I recently came across a very interesting article on Wikipedia that discussed what people who are heavily involved in browsing and editing Wikipedia would be like, and they referred to them as "Wikipedia enthusiast”“Wikipedia addiction"The specific definition is as follows:"
Wikipedia enthusiastThis refers to individuals who are excessively focused on Wikipedia or other wikis, sometimes to the point of addiction. One common characteristic of this phenomenon is that victims read and edit Wikipedia articles at a significantly higher frequency than average people. Another common feature is the persistent and obsessive practice of keeping multiple browser windows open with recently changed sections (or, in a less extreme form, a personal list of monitored pages), and repeatedly clicking the "refresh" or "reload" buttons (or using real-time update features to avoid refreshing). Others click the "random page" button. Some individuals also endlessly edit pages and/or obsessively track and monitor the edits made by others they are fixated on. Like any other addiction, this phenomenon can lead to a significant decline in the victim's productivity and efficiency in their daily lives.
Wikipedia addictionThis refers to a person who is excessively and obsessively editing Wikipedia, to the point where it poses a risk or could pose a risk to their physical health.
I was just thinking about this, and I'm sure there are many people in our community who are extremely passionate about amateur radio. I also refer to this group as "Ham Syndrome" and have created a subjective classification system. You can check yourself to see if you fit into any of these categories, and I welcome feedback and suggestions from everyone~
* A friendly reminder to you:
1. This article is purely fictional and intended for entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to offend anyone or any organization, nor does it target any specific individual or region. The plot is entirely fabricated, and any similarities are purely coincidental.
2. One of the guiding principles for amateur radio enthusiasts is "moderation." We recommend that you manage your learning, work, and life appropriately. This article does not encourage you to dedicate excessive time, energy, and money to amateur radio.
I. Definition
Ham syndromeThis refers to individuals who are excessively or compulsively involved in amateur radio (in some cases, to the point of addiction), characterized by their intense and uncontrollable engagement with amateur radio activities, which may even reach a level that endangers their physical health or interferes with other daily activities.

II. Symptoms at Different Stages
1. Initial phase
Obtain a Class A operating license.
Join local amateur radio clubs, such as "collective stations."
- When I see letters (especially those mixed with numbers, such as license plates), I instinctively recognize them as call signs and try to pronounce them using the phonetic alphabet or Morse code.
- When driving, I pay attention to whether the vehicles I see have antennas installed and whether off-road vehicles have license plates displayed.
- Hang or attach license plates to your own vehicle.
- I have thoroughly reviewed numerous documents, including "Regulations for Amateur Radio Stations," "Amateur Radio Communication," and other relevant materials on amateur radio.
- Print out all the practice questions for verifying amateur radio operating skills, and bring them to school, workplaces, etc., to study and memorize.
- Repeatedly watching amateur radio-related movies, documentaries, and other video content.
- I bought a lot of handheld radios to collect, but I don't actually use them much; they just sit there.
- When you go out regularly, be sure to carry a radio with you (please note: when carrying a radio, please also remember to bring your two ID cards).
- I consistently send listening reports and QSL cards to national time centers, major broadcasting stations, and other organizations. I find great satisfaction in this work.
- Obsessed with using a radio to communicate over direct-mode/local repeater systems.
- I am thrilled to have broken my personal best distance record.
- When communicating with others (via phone, in person, etc.), I tend to repeat each sentence twice, just like on a radio.
- When communicating with others (via phone, in person, etc.), I usually reply to confirm receipt by saying "copy," "Roger," or "QSL," and when ending the conversation, I say "73."
- When I'm out and about, exploring a park or an open area, my thoughts aren't focused on whether the scenery is beautiful. Instead, I find myself thinking about how perfect this place would be for setting up a hammock.
- When I see someone using a walkie-talkie, I often wonder what brand and model they are using, what frequency band it operates on, whether they have the necessary license, and if it might be a ham radio.
- I spend a lot of time browsing various amateur radio forums, reading the latest posts and replies. Then I came across my article, "Self-Check! Where do you fall on this 'Ham and Cheese Syndrome' scale?" and clicked to read it.
- and so on
2. Development Phase
In addition to all the symptoms associated with the "early stage," it also exhibits the following characteristics:
Obtain a Class B operating license.
Become the leader/manager of a local amateur radio club, collective station, etc.
- Dedication to learning and proficiency in CW (Continuous Wave) communication.
- Spend at least 6 hours each day participating in amateur radio-related activities (including, but not limited to, making contacts, browsing forums, and joining online groups).
- Set up websites such as amateur radio log sites, prediction forecasting sites, competition official sites, forum sites, and association official sites as the homepage. Refresh them periodically to monitor information updates.
- It is essential to designate a specific area in your home for amateur radio, where you can use, store, and display amateur radio equipment, as well as conduct amateur radio activities.
- Actively participate in every amateur radio competition.
- When writing English essays, use "Address" as "QTH", "Weather" as "WX", "Dialogue" as "QSO", and "Shutdown/Turn Off" as "QRT"...(This story is based on a real event.)
- Aside from my regular work, study, or leisure time, I constantly think about amateur radio.
- I often look forward to communicating with rare amateur radio stations such as BS7H and the Korean Radio Station.
- If the BPM (beats per minute) drops below 1.1, I feel unwell all over.
- Familiar with the local post office's operations and all its mail carriers.
- Develop your own friends to be ham.
- I enjoy searching for "amateur radio" on platforms other than amateur radio forums (such as major social media sites) to see what others are saying about it, but I don't want to encounter any negative or critical comments.
- I get excited whenever I see words like "amateur radio" or "radio." (For example, the name of a certain electrolyte drink).
- I often post about amateur radio on various social media platforms, even though I know that in 99% of cases, it will go unnoticed or people won't understand.
- and so on
3. Peak period
In addition to all the symptoms associated with the "early stage" and "developmental phase," the following also apply:
Obtain a Class C operating license.
- I bought an apartment and a piece of land on the top floor of the building specifically to be able to install an antenna.
(A meal of dumplings made for a single spoonful of vinegar)
- Despite harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy snowfall, and thunderstorms, we consistently completed the work at the remote location.
- The challenge lies in venturing to remote locations like Yanghe Island and other areas with few amateur radio stations.
- Other hamsters become partners/spouses, or develop their partner/spouse into a hamster, or raise their children to be hamsters.
- and so on
4. Just cremate it; there's no hope for recovery.
Become Old Paul
- Spending on amateur radio represents a significant portion of income and can even impact personal or family financial stability.
- When communicating with others (via phone, in person, etc.), I prefer to use abbreviations and shorthand like "Q" instead of using normal language.
- During normal working, studying, or resting hours, my mind is constantly preoccupied with amateur radio matters, making it impossible to focus on work, studies, or daily life.
- Listen to non-amateur and non-broadcast segments and disseminate them.
- and so on
。。。。。。。。。。
There may be other symptoms of "hamster syndrome" that I have overlooked or not described accurately, and some of the symptoms I have categorized may not be appropriate. Please discuss!
Friendship links:Amateur Radio Career Path Roadmap