our friends regarding the use of this hobby into cases of emergincies and for people who might need help, I am not sure how to intreduce this here but I like to find a way to do it.


Thank you again my friend, please have my best regards and 73

[KE7HQY]

It's not an issue that is only related to ham radio. I know people who are into sports and will spend hours and hours on the sofa watching sports. The grass needs mowing, the house needs painting and the kids need a father. But that matters not.

Today I'm in Windsor, Colorado volunteering with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN). I'm spending this time away from the family, but since I'm spending the better part of about 8 hours away, I will be taking my wife out to dinner tonight.

73,
Jerry

Yes, I agree that there are many other "pasttimes" where people are lazy. Watching TV for dozens of hours a week is a *big* one. They even coined the term "Couch potato" after it.

[w5dwh]

How is ham radio any different than guys watching sports 12 hours a day, or being on a computer for hours?

Ham are no more lazier than anyone else.

[ab8ma]

Sure beats Golf. :)

[ai4ep]

...amateurs can not be lazy...it takes a lot of WORK to memorize all those questions ( even for the technician class test ), it takes a lot of WORK to program a handheld radio, it takes a lot of work to program your basic 2 meter mobile and install it in a vehicle...and it really takes a lot of WORK to install and run the coax to any home antenna system, whether it be a 2m vertical or a g5rv, or ( gosh ) a tower and a set of beams.

NO WAY that amateurs can be called " lazy " , It takes a lot of WORK to get done just the basics, not to mention the things we do that I did not mention ( your ideas here )...now you can call cb operators LAZY, but not us amateurs. !! :)

[KC9NRN]

Is it true Ham Radio hobby for lazy lousy people, those who love to talk and talk like widows?

I was discussing this matter last night with a friend, he keep saying Hams are so selfish, doing no much of work at their homes, neither they are helping their families with their problems, this is because they spend their whole time setting behind the radios, just to talk and talk, the only time Hams might do some work, is when there is a problem with their radio tools, that’s the time where they would do some work, as they need to be back on the air so fast to do more talking and talking

I tried to convenes him other wise but he still insist on what’s in his mind about Hams.

Is there any sign of truth in this ?

My friend is 100% correct and I am me not been prepared to except other wise, or is it my friend is totally wrong about his ideas concerning Hams?

I have found this to be the opposite, since getting into this hobby I have found an interest to get more house work done so I enjoy my time in the shack even more. Could be just me.

[ai4ep]

:) --- or like with me, I was shaving my face & neck, and afterwards, brusing what teeth I still have left...and listening to 3.965 to a couple of men discussing all their medical problems..If I didnt want to hear them I COULD have turned the volume knob down, or tuned to another frequency...but I found it entertaining to listen and shave at the same time ( you might try it ) .

Sure beats listening to the local fm radio stations with their versions of " music " .

Methinks us amateurs are pretty hard working folks, just from the effort it takes to get a signal out over the airwaves on a consistent basis . :)

[w2ajw]

Anybody who thinks all hams are lazy has obviously never set up a 50MHz-47GHz contest station on top of a mountain on Friday and torn it all down again by Monday night.

:p

Some people become too obsessed with their hobby and ignore every thing around them regardless of what it is, whether it's ham radio, cars, stamp collecting, counting blades of grass, what have you. It's a personal problem, not a nature of the hobby.

[N7RJD]

I'd love to post an answer but don't have time right now. I'm busy hiding from the starving family and working on one of the radios I bought with the grocery money. I'll get back to you sometime when there's not so much more important things not going on. :D

[A71AN]

Anybody who thinks all hams are lazy has obviously never set up a 50MHz-47GHz contest station on top of a mountain on Friday and torn it all down again by Monday night.

:p

Some people become too obsessed with their hobby and ignore every thing around them regardless of what it is, whether it's ham radio, cars, stamp collecting, counting blades of grass, what have you. It's a personal problem, not a nature of the hobby.

I have personnel experienced the hard work during the last CW contest, 3 days in the open and challenging the heat and humidity by the sea, 120km away from home, continues operation, plus all of we have done by building up the antenna and setting the station and its layout, the hardest time was taken everything down and loading it in the cars at a temp of around 45C with no shelter around.


I lived some very hard times building my own station at home also but all that did not reduce my activities with my family and also with my friends.


Thank you my friend and wishing you all of the best

[KB3QLK]

Id really like to know what your friend bases his opinon on hams? Perhaps hes got a neighbor who wont cut the grass and has a couple antennas up. Does he think this about you?

[ai4ep]

lazy ? Well, I never !! :)

Maybe I should have bought some new tires to go on the ( 10 mpg ) suv, but I just HAD to have that new rig / antenna that is out on the market.

Bologna sandwiches for lunch & dinner, cant afford to get decent food, got to have all the money for another radio / accessory.

new shoes for the kids ?? man it is summertime, no need for new shoes. :)

[A71AN]

lazy ? Well, I never !! :)

Maybe I should have bought some new tires to go on the ( 10 mpg ) suv, but I just HAD to have that new rig / antenna that is out on the market.

Bologna sandwiches for lunch & dinner, cant afford to get decent food, got to have all the money for another radio / accessory.

new shoes for the kids ?? man it is summertime, no need for new shoes. :)

That is a nice job you are doing, tomorrow I will also take my car to a work shop, specillized to install, a trolys, I like to have a troly for my electrical generator and the gasolin tank plus my tent and some other stuff, this will help me to carry more load when going for portable work.

All of the best my friend

[ai4ep]

priorities...got to have your proirities in order.

can not go putting the cart in front of the horse :)

[kc9jwa]

I was kind iof thinkin you meant someone was lazy by just layin on the couch ignoring chores family , and just letting it take over, that would be lazy. But most help do volunteer or there when all else fails and enjoys the hobby, maybe builds, also family actvity, but also making time for evrything that be me right there.:) I work take care of my father in law and husband, do what i can. i also make time to hang and help others, also ham chat with others and relax, if quiet i just watch tv or here on the ZED man im addicted lol. :D