So what is ‘the ultimate goal’ of amateur radio?

In short: no one can tell. The nerdiest hobby of all is simply so multifaceted that every amateur operator has their own reason why to invest time and money into it, seeking the ultimate reward.

For some: it is to be the loudest signal on the band. Others are mad chasers or contesters – or both. Making their own radios and amplifiers is crazy satisfying. There are still many who would swear their lives on old Samuel Morse. Climbing hilltops or sailing to remote islands only to hand over a new one to the deserving is what the madly brave do for an adrenaline kick.

And then, there are others who simply enjoy the pride of ownership: walking into your shack, and being welcomed by multiple high-end radios and multiple high-end amplifiers is like walking into your own Porsche showroom. It’s simply cool.

But there is one thing which still keeps us awake till dawn: the thrill of the chase ‘of that rare one’ with the ultimate reward in the form of a paper QSL card – a postcard -alike written confirmation that a two way contact actually took place. A record of when the contact was made, on what frequency, mode, the signal strengths – and usual comments. Many of them are still handwritten, and exchanged passionately.

Yes, nowadays, a vast majority of amateurs prefer electronic confirmation rather than the old fashioned paper card exchange. But there is something extremely satisfying about holding exactly 340 paper cards in your hand: a final proof that you’ve made it to every corner of the world. QSLing: priceless.