Well, except at it's inception back in the early 80's the "Packet Spotting
Network" was just that...x.25 Amateur Radio Packet Spotting. We tend to forget
the roots of things...of course I happened to be able to participate first hand
in the some of the first Packet Spotting networks in New England. later it
migrated to a mixed mode with internet taking up more and more of the network
load.
73,
Marty
W1MD
---- Sandy Taylor <ve4xt@mts.net> wrote:
> 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 Whatever that purpose, is it outdated by technology?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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