Rational? In what way? Seems like what this is saying is that if you have
trouble following the rules, we'll just change the rules.
Automatic self-spotting is problematic for more than just packet spots. It
amounts to using non-amateur means to solicit contacts. That is prohibited.
So then do we eliminate that rule?
Do we just keep eliminating rules until everybody complies because there are
no rules left to comply with? Smaller-government proponents might like that
idea, but how do participants form a baseline? If we can say that the honest
ops, at least, don't self-spot, don't run excessive power, don't run more
than one transmitter simultaneously on one band, don't set up phone fan-out
networks to solicit contacts, and so on, it gives those who want to
participate ethically a guide from which to work. At least they know they
are competing on the same level as their morally upstanding rivals.
There are ramifications that go beyond catching the scumbag cheaters with
the morals of tomcats in heat. First: can you guess how clogged the packet
networks would become? (OK, some contesters don't see that as a negative,
but what would it do to participation if the casual op couldn't use his
packet node because it was clogged with self-aggrandizing self spots? We
need casual ops. And what kind of message are we sending if we contesters
essentially overload the world's packet systems because of our inability to
police ourselves? Packet clusters don't exist solely for the amusement of
contesters, you know.)
Allowing self-spotting also disporportionately tilts the playing field
towards those with good internet connections. Not everybody has the same
degree of internet access.
Packet is. Some people may not like that, but the mere existence of
technology does not mean we are beholden to it. Technology exists to service
us. Not the other way around.
I would not want a contest where one must have packet to succeed. That is
where legalized self-spotting leads.
73, kelly,
ve4xt
----- Original Message -----
From: <n4gi@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 7:24 AM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Re: Just say no
> WM5R wrote:
>
> >>The _vast_ majority of hams using packet (at least in North America)
> are
> over 50 years old.<<
>
> Yep, because vast majority of the US hams are over 50.
>
> I think the legalization of automatic self-spotting is the only rational
answer.
>
>
> Blake N4GI
> WWYC #36
>
>
>
>
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