Well dear reader, I’m very glad you asked!
It’s a hobby, it’s a sport, it’s a game, it’s work, it’s fun, and it’s a bunch of people all around the world dabbling in Science, Math, RF energy, Electricity, and more!
From Wikipedia:
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communications.[1] The term “amateur” is used to specify “a duly authorized person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest”;[2] (either direct monetary or other similar reward) and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire), or professional two-way radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis, etc.).
That article goes on with a lot of great information, but for our purposes here today, this is the starting point.
Welcome! 😀
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