Many folks who read Make probably have an image of their grandfather, father, or kindly older neighbor heading down into their basement to talk to people around the world by way of amateur radio. This classic image of voice (and Morse code) communication is still played out every day in thousands of locations. HF radio communication has long been the mainstay of amateur radio.
In the world of modern electronics communication and experimentation, ham radio has gone well beyond the scope of the basic radio communication that might have been the hobby of your grandfather. Also, amateur radio is the only radio service remaining where participants are encouraged to build, modify and improve their equipment in pursuit of the radio art. This seems to fall right in line with the philosophy of Make.