Social Networking on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and down the pike “Google+” is a fact of life in today’s society. However, as Ham Radio Operators, I think we can all agree that Amateur Radio far outdates all of these platforms in terms of exchanging information, building social networks and friendships.
This does not exclude the fact that more modern advances in social networking and communication can augment our hobby. Facebook and Twitter have been used by countless Hams across the world to further connect when we can’t manage an on-air QSO. In this article we’ll look at Twitter.com in particular, and how Hams across the world are using it to connect with each other.
Twitter is a “micro-blogging” site in which you can post messages that are 140 characters or less in length. It’s meant for quick, concise communication. You can search topics that are being “tweeted” by use of something called a “hashtag”. A hashtag is simply a word preceded by a “#” symbol. For example, if you’d like to see what people are saying about the situation in Libya, you would do a search for #Libya. Hams on Twitter use several hashtags including:
• #hamr
• #amateurradio
• #arrl
• #hamtwits
• #hamtwitnet
• #hamradio
• And more!
The most popular hashtag used to find things that are related to ham radio on Twitter is probably the #hamr hashtag. As you start to get involved in Twitter as an Amateur Radio Operator, you’ll find that many (not all) Hams on Twitter refer to themselves as #Hamtwits. Some may balk that the title of “twit” isn’t exactly a complimentary term, but it’s just a mashup of Ham and Twitter. Nothing derogatory is implied.
The active Hams on Twitter have gotten to know each other extremely well by their interaction on the platform. It’s extremely easy to “follow” other Hams, as you can search the hashtags mentioned above, and then look at who other Hams are following. Your “following” list and “followers” list will grow extremely fast as you start to tweet.
While Twitter is a fun platform to interact with other hams on, it was recognized that we are first Hams. Therefore, the idea to establish a Net for #HamTwits was suggested, and support for the idea spread very quickly. First a HF net was discussed, but it was decided that to have maximum participation on a regular basis EchoLink would be a better option. Now, before you the reader says “But EchoLink isn’t REAL Ham Radio!” just realize that the idea was for us to all be able to actually talk to each other and make the net as accessible as possible.
The #HamTwitNet is a very laid-back, friendly net that is open to all Hams, but primarily for Hams that have accounts on Twitter. The net meets every Thursday at 01:00 UTC (Wednesday 9:00pm Eastern) on EchoLink Node 387265 (W5RAW-R). Current Net Control Stations include KD0LOS, WB0CID, K4SQL and KD8NJZ. KC9ICE and W8FI have also been Net Controls.
The #HamTwitNet has had over 60 different stations participate, and usually averages about 10-15 participants during each net. One round of comments is shared so that the net doesn’t take too much time, especially during nights where there is a large turnout.
To find out more about joining the #HamTwitNet community you can visit the webpage at: http://www.hamtwit.net.
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