The no-spotting rule, IIRC, stemmed from the rule, that, since time began
(in contesting, at least), says you cannot use non-amateur means to solicit
QSOs.
Using the Internet to place your own spots would be using non-amateur means
to solicit QSOs.
An operator has NO control over what others might do, and is not initiating
the spot himself, so spotting by others is permitted.
73,kelly
Ve4xt
-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Robert Chudek - K0RC
Sent: July-28-09 9:18 PM
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Self spotting rationale
This isn't a rhetorical question.
How / why was the "no self spotting" rule created in the first place? Was it
a knee-jerk reaction to the introduction of new technology at the time
spotting networks began to flourish? What actual purpose does this rule
serve? Whatever that purpose, is it outdated by technology?
The use of the spotting networks automatically classifies a participant as
"assisted" in the first place. To the non-assisted participants, why would
they care whether stations were self-spotting or not? When I operate in the
non-assisted category I don't care what is going on with the spotting
network.
To the participants in the "assisted" category, why not let them spot their
brains out? Other than saturating the spotting network I don't see a
down-side to this. If an assisted station spotted themselves once every X
minutes, many things would "fall into place."
First, there would be fewer busted calls being spotted. Second, assisted
operators would know which bands were being used by the self spotter (are
they operating 10 meters right now or not?). Third, self spotting timers
could evolve in contest software to spot on a predetermined schedule.
Fourth, David's spotting reports would not be necessary to see who was
breaking the rules. Fifth, I wouldn't have to worry whether my call would
appear on a report as "helping my team mates in our contest club" when I
spot the members. (I have basically quit spotting anyone compared to the
early days of the spotting network.)
I can only imagine if Wal-Mart, Target, and K-Mart were not allowed to
advertise their stores were open for business and what times you would find
them open. I think the "no self spotting" rule is absurd.
73 de Bob - KØRC in MN
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