Gentlefolk -
Please...pleasepleaseplease...
Eschew the temptation to start contests on the WARC bands. It is not
necessary for us (and I definitely include myself) to engage in our sport
on every kHz allocated to amateurs. One of the best rebuttals to contest
haters is that there are wide-open contest-free zones called WARC bands.
And on a higher plane, it is just plain considerate to leave areas free
from sport use.
Just as I support the right of individuals to buy and operate mountain
bikes, snowmobiles, and jet skis, I insist on their avoiding designated
areas and acting considerately towards established users.
This may be news to some, but "can" does not equal "should".
If you want more activity on the WARC bands...get on and call CQ. Put the
keyer in beacon mode and fill out back QSLs. First you will make one QSO,
then two, and afterwards, the band will have several little knots of
contacts.
Where do we REALLY need more activity? The low end of 10-meters, that's
where. The more of us that make regular forays into the nest of CBer's
and taxi drivers, the less that band will appear to be abandoned and the
pests will find other uninhabited territory to infest. Maybe some of this
positive, creative energy can be channeled there?
Contests are wonderful, but not everywhere/anywhere.
73, Ward N0AX
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