The "Other Guy’s" Callsign:
In the ham radio world, your callsign is your identity. It’s what you spent weeks studying for, it’s how you’re logged in history, and for most of us, it’s the only thing we’d ever dream of putting on a hat.
But have you noticed the growing trend on social media lately? People are walking around wearing shirts and hats branded with someone else’s callsign. At first glance, it feels... wrong. Why would you want to look like someone else on the air? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Let's break down why this "brand over self" trend is happening and whether it actually makes sense.
The Identity Crisis: Identity vs. Fandom
For decades, ham gear was a DIY affair. You’d get a custom-embroidered cap with your callsign so people knew who they were talking to in person.
Now, the "Ham-fluencer" era has arrived. When a popular YouTuber launches a merch line, the callsign stops being a personal identifier and starts acting like a corporate logo.
The Logic:
You aren't wearing the merch to be AB5CDE; you’re wearing it because you like AB5CDE’s videos.
The Confusion:
To an old-timer, seeing you in that shirt or cap, it means you are AB5CDE. It creates a weird social friction where people start "working" you in person using the wrong name.
Why It Doesn't Always Click
Let’s be honest—there are plenty of reasons why this trend feels like a "73" gone wrong:
The Misidentification Factor:
The primary purpose of a callsign is unique identification. Wearing another one is like wearing a name tag that says "Dave" when your name is "John." It breaks the fundamental "social protocol" of the hobby.
The "Stolen Valor" Vibe:
In a hobby built on earning your stripes (and your license class), sporting the callsign of a YouTuber when you haven't done the work can feel a bit hollow.
The Commercialization of the Shack:
For many, ham radio is an escape from big brands. Seeing callsigns turned into "lifestyle brands" feels like the hobby is moving away from technical merit and toward a popularity contest.
The Final Signal
Is it weird? Yes. Does it make sense if you view it through the lens of modern social media? Maybe. If you're wearing someone else's callsign, you’re essentially saying that their contribution to the hobby is more recognizable than your own station. For some, that’s a way to show support. For others, it’s the ultimate "lid" move.
