K0HB writes:
> The most persuasive (to me) argument against self-spotting is that it
> unfairly provides the station with a "free" CQ-machine that enjoys QRM-free
> worldwide propagation.
Well - I think there is still some unfairness here... If I am LOUD, I can
call CQ and likely get spotted fairly quickly. I don't have to self spot.
If I am weak - it might take me forever to get spotted. Sure, if I am a
USA station, self spotting is not very desirable... but - let's say I am
off in the Indian Ocean and I know lots of people would want to work me, if
they were listening for me... but I can't get anyone to find me without a
spot.
EI5DI writes:
(my paragraph first):
> > I have always felt that self spotting was something that should
> > not be allowed... ... I guess it falls into using non-amateur
> > communications for facilitating QSOs.
> That's precisely why spotting (of any kind) should not be permitted
> in contests.
I agree with this statement personally. However, I am afraid this just
isn't going to be possible.
Occasionally, I see self spots (non-contest) from people in zone 17 on 160
meters. Those are interesting to me - and might result in a QSO that might
not have taken place normally. Without the spot - I wouldn't have
necessarily been looking for the opening.
What is the BIG difference between making that spot myself verus having
someone else do it for me?
If I go to let's say VE8 in the Sweepstakes and have a weak signal because
I am running 15 watts to a dipole - wouldn't the contest be better served
if my presence was known so people could work me? Why should it matter
if I have a local listening to me and spotting me versus doing an occasional
spot myself so that people can find me. It isn't like I would be spotting
myself every 5 minutes.
I think perhaps a case can be made for using "common sense" here instead
of just making it a rule that often gets worked around. If it "made sense"
and makes the contest experience for most stations better by making a
self spot - then I don't think it should be illegal. However, it is likely
impossible to really say what would meet this criteria. I guess if I was
in a position where I felt that a self spot made sense, I would like to be
able to do it with my own callsign so it is all above board - and we can
debate on Monday morning here on cq-contest if I made the right decision.
Tree
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