In case you haven't heard the term "hamfest", it is basically a big electronics and radio swap meet, usually put on by ham, and shortwave radio clubs. They are typically frequented by geeks, and other techies that enjoy electronics as a hobby.
Earlier today, I was listening to a conversation on my VHF 2 way radio that some others were having about all the unusual looking people they see at these hamfests. They were also stating that these people looked so weird and odd to the point that they would probably never walk up to them and strike up a conversation if they didn't know them from talking to them on the air. The other person talking however stated that it's usually the people that look all clean and proper that one must look out for.
I was thinking abou this for a bit after the conversation. The appearance and mannerisms of more intelligent and smarter people can be quite interesting, especially when they are in high concentrations in a setting like this. When observing the general population, I have noticed that the ones that are dressed the fanciest, and have the "typical" appearance going on, are usually the ones that seem to be stirring up conflict the most in a group session. Observing the conversations and mannerisms at a hamfest however, the way these smarter people handle themselves is strikingly different.
Rarely is the "on the guard" attitude, and the "one upmaship" type attitude observed. Conversations, obviously are rather technical in nature, but rarely do you ever hear someone talking about someone else...in other words...gossip. Most of the time, rather civil conversations are taking place, and the various parties are very acceptant of the other views, and in fact are very interested in hearing what another may think.
I am not sure how many aspies are at a hamfest, and involved with the Ham radio hobby, but I imagine there are a few undiagnosed cases out there. From my observations though, it seems as intelligence rises, the attention paid to superficial things, like appearance falls, and the civility of the conversation rises as well. Tolerance also seems to rise, too, although the person that was talking on the radio did sound like he was daunted at the appearance of the others at the hamfest.
04 May 2006, 11:15 am
