Welcome to the virtual world, learn to embrace it or get left behind. Our hobby needs this type of creative thinking.
I disagree very strongly!
Hamsphere and CQ100 are NOT "ham radio". They are not even RADIO! They are simply online simulations, nothing more. No radio, no antenna, no license, just a PC, internet connection and some software.
How is that "creative thinking"?
If people recognize that it's just a simulation, fine. But from what I see, the "simulation" and "virtual" aspects are often downplayed far too much.
The Hamsphere website says "turn your PC into a Ham Radio Transceiver!" but it does nothing of the sort.
Some analogies:
There's a Wii console in my house. I've played simulated golf, bowling, tennis and pool on it, and gotten pretty good scores. Does that mean I'm any good at those games, or that I've actually played them?
If I buy and use Flight Simulator, can I call myself a pilot?
Is running 26.2 miles on a treadmill the same as running the Boston or New York marathon?
I think not.
And consider where all this can lead:
If we have Hamsphere, CQ100, etc., why do we need rigs, antennas, etc., at all?
73 de Jim, N2EY